Like all machines, a computer must be properly maintained. If you take care of your computer, it will reward you by running faster and lasting longer. Here are seven things you should do on a regular basis to keep your computer running smoothly.
Clear out your files. Over time, files tend to proliferate. Unneeded files can clog up your hard drive and slow down your computer’s running time. Some programs back up automatically, and you may not need those copies. In addition, your computer saves a cache of websites you’ve visited before in your hard drive so that they’ll load more quickly when you visit them again. You should clear these things out periodically.
Check to see if you have automatic backup activated in a program like Microsoft Word. Open a document and click “Save As.” See if the “Always Create Backup Copy” box is checked. If it is, your documents will copy every time you open one. Find those backups—they should be in the same folder as the original document—and delete them. Go into your Internet browser and choose Empty Cache—you can usually find it under the browser name in the top menu. Check files like C:\WINDOWS\TEMP and C:\WINDOWS\RECENT for files to delete. Empty your trash can.
Run ScanDisk. ScanDisk scans and repairs errors that occur over time in your hard drive. ScanDisk is in your System Tools folder under Accessories in most Windows versions. If you’re using a Mac, the equivalent program is DiskFirstAid, which is located in your Utilities folder. This should be done weekly.
Defragment your hard drive. You should defragment your hard drive on a regular basis as well. Some experts recommend you do this once a month to once a day, depending on your level of usage—but for most of us, once a week is fine. This will make your computer faster and more stable. While Macs don’t come with a disc defragmenter, you can download one specifically for Macs online; and the virus scan utility Norton Antivirus has a Speed Disc application that works on Macs.
Update your virus program. Speaking of which, you should update the virus protection program on your computer once a week—even if you have a Mac. Computer viruses are constantly changing—the better to attack your computer—and programmers are regularly making improvements to virus protection software to keep up. You’ll have to update your program to take advantage of the improvements, however. Simply go into your program and look for an Update application. If you can’t find it, go to the company website and look under “download,” “update,” or “tech support” for the latest version.
Update your software. Your virus protection software isn’t the only thing on your computer you should update regularly. On both PC’s and Macs, there are security holes in the operating systems that hackers can use to attack your system. Whenever the engineers at Microsoft or Apple discover these holes, they release a software “patch” to block them. Put off installing these updates, and you could leave your computer vulnerable to hackers.
You can set your computer to download updates automatically if you use a Mac by going into AutoUpdate under Applications, or Software Update under Control Panel, depending on what system you have. The program has settings that allow it to connect to the Internet automatically and let you know whenever there’s a new download. For Windows users, the “Windows Update” program is found under “Tools” in your Internet Explorer browser.
Clean your screen. Whenever your screen gets too dusty or smudged, you should clean it. If you have an LCD screen—and most laptops and even some desktops have these nowadays—you’ll have to be gentle, as these screens are soft and susceptible to scratches and damage. Mix water with a little white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol, and dampen (don’t soak) a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Gently wipe the cloth in a single direction across the screen; don’t scrub hard. It’s important to use a clean cloth, as dirt and dust particles in the cloth can scratch your screen.
Back up your data. This isn’t necessarily a maintenance issue, but it’s something you should get in the habit of doing regularly along with other maintenance tasks. If something goes wrong on your computer, you could lose everything—important files and documents, programs, and crucial personal information. It’s vital to back up your files on a separate disc or hard drive.
You’ll need to perform a few regular maintenance tasks on your computer to keep it safe, secure, and healthy. Follow these tips and you'll definitely notice an improvement.
Take Better Care of Your Computer in Seven Easy Steps