PC Maintenance Guide

These tips, tools, and resources can help keep any machine happy, healthy, and trouble free

Things to do

…everyday

ü  Update your virus and spyware definitions: Viruses Spread within hours, so keeping your antivirus software up to date is essential. Free virus protection found at http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html . Complete the free registration to receive virus protection free for one year for home users.

*Note:  It is recommended that you only have one program to protect you against Viruses and one program to scan for Adware, Spyware and malware.  If you have more than one, they will conflict and will not work properly and your Computer will most likely get infected.

ü  Do an incremental backup: Making a copy or backup of files that have changed since you last full backup is quick and easy.

ü  Reboot when programs crash: Failed applications can cause other programs to falter.  Restart your system after every crash to clear it out.

ü  Do not download or open anything unless you are 100% sure as to what you are putting on your computer. It is not always safe to open an email with or without an attachment, but if the email has an attachment, be sure you know the attachment is safe before opening the attachment. If possible, preview first.

…Every Week

ü  Perform a full virus and spyware scan: Find anything nasty hiding on your system by regularly scheduling a total scan.

ü  Do a complete backup: Better safe than sorry. A backup of all of your data will help you easily recover data if your drive fails or your system crashes.

ü  Run windows Update: Get the latest security patches directly from Microsoft to secure your system, by running this from the start menu.

ü  Run a spyware and adware removal program: I suggest downloading Ad aware 2008.  http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php 

…Every Month

ü  Update your programs: To make you applications more stable, check for vendors’ software updates or visit site such as www.versiontracker.com or Click on start, all programs, Microsoft update to update windows.

ü  Check for new drivers: Installing the latest drivers for your devices can help speed up and stabilize you home computer. To update drivers for Dell, Compaq, HP, etc. go to their website and select support then drivers, enter your model number and update drivers by downloading and installing.

ü  Use one click utility-suite checkup Program: A utility suite on one CD, with one interface can give your PC a thorough checkup. I recommend CC Cleaner.  Download at www.filehippo.com/download_cccleaner/

…Every Year

ü  Clean out your PC Case: Use a can of air duster to carefully clean out the dust that collects in a case that can clog fans and Processer heat sink. Next to viruses, dust is your computers worst enemy.

ü  Spring clean windows and your programs: If you Computer is sluggish and bloated, you can first try to clean the registry with CC Cleaner.  You can find the download at www.filehippo.com/download_cccleaner/ or as a last result make a full backup of your computer and the use the restore CD to restore the computer to its original state. Then use your backup to restore critical data. For a fee of $129.99we can do a complete system clean up. Click Here for Details

ü  Conduct a full diagnostic Check: A hardware diagnostic program can test your equipment and check faulty components before they fail completely. You can call us at 678-617-7416 and we can do this for you for a$49.99 fee in local service areas. Additional fees apply outside local service area.