Computer Maintenance Checklist

By Ramona Creel

BACKING UP

• back up any documents you create on an external drive
• disk, zip, jazz, tape, or CD-Rom are all acceptable
• keep back-up copies of all computer programs in case you have to re-install
• backing up your entire system at one time takes care of both concerns
• back up as often as you regularly make changes to your documents
• put your software drivers and your operating system disks in a safe place.

FIREWALLS ARE KEY

• programs that keep others from accessing your computer from the outside
• acts as a "locked gate" for your computer hard drive
• can be installed on your computer via software (Black Ice, Norton, etc.)
• may also come with your operating system, router, or other networking hardware

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY

• install a good anti-virus software program (Norton, VirusScan, etc.)
• this program will scan your files, drives, and email for viruses
• set up to scan external disks automatically when inserted into your machine
• set up to scan your hard drive automatically when you start your machine
• set up to scan email automatically when you send and receive
• be sure to update your software regularly for virus updates
• most programs give automatic prompt when new updates are available
• run a disk defrag program to organise your files.
• run a clean up to delete unneeded files
• Register your software products
• Schedule automated updates

POWER ISSUES

• surges in electrical power can harm your computer
• get a good surge protector with multiple plugs and on / off switch
• avoid cheap ones with a metal oxide varistor (MOV) suppressor that can fail
• buy a surge protector with included insurance to cover damage to equipment
• protects your computer even when turned off
• if you don't have a surge protector, unplug your equipment when not using
• be particularly careful during storms or when it is lightning

PUTTING A STOP TO SPYING

• install a good spyware program (Spybot, AdAware, etc.)
• tracks down programs secretly monitoring your computer activities
• these programs may have been installed through internet downloads
• can also be installed surreptitiously when installing other programs
• know where programs are coming from before downloading from internet
• research the software provider and make sure they are legitimate
• run spyware program weekly to clean out rogue programs from hard drive

STAYING AWAY FROM TROUBLE

• don't accept software or downloads from unconfirmed sources
• many viruses embedded in email attachments and activated when opened
• set your email program so it doesn't open "preview" window
• delete any suspicious email without opening it
• don't open attachments unless you know who and where they came from
• .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .mdb, .reg, and .js file extensions are dangerous

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