Here are some tools that PC users could use:

  • To tune up your computer: If you are using Windows Xp/ Vista here are Two main steps you should do every few monts -
    1. Go to My Computer;
    2. Right click C OR your System drive ->
    3. Select Properties ->
    4. Select Tools tab ->

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  • What brands to avoid while purchasing a Laptop, Notebook and Netbook [NOT towers or desktops]: Based on my years of experience on computer hardware, troubleshooting and repair, I have shortlisted certain brands in portable computers, which I will never recommend to my customers and friends. This list is purely derived from my repetitive bad experience in hardware quality with certain brands, when compared with most common brands. Brands that are not listed here are those that are not so common/ famous and hense I do not ahve a good expernce in them to judge them. So the winners of Masky’s DO NOT BUY list are:
    1. Dell [pre configured economy models]
    2. Gateway [all models]
    3. Hp [the only thing they make good are Printers]
    4. Compaq [Now a joint company with HP. The only models they made good were Compaq Armadas, back in the days on Win 98. Since then, they have only produced electronic crap]

    Apple products are the best, hands down. [both in design and hardware quality] And now that they have x86 form factor CPU, you can load a Win based OS on a Mac. Amazing, isn’t it? However, if you want to spend a little less [say a grand] and want to buy a good Laptop, then go for an IBM ThinkPad. Yet, for a little cheaper, home use type laptop – choose between Lenovo Ideapad, Toshiba, Acer and Sony. I don’t know what were designers at Toshiba thinking. Their newer model Laptops are more glossy and gaudy than a teenager’s pimped Myspace profile. Such a turn off!

    For smaller portable Notebooks, Sony rules the market with reliable stuff. For Netbooks, although a lot of manufactures are now churning out Netbooks in fast pace, I like the built quality of Lenovo Netbooks. But I must confess that I have not yet tested different brands of Netbooks myself, since they are a recent phenomenon. The Acer, Dell, Asus and Gateway Netbooks feel cheap and poor in their design. Whereas the Lenovo Netbook feels sturdy and well built.

  • Spyware Infection? Rules to keep your computer Virus and Spy Ware free.
    • Do not install unnecessary software on your computer. Especially the one you get for free from the internet and promise to give you some screen savers, or the current weather and temperature.
    • Regularly use anti Spy Ware and anti Virus software to keep your Computer clean.
    • Keep your anti Spy Ware and anti Virus software updated.
    • If you are using MySpace or Facebook, which most people these days do, then for the love of eletronics, DO NOT add a ton of applications to your profile. A bad one that I have identified and reported is called Social Me on Facebook. [My reporting went in vain since Facebook told me to contact the app. development team on Social Me] This application is used by thousands of poeple on facebook, and it infects your PC with a Trojan Virus. This virus then gains control of your root, redirects web pages and spreds itself through portable drives. It’s a nasty little bi***. Since these 3rd party apps are not conrtolled by Facebook or Myspace, a lot of them are exploited by hackers and Scare Ware and are used to spread Key Loggers, Virus and Trojans.
  • Here are some of the anti Spy Ware and Anti Virus software that I recommend.

    These are good anti SpyWare tools, well rated by CNet.com; and are available for free use by their manufacturers. These are limited editions, if you are happy with it, you may want to try the professional editions available for purchase on the company web sites. [LavaSoft] | [ PepiMK Software ][AVG]

  • FREE anti virus tools
    House Call: It’s free service by Trend Micro. The company behind PC Cillin anti virus software. All you have to do is go their web site, click on House Call and allow the web site to install a safe activeX control on your computer and it will link you Computer live to their Server and scan your computer for vulnerabilities. If it finds something, it will try to delete it for you. If it fails for some reason, you might want to purchase their software or call me :)
  • Automatic system cleaning tool: I found this software that cleans your win XP system for, temp files, temp internet cache, downloaded programs, trash, web history, form history, search history etc. Its neat and can be used when you don’t want to speand a lot of effort for cleaning a system. It you like, you can try it here sysclean
  • To test your Internet speed as it comes from your ISP, try this web site:Test your Internet connection speed at Speedtest.net