Note: Items left in the Recycle Bin also pose a privacy risk because these files can be easily retrieved. Where confidentiality is critical, not only empty the Recycle Bin, but also use a data wiping program to thoroughly obliterate data.The dangers of computer viruses are often discussed, but you may not be aware of other hazards that can jeopardize your privacy, damage your files, and cause frustrating downtime.
Fortunately, implementing some simple strategies can not only secure your computer and help keep your data safe, but can make your computer work faster and more efficiently.
This topic:
Reviews the risks for a computer with excessive clutter, speed and performance drains, insufficient security protection, or corrupted settings.
Suggests repairs and preventative measures that can both protect your computer and help improve its speed, stability, and efficiency.
Where appropriate, provides links to descriptions of the System Mechanic tool that can help solve or prevent the issue.
Reduction in processing. Unneeded files consume memory and take up drive space. Instead of focusing on processing the services you really need, your computer is using resources to process useless items.
Recurrent crashes and lock-ups. A glut of unnecessary files increases drive fragmentation, which burdens the hard drive. With an excessive amount of debris, Windows can start to behave in unusual ways, including locking up or crashing.
Endangered privacy. Anyone who has access to your computer can see the Web sites you have visited and easily open files you have deleted.
Erase temporary files. Simply deleting files from your Web browser cache or temporary directories does not completely erase these tracks. Most security advisers recommend using software that can thoroughly clean out cookies, temporary Internet files, and cache files.
See: Securely Erase Private Data
Empty the Recycle Bin. Windows stores deleted items in the Recycle Bin for easy recovery and as you work on your computer, these deleted files quickly accumulate. Periodically empty the Recycle Bin to reclaim valuable hard drive space.
Note: Items left in the Recycle Bin also pose a privacy risk because these files can be easily retrieved. Where confidentiality is critical, not only empty the Recycle Bin, but also use a data wiping program to thoroughly obliterate data.
See: PC Cleanup Wizard and Securely Delete Files
Remove unneeded files and programs. Occasionally review the data you have saved and installed. Delete the documents and files you no longer want and uninstall programs you are no longer using. Consider archiving rarely used files to a CD or other removable media.
See: Remove Installed Programs
Slow boot times. Various programs and services are set to load when Windows loads. Some of these programs, such as internet security, are desired, but many are useless and needlessly slowing the time it takes to start your computer.
Reduction in processing. When hard drives and system memory become fragmented, computer performance is significantly slowed. Files take longer to open and programs take longer to start.
System and file damage. Highly fragmented files are more prone to becoming corrupt. A highly fragmented hard drive places more strain on the heads, which in severe cases can lead to a head crash and a loss of data.
Exposure to infections. Trojans (malicious software) might also be loading at startup. Trojans are usually designed to load when you restart your computer.
Defragment your hard drive and system memory. Defragmenting your hard drives reorganizes scattered data, which helps boost file access speed and extends the life of the drive. Defragmenting system memory reclaims valuable memory and helps improve PC efficiency and speed.
See: Defragment Hard Drive and Maximize Free Memory
Defragment and compact the registry. Defragmenting and compacting the registry restructures registry entries and removes blocks of unused space, which helps improve the efficiency and speed of registry processing.
See: Defragment and Compact Registry
Remove unneeded services from startup. Eliminate startup items that are unnecessary. Removing these unneeded performance drains will help boost your PC's speed, particularly the time it takes to boot, and will eliminate potentially dangerous programs.
Periodically restart your computer. If you tend to always leave your computer on, restart it occasionally to clear out stagnant programs that may be unnecessarily using system memory.
Reduction in processing. Infections can cripple a system and bring processing to a halt. Viruses can make changes to the vital registry, causing system slowdowns and crashes.
Lost files. Your files - treasured photos, valuable music, important financial records - can all be destroyed if your computer becomes infected.
System and file damage. Viruses are designed to alter the operation of a computer. In addition to damaging files, viruses can harm your registry, your operating system, and even your hardware.
Data and identity theft. Trojans and spyware can enable the theft of any data saved on your computer, including banking and credit card information, passwords, address books, and other private information.
Financial risk. The monetary cost of recovering from data loss or identity theft can be devastating.
Spreading of infections to others. You can unknowingly spread viral infections to your friends, family, and business associates just by sending an email or leaving your computer unattended. Hackers can secretly take control of your PC and use it to attack and infect other computers.
Use a firewall. A firewall is vital to secure Internet activity. A firewall puts up a barrier against hackers and other intruders, but allows the Internet access that you do want. Configure the firewall so that only the programs and web sites you trust are allowed to pass through.
Use anti-malware software. Anti-malware software is a must-have for anyone who uses the Internet. This software blocks computer infections and detects and removes any existing infections. Make sure you keep the virus and spyware signatures up to date for continual protection.
Patch known security flaws. Many malicious programs exploit known security vulnerabilities in operating systems and browsers. Install the latest security patches, or use a specialized program that can automatically repair these flaws.
See: Fix Security Vulnerabilities
Only download trusted programs. Only download programs from trusted Web sites or refer to a trusted source for information. Do not install software if you are not sure about it.
Back up important files, including the registry. Establish and follow a schedule for regular backups of your data. Ideally, use a backup program that backs up all files, including programs and hidden operating system files. Regular backups of the registry are also recommended to protect its critical settings.
See: Backup or Restore Registry
Permanently erase deleted confidential data. A file deleted through Windows is not completely erased; even though you can't see the file, someone using easily available tools can recover it and view its contents. For highly confidential data you have deleted, use data wiping software that completely erases all data remnants.
Reduction in processing. Unneeded uninstallers and other invalid data in the registry overburden Windows processing. Corrupted settings also waste system memory, which can slow Internet processing and lead to overall sluggish performance.
Recurrent crashes and lock-ups. Damaged hard drives, obsolete shortcuts, and inaccurate registry references frequently cause computer crashes and lock-ups. A volatile computer can become practically unusable.
System and file damage. Damaged sectors on a drive can prevent files from being accessed or saved and can cause system crashes. Some programs can have poorly or carelessly designed functions that cause conflicts with your valid software.
Repair hard drive errors. A damaged hard drive can prevent you from saving files and retrieving existing files. Using software to fix hard drive errors protects your data and helps improve PC stability.
See Repair Hard Drive Problems
Repair registry errors. The registry is vital to your computer's ability to run correctly and when it becomes corrupted, overall degraded performance occurs. Most technical advisors recommend that specialized software be used to make registry changes, rather than making manual changes.
Be cautious of so-called "free" programs. Free programs, such as file-sharing software, screen savers, and games, can be bundled with unwanted software. Be sure you understand what is packaged with a program before you download it.