April 2006
Tips to Help Keep Your Computer Clean & Running Smoothly
Every one of us has had one of those days when we feel like tossing (to put it nicely) our computers out the window. From slow programs to complete freeze-up, we each have issues with our computers that can be preventable by being cautious and performing a little computer maintenance.
Be Cautious
1. First and foremost….
BACK-UP, BACK-UP, BACK-UP!!!
We have all heard someone else's horror stories (or even our own) of not having
backups when needed but it is still surprising how many people do not back
up their data on a regular basis.
2. Anti-Virus Software
This is imperative for any and every computer, whether or not it is used for
online work.
3. Anti-Spam Software
Again, in this day and age, having a spam filter on your computer is a necessity
(unless you enjoy reading about those "performance enhancing drugs"
or other products that will "make our lives better"…NOT).
4. Never reply to spam
or phishing emails
One thing to keep in mind with spam, NEVER reply to it. We all hate spam and
wish we could send them back a note telling them exactly what we think of
them but they could care less what you have to say. They are hoping you will
reply.
5. Spyware software
Unfortunately there are people out there who use their intelligence to create
malicious files and software rather than for good and thus we are inundated
with spyware that infiltrates our computers and can cause all kinds of nasty
things to happen.
6. Firewall
A firewall is another form of security for your computer to prevent outside
intruders from accessing your computer. It monitors and restricts information
that travels between your computer and a network or the Internet and even
alerts you of security concerns.
7. Disable pop-ups on
websites
Many websites have pop-ups that help to point out any important information
that they want to be sure you see. However, some websites will have pop-up
after pop-up that are just annoying or placing cookies on your computer that
can record your movements online. It is best to have your pop-up blocker on
and then shut it off if there is a trusted site that you want to see what
is on their pop-ups.
8. Attach a battery backup to your computer
9. Power surge protection
10. Anti-Static mat
11. Keep a record of your installed software
12. Be Cautious when downloading from unfamiliar sites
13. Avoid pirated software
Internal Maintenance
The following are just some basic things to keep in mind to maintain a healthy computer that I have learned over the years and "usually follow".
1. Keep your email folders
clean
It is surprising how many people have email folders, especially the Inbox,
that are overrun with emails. Once you have dealt with an email, either delete
it or put it into a designated folder.
2. Perform regular disk
clean ups
Depending how often you do this and how much unneeded files there are, this
process could take several minutes. It should be added to your regular maintenance
routine.
3. Defragment your hard
drive
If you do a lot of downloading, installing, uninstalling and moving of files,
folders and programs, an occasional Defragmentation may be needed.
4. Scan Disk
This feature will fix any bad sectors on your hard drive and may be necessary
if your computer appears to be acting up.
5. Keep your computer's
Registry clean
For every program you work with, every download and uninstall… everything
you do on your computer somehow affects your registry. Having a registry cleaner
on your computer can help keep your computer's registry running smoothly.
6. Update Windows
7. Keep your software up to date
8. Keep your start up programs to a minimum
9. Keep desktop icons
to a minimum as well
External Maintenance
One of the last things on the mind of most computer owners is that a computer can get dirty… physically… and needs to be cleaned. Dust and other environmental factors can also affect the performance of your computer.
Before turning off your computer,
1. Clean your CD/DVD ROM drives
Now you can turn your computer off and clean your…
2. Floppy Drive
3. Keyboard
4. Monitor
5. Mouse
6. Printer
7. Scanner
8. Tower Case
Most computer issues are usually not all that dangerous but they need to be dealt with in order to keep our computers running smoothly and avoid problems escalating. The information above is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about each point listed, pick up a copy of our ebooklet, Tips for Keeping Your Computer Clean & Running Smoothly, at http://www.docutype.net/booklets.htm.
Janice Byer, owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net) provides professional, creative and affordable virtual office assistance and small business website design. She is a Certified Canadian Virtual
