Preventative Computer Maintenance

Computers make wonderful pets. They don't bark (usually), they don't need to be housebroken, and when they're treated nicely, they're wonderfully obedient and cheerful.

The problem is that, well, computers are machines; and machines have different wants, needs, likes, and dislikes than people do. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your computer.

Keeping your Computer Happy

• Power fluctuations are one of the biggest causes of computer problems. Invest in a good surge protector, or better yet, an Uninterruptible Power Supply. Make sure it is UL-listed and provides spike, surge, and EMI protection.

• Clean the schmutz out of the cooling fans once in a while. Proper cooling is vital to your computer's proper performance. Don't use a household vacuum cleaner; they can generate harmful static. Use either "canned air" or a special vacuum designed for computer and electronic circuits.

• Always shut down your computer properly. Improper shutdowns can cause data loss and corruption of vital files.

• Run SCANDISK (on Windows 9x) or CHKDSK, (on Windows 2000 or XP) on a regular basis and after any unusual system event. If you don't know how to to do these things:

  • Click here to learn how to run Scandisk in Windows 98/Me.

  • Click here to learn how to run CHKDSK in Windows 2000/XP.

  • Click here to learn how to defragment a drive in Windows 98/Me.

  • Click here to learn how to defragment a drive in Windows 2000/XP.

• Automatic defragmentation will result in less wear and tear on the actuator arms and other moving parts inside the hard drive. So we recommend that you keep your hard drive running at its best with Diskkeeper^®, our favorite automatic drive defragmentation tool.

• Use high-quality antivirus, security and personal firewall tools, like Trend Micro Internet Security 2005, which offers all-in-one antivirus, antispam, and firewall protection for your PC and PDA.

• Clean your removable drives on regular basis. Drive cleaning kits can be purchased at any computer store.

• Run Windows Update on a regular basis.

• Avoid spyware.

• Have your computer inspected and tuned up by a professional Computer Technician at least once a year.

Following these simple steps will help you get the best possible performance from you computer and will help prolong it's useful life.