Computer Maintenance Checklist, A killer list to keep your pc system up-to-date!


Computer Maintenance Checklist.



BACKING UP:

  • back up any documents you create on an external drive

  • disk, zip, jazz, tape, or CD-Rom are all acceptable

  • keep back-up copies of all computer programs in case you have to re-install

  • backing up your entire system at one time takes care of both concerns

  • back up as often as you regularly make changes to your documents

  • put your software drivers and your operating system disks in a safe place.

FIREWALLS ARE KEY:

  • programs that keep others from accessing your computer from the outside

  • acts as a “locked gate” for your computer hard drive

  • can be installed on your computer via software (Black Ice, Norton, etc.)

  • may also come with your operating system, router, or other networking hardware

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY:

  • install a good anti-virus software program (Norton, AVG , VirusScan, etc.)

  • this program will scan your files, drives, and email for viruses

  • set up to scan external disks automatically when inserted into your machine

  • set up to scan your hard drive automatically when you start your machine

  • set up to scan email automatically when you send and receive

  • be sure to update your software regularly for virus updates

  • most programs give automatic prompt when new updates are available

  • run a disk defrag program to organise your files.

  • run a clean up to delete unneeded files

  • Register your software products

  • Schedule automated updates

POWER ISSUES:

  • surges in electrical power can harm your computer

  • get a good surge protector with multiple plugs and on / off switch

  • avoid cheap ones with a metal oxide varistor (MOV) suppressor that can fail

  • buy a surge protector with included insurance to cover damage to equipment

  • protects your computer even when turned off

  • if you don’t have a surge protector, unplug your equipment when not using

  • be particularly careful during storms or when it is lightning

PUTTING A STOP TO SPYING:

  • install a good spyware program (Spybot, AdAware, etc.)

  • tracks down programs secretly monitoring your computer activities

  • these programs may have been installed through internet downloads

  • can also be installed surreptitiously when installing other programs

  • know where programs are coming from before downloading from internet

  • research the software provider and make sure they are legitimate

  • run spyware program weekly to clean out rogue programs from hard drive

STAYING AWAY FROM TROUBLE:

  • don’t accept software or downloads from unconfirmed sources

  • many viruses embedded in email attachments and activated when opened

  • set your email program so it doesn’t open “preview” window

  • delete any suspicious email without opening it

  • don’t open attachments unless you know who and where they came from

  • .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .mdb, .reg, and .js file extensions are dangerous

 


 
 

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