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Does My Computer Need Regular
Maintenance?
What I am about to tell you is rather
controversial.
Most people will tell you that like a car, you
computer also needs regular tune-ups and maintenance.
I however feel that this is not entirely
accurate. This issue here is how we define the word “maintenance”. I
have found that what usually passes for a tune-up (as defined by
Internet searches) is not only a waste of time but potentially
dangerous to your PC. Also I have found that most of the time these
“tips” recommend that you install a cleaning tool or program, then
some time later you find that these programs want to you upgrade to
the “Pro” version for a fee. Sometimes these tools act very much
like viruses and make your computer run slower than before.
So basically I recommend that you follow the
old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”
However there are some
basic issues that everyone should be aware of
- Have the proper protection on your
computer. This includes
an antivirus program, a program to detect and remove spyware.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs.
Many programs start when your computer starts and having
too many can slow down your computer and cause errors. People
often download and install programs and don’t look closely at
the startup options.
- Keep your major programs updated -
Windows, Microsoft Office, Java, web browsers (ie: Internet
Explorer or Firefox), Adobe Acrobat, and email programs.
Most software has options for automatic updates, but may
require you clicking on an icon or prompt to start the update.
- Your computer should be opened up and have
the dust blown out every 6
months, (more frequently
if you are a smoker, or have a wood stove).
Dust acts as a blanket, trapping heat, which can damage
your computer and cause it to freeze up and shut down.
- Stay away from websites that offer things
that are too good to be true or have XXX content or have free
downloads and games. These can infect your computer with a virus
or spyware the instant you visit this site. So the best way to
avoid problems is to stay away from these sites.
- Have an external drive for instant backup.
It doesn’t just have to be an external hard drive, it could also
be a USB flash drive, a re-writeable DVD disc, a spare hard
drive installed in your computer, or even another computer
altogether. Ask yourself, what would I be missing if someone
came in tomorrow and stole my computer? This may never happen,
but if you’re prepared for total loss, then you have nothing to
worry about.
- Never run Registry tools. There are so
many programs that claim to scan, clean, speedup, optimize your
computer’s registry that it seems to be not only a good idea,
but also necessary. The truth is that I’ve often been called out
to repair computers after this so-called optimizing has been
done. Sometimes the computer is in such bad shape that it needs
to be re-formatted. There is no easy fix, or magic cure for a
slow computer. Don’t be tempted by all the advertising and all
the talk from so called “geeks”.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it –
and if it is, then call me!
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WEBSPINNER COMPUTER SERVICES
PRIDE IN SERVICE AND WORKMANSHIP |
