Zero's Guide to a Better PC Experience

Hey fellow Sov's, I just want to write up a guide on how to fix the common PC problems and make them run better. I will be using my laptop as an example machine.
(I am writing this up at 3 in the morning, please bare with the grammer and speeling mistakes)

Zero's Laptop Specs:

Spoiler:

First off I would like to make myself clear, I am not a computer expert! I happen to spend a lot of time fixing family's and friend's computers and sorta picked up a few things along the way. If you would like to contrible to this guide, please feel free to post here and I'll added it! I know this guide is a bit long, but please try to read the whole thing, thanks.

I want to break this down to a few parts:
1. Got a Virus/Spyware/Malware/Trojan Horse/etc?
2. Prevention is the best fix
3. Zero's PC setup

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Part 1: Getting rid of that nasty Virus.
Or whatever that is making your PC stay in bed with a high temperature. First off (no offense) I find it a bit hard for anyone to catch a virus or whatever these days, but it seems to still happen. I suggest you download a program to scan your computer. Here's what I recommend:
AVG
Microsoft Security Essentials
Spybot Search & Destroy
Ad-Aware
Avast!
These are free and work really well. I personally (only) use Microsoft Security Essentials.
*note: I haven't used Spybot and Ad-Aware for a long time. From what I can remember, those aren't exactly anti-viruses, but GREAT for spyware/ad-ware detection and removal. I suggest you use these together*

Download one of these and install it. Run a full system scan. I suggest you do not have much running in the background of your PC while this is going on. Check back when the scan is done and do what the program suggests. Usually this would fix whatever is causing your PC to act up. Of course, one program cannot magically make your PC healthy again. Whenever these programs fail me, I go for plan B (more on that later).

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Part 2: Prevention is the best fix.
Now that you fixed your PC or just want to bulletproof it, here are some tips I picked up over the years.
1. Install a security program, simple as that. Any of those that I listed in part one will do fine. Make sure you run the scanner once a week.

2. Viruses and spyware programs aren't as stupid as they used to be, but humans still are. Always watch out for what websites you visit and what things you install from the Internet. Just use common sense! Don't visit a site you think is shady. A site with pop ups generally are a sign of a dangerous site. Stay away!
*Beware of social engineering as well (google it if you don't know what that is)*

3. Use a secure web browser. Of course, this shouldn't be a big deal now. Back when Internet Explorer was complete garbage, people would catch viruses easily. Good thing Microsoft got their act together. Personally I use Google Chrome AND Firefox. I lost my faith in IE years ago... However it's supposed to be good now that Micosoft released their new version. I have yet to test it out though. Why do I use both Google Chrome and Firefox? Chrome is stupid fast and I like that. Firefox has lots of extensions, which I use sometimes.
If you are using Chrome or Firefox, I HIGHLY suggest you install the addon/extension "Adblock Plus". It blocks ads from many popular sites, making your browsing experience nice and clean
Pro Tip: Sometimes it's a good idea to run your browser in "Porn Mode". That means nothing is saved to the browser, like history, cookies, cache. Great for paying bills, entering private information, using a public PC, or... you know . For Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N. For Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P.

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Part 3: Zero's Setup
All you really need to do is parts 1 + 2 and you and your PC should be fine. However there is always room for improvement. Here's what I do on my laptop.
1. Less startup programs = faster boot. The more you have running at the start of your PC, the longer it will take for it to boot up.

2. Don't run unneeded programs. The more programs you have running, the more your CPU has to work and the more RAM you use up. Save those for Aika!

3. Don't install useless programs... Honestly, I hate how the people's PC's I fix have the most useless programs on their computers. It really pisses me off. If you don't use it or don't need it, UNINSTALL IT!

Here's the programs I use on my PC, they are lightweight and run almost everything I throw at it just fine:
A. For browsing the web I use Google Chrome and Firefox.
B. For music I use either winamp, Foobar2000, or Zune (I own a Zune HD, need it for syncing)
C. For video I use Media Player Classic. I know most of the guild members watch Anime. This will play 99% of all the Animes out there.
D. For word processing I use Open Office. Microsoft Office is a rip off and complete garbage compared to this.
E. For E-mail/Calendar I use Thunderbird.

These are the most common programs I think everyone uses and GREAT alternatives to whatever Microsoft gives you to use.
Yes, my PC does not have Internet Explorer, Media Player, Games, etc... If you want to know how to uninstall those, let me know and I'll add it to this guide.

Okay I hope this helps someone at least. Basically use common sense and you'll be fine!

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Plan B:
Format it. Pretty simple. Back up your important stuff and wipe your PC clean and start over.

since u dont like using useless programs on ur comp then u might wanna unistall foobar cuz i found out tht in raidcall u can use hardware option and i think it plays whatever music program ur using, i think thts how it works