A couple of weeks ago I posted a “blog” at the SheboygaPress website asking people if their computers were slow.  I actually recommended that people DO NOTcall the GeekSquad and the comments that I got were surprising.  One of the commentors agreed with my remark about the GeekSquad.

I would like to explain better why I don’t think that’s a good idea for you, your computer, or your checkbook, to call them when you have a problem.  There are many resources on the internet that can help you with your problems.  They are always cheaper and, in most cases, won’t leave you hanging without a computer for days on end.

The GeekSquad is going to charge you an arm and a leg for very basic stuff you can find with a simple search of Google.com.  The first thing that I recommend is NOT buying virus protection.  Yes, you read that right, do NOT buy any virus protection software!  There are at least 2 products that will cover your computer, and not load it down, and you can download these for FREE!

Download.com Offers:

1. AVG Free Edition – downloaded over 130 million times
2. Avast – downloaded over 31 million times

Between these two FREE virus software downloads, you should NEVER have to buy anti-virus software again.  3 things to remember with FREE software are; update, update, update.  Always check for updates when you run the software, this will keep the program up with the times of new viruses, etc.

What I do when I get an error or have computer “issues”

1. Copy the error and enter it into Google Search – that will show me others with the same problem and possibly a quick fix.
2. If you encounter a virus you might want to see if you can catch the name of it or any identifying text.  Typing that into Google will also help you.
3. After reading forums, blogs and websites about my problem, by now I am close to the solution or at least I have more reading material to check out.

Virus Protection, Adaware Protection and Registry Protection, Which One?

If I have popups, I run Adaware (downloaded from Download.com), making sure to update it, and that usually takes care of it.  I did run into a pop up crazy virus this year that Adaware was unable to detect.  After extensively searching the net, I found the Uniblue RegistryBooster software.  After reading some reviews on the product, I figured it was the right one for me.

The registry in your computer is vital and when it’s optimized, you computer will run smoother.  The screenshots from the review posted above show the load times of applications, as well as, Windows XP, before and after running the booster software (Click here to run a Free Registry scan).

The software from Uniblue is part of a PowerSuite, which I purchased, that includes a driver scanner and a speed up your PC application.  It was well worth it and if you need more information or reviews, just search Google, always search Google