I see the advertisements all the time on Facebook and on television for apps and software to “speed up your PC”. I’m not going to mention specific companies or products because this is not a smear post. I know some of that software is probably legitimate and who am I to ruin someone’s livelihood. I’m going to explain how I rarely have speed issues or viruses and I don’t use any of those products nor do you have to be a computer expert; and you can do it without spending money on software. You shouldn’t need to buy those kinds of programs when a little common sense and caution helps to keep your computer clean and performing well.
Anti-Virus
The first, and most obvious, step should be to install a virus scanner. The popular ones you have probably heard about: McAfee, Norton, Kasperskey, etc. Those also cost money and require a subscription in order to keep your computer protected against new viruses. Since I’m frugal (which is the polite way of saying “cheap ass”) I prefer less expensive means of virus scanning; and by “less expensive” I mean free. There are a couple of free options out there. I’ve heard that some people have pretty good luck with Avast, personally I like Clamwin.
I cannot speak on behalf of Avast, since I have never used it, but Clamwin is pretty discrete, low maintenance and does not consume system resources (when its not running a scan). I schedule it to run a weekly scan at a time I know I won’t be using my computer (2am on Saturday’s). If you shutdown your computer or you own a laptop then you will need to find a more suitable time for a scan, but you should definitely try to run it once a week.
Pay Attention When Installing
I install a lot of other tools to augment my everyday computer use. I install programs that allow me to move files to other computers (i.e. Filezilla), or programs for simple file edit that are more powerful than Notepad (i.e. Notepad++), etc. Pay close attention to each screen that comes up during installation, sometimes you need to uncheck a checkbox or deny an installation request because its going to install something you don’t need (like those pesky browser toolbars, ex: the infamous “Ask” toolbar). Granted Filezilla and Notepad++ are not notorious for installing that extra crap but if you download anything from the Internet 1) make sure its from a reputable source and 2) always do a custom install (if the option is available) and always double check what you are installing, don’t blindly click “Next”. There are a lot of programs out there that are great tools but they like to sneak in extra products because they can earn royalties from each installation so a little caution goes a lot way.
Paying attention to what you download and/or install is especially important if you use a lot of peer-to-peer software. You just never know what you are actually putting on your computer when you are using torrents. Granted if you are using a virus scanner or programs that remove spyware (such as SpyBot Search & Destroy) might prevent damage to your computer from something you downloaded but nothing is 100%. I’m not saying all torrents are bad just be careful and use some common sense.
Stop Looking At Porn
I’m sure I am getting some shocking looks right now. I’m also guessing a few of my male friends are rolling their eyes and mocking me from afar but hear me out. I am not trying to be your moral compass. I’m not your mother, I’m not your priest, this has nothing to do with morality.
Some of you may remember “warez”, websites that allowed you to download cracked software or product keys to pirate software. Warez sites were the underworld of the Internet and porn sites were often associated with many warez sites thus making porn sites seem more sketchy. Honestly, I don’t trust porn sites; harmful code can be embedded in pictures, videos, etc and can even be triggered by simply moving your mouse over it. You run a huge risk by downloading pictures and videos or any other programs and “games” those sites may offer. Remember a virus was spread by alleged nude pictures of Anna Kournikova. Hackers out there with malicious intents not only know they can exploit weaknesses of a system but also can exploit a persons lack of self-control. I’m sure there are probably some “reputable” adult websites and those might be safe, but if you are trying to be clandestine or access “free porn”, I think you are putting your computer, and maybe even your identity, at risk.
I love the analogy of comparing a computer to a car because 90% of the time maintaining a computer is very similar to a car. Of course the irony is that I could build a computer in my sleep but I can’t change the oil on my car. Be that as it may, treat your computer like its a brand new car. You want to keep it looking nice and performing efficiently. Obviously bad things can still happen despite your due diligence but as long as you pay attention and always be aware of what you are downloading, you can mitigate most PC performance issues.
I could get so much more accomplished if I only had minions!
Issue 138: Greetings and welcome to 2016! Isn’t it funny to think that a little over 16 years ago we were all freaking out because Y2K was going to destroy the world? Silly humans. Oh, and speaking of silly humans, what is with the “find the panda” bit going around Facebook? I couldn’t resist using the above image from a 
After 10 years of loyal service, I sold my Saturn Vue and upgraded to something a little more current. A 2015 Toyota Highlander. I don’t usually like to buy foreign cars, I like to drive a vehicle that is American made (although that’s probably a relative term since there are foreign cars manufactured in the United States). Be that as it may, the Highlander had the best safety ratings and Consumer Report ratings and I liked the way it drove. Actually I was on the fence about it until I went on a test drive and it just felt great driving one. Once the test drive was over, I knew that I had found my next car.
Did you make the proverbial resolution again this year? I did not. I haven’t declared any New Years resolutions for quite a while. Typically they have simply been broken promises to myself. I emit enough hot air, why exacerbate it more with hollow declarations.
I prefer to set goals for myself. Last year I wanted to complete a walk challenge and I’m going to do that again this year. At first the concept of setting “intentions instead of resolutions” seemed intriguing, but the more I thought of it setting an intention is actually more flimsy than a resolution. After all, if you are setting a resolution then you should be 
I think I also had to tone down the pride a notch or two since I was correct on one of my story arc predictions (which I can talk about in a bit – I want to save the spoilers until later in the post). I found the picture to the right on Facebook and I had to include it in this post. It accurately reflects how I felt walking out of The Force Awakens.
As we sit on the brink of one of the most epic movie releases of the new millennium (falcon) and Christmas just around the corner I don’t know how busy things will become for me as I prepare my family for my favorite holiday. I wanted to make sure that I get a post out wishing all my family, friends and readers (the few of you there are, if any) a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!If you’re Jewish then I wish you a VERY HAPPY HANUKKAH!!!