Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly
Computers are often the most important single items that you can have, and having to reformat can mean a significant loss of time and information. In order to avoid the panic associated with file loss and/or corruption, a few preventative steps can be taken.
Steps
- Do a monthly clean up. Each month, delete unneeded folders, and files. They take up useful memory, and if they become superfluous, can slow down your computer. If you're a pack rat and just can't seem to part with these files, save them to disk for future reference if needed.
- Create system restore points regularly. Do this at least once a week. If weaker viruses are accidentally downloaded, the restore point will ensure that your data is recoverable.
- Create backup disks. Backup any files that you use on a regular basis or files that are updated frequently. In the unfortunate event of a hard drive crash, you won't panic about lost work.
- Use anti-spyware software. These programs can rid your computer of unwanted spyware, greyware, and malware.
- Utilize anti-virus protection. If you can't afford an anti-virus program (or don't want one because of the negative effects it can have on your computer), simply conduct a free online virus scan. Two of the most trusted scans are TrendMicro (http://housecall.trendmicro.com) and Panda.
- Delete cookies.
- Reset your internet browser(s)
- Clear your cache after you sign off. These files are completely unnecessary, take up memory, and can allow spyware to invade your computer.
- Perform a scan disk operation. Periodically perform a scan disk to make sure that your files are all in working order. This scan should be performed about once a week.
- Defragment. Defragmenting your computer will guarantee that your files are organized and your computer is running at optimal speeds. This should be done at least once a month.
- Consider formatting your hard drive. This should probably only be done if all of the above have been tried without success.
- Stay away from websites that don't seem trustworthy this includes places like flash game sites, and blogs.
Tips
- When downloading files onto your computer, always use caution and good sense. Do not download files from unknown senders or sites that you do not fully trust.
Warnings
- Please do not proceed with step #9 unless have tried all the above. Formatting your hard drive erases all of your information, essentially forever.
