How Can I Avoid, Prepare For, and Recover from PC and Technology Disasters?

in computer performance
Privacy & Security

If the worst happens, computer-wise, you won’t lose much data, and comparatively very little time, if you’ve planned ahead and backed up, thought about smart storage, arranged alternative power sources and otherwise anticipated disasters that could befall your PC.

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How to Make Windows XP Shut Down Faster

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Windows

If it seems to take forever for your Windows XP system, consider taking a few measures to speed it up, such as creating a restart shortcut and also forcing Windows to immediately shut down open applications.

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Are There Simple, Free Tools for Checking My PC’s Status and Health?

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Computer performance

Just as you would with a car, it’s important to maintain your PC by checking its status and health from time to time. This task is made simpler with free tools found online, such as Belarc Advisor and Secunia Personal Software Inspector.

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How to Disable Windows Services

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Windows

Upon startup, your Windows computer is loads various small programs called “services.” Some of them you may never need, so consider disabling them to make your machine start up faster.

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What is the Java Runtime Environment and How Do I Install It?

in applications
Applications

The Java Runtime Environment, or JRE, allows Java programs to run on your computer. It’s user-friendly, easy to download and compatible with various platforms.

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What Are Windows XP Service Packs?

in computer performance
Windows

Microsoft releases major updates in the form of service packs. Windows XP Service Pack 1, Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 have been released so far, and a quick look in your computer’s Control Panel can show you which SP you have installed.

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How Can I Protect My PC From Power Problems?

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The best way to protect your computer against damage and data loss due to power outages is to invest in a USB — an uninterruptible power supply – which is basically a battery that will kick in if the power goes out, and also alert you to problem.

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When Windows XP Shuts Down Very Slowly

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If Windows XP is shutting down very slowly, it could be that your registry is cluttered with invalid settings. Clearing up the registry and reducing the time before open applications are “killed” should solve the problem.

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How to Disable Outlook 2007 Synchronizing Folders

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The resource-hogging synchronizing folders feature in Outlook 2007 can’t be stopped without opting for a different email client. However, you can adjust various settings to minimize the impact on your computer’s performance.

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How to Tell If Your Windows XP Computer Has High-Speed USB

in computer hardware
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Determine if your Windows XP computer supports high-speed USB by checking the with the device manager for a high speed port. You must be sure to always match your device purchases to your computer’s capabilities.

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