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PC Computer Maintenance8. If you use browsers other than Microsoft's Internet Explorer (such as Firefox, Mozilla, Opera or Nutscrape) check for browser updates, because these usually contain security fixes. Delete temporary internet files (In Internet Explorer > Tools, Internet Options... > Delete Files....) I don't use System Restore myself (it's disabled), because I back-up my system with Norton Ghost. But many people do. The following note comes from Jay B (Agoura Hills), who describes how to clean up old System Restore points as part of regular PC maintenance. Two simple ways to delete System Restore points in WinXP: A. If you wanna delete all but the latest restore point: Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Disk Cleanup... In the window that opens, select the proper drive. After it analyzes how much space can be saved (takes a while), a window opens. Click on the More Options tab. Click Clean Now button in the System Restore field. Approve all the way out. Right-click on My Computer --> select Properties --> select System Restore tab. Add a checkmark to the field labeled Turn off System Restore on all drives --> click Apply. May not require reboot, but in my experience, it's prudent to do so. After reboot, go back and remove the checkmark, should you want XP to create new restore points. BTW, I do create drive images periodically, but I still use System Restore (despite that I don't fully trust it). It has saved the day more than once. Easier than restoring an image. 10. Update the virus definitions for your particular virus scanner and scan your system for those nasty critters. I use and recommend NOD32, but Norton AntiVirus and others are also good, even the freeware versions, such as AVG. Most retail antivirus programs update themselves automatically. If you're going to take the time to scan, make sure you use the latest definitions. 11. Check to see if there are any updates to frequently used programs. For example, I use Dreamweaver and Photoshop nearly everyday. [Using Dreamweaver right now. =) ] Just like with your drivers, you can also put all the links to the web pages that contain these most recent updates for your programs in a folder labeled PRGM UPDATES. This way, you won't have to search for them the next time you do this. Just double-click the shortcut. This will speed things up. I do this ~every other month. 12. Check for firmware updates. This would include your • burner(s), • motherboard, • router, etc. See what features the new versions add, and what problems they fix. It's usually best *not* to flash-update unless you really need to, or want the new features the updates add. Back-up your old firmware first. Test each component after flashing. Newer components will receive more frequent updates. Older ones less. This way, iIf you're confronted with an actual loss of power, you won't be caught with your pants down (with a dead battery). I have the APC 650 Pro UPS. Love it. Gives me a warm-n-fuzzy feeling. Cleans incoming power, too. Some people recommend first booting to DOS before pulling the plug. 15. Lastly (and most importantly), create a new back-up image of your system drive (where Windows resides). I use & recommend Norton Ghost, but any imaging program should work fine. Some alternatives to Ghost are posted here. Don't delete the image you created before this one, until you know for certain everything is working fine. This usually takes at least a month. It's a good idea to keep at least two back-up images on hand at all times .. just in case. 16. One more thing .. if I do this for a friend, the last item on the agenda is change their homepage to RADIFIED. Maybe if they read what's posted here, I won't have to rescue them so often. =)
Hope you found this helpful. Other links you might find helpful: Did I miss anything? If you need more help, head over to the forums, where people smarter than me frequent. |
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