How to keep your PC clean and quick

(ARA) - What you don't know can hurt you - big time - when it comes to what's hiding in your PC. From "naturally" occurring registry errors to more insidious threats like spyware, hidden problems can slow your computer performance to a crawl or even cause it to crash.

A little pro-active maintenance, however, can go a long way towards preventing problems. Keeping your PC "clean" and running at its best is as simple as establishing a routine maintenance schedule and using the right kinds of software to address the most common problems. The good news is, many of these maintenance tasks can be automated, thanks to software developers who understand how busy the average PC user is - and how baffling trouble-shooting can be.

Here are three key "cleaning" tasks that you should perform on a regular basis (at least once a week):

Run a registry cleaner

If your computer is slower now than when you first bought it, the problem may be registry errors. Installing and removing software, playing online games, application crashes and upgrades of software problems can all create "natural" errors in your PC's registry. They accumulate over time and the more errors you have, the higher the likelihood that you'll experience trouble.

To protect your system, install a one-click tool called Advanced Registry Optimizer 5 (ARO 5). The software ferrets out and corrects registry errors. Manufacturer Sammsoft offers free trials of ARO 5 so people can check their systems for errors. Go to www.Sammsoft.com to download your free trial. Once the download is complete, just click "run" to install ARO 5. The program will scan and diagnose your PC's registry, tell you how many errors it found and then fix the first 20 errors for free. If you like the trial version, you can upgrade to the full unlimited commercial system for just $29.95.

Industry watcher Softarea51 recently gave the software 5 stars, calling it "a remarkable product, best of breed in its class, rising above its competitors by its innovative approach."

Out spyware

Did you know that 61 percent of PCs have spyware on them? And of those infected, 92 percent of users didn't know spyware was present on their computers, according to a poll by AOL and the National Cyber-Security Alliance.

Spyware - software that gets installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent - is considered a serious security threat. Not only can spyware collect information about your Internet usage, it can install additional software, hijack your browser, change your computer settings and slow down your computer performance.

Scan for spyware daily if you are on the Internet often and download frequently. Many companies offer completely free anti-spyware software for download.

Be vigilant to viruses

With so many other computer threats cropping up, it may be easy to overlook virus protection. But viruses continue to be a major threat to computer security, costing consumers and companies billions of dollars worldwide each year to prevent virus transmission and clean up after infection.

The best defense is a good offense when it comes to computer viruses. Subscribe to a virus protection software that provides constant updates since new viruses emerge and old ones evolve into new forms every day. Scan for new viruses at least once a week - more frequently if you are a heavy Internet user or receive large volumes of unsolicited e-mail.

Don't wait until it's too late...go to www.Sammsoft.com to download your free trial. Once the download is complete, just click "run" to install ARO 5. The program will scan and diagnose your PC's registry, tell you how many errors it found and then fix the first 20 errors for free. If you like the trial version, you can upgrade to the full unlimited commercial system for just $29.95.

Sponsored content provided by ARALifestyle. Copyright ARAnet, Inc.

SuperLINK  recommends:

Install ANY AntiVirus on your PC! Do NOT leave it unprotected as you don’t drive your car without the insurance. Here’s Microsoft link to some http:/www.microsoft.com/protect/viruses/xp/av.mspx

Microsoft Security Essentials. There is a protection from your host Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx

In the search (Bing.com) type: Microsoft Security Essentials or click here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=e1605e70-9649-4a87-8532-33d813687a7f

you need to select the Operating System and bit version (32 or 64). It is FREE for Genuine Windows users.

Registry Mechanic and Spyware Doctor from  www.pctools.com

The price is $39.95 for Spyware Doctor and ($29.95) $19.95 for Registry Mechanic (save $10 when you buy both)

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Shop safely at PC Tools with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, simply contact our friendly consultants within 30 days, and we will happily refund 100% of the purchase price.

“Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2010…totally knocked my socks off!.” – www.pcmag.com, october 15, 2009

See Additional Windows Background Themes: if you like new background themes: http:\\windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/personalize/themes

Have your PC Online consider using the Team Viewer personal program: http:\\www.teamviewer.com/download/version_6x/TeamViewerQS.exe