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.

Useful Tools to Help You Diagnose Computer Problems

Technology continues to evolve. The market constantly releases new updates that will entice consumers to avail of the new features they offer. The computer is not exempted from this fast innovation. With new updates from different operating systems, whether it may be Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and the like, you can't deny the fact that it has glitches - flaws that you can't just ignore but you have to deal with. We have to admit that life is so much better with computers. You can transact business online, make online job so you don't have to go to the office just to earn money, we pay bills online and a lot of things that we can do over the Internet. Imagine life without Internet, difficult right? But there are things that users tend to overlook when it comes to computers. Computers just like our pets need extra love and care. It needs maintenance in order for your computer to be operational and for us to save money for repairs.

That's where PC Diagnostic tools takes place. There are a lot of tools that we can use to diagnose computer problems. For me, having this tool is a necessity, a must and not just an option.

One example of this tool is HIREN's BOOT CD. Hiren's boot CD also known as HBCD is a bootable software CD that contains numerous programs that will diagnose computer problems. This will help you recover your computer from any malfunction or recover any lost data. Hiren's BootCD is known to be a collection of freeware tools. Because of its reliability, it creates controversy that it can be used as a hacker tool that violates copyrights. Well, not bad though.

Next is System Information for Windowzs (SIW). This tool is used to check the interior of your Windows computer. You just have to download it and run the application. It will give you detailed information about your system that includes the temperature of your hard disk. It gives you a rundown on the hardware or software installed on it. It will also give you information about your system set-up, network driver, motherboards, and all peripherals installed in your computer. Basically, it will give you complete information and status of your computer so you would know if there is something wrong with it.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. As a technician, I usually use this tool to remove adware, malware, or any viruses that might infect my system. Malware are the ones that will disrupt the operation of your system so it needs to be removed to prevent your computer from crashing.

Iobit Advance System Care is another tool that you have to consider. Same with other software, it will also check if you have malicious software installed in your computer and get rid of it. It will perform disk defragmentation and repair registry problem.

CCleaner. This is a tool that ranks when it comes on cleaning your windows computer. It is a secured software that will protect your privacy online. This tool makes your computer much faster because it will clean temporary files, delete cookies and history, or any programs that needs to be fixed.

Microsoft Fix It Center is another type for diagnostic tool. You just have to run it and it will check your system if there's something wrong. It also gives you an option to fix it.

There are still a lot of tools that you can use when it comes on diagnosing computer problems. You can always Google it, a primary tool that gives you all the information you need including the entire tool mentioned above. Google is the number one tool among all the tools. But take note, you should be very careful in choosing the right tool. With the new changes, people are getting smarter and with their intellect, it's often used and misused. There's a lot of good and bad fish over the Internet. You just need to catch the right one. The best tool is be smart, BE AWARE and BEWARE!

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By: Princess Palacio

About the Author: Princess is one of the tech support engineer of Supportrix who loves to write about the latest in the world of technology; reviews, tech tips, troubleshooting techniques.