So, do you want your computer to perform at its best? Aside from purchasing the most expensive hardware, one of the keys to achieving this is ensuring top-notch security. A secure PC is not only more secure, it’s also faster. By following these tips to optimize your system, you’ll turn your computer into a stylish, efficient powerhouse. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: security and performance. Let’s take a closer look.
first step
Clear disk space: Running your computer when it’s in garbage is like running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If your computer feels like it’s running slowly, the first thing you should check is the amount of free space on your drive. Removing unnecessary files and unwanted programs should quickly improve your speed, and you can do a lot more from there.
Restart your computer: Sometimes, things are as simple as turning them off and back on again. Restarting your computer can help close unnecessary background processes, clear memory (RAM), and provide an opportunity for application updates. This of course leads to the next tip..
Update your operating system: Make sure your operating system (OS) and all drivers are up to date. These updates often include performance improvements and security patches to help your computer run smoother and more securely.
Perform an antivirus scan: Your system may be infected with some virus or malware. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. By running a scan with reputable antivirus software, you can detect and eliminate these threats. Not only will you be more secure this way, but you’ll also have a faster, more responsive computer.
Mix and match speed of light
Choose antivirus software
Everyone should use some form of basic antivirus software on their computers. This only becomes more important if you a) share your device, or b) use it for banking or online shopping.
In addition to scanning for viruses, antivirus software can enhance PC performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning unnecessary files, optimizing system settings and providing ongoing protection against new threats. It’s a bit like having a housekeeper or a robot vacuum cleaner for your computer. Turn off the background and suck away all the digital dirt to keep your computer clean and tidy. Bringing a smoother, faster and more reliable computing experience.
Even if you really don’t want to pay for extra security on your device, it’s still recommended that you install a lightweight, free version of a reputable antivirus software. Avast One Basic was named a 2024 Editors’ Choice Free Antivirus by the experts at our sister site PCMag. It offers free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and received near-perfect scores in our antivirus and phishing protection lab tests. However, if you want the best protection for most devices, we recommend upgrading your plan to one of the paid options. in this case:
Avast one gold
While free tools like Avast One Basic are a great place to start, the best features and security tools are always associated with advanced antivirus programs. When it comes to Avast One, the gold standard is simple: Avast One Gold.
Upgrading to Gold provides:
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Antivirus and malware protection for up to 30 devices (PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone)
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VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps you browse privately and securely with unlimited data for all devices on the plan
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Performance optimization features, automatic PC driver updates and storage cleanup tools
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Anti-tracking technology prevents bad actors or advertisers from tracking you and learning about your online behavior
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Email Guardian, which helps flag scams and suspicious emails before they reach your inbox
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Technology that helps automatically block fake and malicious websites
So, if you want to both protect and speed up your device, Avast One Gold is an easy recommendation. It offers advanced protection, performance optimization, privacy, priority support, and multi-device coverage. If you’re interested, you can read more about Avast One here.