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Discover The Best Free Antivirus Software

2008-06-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

If you looking for a best free Antivirus Software then you will want to check the antivirus of AVG. Here we will review the product and show how it can help you to protect your PC against the viruses and very other malware.

Background:

The AVG antivirus is launched on the market by a company called technologies of AVG (formerly known under the name of Grisoft). This Czech company was in activity in the field of computer security field for more than 10 years and has the good reputation among users of professional and micro-computer. Name AVG comes from the original name of the product, which was anti guard of virus. But one now simply knows it like AVG.

License types

There is a free version and a 'pro' version which is paid one. The free edition of AVG antivirus is available for the users to install on their computers. For the regular commercial practice, a pro allowed is required.

Features

The software comes complete with a database of the definitions of virus which is updated in a regular way for free. This update occurs in the content automatically so that there is no chance of you forgetting to do this. There is also grace in real time protection to the shield resident of 'AVG '. This detects viruses as soon as they try to infect your machine.

The software will be protected from the viruses which are attached to the email (one of the most common routes of the entry), as well as to enable you to sweep all the documents which are imported towards your machine before you open them. For example if a colleague gives you a CD disc of the data, you can on top run a control of virus before the opening it.
Upgrade

If you upgrade with the 'Pro ' version you will obtain the access to the technical support. If you are tested you will be probably happy with continuing to employ the free version. VerdictIt is a complete piece of software which appreciated many good reviews. It is worthy to be considered the best free Antivirus Software.

By: IC

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
WebPcTools provides information and tools such as data recovery software used to keep your PC performance at its best. Learn more about applications used for file recovery and recover file due to

Superantispyware Pro 4.0 - A Computer Juice Review

2008-06-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Millions of people log on to the Internet daily; and as with any good thing, someone with malicious intent inevitably comes along and tries to spoil the party. For this reason, spyware is rampant on the Internet and you must take precautions to protect yourself. There are probably hundreds of anti-spyware programs on available for this purpose, but SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is one of the best, if not the best, product on the market for blocking and removing spyware.The first thing that you may notice is that about SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is the name. The fact that ‘SUPER’ is in all capital letters implies immediately that the product stands above the rest, but does it really? If you visit the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0’s website, it makes the bold statement that it will remove all spyware and not just the common types. Well, industry professionals have put the program through its paces and SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 passes with flying colors each time. If you do any research on the product, you will have a difficult time finding anything negative about it.

One of features that the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 spyware removal program includes that many other spyware removal programs seem lacking in is real-time spyware protection. Users also love the fact the program does not hog resources – it only uses about 40 MB of RAM - like some other well known anti-spyware programs. SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 ensures that your computer is protected against spyware, Trojans, hijackers, and other malware while running smoothly in the background. This real-time feature can be enabled or disabled at your leisure. Another great thing about SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is that the software allows you to send reports about potential malware to the software’s laboratories to be analyzed. This helps to ensure that the software is always current and updated.SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 features an easy to use interface and the main menu offers the options of: computer scanning, update checking, scan scheduling, quarantine management, and application configuration. The scanner program checks your system for all the latest spyware, adware, worms, trojans, and other malware.You can choose from three types of scans – the Quick Scan, the Complete Scan, and the Custom Scan. The Quick Scan checks the registry locations and other common places you might find spyware on your computer. The Complete Scan scans your entire system for infections. And the Custom Scan allows you to select the areas of your computer that you want checked. You can also schedule scanning. One of the neat features about the SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 software is that it does not require rebooting your computer once you have removed spyware. The program also retains a log of all the malware that has been detected and removed. In software testing environments, SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 removed software better than any of the other top antispyware programs on the market. It even removed malware that some of these programs missed. SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0 is probably the most reliable antispyware programs available. It is featured on numerous top 10 lists and is quickly developing a cult following. If you are looking for an antispyware program that exceeds expectations, you will not find a better program than SUPERAntiSpyware Pro 4.0.
By: Dave Page
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Visit Computer Juice for more info on superantispyware, superantispyware pro and superantispyware pro 4.

Latest Ferrari California Tested

2008-06-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Behind the wheel of the new Ferrari California, 2+ convertible is a very extraordinary test-driver. A few days ago, the latest Ferrari model was put into several tests through its rapidity over a number of laps at the Fiorano circuit which was personally driven by Prancing Horse President Luca di Montezemolo.“I am very satisfied indeed with the work that the women and men of Ferrari have done. The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted with the performance, comfort and driving pleasure it delivered. The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation. Its gearbox, suspensions and chassis are the most advanced possible,” declares Luca di Montezemolo.

“This is the first dual-purpose Spider/Coupé with a retractable hard top that closes in just 14 seconds. Despite its extraordinary performance, the California 2+ is also exceptionally easy to drive and has a space behind the front seats that makes it supremely flexible in terms of usage,” added Montezemolo. The most recent images of the new Pininfarina-styled retractable hard top convertible which was revealed yesterday illustrate a splendid auto body parts with its top closed and in an Azzurro California racing colors. The Auto Channel reported that the shade of Azzurro California was the color selected for the renowned 1960s spider’s exterior at the New York Auto Show back in 1962. In addition to this, it demonstrated one of the firm choices with proud owners of that model as well. The Ferrari California has been aerodynamically designed to convey momentous down force values like the rest of the present Prancing Horse range with remarkable auto body parts. In fact, it can deliver a massive70 kg at 200 km/h. Furthermore, for the first time, the new 7-speed dual clutch has been acquired on a Ferrari model. This innovative equipment is the crop of comprehensively gear shifting systems studied and discovered by the Scuderia Ferrari. The system used on the Ferrari California slices the gear shifting point to zero and develops to the model’s highest performance in when it comes to comfort and drivability.Driving performance is increased further by the latest Launch Control button. When this special key is pressed, it delivers blazing high performance begins by guaranteeing accurate torque delivery and averting tire spin during high speeds. The car is 4560 mm in length, 1900 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2700 mm.
By: Anthony Fontanelle
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
====== For more information about your parts needs like auto body parts and visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

5 Ways You Can Make Money With Adobe Photoshop

2008-05-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular imaging software packages around, but it's expensive! Here are five ways you can earn money using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements -- either as a business enterprise, for some extra money, or just to recoup your investment.

1. Offer a Photo Restoration Service. I'm sure just about everyone has a photo or two that hasn't stood the test of time all that well, especially really old ones. Using the Healing Brush, Spot Healing Brush, and Patch tools, you can make old or damaged photos look like new again.

2. Become a Photograph Doctor. Whether it's "red eye", "pet eye", poor exposure, or "finger over the lens syndrome" Photoshop can transform a ruined image into a pristine one. You can also use Photoshop to make a colour photograph look like a black and white one, or colour tint a black and white one to make it colour. Not everyone is a good photographer, so you need never be short of "patients".

3. Design Greetings Cards. With the photo enhancement and graphic design qualities of Photoshop, designing greetings cards has never been easier. You can enhance photos, make them into drawings or paintings, combine photos for humorous cards, the possibilities are endless. Birthday cards, get well soon cards, condolence cards, Christmas cards or cards for other holidays like Mothers' Day, the list goes on and on. You can easily find card blanks and envelopes from specialist suppliers.

4. Design T-shirts. Ever seen something and thought "that would look great on a T-shirt"? Well, you're not the only one! With Photoshop you can make it a reality. You can get transfers from stationery shops, and plain, cotton T-shirts can be purchased from low cost suppliers and even some supermarkets.

5. Web Design. Whether it's a full website, or just a few buttons or banners, web design is a skill that's in demand right now. You could take commissions, or design some generic "boilerplate" designs that people can download from a website and customise themselves.

Of course, you may need to get some extra equipment -- like a colour printer, scanner, and digital camera -- but you can usually pick this type of equipment up inexpensively on eBay or other websites. A DVD of royalty free images is also a must -- although check the terms and conditions to make sure you're allowed to sell products derived from them.

Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising, so ask friends, relatives, work colleagues, and other acquaintances if they need (or know anyone who needs) your products or services. You could also approach retailers with a portfolio of your work, and offer them commissions on any work they send your way.

Shaun Pearce is a writer and video maker.His latest production, "Photoshop Master", is an interactive video tutorial. It shows you how to get the most from Photoshop, and can be downloaded from http://www.learnphotoshopfast.com?=article6

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Pearce

Product Creation - Announcing 5 High Powered Ways To Make Money Through Product Creation

2008-05-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

Creating your own products is the best way to make money online. Unlike selling other people's products through affiliate marketing or doing ghostwriting, you can keep up to 100% of your profits from this endeavor.
Here are the 5 high powered ways to make money through product creation:
1. Do a market research. This is one element of product creation that you should never take for granted as this can help you determine the marketability and profitability of your products. You can start by determining the latest trends on your chosen niche and identifying the existing needs and demands of your potential clients. Through this, you will be able to identify the kind of products that you will create. Once you obtained great product ideas, be sure to solicit feedback and opinions from your potential clients. Ask them if they are willing to spend their money on the product that you are thinking about by posting surveys or questionnaires on your website.
2. Create products that require low investment but promises big profits. Create profitable products without hurting your pockets to easily augment your revenue in this endeavor. Right now, information base products like ebooks, audio products, ecourses, tutorial, etc. are selling like hotcakes online. These products require little or no investment at all. So, if you are an expert on at least one field, you can share your knowledge to your potential clients and earn big bucks in the process.
3. Advertise your products incessantly. To easily connect with your potential clients and to increase your sales potential, I highly recommend that you market your products on all possible avenues. Depending on your budget, you can go with free or paid advertising or both.
4. Launch your products. If you want to generate the right kind of attention from your potential clients, you should introduce your new products in a very unique and memorable way. You can launch them by organizing a huge event that aims to highlight the features and benefits of your offerings.
5. Throw away freebies. Sometimes, people are just too skeptical to spend their money on some products because they are way too afraid that they will not get their money's worth. Take their worries away by giving them a sample of your products for free. Once they see that your offerings are working and that they bring difference to their lives, you can be assured that these people will most likely to swipe their credit cards and make a purchase.
Do you want to discover the secret to generating over $180,356 per year online?
Download this: How to Make 6 Figures Online

Sean Mize is an internet marketing strategist who teaches internet marketers how to increase their income by creating high ticket classes and coaching programs.

Social Bookmarking Software

2008-05-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Social bookmarking software have fulfilled the requirements of users with similar interests. Furthermore, users will be able to share a wide variety of information such as advices, data and even tips through the social bookmarking websites like Digg and StumbleUpon. Users will be able to use tags and categories or even other means to link to their content by using bookmarking software.Users online are able to store and share information through bookmarking that can benefit them. Social bookmarking software automates the task of the site of individual bookmarking. Moreover, the software also ensures that social bookmarking networks are streamlined to allow users to access to the related contents

Webmaster can benefit from social bookmarking software where it can help a webmaster to search for a place in the top searches to share and tagged across many social bookmarking networks with an anchor text link keyword phrases such as Yahoo and Google.There are more and more software with additional features to serve you better. It is up-to-date with current development where you will be able to notice that blogs and forums generate high traffic and enable them to share content as well as communicate by giving their views and advices.bookmarking software allows webmaster to increase in its traffic as well. It also encourage web users to tag their content. However, there are disadvantages too. Social bookmarking software are used to spam the social bookmarking sites where it is done by auto-creating random accounts and creating multiple accounts that will bookmark your websites.In addition, social bookmarking software has a very limited feature that will not help in bookmarking any websites. There may just be some plug-ins for blogs or just simply RSS feeds. On the other hand, social bookmarking software have duplicate content problem that can results in the ignoring of your links by search engines.Therefore, you will need to choose whether which methods work better for you as all social bookmarking software have their own features which includes good and bad.
By: Wan Yu
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Wan Yu – Socialmatic Team Do You Want More Traffic For Your Website? Tired Of Submitting To Multiple Social Bookmarking Sites? Sign Up For Our FREE Socialmatic Account Today By Clicking here Now To Start Driving Massive Traffic To Your Website By Submitting Up To 12 Social Sites With Just One Tool! Find more about Socialmatic Today at www.Socialmatic.com

Spyware Antivirus - The Similarity and How To Rid Off Your System

2008-05-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

If you know what a virus is, then you can have the inkling of what a Spyware is, for it can do everything that a virus can do and more. With different variants of spyware come different risks. Simple spyware, like tracking cookies and malicious BHOs, most often just want to monitor where you go on the Internet and how often.
Spyware is a computer program that installs onto user systems without consent to collect personal information and send it to external sources. Most commonly spyware comes bundled with software programs, audio and video files, and games.
There are number of spyware and adware programs lurking about on the Internet. These programs try to gain access to your system through software programs, audio files, and games that you download from the Web. These programs target you for advertising, utilizing methods from hijacking your homepage to sending you those annoying popup ads.
Different spyware programs have diverse functions. Some of these are spyware programs that collect user information for advertising purposes. These spyware programs collect information such as websites you visit and information you search for on the web.
The typical function of Spyware is to deliver unsolicited advertisements to host computers, steal personal user information, monitor Internet related activity, and route users on the Internet to advertisement websites. If your PC is infected with this type of spyware, you may be frequented with popup advertisements.
Some really bad spyware programs may also collect your financial information such as credit cards and bank account numbers to use it for malicious purposes. As the name suggests, spyware programs, spy on your private information and send it out to somebody else. Anti-spyware programs available today provide real-time protection to your computer by preventing spyware programs from downloading to your PC.
Spyware, Adware Software combat Spyware and other known Adware and Malware by providing real time protection against their installation on your computer. They have regular updates and many now come with real-time updates which are checked at bootime.
For More Information:Click Here to read 'How to Prevent Spyware and Adware infection' also read the article 'Spyware, Adware Software - How they work' and 'Tools needed to optimize your windows and Registry'

How to Burn Copy Protected DVDs - It's Quick & Painless!

2008-05-06T13:12:00.001-07:00

Been wondering how to make a backup copy of those copy protected DVDs in case of a fire, theft, or other damages? Many people have hundreds of costly DVDs and I am going to tell you how to burn copy protected DVDs to protect your investment and make it as painless for you as possible.
Learning to how burn copy protected DVDs is much easier than most people think. And it is understandable that producers would want to copyright their material to keep people from obtaining copies illegally, but what about us honest folks that want to protect our pricey investments in case of an accident. If you are like me you spend a lot of money on your favorite movies and would be very disappointed if they were to get broken, stolen or lost. That is why I want to tell you how to burn your DVDs too!
The single most important part of burning DVDs, especially those that are copy protected is having a good software program that is capable of making copies of copy protected DVDs. Many programs do not have this feature, and when you are burning a copy protected DVD it is essential.
The second essential element to this process is obviously a DVD burner in your PC. Many new computers come with these already installed or as an option when purchasing and it is a great idea to include it into the price because it is much cheaper this way. Make sure that the specs on your DVD burner say that it is a DVD-R and not just a DVD player.
Lastly, you will want quality blank DVD recordable discs. This is an item you don't want to skimp on either. Check the packaging and see how many minutes are recordable to the disk and compare it to the DVD you would like to burn. Many times if the disc is not large enough in memory the quality of your copy will be sacrificed.
Ok so you have your software, hardware, and blank discs. What is next? After you install your burning software it will have a tutorial to walk you through the process which typically includes making a temporary copy of your DVD you wish to burn, or if you have two drives this can be done simultaneously as you make the copy. You will then insert your blank disc and let it make the copy. And BAM! You've got a back up copy your of your favorite copy protected DVD!
I found a great program available that I use to burn copy protected DVDs on a regular basis. If you would like to take a look at it click this link and learn more about How to Burn Copy Protected DVDs. Good luck and happy burning!

How to Burn Copy Protected DVDs - It's Quick & Painless!

2008-05-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Speed Up Your Downloads (and Your Pc)

2008-05-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

If you’d like to see your files download faster, make sure your hardware or software isn’t getting in their way! Your router or software firewall may be slowing downloads by not accepting the full range of ports used by P2P clients. But there are a few simple ways to increase your speed – not just for downloads but your overall speed as well!• If you have Windows, then you probably have Windows Firewall – even if you are using another firewall such as Zone Alarm. Disabling Windows Firewall or setting it to accept ports in the range that Bit Torrent client’s use (6881-6889) may help solve the problem.• If your router is doing the port-blocking, login to your admin page and set it up for “Port Range Forwarding” using the range 6881-6889. This site has a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this. One word of caution, though: if Bit Torrent or other client software accepts more connections than your router can handle, the router may crash! If this is a problem, set your client’s maximum number of connections to 40, 30, 20 or 10 (most routers have a maximum of 50).Once you’ve tried these steps, you may have faster downloads – but your computer may still be slow! Try Speed Up My PC to improve your computer’s general performance. You can download the software for $29.95, with a free instant scan available to evaluate your computer’s performance.
By: Torrent Matrix
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Torrentmatrix is a Bittorrent indexing site. Download Movies, Music, Games….. from TorrentMatrix.com For more information about TorrentMatrix, Contact matrix.article@gmail.com

Adware, Spyware – What’s The Difference, Really?

2008-05-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Spyware – everyone who uses a personal computer has heard of it. It’s been aptly named by its opponents to induce the sort of aversion it merits. Spyware does just what it says it does – it spies. It’s software that spies. More specifically – it monitors all activity on a user’s computer and reports its findings to its creator.

Why would someone do this? To make money, of course. The information gleaned by spyware programs tells big businesses – from product manufacturers to service providers – all sorts of valuable information on the demographics, surfing habits, interests and desires (among other crucial insights) of their target markets.That’s why spyware is itself such big business – it’s everywhere. The data it collects is cyber-gold. And advertisers pay sacks of real gold to get their hands on some of it. It’s also an invasion of privacy – and that’s why detecting and removing spyware has also become such a big business in its own right. Spyware has become one of cyberspace’s top 3 Public Enemies (along with Viruses and Spam)Every internet service provider, web hosting and/or email package you’re likely to encounter these days touts free spyware detection, prevention, and removal software included with your purchase. But not all spyware detection programs recognize all the myriad spyware out there, and new spyware is being developed and injected into cyberspace every single day, which is why 3rd party spyware detection, prevention, and removal products also abound. In the face of such adversity, advertisers have tried to improve the image of what they invariably see as valuable tools that benefit the consumer by helping product and service providers to better meet their needs (nice spin, isn’t it?). They’ve given spyware a makeover.Instead of planting little programs (spyware) on user’s hard drive, advertisers realized they could collect all the same information directly from the user’s web browser. The program could monitor search engine queries and pages visited and automatically select and deliver advertising (pop-ups, text links, etc.) accordingly.This new beaut of a program does it all for them. There’s no need for any human being to read, interpret, and analyze the data being collected. The program handles it all, right down placing on their desktop the most appropriate ad for that user (meaning the one mostly likely to be clicked by that user) at that moment in time. Best of all (for them), since this newfangled program could no longer be perceived as “spying” per se, the antispyware community could not legitimately label it as spyware. It needed its own name – and so the term “Adware” was introduced into common parlance.But it just doesn’t have the same bite, the same sting as spyware. It’s not as viscerally derogatory a moniker and, as such, consumers are not as quick to flush it out and destroy it at all costs (as they are with spyware).The ensuing public relations battle hasn’t helped any to make consumers aware of the invasion that adware (no different than that of spyware) is to their privacy, nor the burden that both programs are on people’s computers. Advertisers have issued hundreds of press releases proclaiming the differences between adware and spyware. Now that exact same argument – that all they’re doing is finding ways to serve the consumers needs better on an individual basis – is harder to refute. Never mind that the activity and the information collected is identical. Never mind that these programs are usually installed in secret, by taking advantage of security flaws in people’s web browsers. Often, in fact, rootkits will be installed along with adware to better hide them. And redundant files will be installed along with them as well, so that if one program is ferreted out, another can activate and take its place. Why go through so much trouble to hide something that’s supposed to be a benefit to consumers? If this thing – adware - is supposed to be such a boon for us, then why not promote it as one of a product’s top features? Adware proponents go on to enlighten us as to how inserting their revered adware into other software products allows software publishers to provide those products for free. That’s how Gmail and Yahoo Mail stay free, for example. We implicitly agree to tolerate a certain amount of advertising in exchange for the free service. It’s just like TV, right?That depends on whether or not you’re a Nielsen family – because if, like most of us, you’re not then your TV isn’t collecting information about you and your viewing habits. And when and if it ever does, that’s when you should start being as concerned about your TV as you should be now about your computer.If your computer takes longer to start up, if you discover strange, new toolbars in your browser that you didn’t put there yourself, if you experience an unending barrage of pop-up advertisements, if your homepage appears different to you through no action of your own – some form or forms of spyware and/or adware are very likely the culprit. And no amount of good P.R. is going to make you want it to stop any less.
By: Simon Digger

By Simon Digger for www.removeadware.com.au/ - Here you'll learn about online privacy and how to remove adware. www.removeadware.com.au/ : Please link to this site when using this article.

10 Computer Maintenance Tips

2008-05-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Before you start making mistakes that could cost you the life of your precious computer, you had better learn how to take care of your new arrival. The things you do to your computer now will determine how long your computer will last without crashing.
Below are some tips you should know when using your computer:

1. Never EVER switch off your computer without waiting for Windows to shut it down. This may cause permanent hard drive defects caused by the hard drive heads contacting the surface of the disc drive and cause a host of Windows problems.

The only time you can force a shutdown is if your hard drive "hangs" or refuses to respond. In this case, try pressing ALT+CTRL+DEL keys at the same time and wait for task manager to launch. The Task Manager window will have a tab you can press to enable you to shutdown normally. If Task Manager fails to launch, then you can safely switch off your computer and switch it on again after about 3 minutes. Perform emergency shutdown only when absolutely necessary.

1. Plug your computer into a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). This will prevent power surges in cases of low and high voltage occurrences. A UPS will protect your computer from any type of power disaster.

2. Backup important files as soon as you can. Purchase a CD burner to store files (make at least 2 copies of the same files on CD). Don't wait until the next day if you can help it. A crash may occur any time.

3. Use Scandisk and Defragmenter at least once a month. Just like you need to have a check up once in a while to catch any disease that may be forming, your computer also needs to be checked up to keep it healthy and crash-free.

4. Do not unplug peripherals while they are powered up. Doing so may damage your motherboard.

5. Keep at least 100 MB of your C: free for Windows to use. Maxing out your drive may result in Windows dumping data to your hard drive, or your computer will run really, really slow.

6. Do not let a lot of programs load when starting up your computer. Uninstall or delete programs that start up as soon as you start up your computer.

7. Use an antivirus program. You really need one if you want your computer to keep running smoothly. Downloaded attachments from friends, installed programs downloaded from the net and a host of other ways could infect your computer. An antivirus program will make sure no "bad" stuff is allowed into the system.

8. Use a firewall if you have a high speed internet connection. A firewall will prevent your computer from getting "hijacked". You may not be aware of it, but your computer may have been hacked at least once. Hackers use search programs to seek out computers at random. Get a firewall program and use it.

9. Do not throw away installer software once you've installed the program. You will need to reformat your computer some time and all data on the drive will be erased and you will need to reinstall your software.
F Stewart is an IT Professional. His company, Ambient Technology Group, provides website development and IT services. For more information, visit
http://www.AmbientTechnologyGroup.com

How To Reformat Your Computer

2008-05-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

In some occasions, be it because you have reasons to suspect that the virus you caught has permanently damaged your system, because your PC is getting way slower than it used to be, or even just as a scheduled maintenance practice, reformatting your computer can be an useful way of 'cleaning up the mess' and regain all the computational speed your PC used to have when you turned it on for the first time. This article provides you with an easy step-by-step guide to make sure a smooth reformatting process.
As the first step, make sure you have a copy of the operating system you want to install, and all the installation files of the programs you need most, or at least make sure you know where to get them. You'll need to backup all the important data in your hard disk(s). Save all important files (a 'safe' choice is to backup the entire C:\Documents and Settings\ on Windows, and the /home folder on Linux) to an optical drive or an external USB drive -- in this last case, remember to correctly unmount and remove the disk before restarting the system. Consider including into the backup also the most important application files and an archive containing your e-mails. If this is the first time reformatting your computer, it's always best to take at least a day or two to make sure you don't forget any important file into the backup.
When you're sure you're good to go on to the next step, insert the CD/DVD of the operating system of your choice and restart. If nothing happens (e.g., the computer restarts normally), that means there is one little more step to go: when you restart, check the initial messages and press the right button to enter the boot devices setup screen (the button is usually F7, but it depends on the underlying system) and select the CD-ROM drive as the first device from which to boot -- you might want to roll back this setting once you're done reformatting).
At this point, your system will boot up from the CD-ROM. Follow the instructions carefully, particularly when you're asked to format your hard drive and delete all files on it -- if you're sure all the data is safe and backed up, go on with the OS installation. This will typically take one to two hours and requires little amount of configuration by the user (including assigning keyboard layout, system language, time, user names and passwords...).
Once the system is installed, you can remove the installation CD-ROM. If you wish, you can restart to change a setting so that even if you forget a CD-ROM in the drive, your PC won't do fancy things -- to do that, see the simple instructions above. Now, all you have to do is simply to take your backup unit and copy all the data back into the new system. Install all the programs you need, either from installers of from the Internet, and finally restart one more time (most program installations require restarting). If you're running on Windows, it might be a good idea to install an anti virus as soon as possible.
If you followed these steps carefully, your new system should be up and running as good as new!
Check out the author's website here: http://wysinnwyg.altervista.org/