You have just purchased a new computer. Like all new things you want to keep it that way. Of course there are a few easy steps, like keeping the monitor clean for example.
However there are some basic tasks that will require a little more discipline. Just like any valuable asset, your computer needs regular maintenance to stay in peak form. Yet most people neglect PC maintenance because they feel it’s too difficult or they don’t know where to start. A clean computer runs faster and lasts longer. Fortunately, Microsoft has been incorporating a few decent routines to help.
The following routines can be found as follows:
- Select the Start icon from the tool bar (bottom left hand corner)
- Select program files
- Select accessories
- Select System Tools
From the System Tools folder
- Disk Clean Up - Clean up old files. When you install/uninstall software frequently it can leave many unwanted files in temporary and system folders. Run the Disk Cleanup utility once and a month to clean things up.
- Disk Defragmenter - Run the defragmenter utility, at least once every month or two. The defragmenter will help ensure that your files are located at the right place on the hard drive and should boost the overall speed of your computer.
Virus and Malware
- Make sure that you have a good antivirus program installed and kept up to date. Run the virus scan, viruses can cause your computer to be slow or not work at all.
- Scan for other malware which can include spyware, adware, key loggers, and Trojan horses. These pieces of software can get installed without your knowledge when you install another program or visit a website. They can cause your PC to slow down considerably.
Now for the fun stuff
There are of course lots of tweaks and changes that can be done to optimize or just change various options in your system. One example is to optimize your internet connection speed. This is more important is if you are running a Broadband connection.
Now you could run a few diagnostics routine, then go change your “Registry”. However, this should be only done if you know what you are doing.
Why use a Utility Software?
- Simplicity – Most are designed for beginners and are easy to use
- Convenience – Automatic scheduling makes regular PC cleaning and maintenance effortless.
- Boost PC Speed – PC utilities software makes your PC go faster without expensive hardware upgrades.
- Prevent Crashes – Stop computer crashes before they start with the right system utilities software.
- Windows Customization – Locate all those hard-to-find Windows settings and customize easier.
- Gain Confidence – PC utilities software helps you maintain your PC the right way, every time.
What to look for
- Ease of Use – Utility software should be easy to navigate and should include icons, brief feature descriptions and intuitive organization. PC system utilities software shouldn’t be too technical and should be easy for system utilities novices to understand.
- Ease of Setup – Look for software that is simple to install, set up, and does not require additional downloads or multiple restarts to work.
- Maintenance / Diagnostics – Should allow for easy program and process maintenance and should provide detailed diagnostic information about all facets of your operating system.
- Repairing / Recovery – The repair and recovery section of PC system utilities software should be customizable and should offer a wide variety of tools, including: backup options and rollback capabilities.
- Optimization – Should offer helpful optimization advice and provide optimization in multiple areas, including memory and Internet connections.
- Feature Set – Feature set that accommodates multiple skill levels and a variety of needs. Many software programs offer additional features beyond basic PC system utilities—consider these features when choosing your utilities software.
- Help / Documentation – You’ll want PC system utilities software that comes with both a built-in help system and good online support, including: FAQs, email support and updates.
Article written by Bernie Delorme, webmaster of many Computer Security resources such as
PCSecurityPost,
Antivirus,
Spyware.
Registry Cleaner.
Firewall.
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