Last Week’s 10 Biggest Posts

You wanted faster PCs, fewer gadget upgrades and better beaches. Kick off your Monday by checking out the ten most popular posts from Lifehacker Australia last week:

1. The 5 Biggest Myths About Slow PCs
   Computers are supposed to make our lives easier, yet sometimes it feels like they exist only to cause us endless amounts of frustration. Popular advice for fixing slow computers includes checking for malware, upgrading your RAM, or even reinstalling Windows from scratch. However, many of these ideas are more myth than reality. We’re busting some of the more pervasive myths, and explained how to actually get your PC running fast again.
2. How To Constantly Upgrade Your Gadgets Without Spending A Fortune
   The latest new gadget is never new for long. Fresh Android phones emerge constantly. Even Apple has broken out of its 12-month cycle and updated the iPad twice this year. But you don’t need to win the lottery to stay at the leading edge. Here’s how to get on the upgrade treadmill and always have the latest and greatest gadgets without spending a fortune.
3. Forgotten Apps That Are Actually Useful
   Technology moves fast — so fast that great apps often get ignored if they don’t launch full-featured and ready for prime time. This is a selection of our favourite apps that are often forgotten but still offer really helpful features.
4. How To Disappear From The Internet Forever
   Sick of horribly embarrassing things showing up when potential employers Google your name? Tired of everyone knowing you live in a ground-floor apartment? Perhaps you just don’t like the fact the internet makes you easy to find. Thankfully, it’s not that hard to delete yourself entirely. Here’s how to do it.
5. Planhacker: What’s The Best BYO Plan For A Nexus 4?
   Dear Lifehacker, With the upcoming release of the Nexus 4, I was wondering if you could do a comparison of the best BYO mobile plans for the phone. I’m particularly interested in networks which offer DC-HSPA+, since the phone doesn’t support 4G. Any advice? Thanks, Nexus Lust
6. Five Best Desktop Computer Speakers
   Everyone rocks headphones on the go, but there’s nothing like listening to music out loud. For those times, you need quality computer speakers. Whether it’s pure audio quality, size and shape, or bang for buck, choosing the best speakers is a tricky affair. Here are five sets that won’t disappoint.
7. Is There An NBN POI In Your Area?
   The National Broadband Network (NBN Co) will be powered by 121 points of interconnection (POIs), strategically located around Australia. Wondering where the nearest POI is? Find out with our interactive map.
8. Why It’s Worth It To Purchase Your Own Domain Name
   Before I start, you should know that buying domain names is my dirty little habit. Some people smoke, others cheat — I go online in the dead of night and have a look at what domain names are available.
9. How To Stop Your Smartphone From Secretly Wasting Data In The Background
   Most of us have to watch our data usage in order to avoid excess charges on our bill. That can become difficult when our smartphones eat up our precious megabytes in the background, and it’s an issue for both Android and iPhone. Here’s how to stop it.
10. Where Are Australia’s 101 Best Beaches?
    Australia has 30,000 kilometres of coastline and 11,761 named beaches. If you’re planning a coastal holiday this summer, a new website and book identifies 101 Australian beaches that are worth visiting.