Keep My Computer Running Like New

Greetings!

I have always had the same problem with computers. No matter how well they run at first, they always seem to bog down to a ridiculous crawl within a year or so. The exception was my MacBook Pro, which got to this point after four years. So, apart from the Macbook, I haven't really ever owned a computer that cost over $1,000. But I recently ordered a Level 4 Banshee from Digital Storm. I really want to keep this computer running like new for as long as possible. And perhaps, all those other computers bogged down because they weren't top-of-the-line machines, but I want to ask what can I do to ensure my Banshee's performance doesn't slow down over time?

I will say that I am a noob when it comes to hardware-talk. So, please keep that in mind. Thank you!

CCleaner is great, but only use the "cleaner" portion of the program.  steer clear of the registry checker.  if you mess with that, you can brick your system.  

Originally posted by StateAlchemist Greetings! I have always had the same problem with computers. No matter how well they run at first, they always seem to bog down to a ridiculous crawl within a year or so. The exception was my MacBook Pro, which got to this point after four years. So, apart from the Macbook, I haven't really ever owned a computer that cost over $1,000. But I recently ordered a Level 4 Banshee from Digital Storm. I really want to keep this computer running like new for as long as possible. And perhaps, all those other computers bogged down because they weren't top-of-the-line machines, but I want to ask what can I do to ensure my Banshee's performance doesn't slow down over time? I will say that I am a noob when it comes to hardware-talk. So, please keep that in mind. Thank you!

It depends on how much you want to be inconvenienced, how you use your system, web browsing behavior, etc.

The way that I accomplish this is I set my computer up similar to the way colleges/universities have theirs set up. I use system restore software that prevents changes to the master boot file. Basically, no changes can be made to the system while the software is activated. This type of software comes in different flavors, each of which have their own pros & cons.

The particular one that I use by Faronics(non-enterprise edition) is a slight pain in the ass since I have it installed on a laptop. So I have to turn off all automatic updates(except for AV software) to keep the system from downloading & installing all updates every time I restart the laptop. 1-3 times a month I disable the software and update everything.

Another disadvantage is when gaming, the software will need to be disabled, otherwise nothing will be saved. There are other system restore programs out there that allow you to selectively enable programs to make changes to the system, drives, etc., and avoid this issue. Faronics's enterprise version allows you to do this and actually schedule updates for your various software, however the price tag is much higher, geared more towards networks, and not really a viable option for a single system.

Despite the inconvenience, I use Faronics Deep Freeze because it was simple to install & set up, and prevents my system from being cluttered up or trashed by malware/adware/viruses. The only thing it will not protect against are rootkits and user stupidity. With that being said, there are much better system restore programs out there that give users much more flexibility and control. You just have to check around and see which one better suits your needs.

Edited by Acetylide - 07 Jun 2016 at 2:41pm