CompuClever Blog

Speed up your PC by using Microsoft Security Essentials

by

improve windows speedsSooner or later we all have to remove virus problems or malware from our computer. It’s part of  the ongoing battle being fought between Microsoft and other technology companies and a shadowy network of hackers all over the world. To protect against computer viruses and other threats, most people choose to install a third-party “anti-virus” software. This software is typically not developed by Microsoft or the Windows team, and provides a layer of protection for your system by examining all downloads, all the time.

This amount of activity can really slow things down, and most people will really notice the effect of an anti-virus program on their system.

There is, however, a way to speed up your computer.

Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft’s free anti-virus and malware protection software integrates seamlessly with XP, Vista and Windows 7. Moreso than other anti-virus programs, Microsoft Security Essentials run quietly in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. Most importantly, it  limits CPU and memory usage, resulting in less impact computer performance and speed.

This means opening documents and browser windows, or loading search results can become noticeably faster. So, Microsoft Security Essentials offers Windows users real-time virus, trojan and malware protection without slowing the system noticeably. The program (it also utilizes something called Dynamic Signature Service, a technology that helps ensure users stay protected by the most current virus definitions available without having to wait for the next scheduled download.

Microsoft Security Essentials replaces Windows Live OneCare, a commercial subscription-based antivirus service and the free Windows Defender, which only protected users from adware and spyware.

Important tip: if you decide to download and try out Microsoft Security Essentials, be sure to disable your existing anti-virus program, as two such programs running at the same time could crash your computer.

And, as always to help speed up your PC, why not try out PC TuneUp Maestro?

Improve PC speed by adjusting Windows Aero

by

Computer tips and tricksWindows 7 offers a neat new feature called Aero that basically transforms parts of open windows on your desktop into transparent panes of glass. It’s a bit of inspired “eye-candy” that adds to the visual appeal of Windows, and the transparent, open effect provided by Aero can reduce some of the claustrophobia caused by having too many windows open at the same time.

However, like many of Windows 7 features, this increased functionality can come with a price. Laptops and computers that have stock video adapters that are “good enough” to get the job done, but unsuitable for more resource-intensive activities might see a performance hit when running Aero’s transparent glass effect.

For you the user, a “performance hit” means a slow computer. Programs, especially internet browsers, may not be as responsive as they could,  and it may take longer to open folders contain much-needed files.

All this can be irritating, but there is one way to speed up your computer: disable Aero’s glass transparency.

In Windows 7:

1. Click anywhere on your desktop, right-click, & select Personalize.
2. Select Window Color at the bottom.
3. Uncheck Enable Transparency.

Now Windows should run a little faster. While eye-candy is dandy, a lean-and-clean Windows interface is quicker!

And if you really want to optimize Windows, why not try out PC TuneUp Maestro?