CompuClever Blog

Windows tips: What’s the difference between Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Ultimate?

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One Windows tip we’re often asked for (but are only just getting around to addressing) is what is the difference between the different versions of Windows 7? Currently, Windows 7

Windows 7, released now just over two years ago in late July, 2009 includes a number of new features, such as  improved performance on multi-core processors, a new version of Windows Media Center; the Windows Security Center has been renamed to Windows Action Center, which includes security and maintenance of the computer.

The Windows 7  taskbar has also been improved; the Quick Launch toolbar has been replaced with the ability to pin applications to the taskbar. To the far right there is a small rectangular button that replaces XP’s “Show Desktop” icon. This button is part of the new feature in Windows 7 called Aero Peek. Hovering over this button makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop.

Windows 7 has many more features and improvements on XP – too many to list here – but needless to say it’s a real improvement over Vista, and looks quite nice as well (perhaps even better than iOS).

What is the main difference between Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Ultimate? Continue reading...

Watch out for new PC maintenance scam

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There’s a new PC scam popping up that we thought we should let our users know about.

You may get a call from someone claiming to be a computer repairman (and this person will most likely have a heavy accent). Once you pick up, there will be a slight pause as they connect you with a “technician”, who will then start asking you questions.

Many people will get fooled at this point because the technician will address them by first name and by their surname.

The first question they ask you is: Do you have a slow PC?

The technician will tell you the reason that your computer is slow is because your computer is full with “junk files” that are stored on your computer when browsing the internet. They will ask you to follow some steps that will show you the junk files:

  1. Turn on your PC
  2. Once Windows is running click on the windows key and R
  3. In the dialog box type eventvwr
  4. Now go to Windows Logs on the left panel and select Application

Eventvwr will show a large number of processes. What is eventvwr? It’s a legitimate Microsoft Windows XP program that displays event logs:

In Windows XP, an event is any significant occurrence in the system or in a program that requires users to be notified, or an entry added to a log.

Continue reading...

Speed up your PC by using Microsoft Security Essentials

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improve windows speedsSooner or later we all have to remove virus problems or malware from our computer. It’s part of  the ongoing battle being fought between Microsoft and other technology companies and a shadowy network of hackers all over the world. To protect against computer viruses and other threats, most people choose to install a third-party “anti-virus” software. This software is typically not developed by Microsoft or the Windows team, and provides a layer of protection for your system by examining all downloads, all the time.

This amount of activity can really slow things down, and most people will really notice the effect of an anti-virus program on their system.

There is, however, a way to speed up your computer.

Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft’s free anti-virus and malware protection software integrates seamlessly with XP, Vista and Windows 7. Moreso than other anti-virus programs, Microsoft Security Essentials run quietly in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. Most importantly, it  limits CPU and memory usage, resulting in less impact computer performance and speed.

This means opening documents and browser windows, or loading search results can become noticeably faster. So, Microsoft Security Essentials offers Windows users real-time virus, trojan and malware protection without slowing the system noticeably. Continue reading...

Improve PC speed by adjusting Windows Aero

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Computer tips and tricksWindows 7 offers a neat new feature called Aero that basically transforms parts of open windows on your desktop into transparent panes of glass. It’s a bit of inspired “eye-candy” that adds to the visual appeal of Windows, and the transparent, open effect provided by Aero can reduce some of the claustrophobia caused by having too many windows open at the same time.

However, like many of Windows 7 features, this increased functionality can come with a price. Laptops and computers that have stock video adapters that are “good enough” to get the job done, but unsuitable for more resource-intensive activities might see a performance hit when running Aero’s transparent glass effect.

For you the user, a “performance hit” means a slow computer. Programs, especially internet browsers, may not be as responsive as they could,  and it may take longer to open folders contain much-needed files.

All this can be irritating, but there is one way to speed up your computer: disable Aero’s glass transparency.

In Windows 7:

1. Click anywhere on your desktop, right-click, & select Personalize.
2. Select Window Color at the bottom.
3. Uncheck Enable Transparency.

Now Windows should run a little faster. While eye-candy is dandy, a lean-and-clean Windows interface is quicker! Continue reading...