From now on i'll post about the basic problems the PC users face and how to tackle them.......
Most of us face the problem of the pc getting slow after some time(ie after installing and uninstalling programs or after a long time of usage). Here the problem lies in the files that are left by the various kinds of programs that have operated on the computer. They leave empty folders, garbage files, .dat files, registry entries, etc. all these files although small in size total up to form large chunk of data that is completely useless and often affect the pc's performance. You may realise or not but they also affect the life of your hard-disk in the longer run. So its better to remove such files from the computer time after time. I call this as "maintenance of my computer". believe me if you are regular you wont even need to format your pc; ever!
Ok so now the question arises how to remove such files?
The most obvious ans. is to delete them manualy. But u can traverse through the entire hard disk to find such files, especially when the size of the hard-disks is ever increasing.
So, I shall tell you the ways to maintain your pc; the ways which I have gained from my own experience of using the computer.
1] Using dedicated programs:
These programs are available all over the internet and ask you to "relax" as they do the job. Sounds so nice!!!!(just google "computer maintenance software")click on them and you get to know the reality. You have to shell out some money to get them. I personally cant comment on the way they do their work, coz i myself never felt the need to use them(even if I were to get them for free). These programs have their own share of problems. Being dedicated to their work, some will continuously run in the background, taking up resources. Otherwise too they take up lots of resources when accessed. I am talking only about some of them, not all!
Even if you were to get them, believe me they dont have brains the way we have got. Their efficiency just cannot be matched to the combination of methods I am going to mention. So its always better to do the other way.
2] Doing it manually:
Ok, so instead of talking too much time, now i'll directly give the methods. But it is to be remembered that these methods work better as a combination rather than single. So its best to execute them all or atleast most of them in the order given.
a] Prefetch: Go to start>run>type "prefetch"। There a new folder will open up with many files. Select all of them and delete them permanently by using "shift+delete"(Yes! you should use shift+delete). There is no need to worry, as these files are just parts of programs that the computer generates when u access them, and loads them in your ram everytime start your computer. This the computer to load them faster when they are accessed. So they keep generating everytime you start the prog.
b] Program files: The program files are the ones that should be handled with utmost care. You should find such folders in your "c/program files" folder. Sort out the ones that belong to those programs that are no more installed on your computer and you are sure you don't need them. Then delete them using "shift delete".
c] CC-Cleaner/CM Disk Cleaner : Both of these programs are used by me since a long time. And you can use them safely. Their best use is to clean the registry of useless reg. entries.( Just google them from the above search box for the latest versions). Believe me after performing these steps itself, you will see the difference in your computer. But wait! there is more to be done...
One more thing, I have recommended these programs because they provide more than just registry cleaning. Especially, CC cleaner is my favourite because its simple yet powerful and effective. It not only cleans the registry, it also helps you get rid of unwanted files on your hard disk(such as temp. file, log files, etc. etc.). Just believe me and give it a try. You will surely find some MBs or even GBs of data on your computer that is useless; with the help of this tool. Whats more you can get rid of it with a single click.
Third thing, It has an option to fix issues of registry and general file errors. Not quite sure about its performance in that respect, but whats bad in trying that? I am sure it wont do any harm.
d] Defragmentation : This is one of the most important processes undertaken to maintain the hard-disk and ensure its smooth working. For defragmenting you can use any program. This includes windows xp's inbuilt program and other third party programs too. Actually its better if you find some other alternatives for defragmenting. So go ahead and make your PC relive again as if it has been installed with a new operating system!
b] Program files: The program files are the ones that should be handled with utmost care. You should find such folders in your "c/program files" folder. Sort out the ones that belong to those programs that are no more installed on your computer and you are sure you don't need them. Then delete them using "shift delete".
c] CC-Cleaner/CM Disk Cleaner : Both of these programs are used by me since a long time. And you can use them safely. Their best use is to clean the registry of useless reg. entries.( Just google them from the above search box for the latest versions). Believe me after performing these steps itself, you will see the difference in your computer. But wait! there is more to be done...
One more thing, I have recommended these programs because they provide more than just registry cleaning. Especially, CC cleaner is my favourite because its simple yet powerful and effective. It not only cleans the registry, it also helps you get rid of unwanted files on your hard disk(such as temp. file, log files, etc. etc.). Just believe me and give it a try. You will surely find some MBs or even GBs of data on your computer that is useless; with the help of this tool. Whats more you can get rid of it with a single click.
Third thing, It has an option to fix issues of registry and general file errors. Not quite sure about its performance in that respect, but whats bad in trying that? I am sure it wont do any harm.
d] Defragmentation : This is one of the most important processes undertaken to maintain the hard-disk and ensure its smooth working. For defragmenting you can use any program. This includes windows xp's inbuilt program and other third party programs too. Actually its better if you find some other alternatives for defragmenting. So go ahead and make your PC relive again as if it has been installed with a new operating system!
