There are numerous applications available to consumers. With a little research, you can pick the program that is right for you. Many programs provide a trial version which allows you to download the program and test its abilities. However, be aware that some anti-virus programs can be difficult to uninstall. As a precaution make sure to set up a System Restore point before installing.

Here are a few programs which typically receive high marks in terms of cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and customer service.

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Internet Security has become a HUGE issue now-a-days. With just about every single home having at least one computer and multiple users, you want to make sure that your computer is not leaking out vital and confidential information about you and/or your family! Are you SURE your computer is safe? Well, lets take a look at some of the things that might be insecure within your computer that you didn’t know about!

So as you have seen from previous posts, there is much you can do yourself to optimize your PC. So this deminishes the need for you to seek out tech support.

Lets Recap

1. We found out that we don’t really need the System Restore and that it is potentially dangerous to use it. That if we do use it and we previously had viruses, we could reactivate them if we didn’t really get rid of them correctly.

Cleaning Up The Rest

Yes there is more!

In order to optimize my computer and clear space on my hard drive, I have used a FREE program called CCleaner. With CCleaner you are able to do most of the optimizations already explained as well as much more. You can download this freeware from www.ccleaner.com.

It is a system optimization and privacy tool, which removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it contains NO Spyware or Adware!

Deleting Cookies off your computer is not only helpful in speeding up your computer and freeing space on your computer but it is also essential for your personal peace of mind and information security.

The following is classified ROUTINE MAINTENANCE and this should be done every 2 weeks for moderate users, and at least every week for heavy computer users. Of course these time frames are my PERSONAL recommendations and are definitely not cast in stone!

You can do them MORE OFTEN or LESS OFTEN if you wish. Doesn’t hurt. But NOT doing it will just fill up some of your hard drive with garbage.