5 Ways to Speed up your PC

There is one common bond between pc owners, regardless to how fast our computers are they are never fast enough. By following a few simple steps, we can not only maintain our computers but keep them running as fast as possible. I recently came across an article on Microsoft’s website that discussed how to use the tools in XP and Vista to more efficiently maintain your computer.

1. Free up disk space – Run Disk Cleanup to remove temporary Internet files., remove downloaded program, empty the Recycle Bin, remove Windows temporary files, remove optional Windows components that you don't use and to remove installed programs that you no longer use.
2. Speed up access to data – Run Disk Defragmenter to improve your systems overall performance. The computer’s response time is longer when the files are fragmented causing the computer to search the hard drive to consolidate the pieces.
3. Detect and Repair disk errors – Run Error Checking utility to check the integrity of the files stored on the hard drive. This will detect bad sectors on your hard drive and repair file system errors. If you use your pc daily this is a utility you should run weekly.
4. Protect your computer against spyware – I know you are aware of the existence of spyware, its threat to your personal information and the harm it can do to your pc. With that stated you should also make sure you protect your pc form spyware. This article recommends you use Windows Defender to protect your pc. I recommend you do your research. Windows Defender is a freeware and you get what you pay for.
5. ReadyBoost - Windows Vista introduces Windows ReadyBoost, a new concept in adding memory to a system by using flash memory to improve performance without adding memory.

These are 5 systems tools that each of us should utilize regularly to keep our systems running better. For more information or details abou t running these tools, follow this link to Microsoft’s website.
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/maintenance/speed.aspx

Gmail Power Tools

I have used gmail from Google for years now. This class has opened my eyes to the versatility of not only Google but gmail also. While flipping through my co-workers MacWorld magazine (yes, I said flipping through - I was actually reading the paper version) I found this very interesting article about the powerful tools that gmail has to offer.

My reason for acquiring a gmail address initially was the portability of a not ISP linked email address. After reading this article, I had a greater appreciation for Google. Here are a few of its features:

• GMail Labs – developmental features that include canned responses, forgotten attachment detector, Google calendar gadgets, quote selected text, etc. that are a work in progress that could disappear at any moment.
• Centralized E-Mail Accounts – allows you to consolidate up to 5 your POP3 email accounts.
• Voice and Video Chat – you can chat and create videos from Gmail , all you need ais a microphone, web cam along with any free voice and video plug-in.
• Open Attachments – ability to open attachments even if you do not have the software installed by opening as a Google document.
• Search Autocompete – Google is the world’s leading search engine.
• Google Notifier – If you miss the new mail notification feature of other desktop clients you can download the free Google Notifier and install this feature.
  

Here is the link to the digital version of this article:: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/165866/gmail_power_tools.html