Top Ten Tips for every day PC use
2010-08-24 16:29:00
Whether you use a PC every day or you are new to the whole concept, here are the Twisted Fish top ten tips and tricks you really need to know to make sure your machine runs smoothly and you don’t end up wanting to throw it out of the window!
1. Slashes and backslashes. Let's get it straight: / is a slash (or forward slash), and \ is a backslash. Backslashes are conventionally used for Windows file paths (C:\Program Files\Whatever), while slashes are used for Internet addresses such as (http://www.twistedfish.com).
2. Record the exact error message. If your PC crashes or you receive an error, write the message down in its entirety (or take a screenshot, if possible). This will help your IT support company diagnose the fault much quicker. If this is not Twisted Fish then why not give us a call on 0845 450 7448! Pay special attention to security warnings. If your computer gives you a security warning make sure to read it and if unsure do not proceed, ask someone for advice.
3. Don't double-click on everything. Double-clicking is how you open items in Windows but be aware it is not how you open links in your Web browser, click buttons in dialog boxes, or do pretty much anything else. If you double-click on absolutely everything you are likely to end up submitting a form twice or accidentally flying right past something important.
4. Recover deleted files. When you delete a file from your PC or memory card, you're not completely deleting it off the hard drive. Instead, you're simply removing the index information that tells your PC where the file is, at which point the PC is free to treat the part of your disk that contained that file as empty space so it can write something else to it in the future. If you've accidentally deleted something, Twisted Fish can help you find those files again as long as you haven't already written over it with something new.
5. Check/Uncheck boxes before you install or register for something. Lots of useful apps on the internet give you the option of installing search toolbars and other add-ons during the installation. Some installers are configured to install these extras unless you check a box saying you don't want them. Not only is each add-on another program that your PC needs to load, but you have no idea what kind of data it could be sending out. They come bundled with the software because they make money for the developer, not because they're particularly useful. Take a close look at what you're installing before you click ‘Install’ and in return, the installer won't change your search engine or install apps you don't need. Also be aware of signing up to mailing lists when you are registering on any websites as sometimes you will need to remove a check box and others you will need to check it – just remember to read before you click!
6. Beware when clicking links. If you receive an email from an unknown source, never click on links within it. Always type the URL in the address bar because the link may not always take you to the right place. It may read as one address but the landing page will be somewhere completely different and often end up infecting your machine with a virus or malware.
7. Be wary of "cleaning" utilities. Apps that make claims about improving your PC's performance and clearing out its clutter (Registry cleaners etc) will generally do more harm than good (if they do anything at all). To clean up your system, simply run Disk Cleanup (to reach it, select Start Menu, All programs, Accessories, System Tools); it comes with every Windows installation and it won't mess up your PC.
8. Remove icons from the system tray. Apps often load themselves into the system tray (the row of icons on the right side of your taskbar) and stay open without your realizing it. Take the time to clear it out occasionally. Open the Notification Area Icons control panel, and check the box on the bottom that says Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar to get a sense of how cluttered your system tray is; then right-click each one you don't need and choose Close or you may need to choose options to disable permanently.
9. Uninstall your old apps. If you regularly download and install new programs from the Internet, you should get in the habit of having a clean up every now and then. As time goes by your computer gets more and more clogged up with unused programs making it run slower and slower. To do so, open the Programs and Features control panel, scroll through the list, and click Uninstall to remove any you no longer want. If you have fewer programs running on your PC there is less that can go wrong and those valuable resources are free to run the programs you actually use.
10. Be attuned to changes in your computer. A good driver knows his car well; similarly you should know your computer well. Pay attention to unusual behaviour on your computer such as sudden shutting down of browsers, shutting down of the entire system, frequent hanging even when only a few applications are open, slow processing speed etc. These things need not necessarily mean that there is an intruder into your system, but it can be vital indication which you should not ignore.