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How to speed up your computer without spending a cent

Because we can’t all be spending hundreds on new hard drives and laptops.

THESE CHANGES WON’T get it back to the same speeds as when you first bought your computer, but you should see an improvement.

Remove unnecessary programs
The first step for any speed up process, checking to see what programs you have installed will show you exactly how many you don’t use. You can filter them by size so you can identify the biggest offenders.

It’s also worth prioritising certain types of programs over others. That copy of MS Office will always come in useful, but installed games mightn’t be as good an investment.

Add Remove Program Windows Windows

Download a third-party cleaner

It’s not a case that first-party removal programs aren’t good, but third-party products usually take the extra step when it comes to cleaning. One of the best examples out there is CCleaner, which not only scans your computer for unnecessary files, but lets you control what’s removed to a significant degree.

ccleaner1 CCleaner CCleaner

Check for malware and viruses

Sometimes your computer is slowed down because malware or viruses have infected it without you realising. That’s why it’s vital to have a good anti-virus software program installed so it can detect and remove these threats. It’s always good to scan your computer every month as you never know when certain malware will slip under the radar.

Don’t multitask

Applicable to life in general, but in this case, try to keep the amount of programs open to a minimum. Chances are you won’t be able to work on seven different things at the same time so only open the ones that are absolutely necessary.

The same advice applies to browser tabs as some will be more labour intensive than others, especially if you’re using a browser like Chrome. If you have too many tabs open, it might be worthwhile to download a plugin like TooManyTabs to help manage this.
http://www.youtube.com/user/visibotech

Switch to a simpler theme

In the case of Windows, the later versions use a theme called Aero (or a variant) which opens up somewhat transparent, which apart from looking nice, doesn’t offer much use. By going into Start > Control Panel and Personalisation, you can choose the theme your computer uses. It’s best to choose basic since that’s the least resource intensive.

Defragment your computer

One that will take a little bit longer than the other examples. Defragmenting your computer rearranges the files so your computer runs more efficiently. It’s best to use it after you’ve removed the programs you don’t want, but remember that the more files you have saved, the longer it will take.

Advanced

(Warning: the advice below requires you to tinker with system settings which could lead to problems if you’re not careful. The best rule of thumb is if you don’t know exactly what something does, don’t touch it)

Find data hogs

If you want to go a little bit deeper, heading into Windows Task Manager will give you a more comprehensive look into what your computer is running. hitting control+shift+escape will bring it up and going into processes will show you all the programs and services that are running.

Clicking on memory will sort them out from most to least intensive, and is a good way of seeing which ones are using up memory. Also, only remove programs that you definitely know where they came from (eg: Chrome). If there’s any uncertainty then keep away from it, even if it’s a data hog.

Disable start up programs

Go into Start and Run (or the search bar if one is available) and type in msconfig. This will launch the Again, you will see the list of programs that start when you boot up your computer. A number of them are essential to the system so only disable ones you’re absolutely certain won’t affect your computer before doing anything.

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53 Comments
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:08 PM

    Watch out for Klingon programs. These are attached to legit programs you want and choose to download and install. During the installation process there will be a page asking do you want a toolbar or system cleaner etc. etc. ALWAYS ALWAYS read before you click I agree.

    Conextant is a bad one at the moment causing havoc.

    And contrary to what you may have heard, apple computers are just as suseptable if not more….

    132
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    Mute Nigerian Prince
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:20 PM

    uTorrent for example, damn Conduit search

    95
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    Mute Stink Eye
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:28 PM

    Macs are susceptible but not “more susceptible” as you suggest .. They are in fact way less likely to be affected. Most mac apps are stand alone .app programs which are for the most part self contained.. Windows installers unpack way much more junk around your machine by comparison. By default Mac OS will only allow you to install software signed by trusted sources .. You have to go out of your way to allow anything else to be installed

    52
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    Mute jp vaughn
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:37 PM

    I was wondering what Conduit piggybacked to get on my laptop. It’s annoying as hell. Cheers

    41
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    Mute Nigerian Prince
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:45 PM

    I think conduit got installed with the uTorrent updates not at the original installation so keep an eye out

    36
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    Mute Don Juan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:40 PM

    In my task manager, I get a lot of *32.exe things running.
    What are they about?!

    17
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:28 PM

    They are 32 bit processes on a 64 bit OS. Nothing to worry about. No need to kill them.

    14
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:34 PM

    @Stnk Eye, Macs are susceptible in the sence that nearly every Mac user I know doesn’t have any form of protection as someone “told” them macs don’t get viruses!

    Not that I’m complaining….keeps me busy!

    26
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    Mute verbal kint
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    Jul 27th 2014, 11:14 PM

    i rolled back to the 2.2.1 version because of all the crap that came with utorrent, no problems now, runs smashing !

    5
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    Mute Christopher Gardiner
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    Jul 28th 2014, 9:30 AM

    I second that. F*****g conduit search. I eventually got rid of it.

    1
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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Jul 28th 2014, 5:26 PM

    Linux

    EOM.

    1
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    Mute Pinel G
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:47 PM

    How to speed up your computer without spending a cent – Delete windows… install Ubuntu or Linux!

    87
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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:00 PM

    I don’t think too many will take you up on that advice.

    50
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    Mute Pinel G
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    Jul 27th 2014, 9:06 PM

    I would also suggest they change the title to “How to speed up your WINDOWS computer without spending a cent” from the CClearner picture above the operation system is Windows 7 Ultimate 32-BIT (better to install 64BIT) Core I5 @1.7GHZ (this is a slow CPU processor) the funny part… only 512megs of RAM! that’s the problem right there… having insufficient ram slows down a computer alot.

    26
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    Mute John Fahey
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    Jul 28th 2014, 12:39 AM

    My mac mini was dying a slow death so installed ubuntu and it’s like I got a new machine! :) I use it to play videos on tv mostly, so I don’t need much, but Ubuntu has improved a lot since I used it in college – drivers working immediately on everything etc. which wasn’t the norm back in the day and the UI looks pretty good.

    If you have an old machine and basic needs, ya can’t go too far wrong with it – though being handy with computers or knowing someone who is will still be required every now and again.

    4
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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Jul 28th 2014, 5:35 PM

    Ubuntu is what I use all the time. Sometimes I’ll need windows for solidworka but I try to always stay open source.

    Ubuntu is brilliant for average computing. Support from the community is excellent.

    For my own work I stick to ubuntu 12.04 lts (long term support) even though the next lts is out. Is advise the same for most people.

    The great thing about ubuntu is that if you want a gui for most things, they are there. If not, you get to actually engage in some computing.

    If you have kids or are interested yourself you could buy a raspberry pi for less than 40 euro and hook it up to a tv. These are simple computers for a tiny price that kids can get into coding with. Great opportunities for some well documented projects online too.

    2
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:39 PM

    Just a tip; if you have an SSD then don’t defragment! It’s pointless and just reduces the lifespan of the drive.

    61
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    Mute David Jordan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:04 PM

    Install just Ubuntu

    “Fast, free and incredibly easy to use, the Ubuntu operating system powers millions of desktop PCs, laptops and servers around the world.”

    http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

    61
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    Mute Nigerian Prince
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:24 PM

    While Ubuntu is great and customisable the lack of decent photo editting programs (eg. Lightroom) and very few decent games makes it a poor substitute for windows, dual booting is a good for best of both

    33
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    Mute David Jordan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:46 PM

    You are incorrect, I use Ubuntu for RAW Photo editing there is Lightzone, RawThrapee and RawStudio. Of these, Lightzone is at a professional level and closest in capabilities to Lightroom.

    http://lightzoneproject.org/

    Lightzone has an interesting history, it was originally commercial RAW development software that was very popular and used by many professional photographers in the early days of digital photography, however it’s parent company went bust in 2012 and the code for the program was released into the open source community who have extended it’s capabilities.

    On December 19, 2007, LightZone was awarded a MacWorld’s 23rd Annual Editors’ Choice Award.

    Also, there is Steam for Linux

    http://www.zdnet.com/pc-gaming-comes-to-ubuntu-linux-with-steam-client-release-7000011340/

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    Mute Derek Coughlan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:04 PM

    Linux Mint is my preference(currently using it), based on Ubuntu but doesn’t use Unity UI instead uses Cinnamon based on the GNOME shell(more like a Windows envoirnment), I personally just cant stand Unity. Mint 17 has just been released also.

    Elementary OS also is clearly inspired by OSX, and it’s both lightweight and positively beautiful. The beta of its upcoming Luna release is available now, no official date for the final release yet though, I only tried it out on a virtual machine but its worth looking at if coming from a Mac OSX backround.

    17
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    Mute Zozzy Zozimus
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:14 PM

    I use GIMP in Ubuntu for photo editing. It is extremely powerful, but admittedly not user friendly IMO.

    20
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    Mute Nigerian Prince
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:20 PM

    Lightzone does seem like a good alternative but it looks as though you can’t use it for timelapse photography and there isn’t even half as many tutorials online so for beginners it doesn’t look too straight forward.

    And steam can’t compete with windows for gaming, I still think it’s dualbooting or windows single boot

    3
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    Mute David Jordan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:21 PM

    It should also be mentioned that Linux Mint is an Irish based project, the project leader Clement Lefebvre is a French guy who lives in Ireland.

    http://www.solocheck.ie/Irish-Company/Linux-Mint-Limited-532196

    I’d certainly recommend Linux Mint for new users, there is also Lubuntu that runs on old computers.

    I installed Lubuntu for my Dad as he uses on old laptop that can’t cope with Unity. Also, I no longer have to repair his laptop as there’s no malware or worry about viruses, no need to defragment the hard drive. He finds Lubuntu easier to use than Windows.

    16
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    Mute David Jordan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:33 PM

    You can Lightworks for timelapse photography, it is fully professional and was used to edit films like Hugo, The Departed, Mission Impossible, Pulp Fiction, Braveheart, Batman and the Kings Speech. Martin Scorsese is a fan of the program.

    Here is a tutorial for creating timelapse photography in lightworks

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-X-9faKrVI

    8
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:37 PM

    +1 for Mint. Installed it on a spare laptop and gave to my mother and she was flying with it, having never even used a computer before. Haven’t used it much myself for years, preferring to stick to Arch and Debian now.

    Btw, according to distrowatch another two Irish distros are Zorin and Tails (Tails has been in the news a lot, due to Snowden).

    8
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    Mute Derek Coughlan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:48 PM

    @Barry, I’d say even installing Tails gets you on added to some US watch list. :)

    A funny review of Tails OS
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX2ciMITRaY

    8
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    Mute seamus mcdermott
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:07 PM

    Unity is going bye bye.

    4
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:26 PM

    I’d be absolutely shocked if I’m not on one of their lists :)

    I’ll watch the video later when I’m on my laptop. Cheers.

    5
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    Mute Billy Chenowith
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:53 PM

    Can you do a dual boot thingy on a mac with ububtu??

    4
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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Jul 28th 2014, 5:39 PM

    Billy, yes you can. But because apple like to lock you in it’s a bit more awkward.
    Google refit if this doesn’t sort you…
    https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MactelSupportTeam/AppleIntelInstallation#Detailed_How-To

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    Mute Arthur Pewty
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:49 PM

    never had one problem hardware wise or virus wise with my mac. still as fast as the day i bought it. over paying is having to buy another laptop while my mac keeps on going.

    39
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    Mute Stephen Harding
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:24 PM

    Well said.

    10
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    Mute Shane Kinsella
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:55 PM

    Useless comparison. My current PC a 4 yr old build never had problems or viruses. Comparable specs to the top range Mac at the time, for considerably less money. The myth that macs last longer is just that. A myth.

    39
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    Mute Tom Keating
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:15 PM

    Title is misleading, it should have said how to speed up you computer with Windows installed. Does not cover Linux or OS X.

    39
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    Mute Mark
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:41 PM

    If you need to speed up OSX or Linux, you’re doing it wrong.

    64
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:35 PM

    If you need to speed up windows…..your doing it wrong too!

    20
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    Mute Jason Preston
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    Jul 27th 2014, 8:16 PM

    Best tip i can give is never let a program update itself. Always delete the program, restart your pc then reinstall the latest version of the program. Like the top comment says programs try to install junk during installation so always read and tick off every box very carefully when installing any program.

    26
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    Mute Stephen Harding
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:27 PM

    I love my Mac. #justsayin

    18
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    Mute Johnny Five
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:29 PM

    You over-paid for a brand name then.

    84
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    Mute Billy Chenowith
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:57 PM

    I just don’t get the “apple is evil/you are the biggest f**ktard in the world for buying one/I want to kill your parents because you bought an iPhone” mentality. Who cares? Might as well be comparing fridges. For the record I’ve had the same Mac Pro for about 3.5 years and have never had a problem with it and would never go back yo a PC. however my partner has a PC and we still love each other.

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    Mute Tom
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    Jul 27th 2014, 8:00 PM

    It seems to me Johnny that you are very opinionated, angry a lot and very judgmental much
    Like the Israelis.

    17
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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Jul 28th 2014, 5:42 PM

    Love conquers all I guess..

    1
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    Mute Dermot Ryan
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    Jul 27th 2014, 11:09 PM

    The last computer I had was running a little slowly, stone age speed , so I jumped in my car and just as it hit seventy miles an hour I threw it out the window and continued onwards to the “buy a new computer shop.”
    Problem solved got the old one up to 70 m.p..h. and fixed my computer problems as well !

    14
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    Mute Stink Eye
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    Jul 27th 2014, 5:31 PM

    CCleaner, CleanMyMac and most third party apps cost money, therefore negating your headline “…without spending a cent”

    12
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    Mute talkingsense
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:17 PM

    There’s a free version of ccleaner, use it all the time

    54
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Jul 27th 2014, 6:41 PM

    CCleaner only costs money for an ‘advanced’ version or for business use. The standard free one is just fine.

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    Mute Ger
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    Jul 27th 2014, 7:49 PM

    I use the free version of ccleaner and it’s great. Check for malware, most of the slow down problems I’ve had with my laptop have been caused by malware

    19
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    Mute Banga Ncube
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    Jul 28th 2014, 12:14 AM

    Buy a mac

    10
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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Jul 28th 2014, 12:17 AM

    Yeah, use linux and blah blah blah.
    Most of the people reading this don’t even know what “operating system” means.

    I’m no computer expert, but I sort stuff out for friends and neighbours from time to time.
    I’ve installed Google Chrome for some of them, but they just want the “Normal Google” back, even though I’ve set the home page to google.ie.
    People who don’t know what an OS is are going to struggle when it comes to the difference between a browser and a search engine.

    Also, you really shouldn’t use CCleaner or msconfig unless you know what you are doing. Chances are you’ll remove something essential, and end up slowing your computer down even more.

    Also, Apple products are over-priced crap.

    9
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    Mute Stephen
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    Jul 27th 2014, 11:23 PM

    Might have understood comments better in Chinese, what the hell are you’s talking about?

    7
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    Mute verbal kint
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    Jul 27th 2014, 11:31 PM

    Wow !, the computer that the ccleaner screen shot is taken from must be one slow ass pc !, only 512mb of ram for a windows 7 system ?, absolute minimum recommended is 1gb

    3
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    Mute Ablitive
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    Jul 28th 2014, 12:43 AM

    A fresh install of XP about every six months is good enough fir me. Download all the free antivirus trials from xp. It will be a long time before I will upgrade.

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