This article provides practical steps to fix the most common causes of computer errors. Readers will usually need to set aside only 15 minutes for each recommendation.

Most Common Computer Errors - Computers have brought dramatic changes in our day to day lives, yet like any machine, they need regular maintenance and upgrade. Many tasks required to fix computer errors and prevent various computer errors are actually very simple.

In the majority of cases, errors exist in the EXE, DLL and driver files. This occurs often due the fact that invalid or corrupt entries have been made in the registry. Files such as these are critically important as they write entries in the registry and these entries are later used to operate the system effectively. Damaged or corrupt registries lead to random computer responses and this dramatically slowing down any system.

Run Defragmenter - To begin with, run a disk defragmenter. This operation reorganizes the content of the disk to store the many parts of each file closer together and contiguously.Using a defragmentation software frees up large region of space using compaction, and this makes it easier for the computer to find information on the hard disk and reduce computer errors.

Registry Scan - In order to fix computer errors in the registry, it is also advisable to complete periodic registry scans, as this enables unwanted data to be detected and subsequently deleted. This operation can be easily completed with a registry cleaner tool. There are many advanced registry cleaner software which can perform several registry maintenance tasks, for instance deleting malicious spyware and viruses, scanning and repairing computer errors in the registry, in addition they can perform registry backup as well as defragmenting the registry. Click on fix computer errors for more information.

Remove Spyware and Viruses - Spyware and virus programs create most of the computer errors. Computer viruses are malevolent software, which can also reduce computer response time. By contrast, spy software (spyware) create executable code on the computer, which is often used later to steal confidential data. This code is frequently sent to third parties later for malicious use. A common sense approach is the best guarantee to fix computer errors due to viruses or spyware and this entails updating any anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. Click on adware and spyware removal for more information.

Fix Boot Sector - Faulty programs, in addition to virus infections can also damage computer boot sectors, and this can prevent the system from booting. Some errors occur when booting up the computer, the most pragmatic step to fix these errors is usually to use the operating system booting CD provided with your computer. For example, the Windows XP boot CD is helpful to repair the Windows XP installation.

Upgrade Your RAM - Insufficient memory is another source of errors, which can lead to various computer problems. Some of these problems result in system crashes, blue screen, system hang, sudden restart or even crashing software programs. Some computer errors relate to memory, in order to fix these errors, users can use free software that help solve RAM and memory related problems. These sofware can greatly increase computer speed and response time and are also very easy to use. In addition, completing a computer memory test is also highly advisable.

Click on fix registry problems for more information.

Overview - This article describes a fast method that anyone can use to independently assess the popularity of any computer optimization software (e.g. Registry fix software, registry cleaner software, error fixing software etc..). It also uses the real life example of a website dedicated to help users fix computer errors, which has already adopted this method for screening relevant software for further review.

Readers should understand that the method referred to in this article is new and imperfect, yet presents a distinct advantage over most other alternatives.   

The problem - Despite the range of software claiming to optimize computer performance, most computer users do not tend to rely on impartial information in order to verify the popularity of computer optimization software before making their purchase. This is a challenge, because computer optimization software which are popular also tend to be proven and effective. Conversely those which are not may be new, unproven or both and are inherently riskier.

The options - Most users still rely on forums. Yet the problem with this approach is that forums provide, at best anecdotal evidence of the popularity of any software. Another obvious downside is the risk that participants to the forum may seek to just promote their own software instead of providing their independent opinion.

Another approach is to visit the software vendors’ websites. Clearly vendors are not independent and this is an inherent limitation of this method.

Independent sites which compare similar computer optimization software, for example Anti-virus programs, Registry Cleaning Software, Adware & Spyware removal programs etc…, represent another method. A major challenge with this method is that by and large, these sites focus their attention almost exclusively on the detailed technical features of the software they are comparing, and do not provide independent information on their popularity as they lack the data to do so.

So how can anyone determine the real popularity of any computer optimization program independently? (click on registry fix software example)

15 Minutes Method - A superior method is to look at the data provided by digital market places such as Clickbank for example, which is the largest of them all. Digital market places are now selling many of the most popular computer optimization software and also give these software an indicator of popularity often called Gravity. In the main, Gravity is an indicator of the number of sales for a particular digital product over time. Clickbank calculate and compare the gravity measures of any digital product independently from any other software vendors. However imperfect, Gravity is a good independent measure of popularity. Any users can independently check the popularity of any computer optimization software by checking out Clickbank or another digital marketplace. In spite of the fact that the method has inherent limitations (i.e not all Computer Optimization Software are sold via Clickbank), it is still one of the most accessible to follow independently.

Example - Some software review sites have adopted this method and are now referring to the Clickbank popularity of the digital products that they are also reviewing independently (Click on fix registry errors for a live example).

There are many ways to speed up computers and improve their performance, this article covers simple steps that anyone can follow. Step 1 or Step 2 in this article can generally be implemented within 15 minutes for a PC or a Mac.

Step 1 -  Clean the computer registry

Slow computers often have errors in their registry. The main functions of a registry are about connecting hardware, software and computer files. In practice therefore, the computer registry acts as the computer’s nervous system. Over time, errors occur and this slows down computers, frequently their registry become corrupted. Locating then fixing errors in the registry is therefore frequently required. Cleaning the registry manually is possible but not recommended, as this method requires specific knowledge of the registry structure and its functions. Registry cleaner software are a faster, more reliable alternative to remove errors, unused file, poor links and deal with ActiveX components. Click on fix computer registry for more information.

Step 2 – Delete and block adware and spyware

Another common reason leading to computers slowing-down, is the large number of spyware and adware, which are downloaded from the Internet, often without the users knowledge. Typically this occurs when downloading videos, music or other files from peer to peer (P2P) networks. An easy solution to improve the response time of any computer is to run an anti spyware or adware program which will scan, remove then block adware and spyware. It helps to test the relevant anti spyware or adware program by downloading a trial version as most of them are free. Among the key features to consider are Ease of Download and Simplicity of Use, Automatic Backup, Quality of Customer Service, and of course the overall effectiveness of the software. The best software tend to be the simplest to use and rely on a research capability that constantly updates the software for new threats. Click on best adware spyware removal for more information.

Step 3 – Eliminate viruses

Unsurprisingly many computer viruses can slow down computers and drive down response times. Often viruses damage computer files and use excessive resources such as large amount RAM and disk space. Running the latest version of some of the leading anti-virus software should overcome these problems and users who do so will be in a stronger position to improve the performance of their computer.

Step 4 – Simple housekeeping tasks

There are many simple housekeeping tasks which can be done to improve the speed of any computer, for example uninstalling any software that is not needed.  Another simple step to improve computer speed is to stop programs launching automatically. These simple steps usually produce small improvements.

Step 5 – Optimise the Hard disk

For hard disks which are smaller than 2GB then at least 200MB of disk should be kept free and at least 500MB for larger hard disks. Computer speed also depend on the free space on the hard disk, as temporary files are placed there by computer software. This also enables the operating system to swap files using the hard disk as it runs out of RAM. Unless sufficient space on the hard disk is availble, the system slows down significantly in that event. Disk scanning programs such as Scandisk for Windows can help check for errors on the hard disk. For instance whilst some hard disks may be large enough, they may be too fragmented with some sectors being unusable. Defragmenting the hard disk is another action, which will improve the response time of any computer. 

Step 6 – Optimising the RAM

Some programs are poorly designed and do not release RAM resources after they are closed. Other programs have less memory to run as a result. Computers frequently run out of RAM after a while. In order to overcome this, ugrading the RAM is probably necessary. An alternative option, which is also free is simply not to use certain programs simultaneously.

Step 7 – Stop the computer from overheating

Faulty fans are a common cause leading to the computer overheating, slowing down then freezing as a result. To overcome this problem, replacing the fan is the most pragmatic solution. The effect should be immediate as this will increase the flow of air through the computer, thereby reducing the computer’s temperature and increasing its speed as a result.

For more information click on how to make my computer faster.