Basics of Computer Maintenance
Tips to Help Keep a Computer Running Smoothly
There are a few things that can be done regularly to help keep a computer running smoothly - performing updates, cleaning up old files and using security
By now, most people can surf the Internet and read e-mails but many do not know what to do to keep their computers operating at peak performance. Keeping a computer running smoothly can be aided by a few basic maintenance steps: performing regular software updates, cleaning up the hard drive and implementing security hardware or applications.
Performing Updates
Regular updates are important to computer operation. Operating systems and applications such as Microsoft Windows and Office frequently require patches to improve security and other functionality. These can be configured to be downloaded automatically. Anti-virus software should be set to automatically update at least once a day. Otherwise it will not be able to handle the latest threats.
Cleaning up the Hard Drive
Cleaning up a computer can help improve security and make it run more smoothly. One simple way computer users can clean up is to delete temporary files stored by Internet browsers such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. For extra security, a file shredding utility such as PC Mantra’s CleanMantra can be utilized. Normally, when files are deleted, they actually stay on the hard drive until new data is written over. Specially designed software can retrieve some deleted files. Shredding data on the computer prevents it from ever being accessed again.
A cluttered computer may become sluggish. Old games or trial versions of software can fill up the hard drive and may even be using processor time, slowing down the computer. Periodically, users should remove unneeded applications and shortcuts. To help decide which programs need to go, Windows users can access the, ‘Add or Remove Programs’ module which provides a list of installed software along with frequency of use and most recent access.
Deleting files may create disk fragmentation – empty sections scattered throughout the hard drive. This can increase the time to find files because more of the disk must be searched. Defragmentation can be done to help squeeze the saved data closer together, thereby decreasing search time. Computer users should be advised, however, that the defragmentation process can take hours. Therefore it is best to perform it when access is not required such as before bedtime. Also, it is a good idea to backup the computer before starting this process as results may be unpredictable. Steps for defragmenting using Windows XP can be found on Microsoft’s website.
Implementing Security Hardware and Software
Computer viruses and other malicious software can wreak havoc on a computer. A simple and relatively inexpensive way to help protect the machine and data is to install a firewall router. This can keep unwanted traffic from ever reaching the computer. Routers can be wired or wireless. A wireless router provides the flexibility of locating computers anywhere in the home. However, there is also a risk in that anyone close enough to the signal (i.e. someone outside the home) may also be able to connect to the wireless network. This means that any data kept on computers in the network may be exposed. So for privacy, a wireless network should be secured by setting encryption on the router so that a password is required to connect to the network. This can be accomplished by checking the operation or installation manual for the device.
If anything malicious does get past the router, an Internet security suite offers further protection from viruses, spam, and unauthorized access. Many people have the foresight to install an anti-virus application but neglect to run a scan. A full system scan will check files on the hard drive as well as deeper areas malicious programs hide such as the rootkit which contains various configuration details. Computer users should make sure that a full scan is set to run on a regular schedule, such as once a week. Scans can be scheduled to run automatically at a specific time. If this option is chosen, then the computer must be turned on at that time for the scan to run.
A well-maintained computer tends to run faster and crash less often. That means work gets done quicker. By taking a few minutes every week to implement updates, clean up files or improve security, there will be more time to play games, e-mail friends or spend some leisurely time searching the Internet for such important topics as the health benefits of chocolate.
