How to make your PC run smoothly

Personal computers have become an integral part of our working lives, but basic maintenance is necessary to keep your PC running smoothly. Whether you use a classic desktop or a stylish laptop, here are some helpful tips that will keep your computer running smoothly.

• Always protect your system by installing an antivirus program and keep it updated 24 hours a day. There are numerous products available on the market, but be sure to consult a professional and choose an effective program accordingly. A weak antivirus program will do more harm than good. On the other hand, a high-quality product will protect your computer from dangerous invasions that can corrupt all your data.
• Keep firewall protection turned on as it will protect your PC from unwanted interference. If your firewall is not on and you are accessing the Internet, hackers can easily take advantage and access data on your computer. On the other hand, viruses will find your system easy prey and your PC may crash at any time.
• Temporary files, files downloaded from the Internet, and old unused files can take up a large amount of space on your hard drive. Perform regular disk cleanup using available tools or you can also do it manually. Always delete files from the Recycle Bin to keep your system free of junk. Delete cookies from PC as they clog the computer’s memory and slow down its performance.
• You should also install a registry cleaning tool from the Internet. It will improve the efficiency of the system and also ensure that the hardware and software run smoothly. Run this regularly or at least once a week for best results.
• Keep checking for spyware and adware by installing spyware detectors. A high-quality antivirus program also helps you detect them. Spyware/malware/adware will make your system extremely slow, it can even damage your system and invade your personal data.
• All the software programs installed on your computer must be updated regularly so that they can work efficiently. Today, most software products come with automatic update features that ensure timely notices and installations when updates are due. As soon as the Internet is turned on, there will be an automatic check for updates and the updates will be installed on your system after clicking the ‘update now’ option. Once the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer for the updates to take effect.
• Sometimes your computer can become incredibly slow even though it is not infested with viruses. It happens because the programs installed on the system require more memory to run smoothly. So the solution is to add more RAM.
• When your PC is not in use, turn it off. Even if you’re in a hurry and need to turn it off quickly, don’t turn it off first. Let Windows shut down gracefully before cutting power.