5 New Year's Resolutions for Your PC

What Bad Habits Should You Leave in Your Past
January 2010
by Blake Crone

Millions of people make New Year's resolutions every year, and if you are one of them you know how hard it can be to stick to them. It can be difficult for an old dog to learn new tricks, especially when it comes to your computer. As computer technology advances at such a rapid pace it is a challenge to keep up with the new standards in PC maintenance, which is exactly why we have decided to make it easier for you with our New Year's Resolutions for You & Your PC.

  1. Don't Have Too Many Programs Opening at Start-up
    One of the most common reasons for a slow system is having a ton of programs opening at start-up. This can lead to sluggish performance and overall frustration with your PC. XoftSpySE Anti-Spyware 7.0 has a Startup Editor that lets you disable unwanted programs from launching at start-up, which can greatly increase your PC's speed. If you are an advanced computer user you can also edit your start-up by using 'msconfig' but we do not recommend this method to users, as you might accidentally harm to your PC.
  2. Start Updating Your Software
    Many computer users see software update windows and close them, thinking "Hey, I will update my software when I want." This can be a major problem! Many software companies create updates of their products as improvements on function and security. If you choose not to update, you may be putting the information contained on your PC at risk. Out-of-date software can also be slower than the latest versions, which can be a source of frustration. Do yourself a favor – when you are prompted by a trusted company to update your software, go for it.
  3. Install Some Form of Security Product
    Although it seems obvious to most PC users, you would be surprised how many people out there do not use an anti-virus or anti-spyware solution. You may think that it is a waste of money or that you can avoid viruses and spyware, but infections can happen to anyone. Some forms of computer infections can steal everything contained on your PC, from credit card numbers to family photos. Keep yourself safe and get an anti-virus or spyware solution.
  4. Start Defragmenting Your Computer
    Defragmenting your system is an important part of good PC maintenance, as it prevents problems such as slow speed and sluggish performance. When you defragment your computer, it reorganizes the files and speeds up the data access process. To defragment your system, simply use the Disk Defragmenter tool that is included in your Windows operating system.
  5. Back Up Your Files Using CDs, DVDs, or USBs!
    How often have you lost or accidentally deleted important documents, photos, videos, and more? Here is a resolution to help you avoid that problem: make sure you back up your important files! If you have files on your PC that you want to ensure you never lose, as a failsafe put them on CD, DVD, or a USB Flash Drive. This will prevent you from losing those important files because you will have them in more than one place.

With your busy life, you have plenty to do. Computer maintenance might slip to the bottom of your to-do list. However, by making these simple resolutions your PC will be continue to perform well for another year.

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