Best Tools to Clean Up Windows Computers

In this generation, computers play a big role with our day to day lives. Every household seems to own one and use it either for work or pleasure. We use computers to store important files, go online, download movies, install games and the list goes on. Admit it, without computers we are doomed! However, most of us are not really aware on how to clean up our computers and frankly speaking, we only remember doing so once we start to observe that it's being sluggish, freezes, and acting that it's going to crash anytime soon. As we all know, computers are always at risk with viruses, worms, trojans, malwares, etc. Probably, most of us would think that you need to be a computer genius before you can clean up your own system so I would like to share these six simple tools that you can try using on your computer:

1. CCleaner

• A cleaning tool that will remove unnecessary files from your system. This allows Windows to run faster thus, giving our computers more hard drive space. This will get rid of unwanted online activities such as cookies and temporary files from our Internet history. It also has an advanced feature called "registry cleaner" that removes unused or corrupted registry files. No need to worry about adware and spywares because this software doesn't contain those. Simple and easy to use!

2. Disk Cleanup

• A Microsoft utility designed to remove temporary files, empties the recycle bin, and removes files that you no longer need from your system. It will reduce unimportant data or junk from your hard drive to free up disk space. It's hassle-free, since this is already a built-in-tool from Windows so you don’t need to download it from the Internet.

3. Malwarebytes

• Malwares are malicious software that could disrupt a computer’s operation. This is an excellent tool that scans and removes malwares of every kind, which often includes Trojans, viruses, worms, spywares, and adware. This anti-malware application is readily available in both free and PRO versions. The free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities, while the PRO version has advanced protection technologies to stop malware infections.

4. AdwCleaner

• Whenever we download or install anything free from the Internet, there are actually bundled programs that come with it, which we are not really familiar of. In most cases, these will be automatically installed along with the program that you downloaded. ADwCleaner is the cure for these adware, extra browser toolbars, and potentially unwanted programs from our computer’s system.

5. Disk Defragmenter

• A tool that rearranges fragmented data so that disks and hard drives could function more efficiently. Overtime, a hard drive can become fragmented with hundreds of files broken up in many locations thus, defrag is very important to organize those files. This is also built-in for Windows and it runs on a scheduled basis. However, for best results, you can also analyze and defragment drives manually.

Uninstall

There are programs that usually run at the background that could take up space of our computers without our knowledge. To address this, find some time to remove programs by completely uninstalling it from your computer’s system. This is one of the easiest ways to clean up your computers.

Computers should be treated as one of our most valuable possessions. We have to regularly check them because without this type of technology, we still continue to be stressing out with all the hassle of typewriters, handwritten stuffs, and the like. We don't need to complicate things and perform or run all the advanced software that we can find online, because with these basic tools, all you have to do is follow the steps and you will be amazed in cleaning up your computer like a pro!

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By: Jo-Jean M. Lumayag - Tech Support Engineer at Supportrix with more than 5 years in tech support industry experience.

Easy Tips in Keeping Your Gadgets in Tiptop Shape

Gadgets, whether it's a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or all of the above, are our most dependable "virtual friends" in this highly tech-driven life. Believe it or not, they too, need some tender loving care so that they'll last as long you want them around. So how can you return the favor? Here are some of the most practical tips on how to keep your tech devices and gadgets in mint condition.

Always Keep Your Gadgets Clean

Always doesn't necessarily mean that you have to clean your gadget(s) every hour or so. It is ideal to clean them when it's needed, since we all know that they can also transmit germs and other harmful viruses due to everyday use. Avoid using cleaning materials that can damage the screen or surface of your gadget. There are many safe cleaning solutions and materials out there that are specifically designed for use on gadgets that you can buy. After all, they are our best companions and it will also reflect our personalities on how we handle our personal things.

Don't Block the Air Vents of Your Laptop to Avoid Overheating

Curling up on the couch while watching your favorite TV show or movie may be a little bit too cozy for your laptop's taste. Laptops generate a fair amount of heat; the warmth can be nice on a cold winter's night but it needs to be dissipated if your laptop is going to last. Your laptop has what it needs to stay cool already, you just have to be careful not to block the air intakes. If you hear the fan on your laptop kicking into high gear, it's time to let it cool down. Your laptop is happiest when it's sitting on a hard surface with plenty of air flow around it. You can also place a small book or flat item under your laptop when it's sitting on a desk. This way, the slight tilt will allow more air to flow under the laptop. Watching videos on your laptop on the couch is fine, but bundling it up like a baby and falling asleep? That's not such a great idea.

Don't Wrap Cables and Cords Too Tightly

Do you find your phone cable and headphones end up in a tangled mess? Or worse, do you find the casing on your charger cable cracked? Make sure your cables are in good shape by not wrapping them too tightly when storing. Instead of tightly wrapping the cable around itself to store, wrap it around your outstretched fingers. Wrap the bundle with an elastic band or use a binder clip to secure it. Just make sure you're not pinching any of the wires to avoid damage. You can also buy some cheap cord/cable holder or cable tie because elastic bands have a tendency to become brittle and break over some time.

Avoid Exposing Your Gadgets to Direct Heat and Sunlight

Sunlight, as we all know, can be very bad to your gadgets. If you think you'll be gone for quite a while, never leave your laptop or any type of electronic device inside your car, especially if you're going to park it in an open outdoor parking lot. When storing, be sure to keep your gadgets in room temperature to protect it from any damage.

Manage Your Apps Properly

If your once speedy tablet is now running slowly, don't fret. Every once in a while, it helps to fully shut down and restart your tablet fresh. But before doing so, make sure to close out any apps that you're not actively using. Keep track of apps that you're not using anymore, or at all, and delete them. Some apps take up a lot of space and this can greatly slow down your gadget.

Buy a Protective Casing for Your Gadget

You'll never run out of places to buy a protective casing for your tablet or smartphone. Keep in mind that they are not made for nothing. Not only will it make your gadget more personalized, it will also provide extra protection against dents, scratches, water, and shock. You can even have a million designs to choose from that will surely match your taste and style.

Avoid Draining the Battery When Storing Your Gadget

Before storing, charge your gadget(s) to 50% and then turn it off. Leaving a tablet or any gadget unused for a long period of time with a dead battery can damage its ability to hold the charge.

Bring Your Gadgets to an Authorized Service Center

If in case your gadget breaks down, make it a point to bring it to an authorized and legit service centers only. If you think that you'll save more if you have it repaired on cheap repair shops, think again. There's a great chance that the technician doesn't have proper training and handling skills to repair your gadget, which may cause you to spend more in the end.

We hope these tips will help your tech devices last a really long time. Always keep in mind that gadgets can be very fragile. Being careless on your gadget is not a very practical thing to do, because you'll end up buying a new one just because you missed doing some of these very simple things.