Here are my recommended computer self help tips. Before calling for service or taking your computer into the shop give these a try!

The number one problem I hear about is Spyware related pop-ups, browser redirects, and very slow performance when browsing the web, even with a high speed internet connection. Don't fall for that TV Commercial from finallyfast.com, these free programs below will get your computer screaming again for free!

As you browse the web you pick up tracking cookies, and other nasty junk imbedded in some websites. What you need is a good spyware scanner/remover. I like Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Free, Anniversary Edition. Don't waste your money paying for the enhancements. Just download it and do a complete system scan. Depending on how active you are on the web, I recommend running it at least once a month. Weekly if your are a true net junky like me. LOL!

The 2nd complaint is caused by registry errors. Ccleaner is a great freeware system optimization program that will scan your registry and fix most problems. It also can clean out your browser cache, and lots more. It's another great freeware program you can download.

If you download shareware and freeware for evaluation and uninstall it, traces of those programs remain in your computers registry, and on disk in many places. This causes slow computer performance, and error pop-ups on start up. Revo Uninstaller is a great add/remove programs replacement for windows, and it's free! Use it to uninstall programs, rather than what comes with windows.

If you have never downloaded and installed a program, don't be scared, it's easy. Click on the download link. A box like this will pop up. Select RUN and click it.

When the file has fully downloaded, Windoze will ask what you want to do, just click RUN again and the program will install itself. Just follow the installers prompts, it's a piece of cake.. :)

Also of big big importance - do you back up your computer?? Data Recovery can be REAL EXPENSIVE! Don't loose your important data, back it up often!

I suggest Windows built in backup/restore utility. If you have 2 hard drives, or one drive partitioned into C: D: E: F: Etc, you can store the backup file windows creates on one of them. 

Click on the start menu to begin your backup. Accessories/system tools / backup. Follow the prompts, I have taken a few screen shots to guide you.

I have a USB Flash Drive. It is very convenient to back my important system files up on. Plus I keep the programs mentioned above on it. It has came in real handy when clients had sick computers, and viruses that could not be connected to the internet to download the programs.

A 4 gigabyte flash drive (like this one) will hold a ton of programs, backup files, etc. Plus it looks cool on your key chain. You can get one like this on Amazon.com for around 7.00 plus they come in larger capacity for slightly more. There is no excuse not to buy one!

Have you tried Mozilla Firefox? This is a great fast & secure web browser. It's my favorite, give it a try, Download Version 3 Here.

Have you experienced Google Earth? Fly around the world and zoom in on places like Moscow's Red Square, Berlin Germany, And anywhere in the good ole USA. The images are breath taking, and you can see the scenery like you were flying at 2000 feet or less. Check it out, and download it here!

Check back later for more of Doc's Computer Tips :)