How to Keep Malware Off From Your Computer for Good

Every single day, when your surf the internet, your personal computer is at risk of being invaded by malicious software like viruses (Trojans and its battalions), spyware, and adware programs. Collectively, these unwanted programs are what you call malware. They have the capacity to destroy your computer applications and files as well as track your personal information like credit card numbers, passwords, bank account, etc. These information might be sold to or given to people or entities with malicious intent.

You have the power to control and keep these malware programs from intruding into your personal files and infecting your personal computer. Here are some of the more relevant things that you can do:

If you are using the Microsoft Windows Operating System, you will see one important built-in tool that can prevent these malware programs to invade your computer, that is, the automatic update. It is essential that you keep your system updated especially with the important and recommended updates. When you install these updates, security bugs and lapses are resolved right away that prevents the malware programs from taking advantage and attacking your computer. There are three options to install these updates:
(1) you can automatically turn on the built-in windows update from your computer by clicking start>run sysdm.cpl, go to automatic updates tab, and tick automatic option;
(2) start>control panel>security>check for updates>install updates;
(3) go to the update website of Windows and download the necessary updates.

Aside from installing the necessary updates, it is also crucial that you have a firewall installed and running in your computer. Again, Microsoft Windows Operating System has a built-in firewall that you can automatically turn-on: start>control panel>security>check this computer's security status>firewall>on. The firewall filters what goes in and out of your computer and blocks programs that are deemed harmful to your system.

In addition to enabling your firewall, it is also crucial that you run the latest and updated anti-malware software programs such as anti-virus and anti-spyware. When you browse the internet, several if not all good anti-malware programs will continuously scan your computer with their real time protection and be able to detect and prevent malware attacks. It is important that you keep these programs up to date.

Another recommended protection is to regularly scan your registry as there are malware programs that are capable of intruding into your computer's registry. As registry are a bit more complicated when manually done, it is advisable that you install a good registry cleaner that will simplify the process for you and effectively remove any malware that may have invaded your system and keep them from coming back.

With all these tools that will protect your computer from malware attacks, it is fundamental that you also do your part by being a responsible PC user and internet surfer. You must exercise caution when visiting websites and more especially when downloading programs particularly the freeware. Most of the spyware and adware enters your computer through these freeware programs. As much as possible refrain from downloading freeware programs especially from unknown publishers. Take care of your computer. After all, your computer and the internet has become an integral part of your life.

Tired of PC Errors? Here's What You Can Do

Computer errors are not only time consuming and frustrating for computer users, but at times they may cost you a large amount of money for maintenance and repair. So, if you are tired of PC errors and are looking for a solution, you may consider following some simple steps:

   1. Check your system configuration.

      Quite often, errors occur due to incorrect system configuration and are resolved when you resolve the issue. For instance, Windows Messenger may generate error code 0x81000370 when you try to sign in to it, if the system clock of your system is not set correctly. This issue can be resolved by resetting your clock to the correct configuration.

   2. Keep your Operating System and Applications Updated

      When you purchase a computer, your computer performs efficiently as all the applications, operating system and device drivers are the latest versions and are updated. However, if these are not updated on a regular basis, they not only slow down your computer, but also cause a lot of critical errors. Therefore, it is recommended that you update your Windows OS as well as other applications installed on your computer. New updates make your operating system and software equipped with the latest service packs and plugs any loopholes thereby, minimizing the chances of an update error.

      Note: In order to ensure that your Windows OS is up-to-date please select the Automatic Updates option in your Control Panel. While some of the software manufacturers provide free updates of their products, others are available only on a subscription basis.

   3. Keep your Hard Disk uncluttered and defragmented

      Another simple way of ensuring that your system remains free of errors is to take care of your computer’s hard disk. This involves using two important system tools that come with your Windows Operating System. These are:

         1. Disk Cleanup: This tool helps you get rid of the clutter on your hard disk by deleting any redundant, outdated and unnecessary files that may have accumulated over a period of time.

         2. Disk Defragmenter: The purpose of this tool is to make more space available by consolidating the files present on the hard drive and by making clusters of files contiguous.

   4. Keep your Windows Registry Clean

      The Windows Registry is a very busy component of your operating system. Each time a software or hardware device is installed, relevant entries are made in the registry. These entries are deleted whenever this software or hardware is uninstalled from your computer. However, many times this does not happen as planned and many unnecessary files are left over even after the related software or hardware is removed. This leads to a corrupt and bloated Windows registry, which causes many errors and interferes with the smooth functioning of your system. A reliable registry scanner tool will not only eliminate such useless entries and make it error-free, but will also make a complete backup of registry entries that is useful in case you have a system crash.

   5. Use three important protection tools

      The three tools that your system should have are:

         1. Anti-virus: A reliable anti-virus which is always ON and updated with the latest definitions offers a great protection from virus threats. You must also run a thorough scan at regular intervals for best results.

         2. Anti-spyware: A good anti-spyware will protect vital information from malicious software manufacturers who create spyware, adware and other illegal software.

         3. Firewall: A firewall is a must for computers connected to the internet and other external networks. It acts as security personnel that shields your system against hackers trying to gain unauthorized access to your computer.

First Steps To Fixing PC Errors

If your PC is having problems, you may consider calling a computer technician right away. But if you will follow the first steps to fixing PC errors, you may be able to save more time and money. Hiring of technicians may be the safer way to keep a computer problem solved. However, if you have the capability to fix the computer, then it would be better to do it yourself. If you will read more articles about computers, you will learn about them more and you may be able to get additional tips on how you will be able to fix your computer and these steps are actually what your technician would do.

The first steps to fixing PC error would be done by eliminating the unwanted files in your hard disk. If you have unused, files, folders, data, and other programs, you should delete them so that they would not add up to the many things that are kept in the computer. When the computer load is lower, it will result to better performance. The junk in your PC will slow down your computer and you should avoid this. You may remove the unused programs through the Control Panel of your computer. You may uninstall the programs that you don’t want. After which, you may still have the option to do disk cleanup options. This will compress the files in your computer thus adding more space. Third step in keeping a faster computer would be to defragment the system. Although this may take some time, you can be assured that this maintenance action would be a big help in cleaning up for free spaces and in keeping your PC’s performance at its best.

Following these first steps to fixing PC error would be your way to have a computer that can meet your speed needs and avoid any problems in the future. Most of the problems in the computer systems are caused by virus and spyware. Thus, you should not let them go inside your computer system and stay in there for more time. When the virus stay in your computer, it may be able to infiltrate more of the files in your computer and damage may even be worse. To avoid this, you should be careful in downloading different files, opening folders, and other possible means of the virus. You should keep them out of the system and you can be protected through the use of anti-virus programs.

Added to this, would be the need to be updated with the possible upgrades of the anti-virus of your computer. Upgrades will keep you better knowledgeable about the different harmful materials in your computer. The viruses may also change over time so your computer must be able to meet with these changes. The anti-virus software that you use should still know the different new viruses so that you computer will be fully protected. This will help you in avoiding system errors. You must also prepare for scans in the windows registry as it is a big help in making the performance of your computer be faster. There may be many unnecessary files in your computer and you should then be able to do the cleaning regularly. The steps that you would need to do are simple and easy to follow. Also the tools can be easily available. Thus, you should know that there may be ways in fixing your computer problems but there are ways to solve it on your own.

Causes of DLL Errors

Overview
Before discussing the causes of DLL errors, first we need to know what DLL files are and their purpose. Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are executable files compiled in different libraries. These libraries are used by the Windows operating systems to perform different functions that can be important for the system entire functionality. DLL files are associated to a specific application that can have static or dynamic link. A dynamic DLL link is used by the program only when required while static link is used all through out the operation of the program. The DLL files have a .dll file extension, but there are also cases when they are given .exe extensions.

The great thing about DLL files is that it can be used by different programs simultaneously. Windows include DLL files that can be used by applications installed in the computer. All programs have DLL files included which is executed or used when the program is in use.

What is a DLL Hell?
The term DLL Hell is a collective term for the errors that occurred which is related to DLL files.

The causes of DLL errors are:
If an application is newly installed in the computer and then the DLL files already in the system is overwritten with old version. Replacing DLL files can cause errors because as mentioned DLL files are in use by several applications installed in the computer.

To avoid DLL errors, developers must also make sure that the DLL files already installed in the computer must match the DLL files included in the installation file. If in case a message prompts you that DLL files are about to be overwritten make sure that you maintain the newer version of the DLL files.

The error message could appear when deleting files in the Recycle Bin:“This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. If the problem persists, contact the program vendor. Specifically, this error message occurs when the Msvcrt40.dll file encountered a problem or it is corrupted. The Msvcrt40.dll file is stored in the Windows System folder.If a DLL file is deleted and it is used by several applications can cause DLL errors. DLL errors can be deleted when an application using it is uninstalled.

Another cause of DLL errors is malfunctioned hardware, damaged registry entry, and problems encountered by an application.

An example of an error message that can be encountered when there is a missing DLL file: could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: C:\system32\hal.dll. Please re-install a copy of the above file.

This error usually happens when in a multi-boot operating system. One of the common causes of DLL errors is when the computer is infected with a virus or malware programs. Malware programs can interfere with the normal operation of the system. Like for instance, when the Internet Explorer is upgraded to version 7 the following error might occur: for res://ieframe.dll/dnserror.htm.

A simple way to resolve this error is to install antivirus software in the computer. Then constantly scan your computer and update the antivirus software when needed. When the error message appeared when you are browsing a suspicious site through Internet Explorer7, disable the protected mode options of the browser.

Lastly, the error can also be caused by Kerio and Zone Alarm firewall so if needed uninstall the applications causing the error.

5 Reasons to Invest in a Registry Cleaner

Are you having many problems with your computer? You should then assure that your registry is clean as it may be affecting the way that your computer operates. You should consider learning the 5 reasons to invest in a registry cleaner since the use of the registry cleaner may be the solution for you to have a better time using your computer.

One of the 5 reasons to invest in a registry cleaner would be the importance of the registry in keeping your computer free of errors. The registry cleaner is a program that would help you keep a healthy registry. As the registry is an important aspect in each activity that is done by your computer, you should keep it clean and well taken care of. Also, the registry is always used which results to times when the registry would keep many irrelevant files in your computer. These unused files may cause damage to the other files. However, this event may be avoided through the use of a registry cleaner. You will be able to eliminate these clutters and fix other computer errors when you are able to use a good cleaner and then the computer will be able to keep your files safe.

Additionally, you will also be able to make your computer speedy if you have a better registry. If there are many irrelevant files in your registry, this will slow down the way that the registry operates and it also affects the computer speed in some degrees. With the use of the registry cleaner, you will be able to compress the files that you have and once defragmented, the registry, along with your computer, would also speed up.

Third out of the 5 reasons to invest in a registry cleaner would be the benefit of removing malicious files in your computer. The viruses, Trojans, worms and other malicious entries in your registry would affect the processing of your system commands. Thus, with a registry cleaner, you can avoid more system defects as they are already cleaned out. You just have to find a good registry cleaner that can give you a deeper scan of your computer registry to experience more benefits. After which you can enjoy a better functioning computer.

Additionally, the registry cleaners can help you fully uninstall your unwanted programs. When you uninstall a program, there are some instances that bits of information may not be fully deleted. Thus, this still occupies some space in your disk and you would want to avoid this. When you invest in a good registry cleaner, you will have a faster computer that only contains that files that you would need. Lastly, your computer needs maintenance. With the registrys function important in the way that your computer operates, then it should be just right that you will give enough time for keeping this clean.

If you want to have a computer that can function the right way, then you should know how to keep it clean. You should remove those unwanted files and you should also remember that this should be done regularly. By following these registry fixes in keeping a clean registry, you can experience a decrease in your computer troubles.

Rename Internet Explorer Title

You can change the title in the Internet Explorer toolbar to whatever you like. To do so, go to the Registry and look for this string:

HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

Look for the 'WindowTitle' String value in the right pane, right-click on it and select 'Modify'. Type in whatever you want to go into the Toolbar. If the String value does not exist, create it by right-clicking in the right pane and selecting 'New->String Value' and naming it 'WindowTitle'. Double click on it and type in the text you want.

Now you'll have your own title being displayed in the Internet Explorer.

Change Timeout For Hanged Programs

When an application hangs and no longer responds, Windows XP displays a dialog box that prompts you to kill the application or wait a while longer. By default, the dialog box appears after the application hasn't responded for half of a second. You can increase or decrease the amount of
time it takes before Windows reports that the program has hung.

To do so, simply follow these steps:

1. Click Start and select Run.
2. Type in 'regedit' and press OK.
3. Look for the following string:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

4. In the right pane, right-click on the 'HungAppTimeout' string and select 'Modify'.
5. Change the 'Value Data' to any time you want but in milliseconds (10000 milliseconds = one second).
6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Now you can set the time Windows takes to report that an application is not responding.

Quickly Abort A Shutdown Command

Some worms, such as the Blaster worm, use known bugs in Microsoft Operating Systems to force the computer to shut down itself. you may also get the shutdown command by inadvertently ending a system program in the Task Manager. You can create a shortcut on the Desktop for a command that will allow you to quickly abort any un-wanted shutdown commands you might get.

Simply right-click on an empty space on the Desktop and select 'New->Shortcut'. In the Location box type in 'shutdown.exe -a' and click on the 'Next' button. In the Title box enter any name you want for the shortcut then click on the 'Finish' button.

Whenever you see the shutdown command appear on your screen, simply double-click on the shortcut to abort the forced shutdown.

Make Shift Turn Off Caps Lock

Some people find it a lot more convenient to have the Shift key release the Caps Lock function, as typewriters do. With windows XP, this feature is available from the Control Panel, but only when you install another keyboard layout during the Windows installation. You can also change this feature in the Registry.
Simply folow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and select Run.
2. Type in regedit and press OK
3. Look for the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Keyboard Layout

4. In the right pane, right-click and select 'New->DWORD Value'
5. Name the new value 'Attributes'
6. Double-click on the new Attributes value
7. In the Value box enter '00010000' and press OK
8. Exit the Registry and reboot your computer

After you make this change, the Caps Lock key will always turn Caps Lock on but you must press one of the Shift keys to turn it off. This tip reduces the chances of you looking up at your screen only to find that you've typed a whole paragraph in uppercase letters.

Remove Items from the Add/Remove list

If you share your computer with other people in your house and they have a habit of uninstalling programs from the Add/Remove list, or you don't want them seeing what is installed on your computer, you can take out any program from the list without actually uninstalling it.
Just follow these steps.

1. Click on your Start button, select Run and type in regedit.
2. Look for this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Uninstall
3. Look for the program you want to hide under the Uninstall subkey and highlight it (If you see all numbers and letters, highlight that key and look in the right pane for the programs name)
4. Select Export from the File menu and select a name and location for the .reg file that will be created
5. Now delete the program under the Uninstall subkey

If you ever decide to uninstall a program, simply double-click on the .reg file to restore the uninstall data then launch the Add/Remove Programs.

Secure/hide folders without any software

This tip is very helpful to hide and secure your personal data from other users, particularly on your home computer. You can use third party softwares but at times they can be costly. There is a way to hide your folders using the built-in Windows (XP, 2003, Vista) Attrib commands option. With the Attrib command, you can change the attributes of a folder (Read only, Hidden and System attributes) and safeguard your data.

Follow the given steps to edit the folders attributes to secure your data:
Note: To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

1. Create a folder that you want to hide on any computer drive. (For example, you have created a folder on D drive with the name 'Data'.
2. Click on Start button and type CMD in the Run box then press O.K. button to display the Windows Command Prompt
3. Now type the command "attrib +s +h D:\Data" (without quotation marks) and press Enter button to execute it

This command will hide your "Data" folder from D drive and now you can verify it.

Any one cannot unhide this folder using the Windows' "Show hidden files and folders" option also.

When you want to unhide this folder, open command prompt and type the command "attrib -s -h D:\Data" and press Enter button. If you want to hide some files, then simply move them to this 'Data' folder.

Shortcut keys for Internet Explorer

In Internet Explorer, you can use the combination of different keys to access many of it's functions. Shortcut keys help you speed up your surfing without lifting your hands from the keys. You do not need your mouse to select menus and buttons options. Basically keyboard shortcuts keys help you save time and perform tasks without leaving the keyboard.

Useful Internet Explorer shortcuts keys:

CTRL+A - Selects the all items on active page

CTRL+B - Display the "Organize Favorites" dialog box

CTRL+D - Add the active page to your favorites list

CTRL+F - Display "Find" dialog box to search text on active page

CTRL+I - Display the Favorites pane

CTRL+H - Display the History pane

CTRL+N - Use to open new Internet Explorer page

CTRL+W - Closes the active explorer window

CTRL+Tab - Go to address bar of current explorer page

ALT+Home - Use to open the home page of internet explorer

ALT+Left - Arrow Go to previous page of active page

ALT+Right - Arrow Go to next page of active page

ALT+A - Go to Internet Explorer Favorites Menu

ALT+D - Go to address bar of current explorer page

ALT+E - Go to Internet Explorer Edit Menu

ALT+F - Go to Internet Explorer File Menu

ALT+T - Go to Internet Explorer Tools Menu

ALT+V - Go to Internet Explorer View Menu

Tab - Move forward between all items on active web page

F5 - Refresh the active web page

CTRL+P - Use to print the active web page

F11 - Press F11 key to view any webpage in full-screen view and then again press for normal view.

Ctrl+Enter - Windows will automatically add both "www" and ".com" to a domain name. For example, if you type cooltechcheck.blogspot in your address bar and press Ctrl+Enter, then it will automatically become www.cooltechcheck.blogspot.com.

These shortcuts certainly speed up your browsing and save time. Once you get used to them, you'll see the difference.

Uninstall Windows XP using command prompt

This tip will help you uninstall your upgraded version of Windows XP using the command prompt. This will only work if you have upgraded your operating system from a previous versions of Windows like Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows Millennium Edition (Me) and now want to revert to the operating system that was previously installed on your computer.

Follow these steps to revert to the operating system that was previously installed on your computer:

Note: To perform this trick, you need to have administrative rights.

1. First boot your system in Safe mode by pressing the F8 button as soon as the BIOS screen appears.
2. Once you get into the Windows XP Safe mode, click on Start button and type 'cmd' in Run option then press OK.
3. At the command prompt, type 'cd/' command and press enter.
4. Now again type the command 'cd\windows\system32' and press enter.
5. Now type 'osuninst.exe' to start the uninstall process.

Once you give the above command, you can begin with the OS uninstall procedure. Follow the instructions on the screen to restore your previous operating system.

How to remove Windows XP's Messenger

Theoretically, you can get rid of it (as well as a few other things). Windows 2000 power users should already be familiar with this tweak.

Fire up the Windows Explorer and navigate your way to the %SYSTEM ROOT% \ INF folder. What the heck is that thingy with the percentage signs? It's a variable. For most people, %SYSTEM ROOT% is C:\Windows. For others, it may be E:\WinXP. Get it ??

Okay, on with the hack! In the INF folder, open 'sysoc.inf' (but not before making a BACKUP copy first). Before your eyes glaze over, look for the line containing "msmsgs" in it. Near the end of that particular line, you'll notice that the word "hide" is not so hidden. Go ahead and delete "hide". Save the file and close it. Now, open the Add and Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. Click the Add / Remove Windows Components icon. You should see "Windows Messenger" in that list. Remove the checkmark from its box, and you should be set.

NOTE: there are other hidden system components in that 'sysoc.inf' file, too. Remove 'Hide' and the subsequent programs at your own risk.

Speed up acrobat reader

Do u get irritated when acrobat reader takes 5/10 seconds to load once you open a PDF document? There is a way to speed up the loading.

Follow these steps:

1. Make sure Adobe Reader is not running. If it's opened, then it will lock the files and not allow you to move them. So close it first.
2. Go to the installation folder of acrobat reader
(C:\program files\adobe\acrobat\reader\..... whatever)
3. Move all the files and folders from the 'Plugins' directory to the 'Optional' directory. (Do not copy the files, cut and paste them)

After you follow these steps, your acrobat reader will open up quickly.

Detect and Repair Disk Errors

In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.

As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.

If you use your computer daily, you should try to run this utility weekly to help prevent data loss.

Important: Be sure to close all files before running the Error-Checking utility.

To run the Error Checking utility:

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2. In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.
3. In the Properties dialog box, click the 'Tools' tab.
4. Click the 'Check Now' button.
5. The 'Check Disk dialog box will pop-up. In that dialog box, check the "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" box, and then click on Start.
6. If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

Tip: Only select the Automatically fix file system errors check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.

A guide to Digital Cameras

Basically a digital camera is a device use to capture pictures without the use of film. The increased weight is because these cameras often use heavy batteries even though they have fewer moving parts. The storage used is similar to other computer based products so they are compatible with may other types of media we use to view images. This computer language is called pixels, tiny colored dots represented by ones and zeros that make up the picture that you just captured.

These cameras still use lenses in much the same way that conventional cameras do. Instead of film the digital camera captures the light with the aid of a system which records the light rays digitally. A feature of the better quality versions is they have a sensor that converts light into electrical charges using a different system to their less expensive cousins. Some people believe the device used to capture an image in cheaper cameras the CMOS will eventually be the replacement for the better CCD but this is highly doubtful.

You may have noticed the price of some models has dropped, making them much more affordable to many people; the CMOS image capture device is the reason for this. Whilst both the CMOS and CCD systems both capture an image using millions of solar cells to make up the whole picture, they perform this in slightly different ways Information to help you choose a suitable model of camera is mention in this review. From the point of view on having good quality photos, search for a high megapixel version as it will be worth it for the image you will capture with it; if you are lucky you may find a model that is discounted because a new version is about to be introduced.

Where you have a choice, optical zooms on digital cameras are better than digital ones - always; perhaps you can remember how grainy and blurred images become when you used your camcorder’s digital zoom function? Today’s nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries are very powerful and last for around a 1,000 charges so always use these if you want to save money. Although most are supplied with a number of photo functions, try for as many as you can because you will appreciate the effects that can be achieved; just a few examples of functions to look for are shown here:

* Video capture * Time lapse (i.e. one shot every 5 minutes for example) * Self-timer
High resolution cameras require more space to store images so you will probably need an additional storage card. Although larger storage cards have plummeted in price, a 1GB card should be enough for most peoples needs; some cameras won’t accept very high capacity cards anyway.

Cameras are now very tiny compared to a few years ago so you can actually carry around a high specification variant in your pocket and still be able to take fantastic pictures. Professional photographers may need heavy, bulky equipment but there is no requirement for a keen amateur to do so! Hopefully, these few tips will be enough to steer you in the right direction when you come to buy your camera. With all its technology, versatility and portability, the digital camera is the future of photography.

Benefits of Backing Up Your Windows Vista Registry

The Windows Vista registry is an important core Windows Vista operating system component because it comprises all information that is required to keep your PC functional. The registry is basically a tree-like database in which all software and hardware configuration information, user preferences and system setup information is stored. You can view the Windows Vista registry by running the “regedit” command from Start > Run. When the Registry Editor window is displayed, you will see a tree-like folder structure—quite similar to Windows Explorer.

The registry comprises five root keys—HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_USERS, and HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG—which you will see in the right-pane of the Registry Editor. These root keys are further divided into subkeys and sub-subkeys with each key comprising zero or more values in which configuration data is stored.

When your PC is first installed, this registry tree is quite small and contains only the information that is required for the functioning of your Vista PC. However, as you start working on your system and start performing activities such as, adding new applications, changing system configuration, creating new files and folders, and even browsing the Web, information is accessed, added or removed from the registry. This builds up the registry and it gradually grows in size. The problem starts when, in the process, a large amount of invalid, outdated, and corrupt information strays into the registry and unnecessarily contributes toward its growing size. Many things happen, when you your Windows Vista registry grows to a very large size:

• The registry becomes unstable and easily gets damaged and fragmented.
• Data access speed slows down, and PC performance deteriorates leading to frequent system freezes and crashes.
• Accumulation of a large number of invalid and incorrect entries in the registry generates frequents system errors.

When the situation gets out of hand your registry may fail and leave your PC unbootable. This is the reason why it is important to regularly backup your Vista registry. Because if you have a backup, if your registry fails, you can easily restore it from the backup, get rid of Vista registry problems, and have your PC up and running again.

You must also backup Vista registry before you:

• Make any major system configuration change.
  Install or uninstall a large application.
• Make direct edits to the registry using the Registry Editor.
• Perform registry scan and repair using a registry cleaner tool.

Methods to Perform Registry Backups

There are many different methods that you can use to perform registry backups. Some of the most commonly used methods are discussed here.

Methods # 1: Registry Editor: To backup the registry from Registry Editor, open the File menu in the Registry Editor window and select Export. Specify the name of the backup file in the File name box, in the Export range section, select All to backup the entire registry tree, or select Selected branch and specify the name of the branch in the text box provided and then select Save.

Note: To restore just double-click the backup file and select Yes to confirm your decision.

Methods # 2: System Restore: System Restore is a utility that automatically creates snapshots—or restore points—of your PC system files, including the registry, on daily basis or before you make any major change to the PC. You can also create manual restore points by opening the tool from, Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. When you restore your system using this tool, all your system configuration information and registry is reverted to the time when the snapshot was taken.

Methods # 3: Registry Tool: One of the easiest methods to backup the registry is by using a registry tool. There many different tools available in the market, you must select the one that suffices your needs and is compatible with Vista. These tools are primarily GUI-based, and you can easily use their backup and restore feature to take regular registry backups and restore them if your registry fails. Many advanced registry cleaner tools also enable you to undo registry edits, which make them more useful to the user, in comparison to the other tools.

Check out if your anti-virus works or not

How to be sure if your anti-virus program is working properly or not ? Using this simple method you can figure out if it's functioning correctly or not.

Copy the below line on a notepad. Then save it with the name of 'fakevirus.exe' or any other name you wish. Just make sure that you add .exe at the end of the file name. After you save it, give it a scan and you'll know it all.

Here's the line -

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

If your anti-virus is working, it will alert you. Otherwise you need to pay attention to your program.

Compose Text Messages with your Voice

Some people hate text messaging simply because of the hassle to compose a message using the cell-phone keypad. You could always upgrade to a keyboard-equipped phone like the LG Voyager, AT&T Tilt, or RIM BlackBerry Curve, but even those models require you to use your thumbs when it comes to text input. Plus, it probably seems excessive to spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone just for the sake of easier text messaging.

How about your voice doing the fingerwork for you? A free service called Jott will transcribe your spoken message into text and deliver it via SMS to anyone in your contact list (which you have to set up in advance on the Jott site). Just speed-dial Jott from your cell phone, say the name of the person you want to contact, and then start talking.