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MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Things to Do
…Every Day
- Update your virus and spyware
definitions: Viruses spread within hours, so keeping your antivirus
software up-to-date is essential.
- Do an incremental backup: Making a copy
of files that have changed since your last full backup is quick and
easy.
- Reboot when programs crash: Failed
applications can cause other programs to falter. Restart your system
after every crash to clear it out.
…Every Week
- Perform a full virus and spyware scan:
Find anything nasty hiding on your system by regularly scheduling a
total scan.
- Do a complete backup: Better safe than
sorry. A backup of all of your data will help you recover if your drive
fails.
- Run Windows Update: Get the latest
patches from Microsoft to secure your system, by running this from the
Start menu.
- Run a spyware-and-adware removal
program: Quickly find and remove sneaky spyware.
Every Month
- Update your programs: To make your apps
more stable, check for vendors’ software updates or visit a site such as
Version Tracker (www.versiontracker.com).
- Check for new drivers: Installing the
latest drivers for your devices can help speed up and stabilize your PC.
- Use one of utility-diagnostic checkup
program.
…Every Year - call a technician
- Clean out your PC case: Use a vacuum
cleaner to carefully clear out the dust that collects in a case and can
clog up the fans.
- Spring-clean your programs: If your PC
seems sluggish and bloated, make a full backup and then use the restore
CD to return the system to its original state.
- Conduct a full diagnostic check: A
hardware-diagnostic program can test your equipment and track down
faulty components before they fail completely.
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COMPUTER
FUNDAMENTALS