| 1-Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/,
usually found on your Windows Startup menu, and check for operating
system updates. Several critical updates, or service releases
will require that you load one item, reboot, and come back to
the site. CNS recommends that all Critical Updates be loaded.
Check this site once every two weeks for an update. Note: Users
of Windows 95, 98, or ME: once per month is fine.
2-In Internet Explorer, clear your old junk once per month.
With IE open, choose Tools\Internet Options\ Click on Delete
Files, and Clear History. Make sure to check Delete Offline
content on the popup window. Believe it or not, everything
you view on the web is stored in these folders, creating an
increasingly large storage of pages, and images that you may
never view again.
3-Run ScanDisk. Programs\Accessories\System Tools\ScanDisk.
This will check your hard drive for errors. Make sure at least
once every 6 months, you do a thorough test. Check the box
that allows this utility to automatically fix errors.
4-Run Defrag. Programs\Accessories\System Tools\Defrag
Check the Settings tab to ensure the following items are checked:
Rearrange program Files, Check the drive for errors, and every
time I defragment my hard drive. Windows stores files on your
hard drive in the "next available" space, and not
necessarily all together. This means that a single Word document
might be spread over several areas of the drive. Decrementing
the drive will reduce the time required to access your files.
5-Keep your Antivirus Software Current! Whether you
use Norton Antivirus, or McAfee Virus Scan, or others, a weekly
update while online will keep your system protected from the
latest attacks. Typically, the "update" you download
is a signature file that is set to recognize any new virus
signatures that have been uncovered. Users of Cable Modems
or DSL users with Static IP addresses should also install
and maintain a Firewall, subject to the same rules of keeping
up to date.
6-Anything you install (software or hardware) on your
system may have implications that may affect other devices
or applications, whether the manufacturer thinks it will or
not. Guess what? YOU are responsible for your own computer.
XYZ Software, that made the new graphics editor you just downloaded
for free, is certainly not liable for interoperation with
your other software.
7-Do you need to upgrade the operating system or not?
Typically, unless the latest release of Windows, such
as XP, provides a functionality that you need, then you probably
don't need to upgrade. Just keep your version of Windows current,
as described in step 1. If you do need to upgrade, and are
a Win95/98/ME user, and are upgrading to either Win2000/2000Pro/NT/XP,
these are very different operating systems, which handle files
differently, and also render certain programs obsolete. (Laplink
USB or Serial transfers between two PCs, as an example). Be
sure that your "upgrade" doesn't break more than
it actually gives you in return.
8-Check for new Drivers. Refer to your owner's manual
for Printers, Cameras, Scanners, Joysticks, Gaming Devices,
Palm Pilots, etc. for the latest version of their drivers,
specific to YOUR operating system. What worked on your old
operating system may or may not work after an upgrade. Also,
if your new pc came with factory-installed drivers for your
peripherals, they will likely NOT be the latest. Check the
manufacturer's site directly for updated drivers. Installation
instructions are typically loaded with the download, but be
careful what you're doing!
9-Clean out the old programs. If you are about to
upgrade to a newer version of the same program, and the new
version is not an "upgrade edition", delete the
old one first. Either use the uninstall option from your menu,
specific to that program, or via the Add/Remove Software option
in the Control Panel.
10-If all this leaves your head spinning, give me
a call, and I'll come do it for you, and teach you how to
do it yourself, if you wish.
Happy Surfing!
David
M. Parker
Competitive Network Solutions, Inc.
"Your Chief Technology Officer on Call"
Phone:
901-757-0379 or 901-757-0384
Mobile:
901-484-5253
Email: DavidParker
CompetitiveNetworkSolutions.com
|
