Most of the articles for using computers are written for computer savvy individuals. However, this article is written for novice computer users. Just like any other ordinary computer user, I have gone through the frustration of slow-start up, loosing data, frequent starting and restarting, etc. I understand their pain and sympathize with them.
Over 5-6 years of using the same computer that still does great, I think I can give some suggestions for average computer users to use their computers efficiently and pleasantly.
The basic message here is to keep everything simple in your computer. In general, I found most of the commercial software highly problematic. Unless you absolutely need to have one, do research before you buy one. On the contrary, and pleasantly I found many free software much better behaved and less taxing to your computer memory. Most of the free programs can be downloaded from CNET download site (http://www.download.com/). Beware of sites that sale any freeware program.
To begin with, you want to buy a computer that could do all the jobs you want it do. Do not buy the most expensive computer available as it will be outdated within weeks. Five years ago, I bought a Sony PCV-RS530G that I still love using it. I have increased its memory to 2 GB and added an additional DVD writer. In addition, I have an external 250 GB hard-drive that I occasionally use to backup the computer.
Immediately after I bought the Sony computer, it took inordinately long time to start up and go through several routines before I could log-on. After taking advice from my computer savvy sons and reading several articles, I gradually came with following solutions that anyone could use to run his/her computer efficiently.
The first program I would down load would be CCleaner (Crape Cleaner, freeware from CNET download.com).
Using CCleaner, delete all the vendor installed programs that are not absolutely necessary to run the computer. Call the customer service of the vendor to make sure or check by Google search utility of any installed program. For example, I removed all the Sonyâs media related programs (Click to DVD, DVgate, PictureGear, Sonic Stage, and VAIO Media Software).
Delete the trial-based or term-limited commercial programs installed by the vendor: Norton antivirus software, Quicken, etc.
To defend against viruses and spyware I use two free programs: Windows Defender and Threatfire. Both do great jobs of protecting the computer while being non-intrusive and run in the background.
For multimedia, I use Picasa, Windows Media Player, iTunes, DVD Shrink, and Deep Burner.
To play most of the media files without running too many media players, one can download âk-lite codecsâ pack.
For utility, as described above, I use CCleaner. CCleaner is easy to use and very helpful in maintaining the computerâs sanity. Using CCleaner you could specify what programs start with the computer boot up. If a program is not necessary to start with the computer boot up, un-check it. CCleaner lets you delete junk files, delete old or unused registry files and any program safely. Routine use of CCleaner will keep your computer sane. I suggest using it once a week.
Another utility software I like is Belarc Advisor. Belarc will keep you abreast of hardware, software, and security status of the computer.
Instead of Microsoft Office, I use Open Office. Open Office is freeware and lets you save documents and files in Microsoft Office Format. Instead of Acrobat Reader, I use Foxit Reader
Instead of Windows Outlook, I use Mozilla Thunderbird. You can use any Web-browser. However, I like Mozilla Firefox. I avoid using Yahooâs toolbar and Yahoo email, and instead I use Gmail. Using GMail one can download all email messages to your desktop based email program like Thunderbird.
Importantly, before you install or delete any program, backup your computer, set up system restore point, and then install the program. If you run into any problem after installing a program, you can always go back to the previous status of the computer.
Check de-fragmentation of the computer using Windows program at least once a month, and defragment if necessary.
Please note that all the programs I listed for download are freeware.
If you have any problems with any of these programs, drop me an e-mail to lbg977@yahoo.com and I may be able to help you.
Enjoy your computing!
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