Keeping your Windows PC secure can be a mammoth task with millions of viruses, trojans, spyware, adware etc floating around. Also there are various other factors that affect the performance of your PC. Lets get down to securing your PC and keeping it healthy.
Tip 1 : Install an antivirus
Antivirus is the first and foremost step to securing your PC from millions of viruses lurking around the Internet. But the big question arises, which one to opt for? If you are willing to spend money, then your choices are many. We would recommend you get Kaspersky Internet Suite for its high reliability and low costs, but research around net for the best antivirus software as they keep on changing with new versions.
For those looking for free alternatives, AVG is the favorite among masses. There are other alternatives also and make sure you do enough research before zeroing down on one.
It is very important to update your antivirus definitions frequently to be safe from new viruses that are created everyday.
Tip 2 : Install Firewall
Firewall is an important component to block intrusions from entering your PC. Windows Firewall is good enough for most of us and you should have it enabled at all times. For those looking for advanced protection, Zone Alarm has a very good firewall.
Tip 3 : Spyware, Trojans, Adware protection
Spyware, Trojans and Adware not only affect speed of your PC but also compromise your privacy by sending out personal information which might include your Credit Card details too. There are many free and paid software to protect your PC from these malicious programs. Nowadays, antivirus come with spyware protection too, so if you are investing in an antivirus solution, consider looking for one with inbuilt spyware protection.
Tip 4 : Use CCleaner
PC maintenance is incomplete without the mention of CCleaner. CCleaner is an excellent software which does not cost a penny. It optimizes your system for maximum performance and also cleans it up efficiently. Check out the CCleaner review
Tip 5 : Clean up your PC
Cleaning up your PC from dust is important in the long run. Dust accumulates inside the cabinet of your desktop and slows down your PC. Use a paint brush to brush off the dust settled on various components especially the motherboard and RAM.
Tip 6 : Defragment your hard drive
The files on your hard disk fragment over time and need to be defragmented. Learn on how to defragment your Hard Drive.
Tip 7 : Apply thermal compound
Keeping your processor cool enhances its life and improves performance. It is recommended that you change the thermal compound of your processor, once in every six months. Artic Silver is a great thermal compound which is relatively inexpensive.
Tip 8 : Keep your PC cool
Your PC should not overheat as it reduces life of components while affecting performance too. Make sure you have enough fans in your cabinet. Air flow should be in the right direction to dispel heat generated effectively. Keep a tab on temperatures to find out how efficient your PC cooling is.
Tip 9 : Clear browser cache, recycle bin
Browser cache can grow enormously large over time especially if you have set its space on the higher side. Clean it up regularly to improve your browsing experience. Empty your recycle bin too frequently so as not to accumulate too many files in it.
Tip 10 : Update your PC
Make sure you update your PC with the frequently released Windows Updates and updates for other programs installed on your PC. Updates fix bugs and improve performance of the software.
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