So you want your PC to perform at its best? Aside from buying the most expensive hardware, one of the keys to achieving this is to ensure the highest level of security. A secure PC is not only more secure, but also faster. Following some tips to optimize your system can turn your computer into a sleek and efficient powerhouse. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: security and performance. Let’s get started.
First steps
Free up disk space: Running a PC full of junk is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If you notice your PC slowing down, the first thing to do is check how much free space you have on your drive. Removing unnecessary files and programs will give you an immediate speed boost, but you can do much more from there.
Restart your PC: Sometimes the solution is just to power it off and back on. Restarting your PC closes unnecessary background processes, clears memory (RAM), and gives updates a chance to be applied. Of course, this leads us to our 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 that can help your PC run smoother and more securely.
Run a virus scan: Your system may be infected with a virus or malware. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. Running a scan with a trusted antivirus software can help detect and eliminate these threats. Not only will you be safer, but your computer will also be faster and more responsive.
Mashable Lightspeed
Choosing an antivirus program
Everyone should have some kind of basic antivirus software on their computer, and this is even more important if a) you share a device or b) you use that device for banking or online shopping.
In addition to scanning for viruses, antivirus software enhances your PC’s performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning unnecessary files, optimizing system settings, and providing ongoing protection against new threats. In other words, it’s like having a housekeeper or robot vacuum for your PC. It works in the background, sucking up all the digital grime and keeping your PC clean. The result is a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.
If you don’t want to pay for extra security for your devices, we still recommend installing a lightweight, free version of a reputable antivirus. Avast One Basic is our 2024 Editors’ Choice free antivirus, as selected by the experts at our sister site PCMag. It offers free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and earned near perfect scores in lab tests for both virus and phishing protection. However, if you want the best protection for most of your devices, we recommend upgrading your plan to a paid option. In this case:
Avast One Gold
Free tools like Avast One Basic are great for getting started, but the best features and security tools will always be tied to a premium antivirus plan. In the case of Avast One, the gold standard is Avast One Gold.
Upgrading to Gold gives you the following benefits:
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Antivirus and malware protection for up to 30 devices (PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones)
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Browse privately and securely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that comes with unlimited data across all your devices.
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Performance optimization features, automatic PC driver updates, storage cleaning tools
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Anti-tracking technology to prevent bad actors and advertisers from tracking you and learning about your online activities
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Email Guardian helps flag fraudulent or suspicious emails before they reach your inbox.
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Technology that automatically blocks fake and malicious websites
So, if you want to keep your devices secure and fast, we recommend Avast One Gold. It offers advanced protection, performance optimization, privacy, priority support, and the ability to cover multiple devices. If you are interested, you can read more about Avast One here.
