Spring Cleaning

Well it’s not Spring yet but the new year brings out the organiser in me, and nowhere more prominently that on my PC. Admittedly as it wasn’t too long ago I got my current machine so it’s not exactly in bad shape, but I thought for today’s post I would share some links and ideas for giving your computer a sprucing up, or just for cool apps, links and programs that I have found useful in the past when customising my own desktop.

Lifehacker The source of many of these discoveries, Lifehacker is a blog devoted to this subject with a wealth of useful little ideas, tricks and links. Well worth checking out to keep up to date with the latest tech.

deviantART Where else to start customisation than with the desktop itself, choosing the right background is always tricky for me, partly now because Deviant Art has such an extensive and wide ranging collection of amazing images in all categories. The site has lots of other pictures as well, for desktop backgrounds follow Customisation > Wallpaper

FileHippo The go-to source for the latest versions of software and applications. FileHippo is constantly updated and a fantastic source for checking your programs are up to date and even to get downloads of the latest Beta’s as well if you want a go at some up-coming programs. You can now download an Update Checker which will automatically scan your system and let you know which programs have updates available. All the programs listed below can be downloaded from here; I’ve linked to make it easier as well.

AVG The best free anti-virus I’ve used and never had any issues with, a lot smaller and less invasive than something like Norton which you would have to pay for.

CCleaner An excellent little program which helps delete unwanted and unused files that can often clutter up your computer. Also lets you select the programs to load up on start-up and even fiddle with your registry if you’re feeling brave.

Google Desktop A great customisable way of being able to keep track of a lot of things from a neat sidebar on your desktop. You can download loads of apps from it, so can have a radio, keep up to date with your RSS feeds from websites, show calenders and clocks and even keep mini to-do lists.

Firefox / Chrome / Opera There are now three viable alternatives to Internet Explorer, all are less prone to virus attacks and such. I use Firefox as it’s quick, easy and again customisable with loads of free add-ins and themes you can download.

Skype Want a way of calling someone for free? Skype works as a voice and video system, just get a webcam, a friend with the same and go crazy!

Joe’s Goals A very useful website, especially for the new year allowing you to easily track your progress on goals you set yourself.

I’m sure there’s plenty more of these and chances are you’ve heard of a few of these already but hopefully this has given you some ideas to get the most from your computer!