Performing these updates and running this software will keep your computer clean, secure, and fast

*Disclaimer: Although the majority of users do not experience any problems while using this software, CompuTechs+ is not responsible for any problems or issues whatsoever by use, misuse, or any incidental or consequential damages by using this guide or software.

Step 1, Lets begin:

CCleaner (make by Piriform) is a system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removed unused files from your system – Allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up hard disk space (in some cases, a lot of space).  It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. The best part is that it’s fast.

How to use CCleaner

Once you have installed the program, close all internet windows (Please Bookmark CompuTechs+ Website so you can return to this tutorial!) and simply click on the ‘Run Cleaner’ button. This also deletes all files in the Recycle Bin. It will give you a pop-up stating that the program deletes files permanently and that you confirm you want to run the program. Depending on how long it has been since your temporary files, it may take some time to delete all the unnecessary junk on your computer. After a significant amount of data has been freed up, you should notice a small difference right away. Here is a list of what CCleaner cleans:

• Internet Explorer – Temporary files, history, cookies, autocomplete form history, index.dat
• Firefox – Temporary files, history, cookies, download history, form history
• Chrome – Temporary files, history, cookies, download history, form history
• Opera – Temporary files, history, cookies
• Safari – Temporary files, history, cookies, form history
• Windows – Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files
• Registry cleaner – Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more… also comes with a comprehensive backup feature
• Third-party applications – Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Microsoft Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more…
• 100% Spyware FREE – Piriform’s CCleaner does NOT contain any Spyware, Adware or Viruses.

Move on to Step 2: speeding up your computer using Defraggler.

Step 2: Defragmenting your computer’s hard drive using Defraggler.

You’ve heard of defragging your hard drive, but this tool is different. It allows you to quickly and simply defragment the important files – Something Windows built-in defragmentation tool doesn’t have.  Also, this tool is made by Piriform, the same authors of CCleaner, so you know the software is easy to use, contains no spyware, and best of all: free.

How to use Defraggler

This step is quite simple. After installing Defraggler, run the program and select your primary hard disk drive (typically, the ‘C:’ drive is selected by default). If you don’t know which drive it is, more than likely the drive you are looking for is the ‘C:’ drive. Alternatively, you could defrag all of the hard drives listed; It won’t hurt anything, and will help in optimizing your computer. Next, its as easy as clicking on the ‘Defrag’ button, and waiting for the drive to finish the defragmentation.

Defragmentation can take a long time, as in hours (depending on your drives current fragmented state). CompuTechs+ recommends performing this action before going to bed, unless you regularly defragment the hard disk drive. Vista Users: No need to use Defraggler, as Vista already has a built-in defragment function.

After defragmentation, you may want to schedule Defraggler to run automatically every week or so. Do this by going to Settings → Options → Schedule, select the ‘C:’ drive and check the ‘Schedule defragmentation for chosen volume’, and set the period to ‘Weekly’ (or your own personal choice. ATTENTION: there is no need to schedule more than once per week). Hit the ‘OK’ button, and lets move onto the next step.

Move on to Step 3: speed up your pc using Spybot Search & Destroy.

Spybot S&D detects and removes spyware, cleans useage tracks, and protects from known-spyware threats. It is a great tool (just remember to update the software regularly). Even if you don’t see the symptoms, computers may still be infected, and spyware is getting more and more elusive with each day. It’s free, so there’s no harm in giving it a try.

How to use Spybot Search and Destroy

Install Spybot S&D – You may want to consider omitting the TeaTimer function. This protects your current system settings, and is an effective security feature. However, some users find the function annoying, so pick and choose as you please.

After installing Spybot S&D, download the definition updates. UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE is what we always tell our customers. After you have updated, click on the immunization button, the program will see how many unprotected threats remain. After this check, close all open web browsers and click on the green plus sign towards the top of the interface labeled ‘Immunize’. Once finished, move forward to the next step.

Now that we are immunized, click on the ‘Search & Destroy’ button on the left, and finally click on ‘Check for problems’. Spybot will check for any spyware, malware, or other nasty things that are installed in your computer. When the scan is finished, select ‘Remove threats’, and you are done. Running CCleaner another time won’t hurt either.

Finally, move on to Step 4: speed up your pc using Windows Update.