Your computer won’t always operate as well as it did the first day you bought it. After heavy use, your computer’s performance can begin to deteriorate. Even the simplest operation, such as opening a text document, could begin to take an absurd amount of time to complete. This guide addresses a few tasks you should complete regularly to keep your computer in good shape.
1. Remove Old Programs – Your computer may have a large collection of programs that you never use. Un-installing these programs will free up space on your computer and help it run more efficiently. Many programs install smaller programs that run even when you’re not using the main program. When you un-install a program, the un-installer will remove these smaller programs too.
2. Update All Programs – Running an outdated program can have a negative impact on your computer’s performance and leave your computer vulnerable to hackers. Additionally, many updates usually include upgrades that greatly improve the features of your favorite programs. Most programs inform you of any recent updates automatically. When you get a notice of an update, don’t ignore it. Make a regular habit of checking your most-used programs for updates every month. You should also check for any updates to your operating system.
3. Use Anti-Virus Programs – If you don’t already have an anti-virus program on your computer, you should install one immediately. These programs will help protect your computer while you browse the Internet. If your program doesn’t automatically create a schedule to scan your computer, you should regularly perform a manual scan on your own. Most anti-virus programs allow you to enable automatic updates to help you get more protection from viruses.
4. Create Backups – Computers sometimes fail with no warning at all. If this happens, you could lose all of your precious data. To avoid this disaster, you should frequently make backups of your important files. You can store your backups on an external hard drive. These files should include your digital pictures, work files, financial documents, journal entries and more.
5. Dust Removal – In addition to frequent maintenance on your computer’s software, you should also work on cleaning the computer’s hardware. Most computers have several fans installed in crucial locations. These fans help prevent your computer from overheating. If these fans become choked with dust, your computer could overheat and shut itself off. Start the cleaning process by turning off your computer and disconnecting the power. With a can of air, you can clean the fans directly by pointing the can at your computer’s vents.
If you take the time to perform regular maintenance on your computer, you can keep your PC in good condition. With proper attention, your computer will serve you for years to come.
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About the Author:
This guest post has been written and contributed to (CSW) by Debra Johnson. She is a blogger and editor of http://www.liveinnanny.com/ and she welcomes your comments via email at jdebra84@gmail.com
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