Computer Technology Tip

Taking Control of Your Computer

Did you purchase or receive a new computer for Christmas? Do you think it's running slower that it should? Would you like to do something about it? If you can answer YES to any of the preceding then read on.

Previously I have written about how to speed up your computer and stop the unnecessary programs that start up when the computer is powered on. The program that controls this is called Msconfig (Microsoft Configuration Utility). This utility is a hidden gem built into every Microsoft computer system. The hardware and software manufacturers do not care how fast your computer runs. The only thing they care about is that you see their software in front of you every time you start your computer. Even if you don't see pop-up windows it may be running in the background in anticipation that you may want to run it. Meanwhile it is using valuable computer resources slowing everything down. In one case I saw a new Sony laptop fail to connect to the Internet using its built-in wireless capability, all due to excess programs running in the background. As I said the manufacturers could care less!

The following procedure will apply to any computer new or old, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. To run the utility with XP, click Start, click Run and type "msconfig" (no quotes) in the Open field and OK the window. To run it on a Vista machine, click on Start (the colored circle in the lower left of the screen). In the Start Search box type "run" (no quotes) and press the Enter key. In the Open field type "msconfig" (no quotes) and OK the window. For both XP and Vista click the Startup tab. Notice the items that have check marks next to them. Everyone that is checked is using some amount of computer resources that could be returned for system use. The computer would like to have none of these checked because it would then have full resources for other needs. However, there are practical needs that come into play such as the normal running of your security programs. In Vista the programs on the far left side of the window are easily identified by their listing under the Manufacturer column. This will help you to identify the security programs to leave checked. In XP you will have to rely on the path information (where the program is installed) under the command column. To see things better move the mouse to the left of the header name of a column until you see a faint vertical line. Place the mouse arrow on the line and when it turns into a 4 way crosshair, hold down the left mouse key and drag it to the right to expand the width so you can see everything.

Basically you want to uncheck everything except your security programs then OK the window and restart. Ignore the pop-up window upon restart. Speaking of security programs most of you know I don't care for the likes of Norton or McAfee. If you want even better performance download Avast anti-virus (www.avast.com) and Spyware Terminator (www.spywareterminator.com). Once they are downloaded uninstall your current security software, then install Avast and Spyware Terminator. Don't install the Crawler Toolbar that comes with Spyware Terminator.

Here's a typical msconfig window when Avast and Spyware Terminator have been installed and Norton and McAfee have been uninstalled. Under the Startup Item column there should be "ashDisp" in XP, and "avast! Antivirus" in Vista, "Spyware TerminatorShield" in XP, and "Crawler Spyware Terminator" in Vista. Other items to leave checked are "SiteAdv" in XP and "SiteAdvisor" in Vista. SiteAdvisor is my recommended Web site scanner program for malicious sites. You can download it from www.siteadvisor.com. Additionally you may find "ctfmon" checked. Microsoft insists this remains checked. Even if you uncheck it, it will come back. Internet Explorer 7 uses it along with Microsoft Office programs. Fortunately it doesn't use much in resources. In Vista you may see Windows Defender which you can leave checked. It's a weak performing anti-spyware program but it runs well along side with Spyware Terminator.

That's all the programs you need running (checked) in the background. All your other programs will start just fine and open more quickly along with a faster boot up. This is a safe procedure because nothing gets deleted or uninstalled - just prevented from starting when the computer starts.

To get more information about this subject I encourage you to attend our PC Computer Club meetings. They are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in Winfield Hall. It's a question and answer session and sometimes I'll present a topic that is of interest to all.

Don Trauger

To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.

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