PCValuWare

I’ve spoken about the importance of defragmenting your computer’s hard drive in previous posts. I’ve recommended a product called Diskeeper twice now, once in a video demo of the Pro version HERE and more recently in a demo of a free version, Diskeeper Lite, HERE.

There are, however, a couple of other pretty darn good, and free, disk defragmentation softwares available that would be remiss if I didn’t bring them to your attention. I have tried both of them, and it’s my opinion that any of the three can help significantly improve your computer’s speed and overall performance. All three are superior to the built-in Windows Defragmenter.

The first is called UltimateDefrag. This video gives a pretty good overview. It’s excellent for a no-cost program. This video actually demonstrates two different defragmenters. The second is one I have NOT tried. Since it involves installation of a screensaver, and works when the mouse is left idle for a period of time, it doesn’t seem like something I would use. But it is another choice, of course.

Optimizing Windows Quick Tips #1 - Defragmenting

Another very good defragmenter is by Auslogics. I have used it in the past. It does an admirable job, again for a no-cost program.

Auslogics Disk Defrag Video Tutorial

Download and install any one, or all three of these programs. Try them and see which best suits your needs. Anyway you look at it, though, defragmenting your hard drive is an essential habit to get into.

Free Downloads:

Diskeeper Lite: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1207
Diskeeper Pro: http://pcvaluware.com/defrag/
UltimateDefrag Free: http://www.freewaregeeks.com/UltimateDefrag_Free.html
Auslogics Defrag: http://www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag

Ok, I decided to do a vid on how to create a professional graphic completely from scratch. Although this software will allow you to modify pre-designed templates, it can also let you create logos, banners, and whatever from the ground up.

I’m just winging it here. No prep. No pre-workup. Just opening it and seeing what I can do. Now, if I can do it, YOU can do it. And maybe better. Imagine the possiblilites!

This vid is a little long, but worth waiting for the end and checking out. Or so I think.

As always, your comments are welcome and appreciated.

I like to fool around with graphics.

I’m no expert. I’ve had Photoshop 7, Paint Shop Pro, and Gimp. Right now, I’m still trying to figure out Photoshop Elements 6. What can I say?

Still, I need things like banners and buttons for my website(s), and sometimes I want to create a little something to use as a comment graphic for a social networking site. So, what do I always go to first?

I have a favorite program that I originally downloaded about 3 years ago. Come what may, I always find myself clicking the desktop icon for Banner Maker Pro.

Now, don’t get me completely wrong here. It’s not the only program on the planet. I also use a couple of others that I’ve found useful and convenient. But Banner Maker Pro does a great job on all the basics, and it’s very easy to use. It creates static banners, buttons and logos. It creates animated .gif’s, either using frame-by-frame techniques or using built-in animations — your choice. It keeps your creations on file in a format that you can open and re-edit, or re-create from the ground up. It has a selection of built-in backgrounds, or you can choose your own from your files. Add images, fonts, gradients… well, you get the idea.

I’ve found Banner Maker Pro to be extremely versatile and very useful for day-to-day quick graphics creation. It’s an excellent utility that belongs in your arsenal.

Try it out for yourself.

Steve

Optimizing your computer’s performance is no easy task for the Average Joe.

Over time, every computer builds up files and folders, registry entries, temporary files, junk files and a whole host of little programs installed without the user even knowing it. All of these things can make your hard disk work harder, and take longer to perform the tasks you ask it to do. The result is sluggishness in the overall performance. Sometimes it becomes so bad your computer will actually freeze. At its very worst, the system can fail entirely.

Fortunately, there are a number of programs available out there that can make keeping your computer running at peak performance levels a snap. Such things as disk defragmentation programs, registry cleansers, and performance optimizers are widely available.

You have to be careful, though, which ones you choose. Some are, well, just plain rip-offs. I don’t claim to know everything about everything, so I can’t always tell you which ones to stay away from. I can tell you, however, which ones I’ve found and use myself that do work as advertised.

I pride myself on NOT representing or recommending products that steal your money. I hope you’ll trust me, and try the products I know can do the job.

Please feel free to comment at any time.

Thank,
Steve