OK, this is a blatant plug for a fabulous new service from Symantec: PC Tuneup Service.
This might be the winning holiday gift for anyone you know who is
trying to keep an older computer humming and avoid shelling out for a
new one in this rough economy. Last night, I spent some quality time
with a Symantec expert technician in Canada who remotely tweaked and
toned my flabby old family computer into zippy efficiency.
If only I could get in shape as easily!
Sean
was able to get things moving along by suggesting we clean up the
multitude of unused icons on my desktop (did you know Windows refreshes
those constantly, using up small but perceptible amounts of processing
power?) and finding some incompatible products fighting with each other
at Start Up. We removed a ton of temporary files, adjusted a number of
settings that had never been changed from the default factory settings
and got rid of a whole series of web helper programs my kids had
collected along the years. Sean also suggested some ongoing tweaks I
can add to my repertoire to keep things getting better in the future.
And he reminded me to occasionally open the computer’s hard case to
remove any pet hair that might be getting in there. Something as minor
as that can impact the fan that is keeping the computer cool and drag
down performance. (How did Sean know I have two big dogs who shed? -
LOL)
The service costs $69.99 and might be a great
present for a family member who is bugging you for computer assistance.
The technician will ask you to download a little helper application and
then they can remotely connect to your computer and do the real work.
For most people the session is just 30 minutes, while a seriously
distressed computer (and owner) takes a bit more time. I have to say, I
was extremely satisfied with the experience and the results.