Are You Keeping Your PC in Optimal Condition?

Proper computer maintenance will help increase the speed of your PC; prevent errors, save time and money. Here are some tips to help with ensuring your computer runs as it should and is properly protected.

1.) Ensure that you have not only virus protection but a properly configured firewall. Without these two your computer can be more open to attacks from hackers and identity theft. I would recommend using Norton Products, Windows Live One Care, or CA (often used by schools).

2.) Keep all software that initially comes with a new PC. If it does not come with any software there is probably a recovery drive on your PC. Do not delete the recovery partition as this is how you restore computer data. Make recovery discs for your PC or order some from the manufacturer.

3.) If you have a wireless internet connection, make sure it is secured. If it is not secured, others can use the connection that YOU are paying for.

4.) Never save your passwords to the computer's hard drive! Change these passwords often.

5.) Always use the shutdown option from the Start Menu on the PC. Only use the power button if the computer freezes or locks up. You can also try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete several times when the computer locks up. If this doesn't work, use the power button. Not powering down the system properly may result in data loss.

6.) Always back-up your important data or files.

7.) Purchase a UPS device (uninterruptable power supply) to protect the PC against power outages. These are often better than surge protectors.

8.) Run Scandisk to check for hard disk errors at least once a month. Scandisk can also fix some errors.

9.) Run Disk Defrag at least once a month. This ensures that files are not spread all over your hard drive, are easier and quicker to access.

10.) Use Disk Cleanup weekly to remove unwanted files from the PC.

11.) Remove any programs that are not needed nor used. These files are only taking up space on the hard drive.

12.) Check the programs that are running in the background and at PC start-up. Keep only what needs always run or load at start-up. Too many programs in these two areas can bog down the system.

13.) Record any error messages that show on Windows. These and their fixes can often be found in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.