Page 84 - Computer - 10(A&B)

Optimising Performance of the Computer

A new computer usually performs flawlessly at high speed and efficiency. With use, it starts to perform slower
and tends to be less efficient. Some ways to optimize the performance of the computer are:
v Update the operating system and other software regularly to make sure they are up to date and perform to
the best capacity.
v Run maintenance tasks, physical as well as internal, at regular intervals.
v Scan your computer for virus and malware and remove them regularly.
v Update device drivers for various hardware devices to make them perform optimally.

v If required, install more RAM to boost up the speed of your computer.
v Use firewalls and other security measures to ensure your computer is free of bloatware and malware.
v Uninstall programs no longer needed.

Protection Against Malware and Virus

Malware refers to any program or piece of software that is copied to your computer without your knowledge
and is intended to cause harm to the normal functioning of the computer system.
The major type of malware are Virus, Trojan, Worm, Spyware, and Adware. Apart from malicious software,
certain activities are also included as computer malware. These include Spam, Phishing, Data and identity Theft,
and Hacking.

Sources of Malware

Computer malware usually spreads in one of following three ways:

Removable media

Removable media like CDs, DVDs, and pen drives are one of the oldest sources of malware. CDs and DVDs
containing pirated and illegal software usually install malware on the computer system. With the increase in
popularity of pen drives, these have also become a big source of spread of malware from one system to another.

Software Downloads from the Internet
There are a large number of sites that promise to deliver free copies of useful and popular software. Unfortunately,
most of the software also download malware with them. When the software is installed, the included malware
also gets installed or copied to the system.
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