(Primarily targeted at Windows users)

Tip 1: If you have Windows Vista, get rid of it. Either go back to Windows XP or clean install Windows 7. This isn’t a major concern, but Vista has a lot of problems (even Bill Gates admitted that the OS sucked [1]). If you decide to get Windows 7, do not upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, a lot of junk files from Vista will still remain on your new OS. Back up all important files you want to keep and start from scratch [2].

Tip 2: Clean your computer. Every time you go on the internet, things get downloaded onto your computer (Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, History, etc). Some times when you uninstall a program, some bits get left behind in the registry. A easy solution is CCleaner. It does the same and more as the default Windows cleaner. You’ll be surprise how much storage space you’re using to keep your unused temporary files. Use frequently and defrag to keep your computer running smooth. CCleaner can also disable unused start up programs, so you might find that helpful.

Tip 3: Speaking of defragging [3], MyDefrag is a very good program that does the job. It gives you more options that the default Windows defragger. Slow Optimize once a month and Fast Optimize once a week to keep your computer running like brand new. FYI, drafragging is like organizing scrambled books on the ground into library shelves. This optimizes both performance and speed of your computer .

Tip 4: Refresh your memory usage by using MemClean. It’s silent and can reduce RAM usage. More details on the main site. Monitor the processes you’re running and be amazed.

I mentioned most of the stuff I do to keep my computer running at tip-top shape. Now it’s time to make your computer look like it’s tip-top.

Tip 5: Do not crowd your desktop with icons. Keep it organize and try to keep the desktop as empty as possible so you can show your beautiful wallpaper [4] to your friends. RocketDock is a  wonderful program that keeps your programs organized on your desktop. It’s aesthetically pleasing and can be hidden at anytime. It also makes your Windows more Apple-like (in a good way).

Tip 6: Now to astound your friends with your desktop. Vista and Win7 comes with gadgets. Don’t use them. They eat up a lot of memory. The same thing and more can be achieved with Rainmeter. You can have RSS feeds, GMail, Weather, Stocks right on your desktop. It’s up to you to put whatever you want on your desktop. Be creative. There’s a lot of potential with Rainmeter. Discover what other artists have done with the program at http://rainmeter.net/RainCMS/?q=Links.

Have fun with your brand new computer! Other suggestions are also welcomed .

Example:

Here’s my recent desktop. I like to keep things Simple and Clean. You guys can be more creative than this .

See Also:

[1] http://gizmodo.com/342920/holy-crap-did-bill-gates-just-say-windows-sucks

[2] http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/windows-7-clean-install-part-1.htm

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defragmentation

[4] http://customize.org/

For those of you who haven’t tried ramen before, it is not instant noodles! They taste much better (even though they might contain the same amount of MSG). Chinatown (I live in Toronto), opened up a new restaurant called Ajisen Ramen. I was lucky to get a seat during the week they opened. It was pretty full and all of the waitresses were pretty nice. They all yelled out a Japanese phrase when I walked in, which gave me a good first impression . The restaurant is small and fills up quickly. The aesthetics of the room was above average. They had sumo paintings on the wall and a full display of Japanese bowl for viewing pleasure.

The cheapest item on the menu was none other than ajisen ramen. So I decided to try that. I had a long wait time, but they kept me busy by filling up my tea cup every time I finished it. Ajisen Ramen comes with various meat, veggies, and mouth-watering noodles. They give you an option to put your own spices, which was a good thing because I always enjoy a mild spice taste with my noodles. The ramen was delicious; the noodles got more addicting with every bite. (Sorry no pictures, but I promise to bring a camera for my next review ^^). I also tried the ribs ramen, which was also very tasty, a recommended item on their list. However, each of the ramen weren’t very filling. They gave very little meat, and noodles overall. The price of each item was a bit high for lunch ($6+ including tax + tips). But they also give a discount when buying bubble tea with the noodles (I did not try the bubble tea though ).

Overall, the price is above what I usually spend on lunch. If you happen to be in Toronto, and willing to try some exotic delicious food, I would recommend this place. However if you want to be full for a cheaper price, a fast food restaurant will do.

Ajisen Ramen
Service: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Aesthetics: 9/10
Price: 5/10

Many textbooks don’t include the short and easy-to-memorize formula I’m about to derive. The neat thing about this formula is that it takes into consideration relativity of objects, so you don’t have to force one object to zero and calculate another object’s speed with respect to the new frame. (Sorry for the image, I can’t get the code to work on WP)