Why do PCs that are even brand new seem slow down within months of purchase? Computers are like overgrown yards; they need regular maintenance for optimal performance. The good news is that unlike mowing front porches, PC management is not labor-intensive and can in fact be automated.
System maintenance tasks can include anything from regular hard disk clean-up to running PC utility tools. Here are some of the top maintenance options:
1. Run Antivirus Scans: You have probably heard this one too many times, but when it to comes to PC security nothing beats regular virus scans to speed up your pc. Antivirus programs protect your computer from viruses and worms as well as other security threats such as spyware and malware. Most antivirus software will not just check your PC for threats, but also help remove or quarantine the agents. Considering the rapidly changing world of computer viruses, primarily from online sources, it is recommended that you keep your antivirus program upgraded to the latest version for optimal system protection.
2. Defragment Your Hard Disk: Defragmenting your hard drive is crucial to optimal performance since this re-allocates fragmented files and helps optimize available memory space. The Disk Defragment utility is integral to maintaining PC health, and helps boost speed and performance.
3. Regular Disk Clean Up: This means deleting unwanted files such as the temporary Internet files and regularly emptying the Temp folder within the Windows main menu. Also monitoring and uninstalling programs that are not used often helps improve system speed and frees up hard disk space for more important data.
4. Back-up Right: Regular file back up is key to surviving a complete system crash. By keeping extra copies of important files, you can retrieve lost data easily in the event of a virus attack or major system failure. Data back-up can be done as often as everyday, or at least once a week. Zip and copy critical data files to a CD or DVD, but an external hard drive is probably the best option. Although full PC back-ups are not required for the average user, this may be a viable solution for those who work in a home office environment or use their PCs to manage a business.