10 Simple Computer Maintenance Tips

Keep your computer running smoothly & efficiently.

Performing these 10 simple maintenance tasks increases your computer's performance & efficiency.

  1. Delete unnecessary temporary Internet files at least once monthly.
    These files consume space on your hard drive.
    1. Click "Start" in lower left corner of your screen
    2. Click "Control Panel"
    3. Click "Internet Options"
    4. Click "Browsing history"
    5. Click "Delete"
    6. Check mark items for deletion - safe to check all
    7. Click "Delete"
    8. Click "OK"
    Time: 1-2 mins, occasionally 3-4 mins
  2. Remove programs that are no longer needed, review periodically.
    1. Click "Start"
    2. Click "Control Panel"
    3. Click "Add or Remove Programs"
    4. Click on name of program desired for removal
    5. Click "Add/Remove"
    6. Follow directions on screen
    Time: Under 5 mins - Depending on number of programs removed
  3. Execute a disk clean up once a month.
    1. Click "Start"
    2. Click "All Programs"
    3. Click "Accessories"
    4. Click "System Tools"
    5. Click "Disk Cleanup"
    6. Select appropriate drive - Typically Hard Drive (C:)
    7. Click "OK" - A box will appear to select files for deletion
    8. Check mark items for deletion - safe to check all
    9. Click "OK"
    Time: 1-2 mins, occasionally 3-4 mins
  4. Run an anti-adware program weekly such as NoAdware.
    Regularly download program up dates
    1. Close all programs and browsers
    2. Disconnect computer from internet, if possible
    3. Run a full scan and delete all threats
    4. Reboot computer
    5. Repeat above steps until computer is free of adware
    Time: 60+ mins - Depending on software & number of files to scan
    Most programs can be scheduled to run automatically at selected times, when computers are not in use.
  5. Clean computer registry monthly with a reliable program like Uniblue Registry Booster.
    Time: 4-5 mins - Depending on software & number of files to scan
    USE DEFAULT SETTINGS AS SOME CHANGES COULD BE DETRIMENTAL!
  6. Scan entire computer for viruses weekly with a reliable program such as McAfee.
    Regularly download anti-virus updates
    Time: 60+ mins - Depending on software & number of files to scan
    Most programs can be scheduled to run automatically at selected times, when computers are not in use.
  7. Defrag hard drive monthly.
    This increases computer speed & performance.
    1. Click "Start"
    2. Click "All Programs"
    3. Click "Accessories"
    4. Click "System Tools"
    5. Click "Disk Defragmenter"
    6. Select appropriate drive - Typically Hard Drive (C:)
    7. Click "Defragment"
    8. Exit upon completion
    Time: 4-5 mins, occasionally longer
  8. Run check disk monthly to check for any disk errors.
    1. Click "Start"
    2. Click "My Computer"
    3. RIGHT Click "Hard Drive (C:)"
    4. Click "Properties"
    5. Click "Tools"
    6. Click "Error-checking"
    7. Click "Check Now"
    8. Select both boxes
    9. Click "Start"
      You may be asked to restart computer
    Time: Varies - approx. 45-60 mins
  9. Back up files weekly or monthly with an online backup service such as Carbonite, external hard drive, internal backup drive, or simply burn important data to a CD, store in a safe location.
    Time: 5-10 mins - Depending on method and number &/or size of files
  10. Backup registry files monthly & before installing any hardware or software.
    1. Click "Start"
    2. Click "Run"
    3. Type "regedit"
    4. Select "My Computer" located at top left
    5. Click "File"
    6. Click "Export"
    7. Type name of back up file
    8. Save to a backup directory
    Time: 1-2 mins
    TIP: When naming backup files, I prefer to include the date of back up, such as one performed on 10/10/09, would be named "registrybk101009".

NOTE: The above tasks should be performed on a regular basis whether weekly, bi-weekly or monthly to ensure your computer maintains optimum efficiency. My personal preference is weekly.

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