| You
do not make your PC run faster or better by adding more registry entries,
more services, more processes, more programs. As the owner of Valencia
County's #1 computer repair center, we see people bring in their machines with so
many “utilities” (and spy-ware) on them that it’s a miracle they can
turn the things on.
For
your PC to have as few problems as possible, get Windows XP and all
critical updates. Only get the specific XP updates you need. Visit www.blackviper.com
to trim your services. The only “utilities” you need
are AdAware or Spybot, and McAfee or Norton virus protection. Only update
a driver if you are having a problem; then, only get it from the
manufacturer. Only buy good-quality components. You’ll have a PC that
runs just fine and with fewer errors, crashes and better performance all
year.
As
for “utilities,” use your CD-RW or DVD-RW drive for backup (or
migration). Windows has a defragger built in. You won’t need a registry
cleaner if you limit your third-party software. If you must, rebuild your
PC every 12 to 18 months; create your own partitions when you rebuild. Add
nothing to your browsers, no toolbars, etc. The few seconds a utility may
save you are likely to be thrown away in problems and crashes.
From
PC Magazine, July 2004 |