Slow computer? Thank me later!

Is your computer growing painfully SLOOOOOOOW to use? The most common reason is that your computer has picked up "spyware" or "malware". If you download free software, it often comes bundled with some software that you DIDN'T want or need. Much of this software runs invisibly in the background (you don't even know it is running). Some spyware/malware includes keystroke watchers: If you type in "pizza" it will recognize it and throw open a popup window with a coupon to a pizza place (for instance). Sometimes spyware/malware pops up stuff that is a LOT less useful than that!

In any case, a part of your computer's brain (or CPU) is needed to run all those extra tasks. Your computers memory (or RAM) also can get used up by these extra processes. All of this results in poorer and poorer performance.

There are a lot of programs out there that will SAY that they can eliminate the problem. Some of them are scams that OVER-report problems and then try to get you to buy for a "Pro" version that will get rid of these fictious problems. (That's like me charging you to get rid of the invisible mice in your office. I guarantee you won't see them once you pay me!)

However, there is one program that is REALLY great (and legit). It has won a lot of awards. It is called Spybot Search & Destroy. The download page is here. It is freeware, but you can donate something via Paypal, if you want to express your appreciation and encourage continued support for the program.

Once you have installed the program you can run it and have it SCAN your computer. (This may take a while, but you can do other things while it is scanning.) Then it will give you a list of the malware/spyware to remove. You can then click the FIX button to remove them.

Here's a YouTube video that demonstrates how to use the program (if you'd a quick intro):

Welcome to TMC Tech Tips

Greetings!

I'm Darren Addy, and I am the new "Web Guy" for Merrick Machine Co. (and the TMC Inc. family of web sites).

This web log (or "blog") is designed to help me share technology-related tips with my colleagues. I don't believe there is such a thing as a "dumb question". It's the only way we learn. So, if you have a technology-related question, feel free to email them to me and I'll try to make a future blog post to answer it.

A little background about me: I live in Kearney with my wife of 29 years. We have three daughters, two of whom are attending UNK and one who is married and living in Lincoln. I've spent the past 9 years as the Web Specialist/Multimedia Specialist for the Office of I.T. Services at UNK. My main background is in web-related technologies and applications.

When I'm not on a computer I enjoy reading, using my telescope, photography, and (especially in the Spring) storm-chasing with my son-in-law. Check out his storm photo blog at: BigStormPicture