10 Computer Tips You Need To Know

February 1, 2016 - 3 min read

Whether it’s saving time, improving your internet speed or getting yourself out of a computer crisis, our computer tips are here to save the day. Number 10 is a definite need to know.

1. Phrases Make The Best Passwords

Did you know in 2013 and 2014, ‘123456’ and ‘password’ were the most used passwords! Shocking right?
The best way to protect your online security is to choose uncommon phrases including letters, numbers and symbols.
For example: *MikeWazowskie&KurtCobainTakeThe73Cake!
To keep track of your passwords, use a secure password program with one extremely strong master password.


2. Prevent Your Webcam From Being Hacked

Do you know who’s watching you?
It’s quite easy for hackers to access your webcam and watch your comings and goings. While your webcam isn’t in use, place a Band-Aid over the camera.


3. Dust Can Slow Down Your Computer

If you unscrew your computer’s casing, you will be shocked to see how much dust collects in there.
To remove the build up of dust, turn off your computer for 30 minutes, unplug any cords and use a vacuum cleaner on the lowest setting to gently suck up any dust.


4. Toolbars In Your Browser Will Slow Down Your Internet Speed

When you open your internet browser, do you have multiple search toolbars? Well, this could be slowing down your internet’s speed.
Remove all toolbars and just use your preferred toolbar. Even better, set your favourite search engine as your browser’s home screen, eliminating the need for clogging your browser.


5. Running Multiple Anti-Virus Programs Can Also Slow It Down

You may think running multiple anti-virus program will do double the job, but unfortunately that’s not the case.
Running more than 1 anti-virus programs will slow down your hard-drive as they try to both do the same job. If you install any anti-virus software, remember to uninstall the default program from your hard-drive.


6. Use Share Programs To Send Large Files

Most email services will prevent outgoing emails with large attachments (normally over 3gb) from being sent. To save the hassle of creating ZIP files, send large files or multiple images and files through sharing programs such as DropBox.
Sharing programs will normally give you a few gigabytes worth of sharing space, and more can be purchased if you need it.


7. Deleting Programs Doesn’t Always Remove Them

To permanently delete programs from your hard drive, ensure you uninstall the file completely.


8. Shortcuts Will Save You Time

Although it may take a little time to learn them, shortcuts will save you plenty of time to learn in the end.
Our favourite PC shortcuts are:
CTRL + SHIFT + T: If you accidentally close an internet browsing window, hit these buttons to reopen it.
WINDOWS + M: Minimise all open windows.
CTRL + A: In a Microsoft Excel spread sheet, select these keys to highlight all the data.
SHIFT + F7: In Microsoft Word, highlight a word and select SHIFT + F7 to utilise the thesaurus.
Tell us your favourite in the comments below!


9. One Word — Ergonomics

We all know computers can hurt our eyes and in some cases, our health. But how do we combat this?
Check out these LocalSearch blogs for the answer: