OS MANAGEMENT TIPS TO GIVE YOUR PC A BREAK

In the United States alone, 87% of households have at least one computer. For many, their computer is an excellent source of entertainment, social media interaction, and work. But PC operating systems are fickle things, and they need some degree of maintenance. Inadequate system optimizations will cause your PC to become slower over time as it fills with data and becomes outdated. However, PC maintenance is relatively simple. Here are three easy things you can do to give your PC a break and increase its speed and efficiency. 

Downgrade Your Operating System 

Your computer’s operating system (OS) is what you use to control it. For example, your PC probably comes with Windows10, soon to be Windows 11. Or your macOS can be upgraded to whatever version is currently available. Unfortunately, operating systems are becoming more complex with each version. Increased complexity requires more resources such as hard drive space, RAM, and CPU power. Fortunately, it is straightforward to downgrade your operating systems with the tools. For example, macOS was recently updated to Monterey. 

However, Monterey requires a lot more RAM and will slow down older machines. You can downgrade to Big Sur (click here) to free up some resources and improve your macOS’s speed. You can also downgrade your Windows PC to Windows 7. However, you should be aware that as of January 2020, Windows 7 is no longer supported and could expose your machine to malicious vulnerabilities. 

Keep Software Up-to-Date 

Speaking of vulnerabilities, one of the most common intrusion methods is the exploitation of outdated software. Therefore, it is best if you keep your installed application and programs up-to-date to prevent malicious intrusion. This is quickly done by updating to the latest patch versions of each utility. In addition, you should keep your OS updated since hackers often exploit OS vulnerabilities to gain access to machines. 

Updating software is relatively simple. Programs typically allow you to update themes manually. You can usually access update options via the File or About menus. Additionally, you can download updater apps that routinely scan your machine and update programs and drivers automatically. However, these apps aren’t free, yet the Professional version of CCleaner comes with an update utility. Most will offer a free trial, so you can take advantage of it and get your updates by using a new tool each time. 

Be Proactive with Optimization 

Over time, your PC will become bunged up with redundant data, used apps and programs, and cached items. These can take up a lot of space if not kept in check and result in slow computer performance. Fortunately, you can optimize your PC easily with the right tools and a little proactive action on your part. CCleaner is the best free tool available. In addition, Malwarebytes offers a free version that will provide basic but adequate virus and malware protection. 

Malwarebytes will run quietly in the background and alert you to any critical issues. CCleaner can also monitor your PC and will inform you when space is being unnecessarily used. The free version of CCleaner is adequate for most users. The pro version isn’t really necessary for all but the most dedicated power users. Running CCleaner once per week will keep your computer in tip-top shape by safely removing files that don’t need to be there. You can also use CCleaner to defrag your hard drive, delete white space, and uninstall programs.