Maintaining Your Computer
A regular schedule of maintenance is necessary to ensure that
your computer runs smoothly. A regular purge of temporary files
and cookies is recommended. Temporary (tmp, files created
temporarily for installation and backup purposes) files can be
eliminated by running the Disk Cleanup utility (Start >
Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup).
Occasionally, extra files will accumulate in your Temp
directories and should be manually deleted as well. Cookies are
small text files that interact with Webpages. They are used to
track users' preferences and behavior. These can be cleared out
selectively (for example, I usually leave my Amazon.com cookie
in place, so it knows who I am when I log on), but many recommend
that all cookies be deleted at least once a month.
On a regular basis, even if there are no outward signs of
problems, run your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs,
usually, at least once a month. For optimal results, this should
be done every week. If, on the other hand, your computer begins
to behave oddly, then a more thorough clean-up should be
undertaken.
- Check for Windows Updates
- Turn off System Restore (Start > Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > System Restore)
- Carefully look at Windows Add-Remove programs for
suspicious programs such as toolbars that are not Google,
MSN or Yahoo. Common exploit products are Search helpers,
WinTools, Gator products, IE Helper and Comet Cursor. (Start
> Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove
Programs)
- Run Disk Clean up. Select all options except Office Setup
Files and Compress Old Files. (Start > Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup)
- Run anti-virus, anti-spyware programs
- Re-run until clean
- Turn on Disk Restore (Start > Programs > Accessories
> System Tools > System Restore)
- Run Disk Defragmenter (Start > Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter)*
For further reference, check out the following:
Continue to Additional Articles
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thanks Robin for the list!
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