LFC Consulting - Software Tune Up Tips

Need a new computer? Probably not. Instead, extend the life of your PC.

There are three scenarios which would have you consider, "What in the world is going on with my PC?"  

·         You purchased a brand new computer from a major manufacturer and it is not as fast as you had hoped.

·         Your PC was faster, now it is lagging in most tasks, especially when switching from one program to another.

·         You recently installed a new software program. Now the computer is not running as quickly as before.

In these examples, a software tune up is all that is needed. This can be done without calling in a professional. Here are some suggestions to keep your computer running lean.

If you recently purchased a new computer and it is running slower than you prefer, it is likely your Windows is loading many programs from manufacturers hoping you purchase upgrades to those programs. This is a typical method of software companies having a presence on your computer while trying to entice you to upgrade once the limited or trial version expires. Norton Symantec is an example of this, offering you a 60 day trial security package in the hopes you will purchase a 12 month extension. While Symantec is a fine company, I suggest using AVG Free Antivirus if you are a home PC user. http://free.avg.com/. If you do not want software like Symantec security loading every time you boot, remove it and anything else you do not want.

For the second and third examples above, do not install programs unless you really need them. As an example I will discuss Toolbars. A Toolbar is a way for companies to have an constant presence on your screen. They load within your web browser and you see it as long as you are on a web page. There are many. Google, Ask and AOL are a few examples. Anything added to your web browser slows its process, especially when loading the first time. Usually these Toolbars load themselves in tandem with another program. For example, if you install a PDF reader you will be asked to install a Toolbar, respond No to this request to keep your PC running quickly. On a side note, Toolbars had the reputation of being data miners, programs which would track your Internet habits and target junk mail specifically for you. While I am not saying this is still true, it is specifically a reason I do not use Toolbars.

As a rule, do not install programs you do not need or want. Go into Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs and take a look at what is installed on your computer. If you want to remove a program, left click once on it and click on the option available, usually Change/Remove. Do NOT remove a program unless you absolutely know you do not need it. If you are not sure, leave it. Even a safe software application may have a negative sounding name.

These tips will allow you to have better control over what runs on your PC. Please be careful with programs you add or remove from your PC. If you are not sure, ask me. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Rafael Miranda is a computer consultant with LFC Consulting, Inc.

I started the company in August 1991 to provide Sales, Service and Support of PC Hardware and Software.

I service the small business community, as well as home networks and laptop users.

Please call 973-316-9191 for more information.