Computer Tips and Tricks
Making your Computer Run Faster in 2 Steps
1. Eliminate Unnecessary Startup Programs
If you are running Windows 8, 8.1 or 10, press CTRL-SHIFT-ESC to get to the Task Manager and make sure your Task Manager is on the detailed screen (should say Fewer details on bottom left of the Task Manager with an arrow pointing up). Now go to the Start-up tab and DISABLE any programs that you do not want to run on Startup.
If you are running Windows 7 or prior, you can Run the MSCONFIG command in Windows then go to the Startup tab and disable startup items which can be a little difficult for the average computer user so we recommend that you use this free program called StartUpLITE which can be downloaded/installed here: http://downloads.malwarebytes.com/file/startuplite
2. Changing Power Options in Windows
Watch this video as it shows you how to increase the speed of your laptop or desktop PC by using full
processing power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deMlZ7RVqWE
Eliminating Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) from being Installed
Please read the definition of a PUP here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentially_unwanted_program
In order to avoid PUPs from being installed we suggest that you implement this practice of always checking the list of your installed programs IMMEDIATELY after you install any new program. Since Windows can sort the list of programs installed in the Programs and Features section of the Control Panel by date, all you would need to do is look at the date installed and UNINSTALL any other programs that were bundled or installed with the actual program that you intended to install on that date.
What to do if your Computer is Locked Up from Adware
If you ever get a popup on your computer to call a tech support number for help warning you that your computer is infected, that is a fake message (NEVER CALL THAT NUMBER AS IT IS A FRAUD SCAM) so we suggest you terminate or close your internet browser that is locked up and unresponsive by simply using the Task Manager (CTRL-SHIFT-ESC) and ending the process (program) that is your web browser (either Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc.). This video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDykOuqpN_s (works on all versions of Windows despite the title) also shows you how to end/terminate/close a program using Task Manager.
Alternatively, we also recommend that you run this free tool AdwCleaner which does a great job in eliminating adware, unwanted toolbars, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and hijackers from your internet browser. AdwCleaner can be download and installed here: https://toolslib.net/downloads/finish/1
Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/126449/keyboard-shortcuts-for-windows
Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/157179?hl=en
Convert Case: https://convertcase.net
Be Cautious when Opening Email Attachments or Clickable Links
We strongly suggest that you DO NOT open up any email attachments or clickable links contained in the email that you received if you are unsure about the source of the email. This will AVOID potential malware and viruses from entering your computer.
Another suggestion we have is very simple which avoids phishing scams and identify theft. If you received an email that looks like it comes from a legitimate source such as Amazon, DO NOT open up the attachment and DO NOT click on the link from that email even if it may appear LEGITIMATE. For example, if you received an email from what it appears to be from Amazon that is not related to any recent orders, we recommend that you manually type www.amazon.com or amazon.com (if you are American of course, Canadians type www.amazon.ca or amazon.ca and as for the rest of the world, you know what to do) in your internet browser and then login to your Amazon account to verify if what was sent to you by email was true and actually sent by Amazon.
Please ensure that you always visit the website of the email sender by manually typing in the website address of that organization or person in your web browser instead of clicking on the attachments or clickable links contained in the email that you received. Better safe than sorry is a practice we should all follow.
