Keeping You Computer Running like New

I may not be the smartest of the bunch but I have had my share of experience with computers. I have worked with computers for a few years now building them, cleaning them, fixing them, etc. Now it's my turn to help you. We must start with the basics. Watch what you download. Always make sure you read things before you download something. You may never know what you are downloading if you do not research it first. You may end up downloading spyware or a virus.

Downloading too much for your hard drive is also a problem. If you have a small hard drive it is not wise to download large programs and excessive music or files. It is wise to clear your history and temporary Internet files also. You can do that by opening your browser clicking on tools then Internet options. You will see browsing history. Clear your history as often as you would like but I suggest doing it regularly. Here is a routine you can follow to help your computer run a bit faster.

Make sure that your windows operating system is up to date. Usually automatic updates are turned on and you will not have to check for updates manually. If this is the case you can access windows updates from your start menu or control panel. If you are using an earlier dated operating system you may already have all the necessary updates. I also suggest keeping all your programs and software up to date. You should have a virus scan on your computer too. Most computers and laptops will come with one. Do some research on them before you purchase one or subscribe to one. Do a regular disk cleanup. TO access this you will need to go to the start menu, then to programs, accessories, then system tools. Run the check on all hard drives and files. When it is done checking your disk it will give you a list of possible areas you can clean up. I suggest cleaning each one if they have files to be deleted. Keep all of your files organized. There is nothing like having to find something you saved. Make sure you know where you are saving files.

Keeping your computer running fast is more difficult then keeping it clean. Having too many programs running at once is a big reason why computers run so slowly. People don't understand that there is more going on with a computer then what they may actually see. For instance when you open My Computer and click on your Local Disk you might not see all of what is there. To do this go to tools then to folder options. Go to view and under view you will see something that says Hidden Files and Folders. Click on show hidden files and folders and then exit and re-open your local disk and go to documents and settings. You will see files that weren't previously there. My advice for keeping your computer running in tiptop shape would be to clean it regularly which means exploring all your files and deleting files that don't need to be on your computer. Also run a virus check almost everyday. Run a disk clean up as often as you can. Update your computer and watch what you download. You should do fine.