Quad Bootup.

Windows

Most likely you’re reading this article on a Windows computer, why do I say this? Simple, because Windows XP/Vista are the most used OS’s on the market currently, ahead of OSX and Linux. Since Windows comprises more than 80% of computers in the world, this means that it has the most widely available support and software available. It also means that because of its wide spread use and more unsecure build, that it’s most prone to spyware and viruses. Windows is by far the greatest choice for gaming, as most games are developed natively for windows and windows systems being generally less expensive.

Mac OSX

If you’ve been paying attention to your TV lately it’s very likely that you’ve at least seen one Mac Vs PC commercial. Apple’s OS has been gaining strength over the years and for good reason too. Mac OSX is much more secure to Windows because it’s a UNIX based operating system. These means that there virtually no spyware and virus applications currently affected Mac OSX systems. OSX is also much friendly for the casual user, as it’s designed for less technically users and is generally seen as much more fun experience. A downside to OSX is that you must ‘legally’ buy a Mac machine to run it. You can’t buy an OSX computer from a third-party vender such as Dell. This means that Apple’s computers tend to much more expensive than Windows set-ups.

Linux

Linux? What’s a Linux? You might think that Linux is some new operating system just because you’ve never heard of it, but the first iteration of Linux was actually released in the 1970’s. Why hasn’t Linux caught on? Many of the pros of Linux can also be considered a con is the easiest way to explain its popularity. Linux is the most technical of the three main OS’s. Literally anything and everything in Linux can be changed to match your desired wants; you just have to figure out how to do it. It’s not for casual users; however, as many casual users have a hard time figuring out how to even install Linux on their system. Something great about Linux is that it’s highly compatible and runs on just about any hardware. It’s also even more secure than OSX, which is very impressive considering that safety is one of Apple’s strongest selling points.

Which OS is right for you? Well that question is impossible to answer without knowing what kind of user you are and what you’re looking for. Chances are, Windows is fine for most people that are reading this article. It’s never a bad idea to consider using Mac OSX or Linux, however.

Photo Credits: foskarulla

Originally posted 2009-11-30 03:13:29.

Defrag.

Organize Your Files and Folders

One of the hardest things to get used to when you start using a computer is paying attention to where you’re saving things and how you should be organizing your folders and files. It’s important to remember that you should give you folders meaningful names so that you remember what they’re there for as well as your documents. It’s never a bad idea to have sub-folders inside of folders; no matter how complicated it may seem at first.

Running Virus Scans

Spyware and viruses can really take their toll on the overall speed and efficiency of your computer. As a new user, you really owe it to yourself to make sure that your computer lasts and that you keep it healthy in terms of being malware free. There is no set time or sign that says you need to run a spyware and virus scan, but it’s likely that if you’re becoming a common internet user that you should run a scan at least once a month.

Update Your Software

Something that often seems like a chore is updating your software so that you mean current. Often times these update messages appear at the worst times and you may feel like they’re just a big pain. It’s important to stay updated, however, because that’s how you keep your computer most resistant to possible crashes and virus breaches. If you’re finding it hard to update your software, just make it a habit of updating during your lunch break or when you go to the bathroom.

Uninstall Unused Programs

A good way of keeping your computer feeling brand new is to constantly uninstall any program that you don’t use anymore. Unused computers waste your hard disk memory and can often part of the reason why either your computer is slow or why you don’t have enough space to install new programs. Getting into the habit of deleting old programs is a great computing habit.

Computers are a new experience unlike anything before them, but they are really not very hard to master. If you have a little willpower and the desire to learn you will be an expert with your computer in no time.

Photo Credits: micahb37

Originally posted 2009-11-05 03:25:18.