Saving Windows From Itself

Any Microsoft Windows user knows that its operating system of choice has some problems. Well, many problems to be exact. The fact that Windows is used by over 90% of the computing world is one of its biggest downfalls. How, you ask? Well, I will use the ecosystem analogy here because it works so well.

A stable, thriving ecosystem is based upon diversity. Diversity gives the system complexity, redundancy, and dependencies; all interlinked to create a system that is resilient to disease and extinction. Good ecosystems naturally evolves through time, adapting to changes and becoming stronger in the process.

The operating system world of computing is a good example of a “mono-culture”. Windows is the biggest, baddest predator in the forest with little Linux and mighty MacOSX cowering in the bushes. Consequently, being the only wolf in the woods has made Windows the subject of attack; Malware, Adware, Trojans, Virii, Dialers … All designed to turn your computer into a disasterous landfill of resource hogging malware; slowing down your good, happy applications and in some cases, stealing information from your computer and sending it to various marketing organizations (!). Internet Explorer, Microsoft’s monopolistic attempt at embedding an inferior browser into it’s product, also suffers from many of these vulnerabilities.

Notice your computer is slowing down? pop-ups popping up and popping under everywhere any anywhere? Mysterious programs running in the background? Your computer is diseased. But, there is hope!

Like a blundering alchoholic, Windows needs help. And this is your 12 (7) step program.

• First things first. DITCH INTERNET EXPLORER. Trust me. Download Firefox now.
• Get rid of the adware, malware, and other malicious programs with these guys.
• Download Ad-Aware FREE
• Download Spybot Search and Destroy FREE
• Clean junk from your registry and hard drive with Tune-up Utilities
• Defragment your hard drive
• Get rid of RealPlayer and Kazaa (try SoulSeek instead), quickly.
• Get rid of all that stuff in your system tray you never use.
• Enjoy a cup of Earl Grey.

Wow, now you’re fresh as a daisy. Better than reformatting, eh?