Computer Maintenance Tips
A computer needs regular maintenance just like an automobile. Here is a list of recommended maintenance tasks and helpful tips to keep your PC running like new.
- Check Windows Update regularly and ensure all critical updates are installed.
- Keep good anti-virus software installed and keep the virus signatures or "definitions" updated. New virus definitions are updated at least weekly, and sometimes more often than that. At the very minimum, perform monthly scans of the entire file system. Preferably, each computer system should be scanned weekly by automatic scheduling at convenient times.
- Use a program that locates and removes spy-ware applications from your system. Keep it updated, as new spy-ware is discovered almost as often as viruses. Scan for and remove spy-ware about once per week to keep your system running its best and to protect your privacy see Spyware Infection? in this wiki.
- Run the disk clean-up utility at least once every other month. A highly recognized free program is CCleaner
- De-fragment your hard drive with the Windows disk defragmenter about every 3 months. Prior to performing this action, be sure to disable any screen savers, close all running software, and temporarily disable your anti-virus software.
- Your computer should always be plugged into a power-surge protector. Any cables used to connect your system to the Internet should also run through a surge protector. DSL and dial-up users should ensure their phone cord runs through a standard RJ-11 phone jack that is part of the surge protector, and cable users should purchase surge protectors that include coax connectors on them.
- If you live in an area where power surges and low-voltages are frequent or a business that highly depends on information systems , consider using an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) rather than just a surge protector.
- Make sure your computer can "breathe". The computer needs adequate air space, especially at the rear, to allow proper cooling of the internal components. Air conditioning is ideal for areas where there are four or more PC workstations
- Open your computer at least once per year (after unplugging it) and use an inexpensive can of compressed air to blow out the dust that has accumulated inside the PC. If your computer is standing on the floor, perform this task more often than once per year. Compressed air can be picked up in supermarkets, office supply stores, and major discount retailers.
- Keep important software packages updated by visiting the vendor’s website and obtaining patches, bug fixes, and software enhancements.
- Never attempt to free-up space on your computer’s hard drive by just deleting files from Windows Explorer or My Computer unless you know exactly what you are deleting. Use the disk cleanup utility mentioned in item #4 that was installed with your version of Microsoft Windows.
- Never attempt to un-install a program by deleting its folder in Windows Explorer or My Computer. Go into the Windows Control Panel, open Add/Remove Programs, locate the application you wish to remove from the computer, and un-install it from there.
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