Showing posts with label performance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label performance. Show all posts

Saturday, July 13, 2024

How to do a Tune-up/Clean-up with Virus Scans for your PC!

General PC Tune-up/Virus Scan Procedures:

Uninstall/Install Software:

  1. Uninstall Obvious Bloatware:
    • “Free Trial” software
    • Obvious junk programs & toolbars (One Search, Driver Support, One Bar, etc)
      1. Use the PNW Computers “Browser Hi-jack” blog article as a reference to find and remove software malicious Adware Programs.
      2. Computers that are heavily infected should be checked with ‘TDSKiller’ to rule out the presence of a Rootkit BEFORE any cleaning procedures begin. Unless cleaning is needed to run the utility.
  2. Install/Update Essential Programs:
    1. Security Clean-up Software List (Ninite.com can be used for installing most apps):
      1. Chrome, Firefox, Edge - Update
      2. Java, .Net & Silverlight Runtimes - Update/Install
      3. Malwarebytes Antimalware
      4. Malwarebytes ADWCleaner
      5. BleachBit

Security Scanning & Virus/Malware Removal:

  1. Virus and Malware Scanning:
    Run FULL (not a quick/fast) Virus Scan with Local AV as well as Malwarebytes and ADWCleaner

  2. Web Browser Clean-up:
    • Check all Installed Web Browsers’ Extensions/Add-ons for anything unwanted/needed.
    • Check the general browser settings (Start Page, Default Search Engine, Etc.) for any tampering or modifications and reset to defaults if needed.
    • ADWCleaner is an excellent tool for finding and removing browser hijack apps.

Performance Tune-Up:

  1. Junk File Clean-up - Bleach Bit

  2. Paging File Optimization

    1. Set the PC's paging file to either 1.5 the amount of RAM or set to 4096MB.
      1. Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings
        1. Select the “Advanced” tab at the top
        2. In the “Performance” section click on “Settings”
        3. Click on the “Advanced” tab
        4. Under “Virtual Memory” click on “Change”
        5. Set the paging file accordingly

  3. Optimize System Performance Options

    1. Right-click ‘My Computer’ > Properties > Advanced System Settings> Click ‘Advanced’ tab > Click ‘Settings’ under the “Performance” area.
    2. Un-check all of the PC's visual effects performance options except for:
      1. "Use visual styles on windows and buttons"
      2. “Smooth Scroll List Boxes”
      3. “Smooth Edges on Screen Fonts”
      4. “Show Translucent Selection Rectangle”
      5. "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop"
      6. Start-up Program Entries can also be managed using the Task Manager.
      7. Disable all unnecessary start-up items
        1. Typically leave start-up programs related to:
          1. OneDrive/MS Office
          2. iCloud Drive
          3. Printers
          4. WIFI Software
          5. Audio/Video Software
          6. Specialty apps such as Garmin, Fitbit, etc

Windows Updates:

  1. Access Windows Updates through System Settings
  2. If the Microsoft Update feature is not/has not been enabled, enable Microsoft Updates in the Windows Updates “Advanced Options”. You can also enable the “Notify me when a restart is required” option too as well.
  3. After the Microsoft Update feature has been enabled, Windows Updates will now check for both Windows and Microsoft Updates.
  4. Allow the computer to check for new updates.
  5. Once checking for updates is finished, download and install all available updates.
    1. You may need to do this process more than a few times to make sure the system is fully updated.
  6. Some Windows Updates may fail. Do not hyper-fixate on failed updates, as they will likely resolve on their own after a few update/restart cycles.
  7. Verify Installation of all currently available Windows Updates AND Upgrades
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Thursday, September 8, 2016

Winning Against Windows 10: Fight Microsoft and Win!


Ever since the release of Microsoft’s “Free Upgrade” to WIndows 10 (which came to and end August 1st 2016), I have fixed dozens of computers for people which had system damage or issues stemming from an unwarranted upgrade of their computer to Windows 10. The upgrade to Windows 10 was free for Windows Vista and Windows 7 users for almost a year, but was supposed to be an optional decision. The end user was supposed to decide on whether or not, or when, to install Microsoft’s “latest and greatest operating system”.

As well all know from either the news, friends, family, or even personal experience, Windows was tricky with this OS upgrade and many people were automatically upgraded without direct and clear consent or without any knowledge until it was too late. If they did agree, some users had major issues with system stability, hardware, and software following the upgrade to Windows 10. Not the smooth process Microsoft said it to was to be... This means repair costs for folks as well as the inconvenience of downtown, as well as lost work and income for business.

Well recently I had a customer whose business computer went down due to a non-user initiated Windows 10 upgrade. The upgrade actually didn't complete correctly, killing the Windows OS upgrade installation (mid-install) requiring the system to be brought into the shop, have Windows 7 re-installed and onsite service to get everything set back up again. Well my client did some research and found a ebook on Amazon called "Winning against Windows 10".

"Winning against Windows 10" is the story of a woman named Teri Goldstein and specifically lays out how Teri fought back against Microsoft (due to a Windows 10 upgrade that messed up her system) and she actually was able to win; forcing Microsoft to reimburse her $10,000!!

Using the book (which gives you the specifics on her court case), my client was able to fight back against Microsoft themselves and was able to get Microsoft to reimburse them for all of the repair costs; onsites and all!

So if you have had any issues with Windows 10 "damaging" your computer and you had to get it fixed and/or can prove lost income from downtime, etc you could get Microsoft to pay you back!!










Any questions or comments?? Feel free to get in touch!
www.pnwcomputers.com
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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

How to Clean up a Slow Performing Computer ~PLUS~ a few Mac tips too ;)


Many think that when a computer starts performing poorly it's time to buy a new computer. Does your desktop or laptop often hang on the hourglass or swirling circle for several minutes at a time? Does "Not Responding" sound familiar to you? Is it slow to load files or applications, and does it take a long time to boot? Even if you're extremely careful about how you use your computer and never download questionable material, over time it is inevitable that your system will accumulate unwanted registry entries, errors, clutter, and debris. Here's how to clean your computer up and get it running faster again!

Things YOU can DO:

  1. Update and Scan with your Security Software:
    (Link to more in-depth PC/computer clean-up guide)
    Antivirus software helps protect you from viruses and other malicious files that can spread through emails or downloads. It performs regular system checks and detects when foreign files are trying to infiltrate your computer.
    We recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for comprehensive protection.
    Click the link below for a list of the security software that we recommend and use:
  2. Do not use Registry Optimizers or so-called Clean Reg Tools.
    Most of these cause more harm than good in the long run.

  3. Clear up space on the hard drive.
    Deleting unnecessary files is an easy way to free up memory and improve performance. Use BleachBit for a thorough cleanup of your PC, and Onyx for your Mac.

    • For Windows 10 and 11: Open Settings, go to System, then Storage, and use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool.
    • For macOS: Go to the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then Storage, and use the Manage button to find options for optimizing storage.

  4. Uninstall useless programs or programs you rarely use. These can include games, media files, or redundant software.

    • For Windows: Go to Settings, then Apps, and uninstall programs that are no longer needed.
    • For macOS: Drag unwanted applications from the Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
    • When uninstalling programs be sure you don't need them! Some programs are needed for the operation of the computer. So if you are unsure about a program then leave it alone or do a quick search on Google to see if you can find out whether it's good or bad.

  5. Clean Up Junk Files.
    BleachBit is a powerful, open-source tool that helps you clean up unnecessary files and free up disk space on your computer. Follow these steps to use BleachBit to clean your system:
    • Download and Install "BleachBit," and then find and click on the application to open it.
    • Choose What to Clean:
      1. In BleachBit, you will see a list of cleaners on the left-hand side. 
      2. These cleaners correspond to different types of junk files and applications.
      3. Check the boxes next to the items you want to clean. 
      4. Common selections include:
        • System: Temporary files, logs, memory dumps
        • Web browsers: Cache, history, etc
        • Careful deleting cookies as they store your saved login data.
        • Applications: Temporary files from installed applications
        • Deep Scan:
          • For a more thorough clean, you can enable "Deep Scan" under the System section. 
          • This option will scan for and delete more obscure temporary files and caches.
          • Be cautious with deep scanning, as it may delete files you were not expecting.
      5. Preview (Optional but Recommended):
        • Click the "Preview" button to see a list of files that will be deleted and the amount of space that will be freed.
        • Review the list to ensure no important files will be deleted.
      6. Clean:
        • If you're satisfied with the preview, click the "Clean" button to delete the selected files.
        • BleachBit will begin cleaning the files, which may take a few minutes depending on the amount of data.

  6. Defragment your hard drive if you are using a traditional HDD. 
    *SSDs do not need defragmentation.
    1. For Windows: Open the Start Menu, search for Defragment and Optimize Drives, and run the tool.
    2. MacOS: Mac operating systems manage disk fragmentation automatically, so manual defragmentation is not needed.

  7. Check your RAM.
    If your computer is running slowly, you might need more RAM.
    1. For Windows: Right-click on This PC, select Properties and check the installed RAM. Consider upgrading if you have less than 8GB for modern systems.
    2. For macOS: Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and check the Memory tab. Aim for at least 8GB for general use.

  8. Optimize startup programs.
    Reducing the number of programs that run at startup can improve boot times.
    1. For Windows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
    2. For macOS: Go to System Preferences, then Users & Groups, and select your user. Click the Login Items tab and remove unnecessary items.

    Other Tips:

    • Only install software that you intend to use regularly.
    • Be cautious with free downloads; they can come with spyware, malware, or viruses.
    • Regularly clean up your computer using tools like BleachBit.
    • Ensure safe internet browsing by using a firewall and a secure browser.
    • Schedule regular scans with your antivirus and anti-malware software.
    • Always back up your important data before running any cleanup tool.
    • If you're unsure about specific options, stick to the default settings.

      Warnings:

      • When uninstalling programs, ensure they are not essential for your system's operation. If unsure, do a quick search to verify.
      • Use anti-malware programs carefully and follow instructions thoroughly. Incorrect changes to the registry can worsen performance. If you're unsure, clean only detected items marked in red, or consult a knowledgeable friend or professional.

    Further Reading/Related Articles:

    How you can get infected & what you can do to try to prevent it:

    Pacific NW Computers

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