Why are computers so crap?

Question

I mean did Microsoft program the Windows sofware so that nobody has any control whatsoever over how their operatin system operates? Or is it just me? I consider myself to have quite a good knowledge of windows. However, almost weekly something pops up that really irritates or annoys me.

Can anybody point me to somewhere on this internet where I can learn quite quickly how to master my Windows PC? I would love you for the rest of my life if you can help me.
I do use uninstaller software. Lavasoft adaware. Spy Bot search and destroy. Hijack this. I also look at the programs that are running in the background but I find this very tiresome looking on the net to find out if the programs will hang a noose around my neck.

Surely some of the best programmers have writtena s oftware package that checks all runnign processes and gives you an option at the end to turn them all off and leave the bare bones necessary for th OS to run?? I hope anyone can help me. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Looks like you're getting lots of inputs. Here are my two cents.

Here are two really good programs to use to stop programs from running and eating up your resources. I find either of them much better than using "msconfig".

"What's Running" get it at: http://www.download.com

"Autoruns" get it at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/autoruns.mspx

Here are some other tips I recommend to help keep you running efficiently.

A major cause of slow PC's is fragmentation of the hard drive.
You need to defragment the HD at least once a week if not more depending on how much you use your computer, and what you do with it.

One way is to use the defragment utility built into Windows XP. It is slow but does the job rather well. Go to:
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and then click on System Defrag to run the tool. It may take several hours, so let it run overnight or simply walk away from your PC for a few hours.

A great program for defragging automatically is Diskeeper. It costs $30 but is well worth it. Go to http://www.download.com and search for Diskeeper. Read the Publishers Description and the Editor and User reviews. It can be scheduled to run automatically as the program deems necessary, and if you are using your PC and the program launches itself, it will take a backseat to whatever you are doing and give you the priority for CPU usage. I think you'll agree it's a good program to have. It precludes your needing to remember to defrag at regular intervals.

Another major cause of a slow PC is programs that are running in the background. Here's another really good Microsoft tool. It’s called Autoruns and it was written by SysInternals who were recently bought up by Microsoft.

Before you download the program create a folder under program files called Autoruns. Leave Windows Explore open.

Launch Internet Explored and go to the following Microsoft web page.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/autoruns.mspx

Go to the bottom of the page and download the Autoruns program. After it downloads open the file. It is a Zip file. Unzip the file and you will see 4 files. Drag and drop those 4 files to the Autoruns folder you created under Program Files.

Once you have the 4 files in the C:\Program Files\Autoruns folder you can double click on the file titled “autoruns”.

This will bring up a window with several tabs at the top. Click on the “Logon” tab. It will list the programs that are running on your PC and eating up resources. Look them over carefully and turn off any that don’t absolutely have to be running. Simply click on the “check mark” in the little box beside the program name. Clicking on it will remove the check mark. Once you have edited the Startup list, click on Apply and then on OK.
NOTE: Leave items that show Windows; System 32; Program Files; etc. alone. Shutting them off may cause some things not to work.

Once you have exited the window, reboot your PC for the settings to take effect.

WARNING: Don’t go into the other tabs and start deleting things. You will probably give yourself major headaches if you do that. Stay focused on the “Logon” List only.

Another good thing to have is a little program called FreeRAM XP Pro. It is free and is available from http://www.download.com This program puts a little RAM meter on the System Tray and shows how much RAM you have remaining that you are not using at any given time. I think you may be surprised at how little RAM you have to run other programs. Also, once it is installed you can right click on the little meter, then click on RESTORE and it will open the RAM display window. You can tweak the settings so it will display your CPU usage also. Then just click “Minimize” and then “To System Tray” to return to the Task Bar.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Microsoft did not program Windows to be crappy on purpose. There are many reason why Windows is unstable and for most of them Microsoft isn't the one who's responsible:

Most problems are caused by poorly written device drivers. Device manufacturers, who specialize in producing hardware, often have insufficient experience in writing software drivers. A poorly written driver can cause system crashes and slowdowns

Even the latest version of Windows are based on a structure which is more then 20 years old and is causing a lot of security issues. Over the years Microsoft have constantly improved it but they are afraid of changing it radically because then all existing programs will have to be rewritten to be compatible with the new version.

Some programmers tend to design their programs in a way that they interfere too much with Windows. Often changing settings, replacing system files or attempting to add additional functionality to the operating system, which makes the entire system unstable and reduces performance.

As the most widely spread operating system, Windows is also the most vulnerable to viruses and spyware.

Answer 3

Ive been in the computer field for 30 plus years and for the most part, its the person operating the PC that causes 90 percent of the problems! Two golden rules! You download freeware, you will get malware. You use File sharing sites, you will get malware. All the PC protection in the world wont cure your woes either! Malware is written on a daily basis! It takes at least a month before even the best malware removal tools know its there! Its a little late then! Virus protection gives the user a false sense of protection to begin with. Common sense is the BEST protection you can have! Dont get me wrong, I found it all the hard way myself!

Answer 4

Well the first advice is to say away from those obviously "bad sites". A good analogy would be just like outside, you wouldn't be surprised if your car got stolen if you went to a bad neighborhood and left your car unlocked and your wallet laying in the seat. Same thing with Windows and a computer. Firewalls, spy-ware removers, all have nothing on common sense. Avoid the ads that make it seem like they are windows dialog boxes that "claim" you have a virus. In that case make sure the pop-up is in the foreground and close it by alt-f4 instead of using the mouse. It lots of small things that can keep your computer clean. If you need more help, just "IM" me.

Answer 5

Try getting rid of anything you don't use! It's like a cupboard that gets full. You stuff things inside it, then get annoyed when things fall on your head as you open the door. Before you defrag, make sure you delete cookies, history, temp files, recycle bin and anything you don't use. Then run Ad-Aware (remembering to quarantine and then empty it). Finally, run a full system scan with your virus security system. Also, you have too many "anti " systems!!! Each one takes up space and competes with the others!!!! I just use one updated anti virus system and one "Spy/Adaware" system. Its up to you which one you choose. Take out music/videos/pictures you never use, remove games you don't use regularly, even if it means downloading the disc when you do want it and removing it afterwards. Get rid of any Windows Programs you don't need either. They take up space you could use for important stuff. Remember the K.I.S.S. system - Keep It Simple, Stupid!!! Chuck out what you don't need and your "cupboard" won't be so full of junk.

Answer 6

Hi,
Looks like you have been vistaing "Strange" sites to pick up so many funny things, as long as your Firewall is switched ON you have to O.K most things before they will install,just say NO more often before these thing install.

Answer 7

If you are serious about taking control of your computer see:

Answer 8

Their is a book( really )xp for dummy's that will help you. library's
or most book stores have it