Source: laptoplogic.com
A laptop is a delicate machine often put through hell. They are flipped around, dropped, bounced in backpacks, squashed in luggage, overheated on bed comforters, and that's just the physical aspect of it. Many people take precautions to guard their LCD, chassis, and hard drive, but ignore an equally-vital part of the laptopsphere: the operating system.
How often have you downloaded questionable software, unzipped RARs without scanning them, deleted 'C' drive files without knowing what they are, and more heinous computer practices that would leave a Geek Squad agent moaning into his VW?
If you want to transcend the realm of poor computer user and protect your data (and sanity) by keeping your install as clean and efficient as possible, read on for 23 excellent tips to get you started.
1. Update the Anti-Virus Software
Viruses are constantly morphing, changing, and updating, as your anti-virus should be. Many users believe they can install Avast, McAfee, Clam AV, or any other AV software, turn it on, and then forget about it. This is a potentially fatal mistake, however, as your software will quickly become outdated and, like last years penicillin, a little less effective.
Remedy? Run the software update on your anti-virus; it only takes a few minutes.
2. Clean Your Registry
The registry is used by Windows when it needs to store some important information about the user or applications, such as changes you decide to make, or profiles you save. This is important information, but when you uninstall a program with a registry entry, that entry is no longer needed. Overtime, these entries will continue to build up, leading to a slower system. Running a registry cleaner will speed up your system.
3. Use Multiple Spyware Programs
One program will rarely find everything. For optimal spyware search and destruction, you should use multiple programs to scan your system for spyware. Note, however, that some programs compete with others on the system, so consider using portable spyware cleaners that are run from a USB thumb drive.
4. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Imagine that programs are like bricks in the trunk of your car. The more bricks you toss in, the more drag there will be on your car: you'll have to turn slower, use more power getting up hills, etc. Same principle applies to your install. If you need a specific piece of software, then great; make sure you keep it updated and clean. If you don't need it, however, if the trial has run out or you simply don't use it, then uninstall it to keep your system running optimally.
5. Limit Cookies
Cookies are those annoying little files that websites stick on your computer to remember passwords, track you, or other useful and/or annoying features. If you allow them, these tiny little files will continue to build up into a critical mass that seems like a small take over army. The solution? Simply going into your browsers cookie settings and limit the amount/date/websites for the cookies.
6. Defrag Hard Drive
Your hard drive has the most peculiar file storage habits, and will often scatter necessary files across the vast expanse of your drive like easter eggs across a field. Because of this, it will take longer for your system to retrieve the files you need. When you defrag the hard drive, it essentially grabs all those scattered files and draws them together into the center of your drive, where they can be quickly retrieved and utilized.
7. Update Drivers
You may use many things that require drivers: printers, smartphones, mp3 players, etc. To keep everything running as well as it should, make sure you keep these drivers up-to-date. To do so, use either the update manager software that came with the device, or look on the device's website under 'downloads' to find the latest drivers. Installing a new driver should automatically remove the previous version, but if it does not, you'll need to remove it manually.
8. Run a Firewall
Running a firewall will help guard your computer--and subsequently, your data--from unwanted intrusion by worms, hacks, and other things you'd rather not happen on your system. If you run Windows XP or higher, you'll automatically have a firewall on your system that simply needs to be activated. If you don't want to run the system firewall, you can also purchase/download a firewall.
9. Reboot Every So Often
If you run Windows, you'll need to boot every so often. Failure to do so will result in a system that continues slows down until it is nigh unusable. If you have a habit of forever running a screensaver, mark a date on your calendar once a week to simply reboot the system.
10. Shut Down Correctly
So many computer users have a habit of yanking the power cord out of the wall or holding down the power button until the system dies. This is bad, bad, bad. Always take the time to correctly run Shut Down on your system, your computer will continually get slower, not to mention you may end up losing data or messing up software.
11. Block Ads
This is a tricky choice, because many websites rely on ads to generate revenue to pay for the server. If you block ads from loading, there will be no revenue generated from your visit. However, if you allow ads to appear, some sights could overload your system to the point of needing a hard reset. A nice middle-ground on the subject is to run an ad-blocker, and to shut it off when visiting specific sites you would like to support by allowing the ads to load.
12. Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords is needed to help ensure that your encrypted files, system, and online accounts stay safe against unwanted intrusion. A strong password is generally regarded as having a minimum of eight (14 or more being ideal) letters that are both lower and uppercase, as well as having at least one number and one symbol.
13. Patch Your Software
You should regularly install patches to your downloaded software to keep it working. Some vendors offer emails when updates/patches are available, others will automatically download these changes when available, and still yet, others simply make them available online, leaving you with the task of searching them out.
14. Scan Email Attachments
Some of your biggest system vulnerabilities could be the result of your own doing. One such example is unabashed downloading of email attachments. Unless you trust the source (and even then, just to be safe) you should scan the email attachment with your system anti-virus
15. Use a BIOS Password
Many people don't use this, but these same individuals often don't realize how simple it is to bypass a, for example, Windows password. If you believe your laptop data is safe due to your system password, look up a program called Ophcrack, and then come back. A solution to this vulnerability? Set a BIOS password.
16. Track and Lock Data
There are programs available that will allow you to lock/destroy your data if it has been stolen (and connected to the Internet once again). One such program is called Laptop Lock; there are others available, also. If you're concerned about your data and often take your laptop out, this could be a nice comfort to have.
17. Set an Admin Password
Think of the admin password as the master key--it will give your full access to the system, to other accounts, and basically all the tools needed to royally screw up the system. You should never leave this password blank. Set it with a strong password of at least eight characters, three of which being symbols, capital letters, and numbers.
18. Reduce the Size of Your Recycle Bin
Many computer users forget to empty their recycle bin, which leads to lost disk space and a slower system without any apparent cause. If you're one such user who forgets to empty your recycle bin, then it would be worth your time to reduce its size. This will prevent too much unwanted junk from accumulating, and keep your system running optimally.
19. Don't Connect to Unsecured Networks
Don't connect to unsecured wireless networks that aren't yours (or unsecured at all, for that matter), as anyone else can be on the network and use it to gain access to your system. If you must connect to an unsecured wireless network, make sure that your valuable data is encrypted and that you're running a firewall.
20. Don't Use Public Proxies
Proxies are basically ways for a person to hide their IP address behind another IP address when performing certain web activities, whether it's downloading or just surfing. There are--literally--thousands of free online proxies for you to use, and many people do use them. The problem is that--aside from the rainfall of popups you can/will get--is the malware, spyware, and identity theft that can happen via these proxies. If you must use a proxy, do your research and pay for a subscription to a reputable private proxy--or simply use Tor.
21. Don't Transfer Files from an Infected Machine
If your computer is clean, but your friend/work/school computer is infected, and you transfer files from the infected machine to your own, there is a good chance you will transfer with it a virus, trojan, or worm, all of which can really mess up your system/data.
22. Regularly Backup Files
As well as you work at keeping your system clean, smooth running, and in tip-top shape, something unforeseen could happen that damages some of your data. For this reason, it is important to regularly backup your most important data files or, if your the ambitious type, make a backup of your entire system.
A laptop is a delicate machine often put through hell. They are flipped around, dropped, bounced in backpacks, squashed in luggage, overheated on bed comforters, and that's just the physical aspect of it. Many people take precautions to guard their LCD, chassis, and hard drive, but ignore an equally-vital part of the laptopsphere: the operating system.
How often have you downloaded questionable software, unzipped RARs without scanning them, deleted 'C' drive files without knowing what they are, and more heinous computer practices that would leave a Geek Squad agent moaning into his VW?
If you want to transcend the realm of poor computer user and protect your data (and sanity) by keeping your install as clean and efficient as possible, read on for 23 excellent tips to get you started.
1. Update the Anti-Virus Software
Viruses are constantly morphing, changing, and updating, as your anti-virus should be. Many users believe they can install Avast, McAfee, Clam AV, or any other AV software, turn it on, and then forget about it. This is a potentially fatal mistake, however, as your software will quickly become outdated and, like last years penicillin, a little less effective.
Remedy? Run the software update on your anti-virus; it only takes a few minutes.
2. Clean Your Registry
The registry is used by Windows when it needs to store some important information about the user or applications, such as changes you decide to make, or profiles you save. This is important information, but when you uninstall a program with a registry entry, that entry is no longer needed. Overtime, these entries will continue to build up, leading to a slower system. Running a registry cleaner will speed up your system.
3. Use Multiple Spyware Programs
One program will rarely find everything. For optimal spyware search and destruction, you should use multiple programs to scan your system for spyware. Note, however, that some programs compete with others on the system, so consider using portable spyware cleaners that are run from a USB thumb drive.
4. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Imagine that programs are like bricks in the trunk of your car. The more bricks you toss in, the more drag there will be on your car: you'll have to turn slower, use more power getting up hills, etc. Same principle applies to your install. If you need a specific piece of software, then great; make sure you keep it updated and clean. If you don't need it, however, if the trial has run out or you simply don't use it, then uninstall it to keep your system running optimally.
5. Limit Cookies
Cookies are those annoying little files that websites stick on your computer to remember passwords, track you, or other useful and/or annoying features. If you allow them, these tiny little files will continue to build up into a critical mass that seems like a small take over army. The solution? Simply going into your browsers cookie settings and limit the amount/date/websites for the cookies.
6. Defrag Hard Drive
Your hard drive has the most peculiar file storage habits, and will often scatter necessary files across the vast expanse of your drive like easter eggs across a field. Because of this, it will take longer for your system to retrieve the files you need. When you defrag the hard drive, it essentially grabs all those scattered files and draws them together into the center of your drive, where they can be quickly retrieved and utilized.
7. Update Drivers
You may use many things that require drivers: printers, smartphones, mp3 players, etc. To keep everything running as well as it should, make sure you keep these drivers up-to-date. To do so, use either the update manager software that came with the device, or look on the device's website under 'downloads' to find the latest drivers. Installing a new driver should automatically remove the previous version, but if it does not, you'll need to remove it manually.
8. Run a Firewall
Running a firewall will help guard your computer--and subsequently, your data--from unwanted intrusion by worms, hacks, and other things you'd rather not happen on your system. If you run Windows XP or higher, you'll automatically have a firewall on your system that simply needs to be activated. If you don't want to run the system firewall, you can also purchase/download a firewall.
9. Reboot Every So Often
If you run Windows, you'll need to boot every so often. Failure to do so will result in a system that continues slows down until it is nigh unusable. If you have a habit of forever running a screensaver, mark a date on your calendar once a week to simply reboot the system.
10. Shut Down Correctly
So many computer users have a habit of yanking the power cord out of the wall or holding down the power button until the system dies. This is bad, bad, bad. Always take the time to correctly run Shut Down on your system, your computer will continually get slower, not to mention you may end up losing data or messing up software.
11. Block Ads
This is a tricky choice, because many websites rely on ads to generate revenue to pay for the server
12. Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords is needed to help ensure that your encrypted files, system, and online accounts stay safe against unwanted intrusion. A strong password is generally regarded as having a minimum of eight (14 or more being ideal) letters that are both lower and uppercase, as well as having at least one number and one symbol.
13. Patch Your Software
You should regularly install patches to your downloaded software to keep it working. Some vendors offer emails when updates/patches are available, others will automatically download these changes when available, and still yet, others simply make them available online, leaving you with the task of searching them out.
14. Scan Email Attachments
Some of your biggest system vulnerabilities could be the result of your own doing. One such example is unabashed downloading of email attachments. Unless you trust the source (and even then, just to be safe) you should scan the email attachment with your system anti-virus
15. Use a BIOS Password
Many people don't use this, but these same individuals often don't realize how simple it is to bypass a, for example, Windows password. If you believe your laptop data is safe due to your system password, look up a program called Ophcrack, and then come back. A solution to this vulnerability? Set a BIOS password.
16. Track and Lock Data
There are programs available that will allow you to lock/destroy your data if it has been stolen (and connected to the Internet once again). One such program is called Laptop Lock; there are others available, also. If you're concerned about your data and often take your laptop out, this could be a nice comfort to have.
17. Set an Admin Password
Think of the admin password as the master key--it will give your full access to the system, to other accounts, and basically all the tools needed to royally screw up the system. You should never leave this password blank. Set it with a strong password of at least eight characters, three of which being symbols, capital letters, and numbers.
18. Reduce the Size of Your Recycle Bin
Many computer users forget to empty their recycle bin, which leads to lost disk space and a slower system without any apparent cause. If you're one such user who forgets to empty your recycle bin, then it would be worth your time to reduce its size. This will prevent too much unwanted junk from accumulating, and keep your system running optimally.
19. Don't Connect to Unsecured Networks
Don't connect to unsecured wireless networks that aren't yours (or unsecured at all, for that matter), as anyone else can be on the network and use it to gain access to your system. If you must connect to an unsecured wireless network, make sure that your valuable data is encrypted and that you're running a firewall.
20. Don't Use Public Proxies
Proxies are basically ways for a person to hide their IP address behind another IP address when performing certain web activities, whether it's downloading or just surfing. There are--literally--thousands of free online proxies for you to use, and many people do use them. The problem is that--aside from the rainfall of popups you can/will get--is the malware, spyware, and identity theft that can happen via these proxies. If you must use a proxy, do your research and pay for a subscription to a reputable private proxy--or simply use Tor.
21. Don't Transfer Files from an Infected Machine
If your computer is clean, but your friend/work/school computer is infected, and you transfer files from the infected machine to your own, there is a good chance you will transfer with it a virus, trojan, or worm, all of which can really mess up your system/data.
22. Regularly Backup Files
As well as you work at keeping your system clean, smooth running, and in tip-top shape, something unforeseen could happen that damages some of your data. For this reason, it is important to regularly backup your most important data files or, if your the ambitious type, make a backup of your entire system.
