Effective Tips to Optimize Windows 7 PC for Better Speed and Performance

Irrespective of the configuration and brand of your PC, you are bound to face technical issues after a few years of use. Your PC may start facing issues related to speed and performance especially when you install or remove any particular app or program from your computer. In the same way, no matter how efficient antispyware and antivirus tools you install on your machine, it may get attacked by viruses and malware somehow. If you're fond of downloading games, movies, videos, audio files and other stuff from the Internet, then you must have also downloaded unwanted amounts of junk from the same websites.
Viruses, heavy applications, outdated technology, unwanted program install and other related issues may force your Windows 8 PC to slow down over a period of time. Although, maintenance seems a bit difficult for every user but it is highly recommended to avoid certain breakdowns, slowdowns, freezing and hanging issues. Whatever is the cause behind such issues, there are a number of ways that can help to speed up Windows 7 and make your PC functioning flawless. To get rid of all these issues before they occur, you must know how to optimize Windows 7 so that you can prevent performance and security related issues.
Here are some of the maintenance tips that can help you optimize Windows 7 for better speed and performance.
1. Run windows updates
Even if your Windows 7 PC is a brand new device, then there are chances that Microsoft has already released important updates for it. The windows updates are aimed at improving the operating system on various fronts that also includes security, performance and efficiency factors. Although Windows 7 is a secure OS version than its predecessors, but malware authors are experts at finding and exploiting loopholes in this high-end secured device.
You can easily check that you have the latest Windows updates for Windows 7 by clicking Windows Updates through Control Panel. This section will give you information about all the latest updates released by the manufacturer and whether you've installed it or not.
2. Install antivirus program
With malware, viruses, spyware and Phishing scams located in the each segment of the virtual world, you must ensure that you didn't browse the Internet without adequate protection. Fortunately, a huge section of the market is full of vendors offering high-end security programs to prevent such threats by offering free or paid antivirus and Internet-security tools.
Make sure that you are guarded by an effective Internet security suite, before you shop online or enter your financial details on a portal. The Microsoft Essential antivirus comes preinstalled on your Windows PC and if your device doesn't have this preloaded tool, then immediately download one from the Internet. Microsoft also strives hard to protect its users by offering Windows Defender, a free antivirus utility, which provides protection against low-grade malware.
3. Try to keep your desktop clear
Keeping big files off the desktop makes it look more appealing and easy to understand. Your windows PCs can carry a huge amount of data anytime, anywhere, but, a cluttered desktop may make it difficult for the OS to load several programs and files quickly. Hence, it is always recommended to keep your desktop clean and clear in order to speed up the startup process.
If you have a habit of downloading a lot of files, music, videos and other stuff from the internet, then assign a different folder for them rather than keeping it on the desktop. Keeping desktop cluttered and occupied, may result in slow startup and creates a lot of confusion, while looking for a particular file. Therefore, moving non-essential files into a separate folder will be really helpful in tracing them and keeping them safe from accidental deletion.
4. Download the latest drivers, software and firmware updates
Manufacturers release latest drivers, software updates and firmware updates to maintain optimum performance levels of their products. The developers located at the manufacturer's site deploy all their strength and hard work in finding the way to protect their genuine products from the attacks of various malware and viruses. They keep on releasing timely improvement plans, latest updates and enhanced versions of their products that are at par with the other similar products available in the market.
Various manufacturers offer such editions and updates for free over the Internet to maintain goodwill in the market and to attain maximum satisfaction from their established consumer base. You can easily navigate to the manufacturer's website to look for updates or updated versions of each product including software, operating system, applications and security programs. A set of guideline and instructions are also made available for the beginners to help them while updating their existing software or other programs.
5. Run your PC with closed CPU case
It is estimated that your computer can become dusty in less than a year, depending upon the location where it is placed. It is advised to be proactive about taking care of your Windows 8 PC depending upon the location, climatic conditions and dust factor. If your house is not too dusty, then check after a few months, but if it's very dusty then you might need to check it after a few weeks only.
Carefully remove the dust on the bottom with a vacuum and then spray a bit with compressed canned air. Always pay extra attention towards the CPU heat sink and its fan as it is very essential for the heat produced by the CPU to ventilate. Cleaning dust, checking the power supply fan, ensuring all fans are working, and replacing the fan if it stops spinning, are some of the essential steps that you can take to offer smooth functioning to your PCs.
Apart from this, reinstalling the OS, de-fragmenting the hard disk drive and scanning your PC regularly to identify infection will also help to keep your system up and running. Downloading programs such as LimeWire, Kazaa, BearShare, and many others offer a platform for sharing information, but it may contain malware, spyware, and Trojans that may infect your PC to an irreparable extent. So, download the file with the maximum seeds and peers attached it, only from the trusted sources. Limit the number of programs loading at startup to reduce system slowdowns as these applications consume a considerable amount of memory, disabling Windows to perform to its fullest potential. But things won't go worse if you know how to optimize Windows 7 by employing the above mentioned tips. Last but not the least, ensure that you manage and maintain your devices regularly to avoid paying extra dollars to the technicians while fixing major issues.

Russell Winters is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of online tech support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a tech support technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8947889

How to Use Firefox As an RSS Reader With NewsFox

It has been quite long since the Google Reader was shut down, and many users migrated to other RSS readers for catering their latest updates requirements. Reading and accessing online content isn't easy at all so popular RSS readers aggregate syndicated web content like blogs, online newspapers, podcasts, and video blogs at one place. Since these services make your research-related work easy, it is quite important to install and start using them instantly. Many browsers have come up with numerous solutions that can assist you in making RSS feeds more accessible and organized while other focused on keeping the service updated with the latest news feeds.
In this article, a Firefox user will be briefed how to use the NewsFox, a Firefox add-on, efficiently and make the most out of their RSS feeds.
Installation and Interface
• Download and install NewsFox from its official website and open it either from the Preferences menu or by clicking on the NewsFox icon in the toolbar
OR
• You can also install the tool by typing 'chrome://newsfox/content/newsfox.xul' into the address bar of your browser.
The default interface might remind you of an age-old email client that features a list of RSS feeds on the left and the main toolbar on top. The middle area is reserved to show up the articles that have been downloaded from the feed. Apart from this, the tool is also provided with the reading pane that acts as a plain area, where you'll actually read the articles.
If you don't like the layout, then you can switch to the vertical one with the main toolbar that controls the RSS feeds and global NewsFox options. The icons incorporated with the tool can add/delete feed groups, refresh all feeds, add/delete RSS feeds, and manage Live Bookmarks. The small menus for Options, Help, and History are also provided for offering more option to the content, seeking help from the main server, and viewing the previously viewed content. You can also use the icons for refresh feed, go to the homepage, mark all articles as read/unread tag articles, and delete selected articles to perform their designated actions.
Importing and managing feeds
• To modify feed options, you will be required to add some feeds to NewsFox first and then apply the following changes to the tool in order to seek desired results.
• You can also transfer subscriptions from another RSS reader by saving them as an 'OPML file' and importing it into the tool.
• To import a file, click on the 'Options' button in the main toolbar and select 'Import OPML' -> 'Add to existing feeds' -? 'from file.'
• You can also click on the 'Add feed' button and paste the URLs to add feeds manually one-by-one.
If your NewsFox informs you about the latest feeds as soon as they arise, then the NewsFox icon in the 'Add-on' Bar will change its color immediately after detecting RSS feeds on websites. You can then view the desired feeds by clicking or selecting them. If you use Live Bookmarks to access the most recent RSS feeds, NewsFox would immediately display all the latest results as soon as you click on the 'Manage Live Bookmarks' icon.
You might find NewsFox a bit complicated as it is equipped with some of the most advanced and updated features that you might not find in any other tool. Since it's quite easy to get used to it, all you require is the ample time to explore and learn it. Offering you an effortless experience while importing feeds from other RSS readers, the tool comes with a Restore Backup option to fix things if something goes wrong. Offering you seamless access to the RSS feeds from various sources, the tool keeps tracking everything right into your browser to avoid the pain of registering for a new account.

Russell Winters is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of online tech support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a tech support technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8934701

Best Free Antivirus and Anti Malware Solutions for 2015

You may be confused when those who seem to know a lot about this topic use terms like "antivirus" and "malware" interchangeably. Or you may wonder why you need a firewall if you have an antivirus. To the casual reader, these terms can be confusing - and certainly off-putting. That's why so many people put their trust in paid-for solutions. And money in those companies' pockets.
Over the next few minutes I am going to lift that veil of confusion and empower you to make decisions for yourself that will protect your PC from those who might seek to damage it for fun or profit.
First: what is a PC security suite?
A security suite comprises of six items:
1. An antivirus
2. A firewall
3. A malware detector
4. A web page phishing, or malware, detector
5. A software uninstaller
6. A cache cleaner and leftover removal software
Let's take a look at each of these aspects in turn.
Best Free Antivirus
There are at present 5 key players when it comes to free antivirus software providers: Avast, AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira and Panda.
Avast is my favorite of the bunch. First installation was a little frustrating as it took quite a long time and hung a couple of times, but it was well worth it in the end. In many of the reports from others online I found it to be a very well regarded solution. In fact, it won Bronze in WebUser's "Best Antivirus 2015." Not bad at all,considering it was the only free antivirus deemed worthy of inclusion among the paid-for contenders.
Special Mention:
When I first tried Panda, the cloud based antivirus I was very unimpressed. It did its best to upload all my files to the cloud and make them inoperable on my PC. Now, two years later, it has matured and does a very noteworthy job with very lightweight software. It's cloud-based so it doesn't clog up your laptop.
Free Firewall
A firewall is used to protect your home network - not just an individual PC. Windows already comes with its own Firewall, but if you want real control over what your computer is sending and receiving online, Glasswire is awesome!
It's a network and threat monitor all in one - and can even tell you what your laptop has been accessing online in your absence (or what applications have accessed it).
You'll get notified the first time any software accesses the internet so you can see whether it's intentional or a nasty,
Glasswire will even monitor your bandwidth and internet usage for you. Hurry though, Glasswire have stated this won't stay free forever!
Anti-Malware Security
Contrary to many people's ideas of an antivirus, it's just the front line of defence and doesn't always ensure a trouble-free laptop. From time to time it's important to run a malware scan on your machine. This is to find malicious software that you downloaded in error, or got past your antivirus because it was unknown to it at the time.
The very best of the free options, in most people's opinion according to my research (and in my own experience) is MalwareBytes free anti malware.
When using this program, always update it beforehand, as it is constantly being updated to battle new threats. Also, don't delete anything unless you do your homework on what it is recommending you delete.
Always delete a Trojan.
Web Link Malware Detector
When browsing search results it's not always possible to avoid the infected sites that will harm your laptop just by visiting them. Thankfully there is a way to know whether to visit a link or avoid it!
There are two contenders for this section and both are equally good.
1. The Web of Trust
2. Avast Online Security for Chrome
Both give a green light (either circle or tick) beside a safe link in your search results - or an orange or red one if the site link is dodgy. The only difference is that Web of Trust has fewer users to report malware and so I would trust Avast more.
Software and Leftover Files Removal
From time to time you will need to remove old or unwanted software and the best uninstaller I have found that balances amount of leftover files removed with speed of operation is iObit's rather excellent Advanced Uninstaller.
Be careful when doing deeper cleans that you make sure any registry files you delete are part of the unwanted software. However, this has not been the same problem using iObit as it has been when using other uninstallers which have more scope for mistakes - deleting incorrect registry files can be fatal for your PC or laptop!
CCleaner
CCleaner is short for "crap cleaner" and is used for clearing cookies, temporary files and all sorts of other junk files that when let build up on your machine over time, will slowly drag its performance down to a crawl.
Admittedly I own the professional version of this, but the free version is not to be taken lightly. In fact there's little extra to the pro version than extras like automatic cleaning and self timing. However at less than $20 for a lifetime license and the ability to use the same license for every laptop in the household it's a very small price to pay.
Defraggler
Check out Defraggler from the same people, to help defrag your machine on a monthly basis so that after removing files, what remains is kept in one piece to allow smoother hard drive operation.
There you have it - a complete set of absolutely free software that will rival any paid antivirus security suite!
Enjoy the savings and the peace of mind.

Dave Lynch is a freelance writer and internet entrepreneur from Ireland, He loves things like keyword research and latent semantic indexing. Topics that make normal people go, "Huh?"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Lynch

How to Attach/ Add PST Files to Microsoft Outlook?

MS Outlook is the most popular email client application among computer users. It is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. For Windows users, MS Outlook has become the best choice if we talk about email client applications. Outlook comes as a part of Microsoft Office suite as well as a separate application. Though it is primarily used for emailing purpose, i.e. sending and receiving emails, but it also includes calendaring, contact managing, task managing, note taking, journal creation, and web browsing. All the mailbox data, such as: email messages, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, etc. are stored into an Outlook data file, which often called PST or personal storage table.
You need to configure at least one email account to your Outlook email client in order to use it. You can configure multiple email accounts at a time as there is no limit. (I have configured 7 email accounts and have been using them without any trouble from the first day). Each email account has its own personal storage table. If you have configured more than one or multiple email accounts, multiple PST files are generated by Outlook in your system.
An Outlook user may have multiple PST files in its system. If they belong to the email accounts which are configured in your Outlook, you have no need to attach or add them to your Outlook profile as they are added or attached by default. But if you have received them from any other user or copied from somewhere, you need to add or attach the files to your Outlook profile first in order to access them. You can do this manually, I.e without using any third-party help.
Follow the steps given below to import the PST files to MS Outlook:

• First of all, you need to open Microsoft Outlook. Then click the File tab there.
• Now click Import in the Open category.
• The Import and Export Wizard will appear on the screen. Click Import from another program or file option, and hit Next.
• Now click Outlook Data File (.pst), and hit Next one more time.
• Here you need to type the path and name of the PST file which you want to import, or just simply click Browse to choose the file from the system.

Note: Under Options, it is recommended that you click Do not import duplicates, unless you want the imported information to replace or duplicate items that are already in Outlook.

• Now hit Next again to continue the process.
• In this step, you need to select the mailbox folder(s) which you want to import. You can select the top of the hierarchy if you want to import everything from the selected PST file.

Note: The top folder (usually Personal Folders, Outlook Data File or your email address) is selected automatically, and the Include subfolders is selected by default.

• And finally click Finish to end the process.

The above steps can be performed in MS Outlook 2010 only. If you are using MS Outlook 2007 or any of its earlier version, you need to follow the steps given below:

• First of all, you need to open Microsoft Outlook.
• Go to the File menu and then click Import and Export.

Note: If the Import and Export option can't be found or unavailable, you can move the pointer over the chevrons at the bottom of the menu.

• Select Import from another program or file option, and hit Next.
• Now click Outlook Data File (.pst), and hit Next one more time.
• Here you need to type the path and name of the PST file which you want to import, and then again hit Next to continue the process.
• Now select the folder(s) which you want to import. To import everything in the PST file, select the top of the hierarchy.
• And finally click Finish to end the process.

Important notes:

• Make sure the PST files you are importing to Outlook, are not corrupted. Otherwise, you can't import them.
• The read-only attribute of the PST file is not selected. If it is selected, disable it first.

Though the manual trick works very well for importing the PST files to Outlook, but it will definitely take enough time if you have numerous files. 10-15 files can be imported one by one using the manual trick, but it will become a tedious task to perform if you have around 100 PST files. In such situation, you can try advanced Add Outlook PST tool of SysInfoTools Software to import numerous PST files to Outlook in just a single mouse click. There is no limitation for selecting files at a time, i.e. you can select any number of PST files and add/attach them with ease. Try free demo version of this tool first. It will allow you to add the PST files which are up to 10 MB of size. To read more about this tool and to download its free demo version, you can visit: SysInfoTools Add Outlook PST

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8981810

Positive Ways to Make Maximum Use of Photoshop Action Scripts

For your on-line business, it is better to know some essential things to begin with. As an entrepreneur, naturally you are more concerned with the sale of your product. Of course, the product you want to introduce in the market should be of the latest origin having all the basic qualities for a good product. Next is the introduction of your product in the market. In the introductory note a clear description should be given with beautiful displays and attractive comments. Your product can be made beautiful in attractive shapes and forms. "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" began John Keats his poem, "Endymion". It is so because visual beauty covers 80% of the human sensation. It is perhaps better, also to remember innovative ideas sell well. The article you read in the recent past stands in your memory with a perfect analytical strength.
It neither had any bias, purely matter of fact. Some of the Novels you read in the past have been very good (for the connoisseurs and critics as well), the likes of which you are looking forward to read again. These are all the most sought after feelings of a sensitive being. Comics or comedy, satires or serious life stories which must have something substantial to state or comment; otherwise, they will not be appealing to human mind. Statements/comments are the most attractive theme of which the intelligence reckons. Remember, your innovative idea is the new concept here.
Over and above, make use of all the modern tools and trends available online for e-business for highly effective and purposeful production. If you help your thoughts and plans, you can renovate your own ideas and put them to a forceful and effective use. So, make use of Photoshop Action Scripts. You can easily do it for yourself. At this stage of e-times people believe in Photoshop Action Scripts to push the sale-chart of their products fast forward. Please render the beautifully made up product in your site and see the results. Conversion of 2D into 3D is also quite possible and the resultant image you get is a perfect one. These are all benefits you get by sensibly using Photoshop Action Scripts.
One thing more, from the many Photoshop Action Scripts available online, you can make your own selection; the cheaper and costlier varieties, the larger and smaller packages according to your requirements. Finally, it is your choice and initiative to pick up the right one for you to develop your own business. Now you are confident that you can avail the maximum use of Photoshop Action Scripts which are easy to use and can be made comparatively cheaper.

This software lets you create high definition eBook covers just in minutes with the help of Adobe Photoshop. With a unique eBook Cover quality at 300 dpi eBook Cover Action Soft a new software from master designer creative artist Sumithran.
http://www.ebookcoveractionsoft.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8920286

Opportunities for Small Businessmen to Compromise Data Security

Many smaller businesses may mistakenly think they cannot afford a digital data storage and recovery options. However, data recovery does not get any cheaper when Raid data recovery or laptop hard drive recovery must be done by a professional. Why switch from tape to phones, iPods, images, stills and other devices? One advantage of removable data storage is that it can be easily transported almost anywhere. Multimedia cards, flash drives, and memory cards are easy options for smaller businesses that need cheap data storage.
These removable digital media storage options are easy options and cheaper than some Raid systems, they also may be easier to recover data than hiring a professional to perform hard disk data recovery or Raid data recovery. The dangers with removable digital options are that they also may be harder to secure and protect sensitive data.
Protecting removable external devices from Hackers
Smaller businesses may not be able to afford a Raid system and may not need Raid data recovery from a trained professional. A businessman may opt for less costly measures of data storage and backup, such as using a USB flash drive. What is the best way to protect removable digital storage devices, if they are lost or stolen? One way small business owners can ensure their employees are not allowing sensitive data into the hands of hackers is to have flash drives that are password protected.
Flash drives are solid state storage devices that will not last forever. A USB flash drive will fail after so many times of adding or deleting data. However, employees should not give up on their flash drive if it does fail and they cannot retrieve sensitive, company data. A trained professional may be able to gain access data off a memory stick, but also access data from a failing laptop that needs laptop data recovery.
Automated backup may be a good solution for some small business Owners
For some small business owners, an automatic backup of necessary data may be a good way to protect sensitive data and ensure that backups are up-to-date. Did you know 60 percent of businesses admitted in 2013 that they did not regularly backup their data? Why is it important for small business owners to back-up data regularly? Small business owners do not have to worry about forgetting to back up data.
Depending on the type of backup, small business owners may be able to choose between an incremental or differential backup.It also may save Businessman from needing Raid data recovery in the area.
Have you ever considered using a portable data storage device to keep data safe? Some experts suggest that other methods of data storage should be used as well because USB flash drives and laptop hard drives can be easily hacked. It may cause small owners to need laptop hard drive recovery options. It may be best to consult an expert in hard disk data recovery if small owners do find evidence of hacking or a virus on their machines.

Specialists in recovering data from a variety of devices capable of storing user data. For more information about data recovery visit us at: raid data recovery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8870723

Cheap and Fast Software An Introduction to Shareware

Visit any computer store today and you'll find what seems like miles and miles of software on sale. Certainly enticing buys, there are a few problems with buying software off the shelves. On the shelf, software - otherwise known as "commercial software" - can be expensive, and incompatible, and outdated when compared to what's available online. Fortunately, there's an alternative to commercial software and although it isn't new, it's one of the most under-exploited opportunities in the computer industry.

We're talking about shareware - software that you can try before buying.

Shareware has a long history and was rather popular in the days where BBS (bulletin board systems) reigned the online industry. It hasn't gone anywhere, but its competition with commercial software is fierce - so fierce that it tends to fall on the back burner among new computer users. This is unfortunate because shareware has so many advantages over commercial software.

One of those advantages is its cost. On the whole, shareware is generally cheaper than commercial software. But don't misinterpret the cost. With shareware, cheap does not equal low-quality and there are plenty of examples that prove shareware often outperforms the quality of commercial software time and time again. How much savings are we talking about? You could purchase a quality word processor, spreadsheet, database program, or system utility anywhere from a mere $15 to under a hundred. This is almost unheard of in stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, or Egghead, yet the shareware programs offered within this price range rival even Microsoft's Office suite.

Another advantage that shareware has over commercial software is its compatibility. We're not saying that shareware is compatible with all operating systems. What we're saying is that since we can try shareware before paying for it, we can determine if the software is completely compatible with our systems first. In other words, we can discover whether the software performs the way we want them to and should anyone try to do the same with commercial software, they'll be in for a big disappointment.

Commercial software policy doesn't even allow for returns, let alone "borrowing" them to try them.

The last advantage that shareware has over commercial software (but certainly not the least) is its applicability. Plain and simple, shareware is the best bet when you want to keep on top of the latest release of a particular program. Sure, computer stores do their best to keep their inventory up to date, but when you can download version 5.6042 of a shareware program as opposed to buying a commercial 3.0 version from the local computer shop, there's just no comparison.

Which brings up our next point. Just where does one get shareware? Shareware is all over the Internet and it's really hard not to bump into it. The most popular places to find shareware is within thousands of download libraries, however the companies (and even independent programmers behind shareware) are increasingly offering shareware from their own websites. A simple Google or Yahoo search for a particular type of program will yield all sorts of results that point you toward items that you can try before you buy.

Be aware however, that because shareware is not commercial software, you may not experience a full program the way you would if you bought the software out of a box. Shareware may or may not be limited - meaning that some functions may not be available to you until the program is paid for. These limitations are often small and don't interfere with the way its full version operations. They're really just implemented as a way to prompt payment. Remember that shareware is not freeware. You shouldn't try to use shareware as commercial software without paying for it.

About the only thing that's similar between shareware and commercial software is the way in which they may be bought. With a credit card, you can be the new owner of your own software within minutes.


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