Computer users sometimes ask: "How can I speed up my internet connection?"
Well, there are several factors that can determine your connectivity speed to the internet.
You may be limited by what Internet Service Provider (ISP) you're using, what type of service plan you're using, if you're on dial-up or broadband and even geographical location.
However, there are a few tweaks and tips you might do in Windows that could help to improve internet connection speeds. (I've used all these tweaks and utilities mentioned here with good success, but as a precaution though, make a System Restore checkpoint just in case something messes up and you wanted to revert back to your current settings).
In this post, I will outline a few relatively quick and easy things you can try that may help to improve your internet connection speed.
TCP Optimizer:
Go to the following page:
http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php
For XP, download the "TCP Optimizer" utility. Run the program, click the "Optimize" button, ok now Apply Changes, close the program and restart computer for the new settings to take effect.
For Vista, download and run the "SG Vista TCP/IP Patch" on that page instead. Restart computer for the new settings to take effect.
Fresh Download Manager:
For a good, and free, download manager that can greatly help in improving speeds for downloading files, check out Fresh Download:
http://www.freshdevices.com/freshdown.html
Browser Tweaks:
I may have mentioned a couple of these already in previous posts, but I thought I'd put these tips together with this post.
If you use FireFox, there's some tweaks you can do to help make webpages load a bit faster:
http://www.aokpc.com/ff01.html
and:
http://www.aokpc.com/ff04.html
For Internet Explorer browser:
http://www.aokpc.com/ie03.html
and
http://www.aokpc.com/ie02.html
After applying the tips in this post, you may notice a good improvement in your internet connection speed, how fast web-pages load in your browser and also in the speed of downloading files.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tips to Reclaim Disk Space
I often hear from computer users the complaint that the space on their hard-drive seems to be "shrinking", and sometimes they can't figure out why or what they can do to reclaim disk space.
Outlined in this post are are few useful suggestions on how you can help to reclaim disk space on your hard-drive(s).
Uninstall Programs:
Uninstall programs you don't use and you're sure that Windows doesn't need.
In Windows, click on Start, then open up your Control Panel. In the control panel click on the "Add or Remove Programs" in XP, or for Vista it should be under "Programs / Uninstall a program" or in classic view it's "Programs and Features".
After the list of installed programs loads in, scroll through the list and see if there are programs listed there that you don't use. If you're not sure of what a program is for or what it does, for the time being, I'd suggest to leave it alone as it could be an important program for Windows or some hardware to operate properly. You could do some research for what an unknown program is to get an idea of what it is for and if you need it on your computer or not.
So if you are sure it's a program you don't use or is not needed, click on it to select it, and often times a "Remove" or "Uninstall" button will appear that you can click on. After uninstalling the program(s), it's good practice to re-start the computer to help ensure all changes take effect and clean the memory.
Recycle Bin Tips:
Empty your recycle bin. Of course first be sure there's no files in it that you will need.
By default, the Windows Recycle Bin takes up around 10% of your hard-drive's space.
For instructions on how to reduce this wasteful setting and reclaim some of your HD space, visit the following link:
http://www.aokpc.com/recycling_bin.html
System Restore Tips:
System Restore can also take up a large chunk of disk-space over time and can grow way too large. To reduce this, you can check out the following site for instructions on how to do this.
For Windows Vista, visit the following link for details on how to do this:
http://www.vista4beginners.com/System-Restore-Space-Used
In XP, it's easier to do:
To resize windows restore, right click on “My Computer” and choose “Properties” then “System Restore“.
Click on “C drive” (the Drive that you want to resize) then “Settings..” button. On “Disk space usage”, move the slider to the left to decreace the amount of disk space for System Restore. The better size is about 1000-1500mb or may be less that it. Then “Ok” to confirm.
Delete User Account Temp Files:
As you use Windows and various programs on a user account, some temporary files and folders may automatically be created. However, these temp files are not always deleted when they are no longer required, and over time this can add up to a sizable amount of disk-space they use.
So here is a quick and easy way to access these temp file and then you should be able to safely delete them all.
Click Start, then select Run. Now enter the following command: %temp%
This should open up the Temp folder for your user account. You may see a list of folders and files within this Temp folder. These are all temporary folders and files that you can safely delete to reclaim some disk space. Don't delete the actual Temp folder itself, only all of the folders and files within it.
To select all of the files for deletion, click on the top file on the list to highlight it, now scroll all the way down to the last file, hold your Shift key, then click on the last file. This will highlight the whole list. Now right-click on any highlighted file and select "Delete". If a file is currently in use, perhaps an open program is currently using one of these temp files, then you may get a warning that you can't delete it. You can then skip that file, or close any applications running that may be using it then try again.
Once you choose to delete all of these file, they may be moved into your Recycle bin. Once they are in the Recycle Bin, then you can simply empty it to permanently delete these files and reclaim some disk space.
Crap Cleaner to Remove Junk Files:
I also suggest getting a good and free utility that can easily help clean up junk from your computer and regain disk space, CCleaner:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
It also has a nice registry cleaner feature too.
IE Temp Files Tips:
Also, if you use IE browser, reduce the storage size setting for temp files. From the Internet Explorer top menu bar click on "Tools" then "Internet Options". From the General tab, the section that reads "Temporary Internet Files", click on "Settings". You'll see a slider that reads "Amount of Disk Space Used". Move that slider more to the left to save disk-space. Then "OK" everything.
Defrag your Hard Drives:
As outlined in one of my previous posts. I'd suggest to run a disk-defrag on your hard-drive(s) about once a month or so to help reclaim some possibly wasted disk-space, as well it will help to keep things running more smoothly.
------------
Well, there you have it. After following these tips, you will probably have reclaimed a good chunk of your hard-drive space.
Cheers! :)
Outlined in this post are are few useful suggestions on how you can help to reclaim disk space on your hard-drive(s).
Uninstall Programs:
Uninstall programs you don't use and you're sure that Windows doesn't need.
In Windows, click on Start, then open up your Control Panel. In the control panel click on the "Add or Remove Programs" in XP, or for Vista it should be under "Programs / Uninstall a program" or in classic view it's "Programs and Features".
After the list of installed programs loads in, scroll through the list and see if there are programs listed there that you don't use. If you're not sure of what a program is for or what it does, for the time being, I'd suggest to leave it alone as it could be an important program for Windows or some hardware to operate properly. You could do some research for what an unknown program is to get an idea of what it is for and if you need it on your computer or not.
So if you are sure it's a program you don't use or is not needed, click on it to select it, and often times a "Remove" or "Uninstall" button will appear that you can click on. After uninstalling the program(s), it's good practice to re-start the computer to help ensure all changes take effect and clean the memory.
Recycle Bin Tips:
Empty your recycle bin. Of course first be sure there's no files in it that you will need.
By default, the Windows Recycle Bin takes up around 10% of your hard-drive's space.
For instructions on how to reduce this wasteful setting and reclaim some of your HD space, visit the following link:
http://www.aokpc.com/recycling_bin.html
System Restore Tips:
System Restore can also take up a large chunk of disk-space over time and can grow way too large. To reduce this, you can check out the following site for instructions on how to do this.
For Windows Vista, visit the following link for details on how to do this:
http://www.vista4beginners.com/System-Restore-Space-Used
In XP, it's easier to do:
To resize windows restore, right click on “My Computer” and choose “Properties” then “System Restore“.
Click on “C drive” (the Drive that you want to resize) then “Settings..” button. On “Disk space usage”, move the slider to the left to decreace the amount of disk space for System Restore. The better size is about 1000-1500mb or may be less that it. Then “Ok” to confirm.
Delete User Account Temp Files:
As you use Windows and various programs on a user account, some temporary files and folders may automatically be created. However, these temp files are not always deleted when they are no longer required, and over time this can add up to a sizable amount of disk-space they use.
So here is a quick and easy way to access these temp file and then you should be able to safely delete them all.
Click Start, then select Run. Now enter the following command: %temp%
This should open up the Temp folder for your user account. You may see a list of folders and files within this Temp folder. These are all temporary folders and files that you can safely delete to reclaim some disk space. Don't delete the actual Temp folder itself, only all of the folders and files within it.
To select all of the files for deletion, click on the top file on the list to highlight it, now scroll all the way down to the last file, hold your Shift key, then click on the last file. This will highlight the whole list. Now right-click on any highlighted file and select "Delete". If a file is currently in use, perhaps an open program is currently using one of these temp files, then you may get a warning that you can't delete it. You can then skip that file, or close any applications running that may be using it then try again.
Once you choose to delete all of these file, they may be moved into your Recycle bin. Once they are in the Recycle Bin, then you can simply empty it to permanently delete these files and reclaim some disk space.
Crap Cleaner to Remove Junk Files:
I also suggest getting a good and free utility that can easily help clean up junk from your computer and regain disk space, CCleaner:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
It also has a nice registry cleaner feature too.
IE Temp Files Tips:
Also, if you use IE browser, reduce the storage size setting for temp files. From the Internet Explorer top menu bar click on "Tools" then "Internet Options". From the General tab, the section that reads "Temporary Internet Files", click on "Settings". You'll see a slider that reads "Amount of Disk Space Used". Move that slider more to the left to save disk-space. Then "OK" everything.
Defrag your Hard Drives:
As outlined in one of my previous posts. I'd suggest to run a disk-defrag on your hard-drive(s) about once a month or so to help reclaim some possibly wasted disk-space, as well it will help to keep things running more smoothly.
------------
Well, there you have it. After following these tips, you will probably have reclaimed a good chunk of your hard-drive space.
Cheers! :)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Clean your PC to Prevent Overheating.
Many times in helping people fix their computer problems, they complain about their computer randomly shutting down without warning. There could be several causes as to what is the cause of the problem, but often I discover that they've never cleaned their computers.
"What? I'm supposed to clean the computer?" they ask.
"Yes, probably at least once every few months." I tell them.
Nowadays most computers have a safe-guard feature built in so if the internal components start getting too hot, then the computer will automatically shut itself off. If over time dust and dirt builds up on the fans and venting areas, it can prevent the natural air-flow that would normally help to cool a computer, and then the computer can start to overheat. So, it's important to try and keep your computer clean and cool.
Tips for Cleaning a Desktop Computer:
Turn off the computer and unplug it. Unplug all of the devices and set your computer someplace with lots of space around it for easy access (such as on a table top).
Slide-off the cover of the computer. This can be a different procedure according to what type of computer model you have, but typically there are a few screws located at the back of the computer that holds the case on that you will need to remove. Once you have the screws out, then the casing cover, or part thereof, should easily slide off.
Look inside the computer and you can probably see lots of dust and dirt built-up on the various components if it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Have good lighting so you can see what you're doing.
Use a can of compressed-air (which most computer shops sell), and give a good blow throughout the inside of your computer, especially the fan(s) and venting areas. Don't hold the compressed air for too long in any one spot, as the compressed air is very cold and it's possible if concentrating on one spot for too long, that it could damage something, so keep moving the spray-can in gentle constant motion while using it so as to not overly "freeze" one spot.
You can use a dry cloth to wipe away dust and dirt, as well as a cotton-swab for those hard to reach areas.
If you have a vacuum-cleaner, you could put on a soft-attachment onto the end of the hose, and using it gently, suck away the dust and dirt.
Just go slow, careful and gentle with the whole cleaning process, and everything should be okay.
Once you're done, slide the cover back on, put the screws back in, plug everything back in, turn the computer on and it should be running a lot cooler now.
----------------------------------------------------------
For Laptops:
Pretty much the same advice I gave for cleaning a desktop computer, except removing the cover can be very difficult for a laptop, or for some laptops the cover is really not meant to be removed, so in this case you would need to try to clean it without removing the cover. So in this case, use a can of compressed air, give a good blow into all of the various openings, and you can still use a vacuum-cleaner on the vent areas to help suck out the dust and dirt too.
Also, in using a laptop, avoid placing it on any soft surfaces, such as carpet or a bed, as this can block the vent areas and cause the computer to overheat as well. When the computer is not being using, I would recommend to turn it off.
Some computer-shops may also sell a type of "cooling platform" that are made for laptops, so that is something else to consider if you use a laptop a lot.
----------------------------------------------------------
Well, there you have it. Keep your computer clean and cool. It will help to avoid overheating problems and extend the life of your computer.
Cheers! :)
"What? I'm supposed to clean the computer?" they ask.
"Yes, probably at least once every few months." I tell them.
Nowadays most computers have a safe-guard feature built in so if the internal components start getting too hot, then the computer will automatically shut itself off. If over time dust and dirt builds up on the fans and venting areas, it can prevent the natural air-flow that would normally help to cool a computer, and then the computer can start to overheat. So, it's important to try and keep your computer clean and cool.
Tips for Cleaning a Desktop Computer:
Turn off the computer and unplug it. Unplug all of the devices and set your computer someplace with lots of space around it for easy access (such as on a table top).
Slide-off the cover of the computer. This can be a different procedure according to what type of computer model you have, but typically there are a few screws located at the back of the computer that holds the case on that you will need to remove. Once you have the screws out, then the casing cover, or part thereof, should easily slide off.
Look inside the computer and you can probably see lots of dust and dirt built-up on the various components if it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Have good lighting so you can see what you're doing.
Use a can of compressed-air (which most computer shops sell), and give a good blow throughout the inside of your computer, especially the fan(s) and venting areas. Don't hold the compressed air for too long in any one spot, as the compressed air is very cold and it's possible if concentrating on one spot for too long, that it could damage something, so keep moving the spray-can in gentle constant motion while using it so as to not overly "freeze" one spot.
You can use a dry cloth to wipe away dust and dirt, as well as a cotton-swab for those hard to reach areas.
If you have a vacuum-cleaner, you could put on a soft-attachment onto the end of the hose, and using it gently, suck away the dust and dirt.
Just go slow, careful and gentle with the whole cleaning process, and everything should be okay.
Once you're done, slide the cover back on, put the screws back in, plug everything back in, turn the computer on and it should be running a lot cooler now.
----------------------------------------------------------
For Laptops:
Pretty much the same advice I gave for cleaning a desktop computer, except removing the cover can be very difficult for a laptop, or for some laptops the cover is really not meant to be removed, so in this case you would need to try to clean it without removing the cover. So in this case, use a can of compressed air, give a good blow into all of the various openings, and you can still use a vacuum-cleaner on the vent areas to help suck out the dust and dirt too.
Also, in using a laptop, avoid placing it on any soft surfaces, such as carpet or a bed, as this can block the vent areas and cause the computer to overheat as well. When the computer is not being using, I would recommend to turn it off.
Some computer-shops may also sell a type of "cooling platform" that are made for laptops, so that is something else to consider if you use a laptop a lot.
----------------------------------------------------------
Well, there you have it. Keep your computer clean and cool. It will help to avoid overheating problems and extend the life of your computer.
Cheers! :)
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