I originally wrote this thread over at the Steam forums. But registering here I didn't think it would do any harm in posting it (with a little bit of editing done). Although I'm sure there are lots of you who know how to do this stuff, there will be a lot who don't. So, enjoy!
Before you start. I seriously recommend backing up all your documents. Things like the ‘My Documents’ folder, game saves and other program configurations. Nothing should go wrong; but, if does please be prepared. You can also utilise Microsoft Windows System Restore – always a good idea to do this before you make a major change to your computer.
www.nighthawk-f117.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk Is a HTML based version of this guide.
Basic Solutions
Simple Stuff
Keep these things in mind when using your computer.
- Don't open E-Mail attachments from people you don't know, and if you do - be careful, run a virus scan on them before opening.
- Don't run files you don't trust, especially if they are just bare .exe files from a dodgy source.
- Once you've downloaded a file, run a virus scan on it. Just to make sure, it can't harm you.
- If your antivirus tells you you've got a virus in your temp internet files, stop browsing that page immediately. Close all internet pages, clear the temporary internet files and run a full system scan.
- Before running a virus scan, clear your temp internet files and clean out the Sun Java Temp folder.
- Pay close attention to the task manager, if you see a new process there, and you haven't installed anything - be cautious, it may be legit - but do some checking anyway. Google the process name, and run a virus/adware scan.
If you’re using Windows XP, and don’t have Service Pack 2 installed – install it!
Microsoft’s Top 10 reasons to install Service Pack 2.
You can get it here. Once you’ve downloaded it, Microsoft and I recommend:
- Check here for programs that might behave differently when using Service Pack 2.
- Check here for programs that may stop working when using Service Pack 2.
- Backup all essential data, My Documents, game save files, program configurations etc...
- Do a full system scan for viruses, using all the anti malicious software programs you have. This is covered more in depth below.
- Check for special update instructions from your computers manufacturer.
- Once you’ve made backups, scanned for threats, and installed. Instantly check for Windows Updates (see below).
Although this will not speed your PC up, it will keep it safe, run Windows Update regularly. (Only works in Internet Explorer)
Office Update
Although this will not speed your PC up, it will keep it safe, run Office Update regularly. (Only works in Internet Explorer)
Update Everything Else
I can't tell you where to go to update your programs. But I can tell you. Look through every program you have, and download every available update for it. The programs you have may contain fixes in the program, or security related issues.
AutoPatcher seems to be a good program for generally updating all installed software (that’s supported, and you have). Although, I’ve never used it.
Defragment
Very simple solution, defragment your Hard Drive. This simply rearranges the files in your hard drive into a logical order, meaning your computer will spend less time looking for the files. A simple diagram can be found here.
To do this, follow the instructions shown in this picture, then highlight the selected drive, and click "Defragment".
For a better Disk Defragmenter, see Perfect Disk 7 below.
Disk Cleanup
This simple program included with Windows deletes ( / compresses)
some unused/unnecessary system files, such as:
- Downloaded Program Files
- Temporary Internet Files
- Offline Web Pages
- Office Set Up Files (If you have it)
- Recycle Bin
- Temporary Files
- WebClient/Publisher Temporary Files
- Compress old files
- Catalog files for the Content Indexer
Add/Remove Unused Programs
If you installed a program to try it, and didn't like it. UNINSTALL it, why keep it lying around in your Hard Drive? Or if a program doesn't work, uninstall it. Or if you just plain don't use it for any reason, uninstall it.
MSconfig - Only for more advanced users
This is another handy function Microsoft has hidden in Windows. It allows you, among other things to choose which programs load in the taskbar at start-up.
To use, follow these two pictures:
One
Two
Then, untick the things you don't want to start when your system does.
Disable Un-needed Services - Only for more advanced users
I've decided, I was going to make a guide about disabling unneeded services, but I have now decided that it is too big a topic for me to do. So here is the best guide I can find on how to do so.
Black Viper's Guide to Disabling Services Black Vipers site is currently down.
Third Party Solutions
Mozilla Firefox
A safer Internet browser than Internet Explorer and uses less Memory (RAM).
And has other useful functions, such as built in Google search bar, tabs, almost no pop ups. Another added bonus, is that there are no ActiveX controls in Firefox. Mozilla's Homepage.
Download here.
Once you’ve installed Firefox, you’ll need some plug-ins to make some sites work properly. You can view the essential plug-ins here.
NEVER Uninstall Internet Explorer, you need it for running Windows Update.
Perfect Disk 7
This program makes you wonder why you even used the Microsoft Disk Defrragger.
Among other things, it defrags your HDD(s), and optimizes the files, defrags your system page file, and the master file table. Altogether these things may seem insignificant, but together, they've sped up my PC immensely. The computer now boots in about 4 passings of the loading bar. Perfect Disk 7 is made by Raxco Software
Download the trial here.
I really urge you all to buy this software, it's by far the best disk defragmenter on the market.
CCleaner
Great program to remove unneeded files from your computer. It deleted 700MB from mind, and 1.5GB from my friend’s. Also has a basic registry cleaner. Great all round cleaning program. CCleaner Homepage.
Download here.
RegCleaner
This great program searches your registry for un-needed registry entries and deletes them. (It also makes a back up, before you start). Download here.
Once installed you need to allow it to clean the registry automatically; to do this select "Options" > "Registry Cleanup"> "Method" then select "Automatic". To then clean the registry select the "Tools" option > "Registry Cleanup" and then "Do them All".
This program is no longer supported.
Cerulean Studio's Trillian
This IM client integrates MSN, ICQ, AIM, YIM and IRC. So you don't have to have 5 programs open at once eating up your ram. Cerulean Studios’ Homepage.
Download here.
Lavalys EVEREST
This handy program allows you to see all your computer information in one centralised place. It also provides links to Manufacturers websites, and links to Driver Update pages. Lavalys's Homepage.
Download here.
Virus/Trojan/Adware/Spyware Problem & Firewalls
All of the above can slow your computer down and your internet connection.
So, make sure you have a firewall, and also antivirus which are kept upto date.
Anti-spyware
Microsoft® Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
Newly released AntiSpyware program for Microsoft. Seems excellent, and if you keep it running in the background it queries most suspicious activities. Up to you whether you keep it running in the background, but definitely download, install and run a scan every so often.
Download here.
Microsoft have a guide on how to install and configure the program here.
Ad-Aware Second Edition
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Ad ware.
Free definition updates. Second Edition. Made by Lavasoft.
Download here.
Spy Sweeper
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Adware.
You need to pay to get definition updates. Made by Webroot Software.
Download here.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Ad ware.
Free definition updates. It finds the same as Ad-Aware, if not more. Made by Safer Networking.
Download here.
NOTE: I use all four of the above. So that if one program misses something, the other three are bound to pick it up (I use Spyware Blaster too). I recommend you use them all to, just to make sure nothing gets missed.
Spyware Blaster
This great program stops spyware and adware before it even hits. It protects you against malicious ActiveX programs, cookies and much more. Read here for more info. Made by Javacool Software.
Download here.
CWShredder
Think you’ve got the well known Trojan/spyware CoolWebSearch on your computer?
Well you can use this handy tool to get rid of it.
Download it here.
HijackThis - Only for more advanced users
Serious spyware infestation? Especially with Internet Explorer, this will help get rid of those pesky search bars that just keep coming back. This programs requires a slightly higher level of computer literacy.
Download it here.
Confused by HijackThis' results? Post them here for a detailed analysis.
Anti-Virus
Online Virus Scanners
These online virus scanners can be useful to check if you have a virus, which your antivirus has missed.
- Trend Micro Nice online scan, can be used with almost any internet browser.
- Symantec Security Check Good, but you need to use Internet Explorer
- Jotti's Malware Scan Great scan, utilises many virus scanners to check if the file. Almost bound to find the virus. Can only check on file at a time, but this is very useful.
This free anti-virus program by AntiVir is one of the best free AV programs out there. According to this thread at AndandTech AntiVir has the highest virus detection rate among free scanners.
Download here.
avast! 4 Home Edition
Anti-virus program by alwil software is one of the most used free antivirus options. (The one I use)
Download here.
Firewalls
Firewall Check
Want to check how effective your firewall is to external elements?
- GRC Shields UP! Great all-round scan, checks all commonly used ports and more.
- Symantec Security Check Nice scan by Symantec, sad they try to sell you stuff at the end – even if you pass perfectly.
This free firewall by Sygate is generally revered as one of the best free firewall around. (The one I use)
Download here.
Zone Alarm
This free firewall is made by Zone Labs. It’s your decision whether you use Sygate Personal Firewall or this, both are very good free firewalls.
Download here.
For more PC security advice, check this excellent post by qUiCkSiLvEr at the Steampowered.com forums..
RAM - Random Access Memory
Your computer needs this stuff, and the more the better. Any 32bit CPU (Intel Pentium 3, 4, Celeron. AMD Athlon XP, Barton, Sempron) can take 4096MB or 4GB of RAM. A 64bit CPU (AMD Athlon 64, Opteron. Intel Pentium 4 with EMT64, Xeon with EMT 64, Itanium) can handle hundreds of GB of RAM, but the amount a certain system can take is limited by the motherboard and chipset.
One simple solution to speed your PC up, is to buy more RAM for it. Just check what speed of RAM your Motherboard and CPU can take, and what the maximum amount of RAM your computer will make use of.
Solution = Buy more RAM
The cheapest places to buy RAM, that I know are:
Newegg.com - USA Only
eBuyer - USA (Maybe Canada) and the UK (maybe mainland Europe)
Overclock - UK & Ireland
Conclusion
Hope all this helps. And if you have any other solutions, tell me, and I'll add them to the post. But I think I've covered most of it. One last thing is, there are only so many things you can do. There is no good replacement for good computer hardware.
Copyright © Nighthawk-F117 2005
This post has been edited by Nighthawk-F117: May 30 2005, 20:19
