NOTE: This is an older article with some good, still valid information, but please see my latest Computer Security recommendations here.
I’ve written about this before, but it bares repeating on occasion for new visitors to the site and long time visitors who haven’t learned yet. The advice is simple:
Do not download free screensavers, wallpaper, email programs (Incredimail, etc), or games from the Internet.
Unless you are WELL versed in the origin of these items, they can easily destroy your computer’s ability to compute.
“Slow computer” is the most common computer ailment Windows users search for on the web. Sadly, slow computer disease (SCD*), does not have to be the pandemic it is because it is 100% preventable.
Here are my 5 simple rules to prevent SCD for Windows users:
1. Install and keep Internet security software current. Current Recommendations: Updated 2020.
2. DO NOT DOWNLOAD FREE CRAP FROM THE INTERNET UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY KNOW ITS ORIGIN AND SAFETY. This includes games of any type, screensavers, ring tones, wallpaper, computer utilities, music and movies.
3. Use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as your primary Internet browser instead of Internet Explorer, MSN, or AOL. This tip alone can save your computer.
4. If you have teenagers or young adults who use your computer, forbid the downloading of free music through services like Limewire or any other shady site (refer to #2)
5. If you do suspect SCD, get it looked at immediately. Waiting for it to cure itself will only make SCD worse.
BONUS TIP: If your computer suffers from SCD, Defrag will not help it. No matter how many times you Defrag your computer, it will NOT help SCD.
© *SCD is a copyrighted term of Castellini on Computers, HelpMeRick.com and Rick Castellini. Use of the term SCD is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Rick Castellini or administrators of HelpMeRick.com. First used on September 28, 2007
Very good advise!
I have a freind who just LOVES to download wallpaper and use vacation photos on her desktop. She sees those photos for a few seconds and then off to do other things online.
I’ve said why bother, she says they make her happy, and then complaines about a slow computer. DUH!
Oh, and running XP with the max of RAM of 512 with out being able to add more memory.
RE: the poll. I only use my cell phone and have no land line. Does that fall under the category of cable/internet?
I messed up on last week’s poll by forgetting to include the cell phone option…my whole purpose for doing the poll! Darn it.
Thats what happens to my computer; I refresh the OS and after a month of installing the sh*t softwares its crawling. Mayb i don’t recognize between genuine or spyware apps.
I guess the SCD is related to the time since u’ve had the OS installed. Because my computer is OK when I install fresh OS but after few months it’s speed deteriorates.
Yes, partially…but so many other things contribute to SCD. And don’t you think an OS shouldn’t slow down just by simply using it?
I never install security software and I’ve no problem with IE. If you only keep away from sh*t websites I think you will be fine. Even if u do visit such websites just make sure u click carefully, if u get a dialog box make sure you try avoiding it at all. And especially ignore popup messages like ‘Im in your city, wanna hang out’ 😉
Ahh, great comment, but you also stated the big pitfall most computer users make…not being careful, and not being aware of what link they might be clicking on…thus the need for security software and more education.
Thanks. Very good information in this article. Pay close attention to Number 2 on the list. And of course, watch out for those email attachments!
dude, this is so retarded I don’t even know where to begin… first off Slow Computer Diseases (SDC)? what the heck man, that’s not even a real term that’s a retard term that sounds like it came from an infomercial for fake anti-viruses…
Second off, none of that crap will help a “slow computer.” Get software like CCleaner to manage programs that run automatically when a computer starts. Only that will prevent useless programs from running automatically and taking up resources…
oh and two anti-virus?
LMAO that’s the fastest way to screw up a computer’s speed hahahaha computer’s aren’t human and two vaccines does not mean that it’s better than one or any LOLOLOLOL
Thanks for stopping by. I recommend you take a reading class.
Well said, Rick. Some people!
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