Quick and Easy Computer Maintenance Tips - Software Maintenance
(Page 3 of 4 )
First and foremost, back up your data periodically. Backing up data is truly a lifesaver. I'd recommend backing up data based on the priority of the files: the top priority data must be backed up most frequently, eventually via different measures. For example, it is a great habit to back up data on CD/DVDs, or USB thumb-drives, but is also possible to get a second HDD specifically for backing up crucial data.
There is a broad range of software specifically designed for backup purposes. Some programs are freeware, some shareware, but high-priced applications do exist, too. It is up to you to decide what to use. Backing up data manually is also a solution...
Second, keep your computer clean of "virtual pests" too. Viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware and malware aren't the most lovable "insects" that can attack your PC. If by any chance your computer is already filled with one or more of the aforementioned bugs, I'd advice reading the following two articles: "How to Stop a Virus in Windows" and "How to Remove a Virus in Windows."
After you have cleaned your computer on a virtual level, please pay more attention to preventing this problem from happening again. Use antivirus software! Get one that offers real-time protection and activity monitoring. Preferably, you should also get a firewall- either software or hardware. Update your security software definitions tenaciously and do not forget about Windows update either. Download the latest fixes and service packs.
Third, defrag your HDD. Nowadays defrag does not play such a huge role in the user communities as it used to years ago. Some argue that with the appearance of 7200 RPM hard drives (and even faster) with extremely low seek times, defragmenting is useless. Well, this is only partially true.
It is a well known fact that hard drives have become faster lately but it shouldn't be forgotten that they have increased in size, too. People store far more data on their HDDs than they used to years ago. Fragmentation still occurs. It was not eliminated. Therefore, it is worthwhile to start up our favorite defrag utility and let it do its job. With today's high RPM HDDs, speedy CPUs and highly clocked low latency memory sticks you might be shocked at how quickly the whole process finishes!
Run "chkdsk" on a frequent basis. Check out the official Microsoft documentation that explains how to use it here. I'd recommend running it with the following parameters: (Replace C: with the required drive letter.)
chkdsk C: /f
In the above example "/f" stands for "fix errors." You might also use "/r" because it represents "locates bad sectors and recovers readable information" if you have issues.
The last software tip I will give you in this article is about unwanted applications. Open up Task Manager (CTRL + SHIFT + ESC), navigate to the "Process" tab and check for process names that sound a little bogus. Keep in mind a lot of them can be processes that are necessary for Windows to work! So, if you think that one of them is bogus and unwanted, I'd recommend doing a quick Google search on it. Research and be amazed.
Use Start -> Run -> "msconfig" -> "Startup" tab to eliminate applications that start upon booting up your system and you are absolutely sure that your system does not need them. Check out the picture below to see where exactly you disable them...
Next: An Additional Tip >>
More Opinions Articles
More By Barzan "Tony" Antal
| Recommended by Dev Hardware |
|---|
|
