TECH TIPS


Technical Tips to keep your computer healthy

  1. Run Windows Update for Windows Vista, XP or 2000.  Make sure Internet Explorer and other browsers are updated to the latest versions.
     
  2. Connect your computer to a hardware firewall. This will ensure that hackers do not intrude your computer using newly discovered Windows vulnerabilities.  If you use a hardware-based firewall, make sure that only ports of services you need are enabled.
     
  3. Install Adware detection programs, such as Ad-Aware or Spybot: Search and Destroy, which are free for download. Run these at least every other day if you are an active web surfer, constantly doing research or shopping online.
     
  4. Run anti-virus software and make sure virus definitions are set to automatically update or you should check for updates manually, and run a virus scan on your system periodically.
     
  5. If you have an older computer, investigate any suspicious noises.  A hard drive that is making a very loud "whinning" noise may be aging and damaged by heat - consider replacing it soon. Also, make sure that all fans are running properly inside, and that there is no large collection of dust on the motherboard, PCI cards, or the fans.  Clogged fans can cause the system to overheat.  If any component requires replacement, be very careful in removing it.  All power should be turned off, including removal of the power cord, as some motherboards maintain a small charge from the power supply even after the computer is actually turned off.
     
  6. Run the Windows Vista, XP or 2000 hard disk driver defragmenter once per month. This allows for data files to be stored with each segment next to each other in order on the hard drive. Without defragmenting, Windows will store data where it finds space, but many times it will store pieces of a data file in many different areas on a hard drive.
     
  7. Make sure programs and drivers are updated
     
  8. This is not necessarily related to your computer's health, but before it ever does get problematic, it is good to make sure that you are completing regular backups. Try backing up your My Documents folders and files to a CD every month and carefully label and store it away. If it seems to be too much hassle to burn a CD, consider purchasing a USB memory device and backup your files to this once a month.  Though USB devices are not as reliable as a CD backup, they are better than no backup at all.
     
  9. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to ensure that your computer gets good voltage and is not turned off when power is lost. Also, make sure you do not turn off your computer abruptly.  Always shutdown via the Start button, or select Control-Alt-Delete and click on the Shutdown option.