The most common reason that consumers replace their computers, other than for a complete malfunction, is due to the fact that their current computer is either too slow for day-to-day tasks or due to overall poor performance according to a recent Harris Interactive poll.
Because most people don't know the basics when it comes to computer maintenance, they'll typically see a degradation in their systems as time progresses. For the most part, the issue isn't due to their current hardware configuration, but instead due to a failure of basic computer maintenance such as running a virus or malware scan, updating security patches or overloading the system, among other things.
The great thing is, even if you don't know much about computers, you can still make use of these easy to follow steps listed below. By performing these basic PC maintenance tasks, you'll be able to keep your computer running reliably, at optimal conditions, letting it last much longer until needing to replace.
Run Your Spyware and AntiVirus Programs and Keep Them Updated
Having a top notch spyware or antivirus program won't do you any good if you aren't updating them on a regular basis. The updates will have the latest virus and malware definitions in places. You can typically configure your applications to do automatic updates, and these should be done at least once a week.
Aside from updating your software, it's also important to have it running. Most antivirus and malware applications will boot up with Windows - you can verify by checking your Windows tray. Make sure to run a scan at least once a week as well - you can do it right after getting the latest updates.
Keep Your Applications and Utilities Patched
Believe it or not, all of the applications and utilities on your system are prone to being exploited which is why you must make sure to update them regularly, just as you would do with your antivirus program. Programs that you use regularly like Skype, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Firefox (or other internet browser) as well as your operating system require both maintenance and security updates from time to time.
It can be difficult trying to keep track of all the software you have installed on your computer and which ones need an update, which is where Secunia PSI comes in. It's a little utility that's free and monitors your PC for any applications that you might be running which could be susceptible to being exploited. When if finds one, it'll direct you to the appropriate website where you can update the necessary files to patch the software.
Clean Temporary Files
Windows can leave a lot of clutter and temporary files lying around your hard drive, and it's a good idea to clean these up regularly. The easiest way to take care of the clutter is by using CCleaner, a tool that is both easy to understand and effective at getting rid of some of those unnecessary files that are bogging down your system.
Run a Defragmentation Tool
Disks become fragmented as files and folders are created and deleted, as well as when software is installed or when new files are downloaded. What happens is as you start deleting existing files and writing new ones, the first available empty space on the hard drive gets filled randomly with your new files. As this process goes on, pieces of the file for your new application get spread out all over the place, causing the drive head to dart all over the disk. As your hard drive gets more fragmented, the file transfer process gets slower and slower.
By running a defragmentation tool, you not only get rid of unnecessary files, but you clump files into closer clusters, which helps to improve hard drive speed and keeps the drive in good shape. You should run a defragmentation of your hard drive at least every three months.
To use a defragment tool, you can either use the default defragmenter that comes with Windows by going to the start menu and then going to accessories, system tools, and then Windows defragragmenter or you can download a freeware tool like Auslogics Disk Defragmenter.
Of course, this all assumes you have a relatively decent hardware setup that's able to handle the work you need to do. If you're looking to run the latest version of Photoshop on a 10 year old machine, it doesn't matter how well you take care of your PC - you'll never get the application to run fast. However, barring really old hardware, by taking care of your computer, you'll be able to get it to run smoothly and at peak performance.
Because most people don't know the basics when it comes to computer maintenance, they'll typically see a degradation in their systems as time progresses. For the most part, the issue isn't due to their current hardware configuration, but instead due to a failure of basic computer maintenance such as running a virus or malware scan, updating security patches or overloading the system, among other things.
The great thing is, even if you don't know much about computers, you can still make use of these easy to follow steps listed below. By performing these basic PC maintenance tasks, you'll be able to keep your computer running reliably, at optimal conditions, letting it last much longer until needing to replace.
Run Your Spyware and AntiVirus Programs and Keep Them Updated
Having a top notch spyware or antivirus program won't do you any good if you aren't updating them on a regular basis. The updates will have the latest virus and malware definitions in places. You can typically configure your applications to do automatic updates, and these should be done at least once a week.
Aside from updating your software, it's also important to have it running. Most antivirus and malware applications will boot up with Windows - you can verify by checking your Windows tray. Make sure to run a scan at least once a week as well - you can do it right after getting the latest updates.
Keep Your Applications and Utilities Patched
Believe it or not, all of the applications and utilities on your system are prone to being exploited which is why you must make sure to update them regularly, just as you would do with your antivirus program. Programs that you use regularly like Skype, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Firefox (or other internet browser) as well as your operating system require both maintenance and security updates from time to time.
It can be difficult trying to keep track of all the software you have installed on your computer and which ones need an update, which is where Secunia PSI comes in. It's a little utility that's free and monitors your PC for any applications that you might be running which could be susceptible to being exploited. When if finds one, it'll direct you to the appropriate website where you can update the necessary files to patch the software.
Clean Temporary Files
Windows can leave a lot of clutter and temporary files lying around your hard drive, and it's a good idea to clean these up regularly. The easiest way to take care of the clutter is by using CCleaner, a tool that is both easy to understand and effective at getting rid of some of those unnecessary files that are bogging down your system.
Run a Defragmentation Tool
Disks become fragmented as files and folders are created and deleted, as well as when software is installed or when new files are downloaded. What happens is as you start deleting existing files and writing new ones, the first available empty space on the hard drive gets filled randomly with your new files. As this process goes on, pieces of the file for your new application get spread out all over the place, causing the drive head to dart all over the disk. As your hard drive gets more fragmented, the file transfer process gets slower and slower.
By running a defragmentation tool, you not only get rid of unnecessary files, but you clump files into closer clusters, which helps to improve hard drive speed and keeps the drive in good shape. You should run a defragmentation of your hard drive at least every three months.
To use a defragment tool, you can either use the default defragmenter that comes with Windows by going to the start menu and then going to accessories, system tools, and then Windows defragragmenter or you can download a freeware tool like Auslogics Disk Defragmenter.
Of course, this all assumes you have a relatively decent hardware setup that's able to handle the work you need to do. If you're looking to run the latest version of Photoshop on a 10 year old machine, it doesn't matter how well you take care of your PC - you'll never get the application to run fast. However, barring really old hardware, by taking care of your computer, you'll be able to get it to run smoothly and at peak performance.
RSS Feed