TOP 10 Computer Maintenance

· Never turn your computer off with the power switch until Windows has shut down

The one exception to this rule is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running (the hard drive light is not blinking). In this situation, you can turn the power off without harmful effects to the hard drive. As cutting the power can also result in lost data or Windows files, you should only do this when you have to.

· Purchase and use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A UPS is a wonderful device that works as a surge protector and a battery backup all in one! Not only does it keep your computer safe from electrical spikes that can be traveling through the lines, it also gives you time to save your work, and properly power down your computer in event of a power failure. You don't lose your work, and your computer gets to be shut down properly.

· Backup, backup, backup, backup any data you cannot afford to loose

Backing up your data just means saving your files to a separate location (like a cd, floppy or zip disk) so in event of disaster you can easily copy your files back onto your computer. How often really depends on you. Just ask yourself, "If I only back up once every 3 months, would anything I saved on my hard drive since the last time I saved it on a backup be all right if I could NEVER get it back?"

· Run scandisk and defragment at least once a month

These utilities help to keep your hard drive in optimal shape and error free.

· Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up

Unplugging devices such as your mouse, keyboard, printer etc with the power on can short out the connector socket or even the motherboard itself.

· Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer

Often when you install a program, it will ask you whether it should load up as soon as Windows loads (or just decide to do so on its own). The more programs you have trying to start up at the same time, the slower your computer will start. Also, all those programs running in the background while you try to work will slow your computer's response time.

· Do use a virus checker regularly

There are so many types and variations of viruses, spyware and adware floating around that at times it may seem daunting to even have internet access on your computer. However, regular scans with your virus scanner, and adware scanners, can ensure your computer remains healthy.

· Keep your software updated

Software developers are always writing and releasing patches that update the software you have already bought from them. A lot of these patches fix problems you may be experiencing yourself with a particular program.

· Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and new peripherals

If the worst thing happens, and you need to format your system for one reason or another, then it is a good idea to have all your driver disks, operating system disks, backup disks and so forth in a readily available place. Running around in a panic at the 11th hour because you cannot remember where the drivers are for your network card, is not a good place to be.

· Develop a schedule of maintenance practices

All this advice is meaningless if you keep forgetting to do it, or only remember after something has gone wrong. Write yourself up a maintenance schedule, with a list of what tasks should be performed daily, weekly, and monthly.