A clean computer is key to a faster computer. Run the 3 scans below.
Run a virus scan weekly.
Update and run your Anti-Virus program. Don't have one? You can run a free online scan from CA.
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virus...
Run Spybot and SuperAntiSpyware weekly.
Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/...... . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.
Download, update and run SuperAntiSpyware---http://www.snapfiles.com/get/SuperAntiSp...
Now to prevent spyware from being installed in the first place....
Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html....
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.
It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.
Now lets clean up your registry.
Ccleaner is a registry cleaner that will make your system run faster. It also cleans traces of your online activities.
Download, update and run--http://www.ccleaner.com
Download CleanUp---http://www.stevengould.org/software/clea...
Free disk space, make your computer run better/faster and protect your privacy - all in one easy solution. All for free!
Now lets clean up your disk.
Run a Disk Cleanup 2 times a month. Run Disk Defrag. monthly.
Do a Disk Cleanup and Disk Defrag. You can find both of them by following the path below.
Start>all programs>accessories>system tools>Disk Cleanup. Let it do its thing. You can check every box that has something to delete.
Now follow the same path and do a Disk Defrag. Again just let it do its thing.
Now lets tweak your connection.
If your speed is good I would not mess with it by trying to tweak it. If you do tweak once it is done you should not have to do it ever again.
There are many programs out there to do this. I will give you 2 of them.
The first one is TCP Optimizer.
Description: The TCP Optimizer is a free, easy Windows program that provides an intuitive interface for tuning and optimizing your Internet connection. There is no installation required, just download and run.
http://www.download.com/SG-TCP-Optimizer...
You can get support for the best way to set it up right from their forum http://forums.speedguide.net/
The second one is Cablenut.
Windows XP tested and approved
CableNut is a tool for optimizing your Internet Connection. We have provided a way to tweak any option you may want to in the adjuster. You can load "CableNut Custom Setting" files that are included with the program to tweak your Internet connection.
http://www.cablenut.com/
Again support is available right from their forum.http://www.broadbandnuts.com/index.php?p...
All programs are FREE!
After applying the suggestions above you will have a clean and faster computer. Enjoy.