Healthy, Happy Computers

Your computer is starting to drag, and it’s only six months old. Sound familiar? It happens to us all – but there are simple FREE solutions! Here is useful list of important tasks that will keep your computer running smoothly:

• Delete unused programs, folders, and files. They take up useful memory. If you’re a pack rat and just can’t seem to part with these files, save them to disk for future reference if needed. An external hard drive is perfect if you have lots of music, pictures, video and other large files.
• Create backup disks. Backup any files that you use on a regular basis or files that are updated frequently. In the unfortunate event of a hard drive crash, you won’t panic about lost work. Drag your entire My Documents folder to your external hard drive once a week, and store the drive in a safe place!
• Create system restore points regularly. Do this at least once a week. If weaker viruses are accidentally downloaded, the restore point will ensure that your data is recoverable. Most computers will ask you to create a system restore point before a new download, but creating your own occasionally is a great idea.
• Use anti-spyware software. These programs can rid your computer of unwanted spyware, greyware, and malware. I recommend CCleaner and Advanced System Care Free!
• Utilize anti-virus protection. If you can’t afford an anti-virus program (or don’t want one because of the negative effects it can have on your computer), simply conduct a free online virus scan. Two of the most trusted scans are TrendMicro and Panda. I recommend AVG Free antivirus which can be downloaded at www.free.avg.com .
• Delete cookies and clear your cache after you sign off. These files are completely unnecessary, take up memory, and can allow spyware to invade your computer. This step is unnecessary if you are running CCleaner or Advanced System Care Free.
• Perform a scan disk operation. Periodically perform a scan disk to make sure that your files are all in working order. This scan should be performed about once a week.
• Defragment. Defragmenting your computer will guarantee that your files are organized and your computer is running at optimal speeds. This should be done at least once a month. I highly suggest using SmartDefrag or Defraggler in place of Windows Defrag.
• Consider formatting your hard drive. This should probably only be done if all of the above have been tried without success. This is almost always the FIRST thing that you’ll be told to do when you call the help desk of the folks who manufactured your computer. Keep this as a last resort.
• Find a reputable computer shop! Just as you need a trustworthy auto mechanic, a trustworthy computer repairperson can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs or upgrades.
• Have at least two browsers on your computer! I recommend Google Chrome as your default browser.
• It’s a great idea to have more than one admin account on your computer. This way, should one become corrupt, you won’t lose access to your computer.

Best of luck! Let us know your favorite free utilities, and let me know if I can be of assistance.