Simple steps to maintain your own computer
In today’s world, most of us have a computer at home. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have an IT specialist to keep our computers tuned up. We know how frustrating it can be to have your computer not functioning as it should or stop working altogether for unknown reasons. While Silver Star now offers PC Repair services, we want to provide you with some simple steps to maintain a healthy PC. Try these steps below, but know that we are here to help if you have problems that you can’t resolve on your own.
Before you begin, it is essential to have a data backup plan of all your important information (pictures, folders, documents, music) in your computer system, so you don’t inadvertently lose any of the data.
Windows Updates & Anti-virus Programs
When a virus infects your computer, it spreads throughout the entire computer within seconds and one-by-one starts to interfere or destroy all the software applications. The best way to avoid a virus is to keep your windows up-to-date on all the security programs and install and use an anti-virus program. All you need to do is turn on the routine updates in the “security center” of the computer. Instructions:
Install a good anti-virus program on your computer to help defend it from any virus and other spywares or malicious software. You can Google anti-virus software and look for reviews. There are free options and pay-for options. You may want to check out AVG, Avast! and Avira AntiVir.
Remove unwanted software
There may be some software programs on your hard drive that are no longer needed. Software occupies the memory, which can slow down the speed of your computer. To remove unwanted software, click:
Start / Control Panel / Add or Remove Program / and select the programs to remove. (Never remove programs by deleting files on your hard drive).
Cleaning up temporary files
The software programs installed on your computer, Windows and surfing the web all leave “temporary files” on your computer, which also take up space. A hard drive with less free space slows down your computer’s speed. Regularly clean up your computer by removing these files and scanning your disc for errors.
Start / My Computer / C: drive / Properties / Disk clean.
To scan the disc for any computer errors, select ‘check now’ in the properties of C: drive.
Click on ‘defragment now’.
Hopefully by following these practices, you will be able to avoid viruses, malware and spyware. If you have simple questions, please post to this blog. If you have problems beyond these simple steps, contact us about our PC Repair services.
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- I'm testing if emails get sent out from here
- posted by test, on 11/6/2009 9:36:40 AM