Most of the time, when you PC slows down, chances are you would blame it to obsolete hardware and parts. While that may be a possibility, it is likewise possible as well that your computer may be taking up too much load or even contaminated with a virus or spyware. So before you count the bucks on how much that new desktop is going to cost, try and consider checking first software components before making a final call to upgrade your computer.

The easiest way is to really buy a new computer. Especially if you have the funds for it, then why not? But at times, you have to be practical when upgrading, especially if your computer is not that out of date. Some people have a computer for just about a year and yet they conclude that a new one is in order which may not be that conventional considering computers and peripherals change fast thanks to technology developments.

For others who are not as keen on changing computers as frequent, this is a good alternative. In fact you can find some useful scanners and analyzers online such as that of:

1. Yahoo Anti-Spy
2. Panda Online Scanner

These two softwares are apparently overlooked. Normally, it would be best to get the whole package. But if you are on the crossroads of deciding on what to do with that slowpoke computer then perhaps it would be best to consider these analyzers before making any hasty decisions. The difference can be totally significant and easier on the pocket.

Everyone gets excited when there is a new operating system or software that Microsoft unveils in the market. But while most of the software that Bill Gates has introduced seem to always have bugs in them, it is quite interesting to note why the various operating systems that they unleash are always susceptible to bugs and patches.

It is understandable that operating systems are not immediately perfect once they are offered in the market. But it makes you wonder why Microsoft is always wants to distribute software that will always have its share of problems to which they should have foreseen. The answer here lies in a business aspect meaning if you are not updating your product line, your brand and image may fade fast if you don’t have another product up for release.

Knowing technology, this should always be ongoing. If you wait too long, the continuing process of product development may stand still and millions will be lost in the process.

Also, looking at the patches and service packs that Microsoft always announces, it can be seen as a form of marketing so that they can likewise keep track of who are using their products. How? Well have you ever wondered why aside from packaged service pack CD distribution, you are directed towards their site whenever patch updates are offered.

You can just imagine the load that their servers have to accommodate with practically the whole world having a Microsoft product in their home or office. But at least they know that the number of people who have bought their product are ranging from millions to billions.

If you talk about Windows Operating systems, you would be best off with Windows XP for now. Windows Vista is indeed the new kid on the block as far as the latest operating system in the market is concerned but it is far from being user-friendly which is something that most Microsoft software and applications have been known for. Issues such as slower processes and even driver incompatibility problems may ensue so unless you want inconveniences, chances are you would be better off sticking to Windows XP for now.

But in case you have installed Windows Vista already, you would be best seeking the help of technology experts or web references if you do decide to downgrade to Windows XP. You are bound to experience a lot of problems, something I have encountered for the past days. Formatting is easy but if you don’t have the right software tools, you may end up not being able to use your computer for a couple of days because of it.

In short, Windows Vista is more of a problem than a solution. While there are dual boot options, it is just a waste of space on your hard drive. Imagine having software systems which you cannot use on your computer? Now that can be very frustrating. Eating up space for no use at all is something every computer owner would dread and sad to say, Windows Vista is doing just that for now.

The undying hunt for pirated versions of Windows operating system is still in the air and apparently while affiliated hunters of illegal using Microsoft owners are out there, it still remains that there are still over a million of users who are thriving on pirated software. For one, the humongous amount to buy a license of Windows Products does not come cheap and may not be affordable. So while the efforts are there, you have to wonder Microsoft intends to go about it.

Apparently, one is to track them using the WGA or Windows Genuine Advantage. Under this new strategy, the screen will blackout and will continue to do so until a genuine copy of Windows is installed and validated. Quite a neat strategy but the thing is, how can you target the home owners?

One measure is through the automatic update where patches are downloaded and installed for Windows protection. But for the wise users, you can easily turn off the auto update option and still continue to use the said pirated Windows version. So how do you settle that?

Apparently you cannot just barge into any private home and ask them if you can check their computer and operating system. They can always say no and should you force it you will be charged for trespassing.

If it is aimed at companies, then perhaps they can whittle down the problem. But between corporate and home business users, surely the numbers will dwindle in count but not totally. Perhaps another strategy is in order.

Source

One thing you must love about Windows XP is that they have the system restore option active at times that makes it easier for you to restore at some point after you have properly backed up your system. But along with that backup includes problems such as infected files by viruses or Trojans. That is perhaps if you noticed, that sometimes, when you have to get rid of a dreaded virus, tutorials will tell you to temporarily turn off the system restore option to make sure that you don’t leave any trace of these infections.

But the question is on whether you really need the system restore turned on. Some would turn it off to be safe while others just leave it on. This is to avoid the problems of infections at times but if you are wise, it is best to leave it on, especially if you are not too technically savvy about tinkering your operating system.

A good practice to consider is to of course set a restore point and then turn off the system restore. But before you do, make sure that this restore point is virus free and reliable. That way, you can be sure that once something unfortunate occurs, you can always rely on your backed up system to get back online.

With the system restore turned on, a lot of issues can be avoided. While you may lose some current files, it is better to lose a few rather than reformatting the whole computer and lose a lot!

Other than being one of the most sought after software today, Microsoft is indirectly commanding is to operate according to their wants. This obviously stems from the fact that most people today would be wise to use a Windows Vista since Windows XP will no longer be in the market if you need to reformat or buy a new PC.

But it gets better. Along with this notion comes the understanding the your PC has to be the latest in the market. Banking on the old ones may get you into problems such as slower computing and eventually banging your head on the wall because your PC is so slow. We all know that people want speed when they work or use their PC and apparently if you put both these developments together, you need to be wise in spending and buying your next computer station.

For most it may seem unfair. Being forced to upgrade your hardware and software is something that not all people can easily do. For one thing, thanks to the contribution of the economic crisis, any average consumer would want to save as much as possible.

In short, computer upgrades are common for companies or people who are techie. But if you talk about the average consumer, this is really a problem. There is an alternative however. You can always look for the fly by night vendor and ask if they have a Windows XP in stock. If not, well, you just have to deal with current trends as dictated by Microsoft and the technology market.