Simple Tricks Every Computer User Should Know

Simple Tricks Every Computer User Should Know

No matter 'how tech savvy you are' - but there're certain tricks every one of us has to know when using a computer. And we don’t always deal with them in the most efficient ways. Here are some simple tricks that everyone should learn to keep their computer fast, safe, and easy to use. Even if you've mastered all of these tricks, and you may want to inform this along to some of your less computer-savvy friends. 

1. Keep Your Personal Information Safe and Secure:

The internet is not, always, a safe place, which means everyone needs to make sure they’re keeping their personal information safe. Make sure you use strong passwords, remove personal information from photos and other files, and never use an open public Wi-Fi network without protection. Keeping your personal information safe is easier than it sounds.

2. Easily Track Your Lost or Stolen Devices:

You never know when you misplaced your phones, laptops, or tab; so, do some safeguards to track them, if you misplace/lose it. Android users and iPhone users may use the Android Device Manager and Find My iPhone respectively and they'll be guiding you to track your phone if you lose it. You may use a more feature-rich App like Prey, which can track nearly any laptop or smartphone that’s gone missing, and even get a photo of who might be using it. And make sure all your personal data has to be secured by means of locking your device every time, which is the best solution to protect your device(s). If you’re missing a camera, the Camera Trace Service can help you find it, too. The best solution to protect your device(s) is to lock every time, after accessing them.

3. Instantly Share File(s) Between Two Computers:

Some files you want to give to your friend, who is sitting next to you; but your flash drive has gone missing! Well, and it's so easy to transfer a file over wireless (or wired) network, whether it is between you and a friend or between multiple computers you own. There're many ways to share your files with a nearby computer and if you want to share them between multiple computers, then Windows’ Homegroup feature is a great option. DropBox App is also our favorite of choice to fulfill the necessary. 

4. Maintain the computer in tip-top condition:

Maintaining the computer is really a confusing one! From defragging to cleaning up temporary files and other tasks are almost like to maintaining a vehicle! It goes easier in recent years, and you, only, really need to do one or two things to keep your computer running faster and smoother. Furthermore, do not neglect to update Windows. Install them, whenever they available, and restart your computer if necessary. This will keep your computer safe and stable and really takes no effort on your part. Running antivirus in the form of antivirus software, which runs in the background, is essential. Microsoft Security Essentials is pretty great on its own; but using other antivirus software, like Avast, Avira, BitDefender, Eset, Kaspersky is also a good choice to defend against malware, safe browsing and more, is depending on your interest.

5. Access Your Home Computer From Anywhere:

If you go out with your laptop and realize you left some important files on your computer at home. It's a problem for you to get those files when you're outside with your laptop. To solve this problem you've to use a service like DropBox, so your files are always with you everywhere you go. However, another service like TeamViewer that connects people, places and things around the world by logging into your home computer from another machine and use it as if you're sitting at your desk, whether you just need to grab a file or access a program you don't have elsewhere.

6. Keep Your PC Free of Junks:

Ever surprised, how the Yahoo toolbar got on your system, or why there's so much junk installed on your branded new machine? Junks are the huge problem in the world of technology, but those doesn’t mean you have to take it lying down. With the right tools, you can avoid that crapware forever. Just uninstall the stuff that came with your system, and learn the ways how the companies trick you into installing the stuff that you don’t want. Keep your system nice and clean, and beat the scammers at their own game. 

7. Network and Wi-Fi Problems:

Understanding modems, routers, and the other things related to making up your network can seem a daunting task, but actually, you should have to know few basic ideas that can fix most problems. If your router/modem constantly need resetting then make sure it is not overheating or clogged with traffic. If the Wi-Fi speed and it's range less than ideal then make sure the router/modem in the center of your house, which gives the best coverage possible throughout your home. Protect your Wi-Fi connection from prying neighbors or malicious attackers by toggling SSID broadcast option in the firmware settings of your router. While your SSID is hidden, it won't show up to others. In addition, you should enable WPA2 password protection on your WiFi network, which is encrypted and more secure than the WPA or WEP security protocols. 

8. Protect Yourself From Viruses: 

Every Windows users have the pain experiences of viruses and other malware, but the good news is it’s pretty easy to avoid. We recommend you to learn the difference between viruses, trojans, and other kinds of attacks, as well as the myths surrounding them. Then, install some good, and free antivirus software to protect yourself (Avast is our current favorite, but Bitdefender is a slightly less nerdy, equally secure option). You can even get antivirus on your Android phone if you so choose. But in the end, the best way to avoid viruses is to use common sense: 1. never open links that look suspicious, 2. don’t install programs from untrusted sources, and 3. if a window pops up saying your computer is infected, make sure it’s actually your antivirus software saying and not a fake web page.

9. Do Everything Faster with Shortcuts:

The great thing about computers is that they can do a lot of things much faster than a human. Say you’re looking for a specific word on a web page. Instead of scanning it yourself, all you need to do is press Ctrl+F and type the word you’re looking for. There are plenties of shortcut like pressing Ctrl+S to instantly save the file you’re working on, Ctrl+P to print it out, or Ctrl+T to open a new tab in your web browser. It may seem like more trouble than its worth at first, but after you use a shortcut one or two times, you’ll wonder why you ever did anything with the mouse. 

10. Set Up a Backup System:

We recommend you to back-up the computers, and backups are extremely easy to keep your valuable data safe. And if you like to back up on an external drive, such as a USB drive, then you can use some simple tools that built into your computers, like Windows Backup or Apple’s Time Machine. However, online services are also available like CrashPlan, which helps online back up for you, no matter 'where you are', and that data will be safe, no matter 'what happens to your hardware'.