Running a Better Windows Desktop

Let's face it: most casual computer users in the home run Microsoft Windows. Linux is popular with the geek set, but despite its tremendous progress in the past few years, it's still easier for the casual person to use what their computer came with.

Windows is very user-friendly but is also very easy to screw up, thanks to:

• email viruses,
• trojan horse programs,
• spyware,
• spam,
• internet popups,

Task #1: Clean Up the Crap

Did you know that your computer really is getting slower? Programs such as KaZaA often contain spyware, which can slow down your Internet connection or simply take up space and time on your computer. Those "Christmas card" attachments in your email messages could actually be a virus that will erase all the information on your computer! Fortunately, there is free software available that can solve these problems for you.

• Use Ad-aware to remove unwanted programs and ad-tracking systems from your computer
• AVG Anti-Virus is a free (for personal use) virus scanning program
• Don't use KaZaA, use KaZaA Lite (but you'll have to find it yourself)

Task #2: Eliminate Annoying Popup Windows

Unwanted popup windows destroy the web surfing experience. There is no reason to put up with them, even on Windows. I strongly recommend that everyone should use Mozilla Firefox for its simplicity, security, feature set, and ability to block all popup windows "out of the box".

Task #3: Computer Dustcleaning

Windows has a variety of tools and settings to make your system run better. The problem is that most people don't know about them. Here's a few to get you started:

• Empty the trash can (AKA the Recycle Bin)
• Tools | Internet Options | Temporary Internet Files | Settings
• Defrag - Right-click on any hard drive, select Properties | Tools | Defragment Now