Computer+Care

= Computer Care = = =

**Excerpt quoted from PCWorld:** **"It doesn't need gas, oil or spring tuneups, but your computer does need preventive maintenance...**  **Without regular maintenance, your PC may flail, sputter and grind to a halt, leaving you stranded on** **the soft shoulder of the [|Information Highway.]**  Here are some general tips on the care of your PC: (Credit]]: http://www.computercoop.com/generaltips.htm http://www.dnkws.com/maintenance-tips.html >  >  >  >   >
 * ...dust, dirt and grime can lead to serious problems with your PC. **
 * Don't place your computer in a cramped place. Computers need [|air circulation.]
 * Computers do not like dust and smoke.  Dust can cause components to malfunction. Clean the computer for dust often! Always unplug the computer before cleaning.
 * Don't smoke near the computer because the computer's cooling fan will pull the smoke inside the case where it can coat the inside parts of a computer with [|residue] that can damage sensitive computer parts. Smoke kills a computer faster than it kills people!
 * A [|surge protector] is a must have! If you plan to be away from home for a number of days or if there is a storm brewing, unplug all electrical and modem lines from your computer. Even with a surge protector there could be high voltage from a lighting strike and could prove fatal to your computer system!
 * Do not plug devices into the computer while it is on. (Any [|USB device] is OK)
 * Do do not eat or drink around your PC. Spilling liquid on your keyboard can short the computer out.
 * Purchase and install  an [|anti-virus] programs that can be regularly updated to protect your computer of an unwanted [|infestation!]
 * Write down all error messages. Doing this can help technicians repair your PC faster, which can save you money.
 * <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;">Running system cleanup at least once a week deletes unnecessary files freeing up hard drive space that can slow down your computer. You can access System Clean up by clicking on ** Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup **.
 * Running Disk [|Deframenter] at least once a week will allow your hard dive to work more efficiently. You can run disk degragmenter by clicking on <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;">  <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;">**Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter** and then choose the drive you want to defragment.
 * <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;"> Windows Updates - This is a good chance to ensure your operating system is running up to date with the latest security patches. Do this once a month. You can update your Windows Operating System by going to [|http://update.microsoft.com.]
 * <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;"> **BACK-UP!!! BACK-UP!! BACK-UP!!** You should backup important data to a CD ROM or to your folder on the server DAILY!
 * <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, mono;">  Your CD-ROM drive is NOT a cup holder.