We generally go on installing free software such as PC cleaners, antivirus, games etc without realizing that we are no longer using it. Does this seem familiar to you? Check your PC regularly for software which is just lying about not in use for ages. Chances are it is occupying a large amount of space, which can be used to boost performance of your PC.

The next thing to do is regularly check and delete temporary files. Every time you go on the internet or open documents, the operating system creates a temporary file. However, at times it does not get deleted even when you close the application you were working on. This leads to a large amount of space being occupied by data which is no longer needed by the system. You can delete temporary files either manually or using system tools.

One of the best ways of ensuring that your computer runs smoothly is to install good antivirus software and make sure that it is updated regularly. Whether you install a free or paid version, it is important that regular updates are available. Most paid versions of antivirus software have live update facility, so the virus database is updated automatically when you connect to the internet. However, in case you have a free version installed always check and download the latest updates available on their website.

Another good habit is to clean up your PC on regular intervals. This is not to include junk or temporary files, but data created by you. Are there old pictures or documents no longer needed by you lying on your system? They are simply occupying space and hindering the performance of your PC.

The last point is to never experiment with your system. It might look very tempting to try on some things on your own rather than consulting an expert. However, it is best to leave the technicalities to someone who has complete knowledge of the system. You may always attempt to learn to take care of your PC on your own; however make sure you gain enough knowledge before you indulge in activities such as cleaning the registry or formatting the C drive.

The first thing you must check is the specifications required to install the software. This is because an older version of the software, though cheaper, may not work with your system, especially if you have bought it recently. Though most companies release newer versions every year, you must nevertheless check the specifications to avoid compatibility issues. For instance, if you have a PC with Windows 7, the software versions 2008 or even 2009 may not work with the OS.

The next thing you must check is the type of virus database update available. Most paid versions provide live updates via the internet. In case you don’t have continuous access to internet you can also download the updates and install it on your system. Make sure both these options are available with the software you get. You must also check how often the virus database is updated. With newer viruses being released almost every day, one cannot be too careful. Some software update their database everyday, while other provide weekly updates. This entirely depends on your requirement and sensitivity of data on your PC. For instance, in case you use your system for business purposes, it is best to get software that provides updates on daily basis.

Apart from this, you must check if the software can be scheduled to scan the system and if idle scan facility is available. More often a virus sits on your system causing damage which may not be very evident, where you come to know of it only when your system has crashed. Idle scan ensures that your system is scanned for virus even when it is not in use.

The last thing you must check is ease of upgrading and compatibility with common OS in use. If you have bought the latest version, chances are the next upgrade will be available a year later. However you must check if the version you have bought works on different platforms and is flexible enough to work on all common OS.

In the virus database method every file coming from another source such as portable storage device or the internet is checked against a database. In case it is found on the database, you are alerted. The software takes action on the file, these including removing the file from the system, putting in quarantine or try to repair the file. The first attempt being trying to repair the file in case it is detected to be infected rather that being the virus itself. In case it cannot be repaired it is quarantined so it cannot duplicate itself or infect similar files. A file is completely deleted if it has been established as a virus beyond any doubt. This method requires regular updates of the database, so that the PC is safe from latest threats. The main drawback of the system is that it is generally not able to detect a virus which has modified itself, thus still wandering about in your system.

In suspicious behavior method the software monitors the functioning of the computer and notes abnormal behavior. For instance, in case a program attempts to change an executable file, the process is noted and you are given an alert, along with actions to be taken. This is a better method compared to virus database, as it alerts the user of a new virus, much before it is updated in the dictionary. However, the drawback is that, even small changes such as normal software upgrades are detected as suspicious behavior, causing unnecessary alerts. This leads to the user ignoring the alerts after some time, thus relying more on the virus database method.

Another method of detecting virus similar to suspicious behavior is the file emulation method. In this method the suspected file is run in a virtual operating system, prompting it to work the way it would when executed in normal OS. In case it shows some abnormal behavior such as modifying code or trying to duplicate itself, it is deleted or quarantined.