Why Is My Computer Running Slow? (And How To Make It Faster)

Thanks to computers and the Internet, organizations and institutions all are moving rapidly towards a paperless working environment. Computers are now being used widely for practically every task including document preparation, communication, assignment preparation, research, shopping, doing business and more.As compared to the past, it is no more a niche or a luxury; it has in fact become a need today. It has become extremely difficult to imagine a life without computers.

Since we use it so often, we must also take care of its maintenance. Unfortunately, many of us don't. Poor PC maintenance leads to slow PC performance and exposes it to the risk of errors like runtime errors, BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, system crashes and system freeze to name a few.

If you think that your PC is not working fast and smoothly like it use to, there can be several reasons behind its slow performance that are all linked to poor PC maintenance.

Top Reasons Why Your System's running Slow

Let's see what the reasons are:

1. Too Many Programs Starting at Boot-up

Sometimes when you install programs on your PC, they are automatically run on your PC when Windows start. This is because they are designed that way. This feature comes in handy if you use that program every time you use your PC, however, if you don't, this can be frustrating as it can waste your memory and slow down the time it takes for the Windows to finish starting up.

So, if you have too many programs that are configured to run automatically on your system, then you should change its configuration settings to ensure fewer programs run.

2. Too Many Programs Installed

If you love to download and install applications on your PC like games and other apps, then it might be one of the reasons for your slow PC performance. Therefore, in this case, you should remove and delete unnecessary programs on your PC.

3. System Infected by Malware

This is a common reason for slow PC performance as it can cause a great deal of damage to your computer. Malware or Spyware are basically malicious programs that stealthily enter your system through downloads or opening websites or emails that contain viruses. They get installed in your system without your knowledge. These malicious programs can damage and corrupt your files, applications and your operating system in no time. So, they must be removed before the damage is done.

4. Registry Issues

Registry is a location in your system where practically all data and activities carried through and on your PC are saved and stored. When this becomes corrupted or bloated, the system starts performing slow and can also result in abrupt shut down. If the issue is not fixed timely it can lead to Blue Screen of death errors too.

To solve this problem, install a registry cleaner that scan and fix any broken or corrupted files.

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  Poor Security Software

Many security programs are bloated with software. They need a lot of system resource and memory. Furthermore, when these heavy programs run on your PC to detect malicious programs, it can reduce the speed of your PC. Only install programs from trusted sources and even then scan them before installation.

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  Hard Disk Fragmentation

Hard disk fragmentation can also slow down your PC. If you've been using the same PC for years, chances are your computer files can get scattered. It leads to fragmentation of files. So when you want to access the files, the system takes time to search through the hard drive for the fragmented pieces of those files. This hence increases the response time. A simple solution would be to run available defragmentation programs and collect your files in the right locations.

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  Page File

Windows Page file is a temporary source of memory that is used by the PC in processing various functions. When the page file is too small, the OS (operating system) does not have enough room to move which results in poor PC performance and open the system to the risk of several types of error codes. To solve this, increase the page file size on your system.

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  Over Heating

If you don't give your PC adequate ventilation space, it tends to heat up. And when this happens, your PC starts to run slowly and eventually the heated parts start to fail. If unchecked for long periods, these components will overheat and stop working.

Always ensure your PC is well ventilated and that nothing is blocking the PC's air vents. Occasionally blow your computer with a can of compressed air to get rid of dust that maybe clogging your system. This might help boost your PC performance.

Video Game Jobs - Companies Hiring Workers Now For Video Game Jobs

One of the key steps step towards getting hired for video game jobs involves determining who it is you would like to work for. A big factor in determining this choice will be your own preference of gaming platform, as well as gaming experience. Are you a big Xbox fan? Strategy games, or sports games? Narrowing down what you are most familiar with and enjoy playing will help immensely in determining who you would enjoy working for.

The four largest employers in the video game industry are of course Microsoft (Xbox), Sony (PlayStation), and Nintendo (Wii), and for the PC, Electronic Arts. Yet it would be a mistake to only consider these four companies as your only options. There are numerous small and medium-sized companies that create numerous video game jobs, both temporary and permanent. Preparing to apply to the dozens of other game development companies for video game jobs will enable you to expand and diversify your list of possible employers, and your chances of getting hired will increase tremendously.

For this reason, it is also very important to acquire knowledge and experience on multiple gaming hardware platforms. While to be sure, there are numerous video game jobs available for specific platforms (Xbox, Wii, Playstation, PC), at the very least, in addition to one or more of those platforms, one should have experience using the PC as a gaming platform. Furthermore, online gaming experience is an additional advantage, especially the massive online role playing games (MMPORGs). Even in the recession, online video games continue to expand in usage and popularity.

There are many other companies you should research and consider working for; to name just a few, consider the following 25 companies, mast of whom have video game jobs open even now:

o Acclaim Games
o Activision Blizzard
o Atari
o Big Fish Games
o Disney Interactive Studios
o Capcom
o Codemasters
o Crave Entertainment
o Eidos Interactive
o Epic Games
o Got Game Entertainment
o Ignition Entertainment
o JoWooD Productions
o Kemco
o Konami
o Linux Game Publishing
o LucasArts
o Matrix Games
o Mercury Games
o Paradox Interactive
o Playlogic Entertainment
o Rising Star Games
o Ubisoft
o Valusoft
o Warner Bros. Interactive

So do your research, and make a list of all the companies, major and minor, that you would be interested in working for. Focus on companies that make games you enjoy playing - whether it be puzzles, strategy games, role-playing games, online gaming and MMPORG's, auto racing games, or sports games, or even science fiction games such as Gears of War.

Consider joining up with a membership site that maintains a huge database of video game companies that have video game jobs opening up on a consistent basis. There is a nominal fee for the premium sites, but it is well worth it in terms of the job opportunities that they provide. Finally, after you have made your list of preferred employers, you will be ready for the final step - creating a winning resume and cover letter, and getting the job interview for what should be the first of many video game jobs!

Buying a Computer - What to Look For

When you buy computer sets, you will most likely be purchasing them from computer sales in your area. There are a lot of computer special deals these days, since a lot of computer stores do need to get rid of their old stock and create faster turnover rates.

For this reason you may be able to score a good deal if you buy computer bundles which already include speakers, carrying cases, cooling fans and microphones.

Computer sales typically feature both laptops and desks of various sizes, brands and features. If you plan to purchase your new computer from computer sales, make sure you still get value for the money you spend, no matter how discounted the price may already be.

Computer special deals usually include a lot of accessories and you might want to ask the manager if you can add just one more accessory before you finally purchase the bundle.

Most stores will let you have one more computer item especially if it is the end of a season and new stocks are coming in. You might want to add computer special equipment such as a keyboard vacuum cleaner or a monitor glare remover.

In the event that they do not include the extra item, you can buy computer accessories at another time when another sale occurs. There are a few things you need to look for when buying a computer on sale. The most important thing to look for is minimal scratches. Some stores sell cheap PCs that have been used as customer samples.

These models are usually full of scratches and may be damaged in other ways as well. Make sure the PC you do finally end up with is brand new in its box. Read up on the latest news about brands and models.

Sudden price drops on certain models may mean that the battery pack on this certain PC overheats and breaks fairly quickly. Knowing the latest news and reading up on the latest customer feedback will help you buy safely.

At the end of the day, remember that knowledge is power. Look for good, established brands rather than unknown brands. You should also know the different brand names of one brand. For example, Lenovo is the more affordable version of IBM, and knowing this means you can get a great PC for less.

Nokia N80: A Wonderful Mini Gadget

Nokia mobile manufacturers have recently launched the most anticipated Nokia N-series phones in the mobile market. With multimedia applications coupled with latest technologies, the Nokia N-series handsets have got a huge response from the consumers side. All the phones in the series have their own design and different only on some specific features. The Nokia N80 is one of the N-series handsets that comes with high-end multimedia features and 3G technology. The Nokia N80 with productivity tools and multimedia entertainment features keeps harmony between your personal and professional life with ease. The handset is very compact and weighs only 134 grams. With 3G technology, the N80 is packed with music player, digital camera, mobile internet, WLAN, Bluetooth and more.

The Nokia N80 is just like a mini computer that enriches every mobile users life with its advanced features. With the unique yet advanced UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology, the handset can be used as a digital home network. Now with UPnP, you can connect your phone with a compatible PC or TV without using a wire. The images, and video clips can be viewed on the living room TV. Printing images are now easy with any compatible UPnP-enabled printer. The Nokia N80 is the first quad-band phone with 3G, WLAN, EDGE and GSM bands. These technologies enable broadband access from anywhere in the world. In addition to these technologies, the N80 is loaded with Web Browser, Mini Map, high quality QVGA display and PDA's.

The Nokia N80 comes with an integrated 3.0 mega-pixel camera with dedicated camera key, CIF video capture and built-in video stabilization. Capture still and motion pictures and share with your friends and loved ones. Moreover, the Nokia N80 also comes with an expandable miniSD card of up to 2GB that can store up to 1000 images. Supported with a wide range of music formats, the Nokia N80 comes with a digital music player, stereo FM and visual radio support - listen to your preferred music and with FM radio, you can enjoy all time hit music. What else, with visual radio support, listeners can interact with the radio station.

The Nokia N80 [http://www.mobilerainbow.org/nokia/Nokia-N80.html]has everything to please you.

Teen Jobs - 5 Unique Ways to Make Money For Teens

Is McDonald's and Burger King the only teen jobs around? Not by a long shot. If you want to average more than $10 dollars an hour, choose your own hours, and have some fun besides... then read on!

Here are 5 unique teen jobs to make money:

1) Article Writing

Do you know how many websites there are? Millions! The internet is definitely the business way of the future. One of the best (and cheapest) ways for website owners to drive more customers to their websites for Free is to write and submit articles.

But business owners are busy people and may not have the time or desire to write articles. That's where you come in! You can offer to write articles (about 400-500 words) for small website owners. Usually you can get paid $10-20 dollars per article.

Some of the article directories I've had the most success with is:

EzineArticles (of course!)



Howthingswork.com,



and Wiki.com

Can you guess the best part about writing articles for cash? You can do it from anywhere, any time. No more ugly uniforms or stinky shifts.

2)Taking Online Surveys

You won't make millions filling out surveys but it is an easy way to make some quick cash. Companies will pay you to fill out brief surveys or try their products.

They want to pick your brain on what you like and what you don't like!

One of the best and fastest growing paid survey sites is Cash Crate. It doesn't cost a dime to sign up and you can start making money right away. But here's a warning: Set up a separate email account because you'll start getting an avalanche of spam.

3) Cleaning Up After People's Pets

You've probably heard about pet sitting or walking dogs, right? Well, this is a new twist.

I own a condominium complex and I hire a local teen to pick up doggie do once a week. It takes less than an hour for $15. It may not be the most glamourous job, but a pooper scooper makes it easy to do, and you never run out of work!

This service is especially handy in colder climates. As the snow melts, there's lots of business opportunities!

4) Washing, Waxing, or Car Detailing People's Cars in Their Driveway or at Work

I don't know how it happened...

But my cat accidentally got locked in the van overnight. I can't tell you how horrible the smell is! I would pay big money for someone else to clean up the mess.

This is a great way for high school teens or college students to make money. You could even advertise with local businesses and shine up their cars in the parking lot while they work.

5) Sell Hand-Made Items on Etsy

This is my favorite way for teens to make money. And I just recently heard about it!

It reminds me of how eBay works, but it's for hand-made items. So if you have a knack for making anything... from furniture to baked goods to dog collars - then you can sell them on this site.

They have over a million visitors looking to buy. It's free to join but it costs.30 cents to list items and a 3.5% sales tax on sold items.

Works for me! These are just a few ways to make money as teen jobs.

Importance of Family in Our Life

Family is very important part of our everyday life. It helps us in improving our personality. It also helps us in shaping our life. It teaches us the value of love, affection, care, truthfulness and self-confidence and provides us tools and suggestions which are necessary to get success in life.

Family is a place where you can be yourself. It is a place where you are accepted for what you are. This is where you are completely tension free and everyone is there to help you. Family encourages you when you are surrounded by problems. It helps you survive through tough times and bring joy and happiness into life.

Decency is very important in the communication of daily life. It helps us make strong relationship with others and make us come across as a very gentle, intelligent and likable person. Everyone loves to be in a company of such person. Family helps bring decency into our life which is necessary to lead a happy life.

One of the most important aims of our life is to build a successful and highly rewarding career. Our families help us in creating a strong future. It gives us valuable suggestion about different career prospective. It not only guides us in choosing the best but also financially helps us to cover the expenses of education. Thus it helps us in making a good future.

The importance of family is probably realized when one went to holiday or celebrate an occasion without family members. It was very hard to celebrate an occasion or went to holiday without being surrounded by family members. At that time probably we realize that how important they are to us. At that time, we came to know about the importance of our families.

Today, most people don't realize the importance of family. They prefer to spend most of their time with their friends. But when they are surrounded by problems, it was their family that helped them get rid of problems. At the time, when even our best friends refuse to help us, it was our family that came to help us. So it is very important for each and every individual to give importance to their families above anything else and enjoy spending time with family members.

16 Tips To Protect Your Computer and Cell Phones Against Cyber Attacks

Tips to protect your computer against cyber attacks or hacks can be summarized based on the following heads.

The following are top 16 tips to protect data against cyber attacks.

1. OPERATING SYSTEM



Ensure you use an original operating system for maximum security. Also do your best to ensure that your OS is up-to-date.

2. AUTOMATIC UPDATES



Well, it depends on you. This is not compulsory. However, automatic updates ensure that your system has the best virus definition possible.

3. MANUAL UPDATES



If you don't wish to have automatic updates enabled, endeavor to check for updates manually once in a while. Say, one or two times in two weeks. This is entirely up to you.

4.RELIABLE ANTIVIRUS



Well, this is obvious. Ensure you have a reliable antivirus installed on your computer. They protect your data against attacks and identify vulnerabilities. It is highly recommended to have antivirus installed on your computer. If you use Windows OS (especially Windows 10), Windows Defender is very efficient. This doesn't mean you shouldn't install or try out Third-Party Software but this is entirely up to you. Personally, I have been using my computer with just the standard Windows Defender ever since I bought it, still yet to encounter a problem. I always install updates.

5. BACKUP



Data Backup is very important. Ensure you back your data up regularly, preferably to a Flash-Drive or any external drive other than the Computer itself.

6. CLOUD BACKUP



You can save your important files to OneDrive. Pretty cool. If the attack comes, you have nothing to worry about.

7. CONFIGURATION OF EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS



Always ensure you have the correct configuration for your equipment and systems. FOR EXAMPLE, Wifi routers and Servers.

8. PASSWORDS



Ensure you always use passwords that are not easy for others to guess.

9. TURN ON FIREWALL



Firewalls help to identify hack or cyber attack attempts. Ensure you always have your Firewall turn on for the maximum security.

10. SSL CERTFICATES



It is a good practice to check the SSL certificate of the website you visit. Certificates help users to identify whether a website is secure or not. SSL certificates prevent users from fraud and their data from being stolen.

11. INSTALLATION OF THIRD-PARTY PROGRAMS



It is a fact that many software have malware bundled with them. Always install programs that are signed or authorized via CodeSign Certificates. Please run third-party software with absolute caution. If you must install such programs (those that are not signed), make sure you do some research about it on the internet first.

12.YOUR DATA GOT STOLEN



If your data got corrupted by the hacker, there are International Initiatives that provides various methods through which you can recover your files. Ensure you search the internet for that.

13. NEVER PAY MONEY TO HACKERS



There is no guarantee that your files will be recovered, so why pay them?

14. DOWNLOADS



Before you download that software, ensure you read up some reviews about them.

15. TOOLS TO RECOVER YOUR FILES



There are free and paid software that can help you recover your files. Look them up.

16. YOUR ACCOUNT GOT HACKED: WHAT TO DO



If you discover your account has been hacked, quickly change your passwords on other services. This is to prevent further attacks. One more thing on passwords, don't you the same password on all your special accounts on the internet. Use different passwords on all services. You can write down the passwords in your diary. Final note, don't save your Credit pin number in computers and cell-phones.

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