Just like cars pc’s need to be maintained too.   To try and keep the pc running smooth and as problem free as possible here’s a list of some of the basic tips.

• Anti virus Software
• Don’t have one – get one
• Keep it running (on)
• Viruses are one of the biggest causes of pc problems. Examples of problems can include:
• Reduces system performance
• Can destroy data
• Causes problems w/ software and hardware
• Keep the anti virus program up to date – most by default update the virus definitions automatically.
• If your virus definitions aren’t updated and are out of date   -   the scanner can become worthless.   New virus came out every day so it’s very important to keep the anti virus program up to date.
• Run a virus scan regularly – at least weekly

Which anti virus is best?   That’s a good question – each commercial or free program has their pluses and minuses.   One may pick up what another one may not.   But only 1 real time anti virus may be installed.  Real time meaning the ability of the antivirus to scan files on the fly, as they are either created/read (opened)/modified or executed (or some combination of).  

A great back up to your anti virus program is running a free online virus scanner like Trend Micro’s House Call , Panda Active Scan , Bitdefender Online Virus scan etc.

• Firewall
• Don’t have one – get one.   Just using the router’s firewall or the basic firewall with Windows probably isn’t going to cut it.
• Keep it running (on)
• Think of a firewall as a shield between you and the internet. Its job is to try and stop the bad traffic on the net from reaching your pc like virus, trojans, malware etc.
• If you are using a router change the default password and set up the security.   Finding the routers ip address and default password for routers are very easy –they are listed on all routers manufacturers’ pages.   If your router is unsecured and you’re using the default password someone can easily log in to your connection.   Check the routers website for changing the password and setting up a secure network.

• Anti Spyware/Adware Programs
• Don’t have one- get one
• Another big problem causes for pc’s. Examples of problems include:
• Can slowdown the pc
• Unwanted pop ups
• Can hide software that gathers & transmits info on you to a 3rd party
• Keep the spyware program up to date.
• While most anti virus software also scan for spyware/adware/malware there can be things missed.   There are several free and commercial programs that you can use as a back up.
• Run a spyware scan regularly – at least weekly

Need help on finding the right anti virus, spyware/adware and firewall software?   Here are two sites to check out that offer freeware, retail, shareware etc.   They both have user ratings and can get you started on finding ones that fit your needs – majorgeeks.com and cnet.com

• Windows Updates
• Can fix a number of problems associated with your operating system
• Keep up to date on them – even the non critical ones

• Free up Hard Drive space
• Remove/uninstall files and/or programs no longer needed
• Keep at least 12 gig free – especially for dvd back up’s

• Disc Clean up
• Windows utility will help clean up hard drive space
• Examples of areas checked – windows files, temp internet files, temp program files and recycle bin
• Do a disc clean up regularly – anywhere from weekly to monthly depending on how much the pc is used.
• The windows utility can be found by going to start >all programs >accessories >system tools > disc cleanup.

• System Defrag
• Helps you pc run more efficiently
• Gathers fragmented files & pieces them together
• Less work on the hard drive trying to find the files if the pc is defragged
• Do a system defrag regularly – anywhere from weekly to monthly depending on how much the pc is used.
• You’ll need around 15% of free hard drive space to run a defrag.
• The windows utility can be found by double clicking on ‘my computer’ – right click on the hard drive > properties >tools tab >defragment now.

• Keep the registry clean  
• Registry keeps track of settings & options for the operating system, hardware, software, preferences etc.
• Manages your startup options & software installed
• Build up can happen when installing & removing programs – entries are left behind that can cause conflicts or bog the pc down.
• Warning though about registry cleaning/cleaners – damage to the registry can cause serious pc problems.   While some programs do a good job I can not guarantee that the one I recommend or others will work well on your set up.    If you do run one set a system restore point (start >all programs >accessories >system tools >system restore >create a restore point)
• A registry program that will help remove these entries that I use is ccleaner .    It also, imho, does a better job at disc cleanup then the Windows utility.

  Others can also be found at majorgeeks and cnet

• Check the transfer mode of all your drives
• All drives should be in the faster transfer mode of DMA.
• DMA mode (direct memory access) uses much less of the CPU than the slower PIO (program input/output) mode.
• DMA and PIO are data transfer modes.
• See this blog for how to check.

•  ChkDsk (Scan Disk)

• Checks the hard drive(s) for errors/bad sectors and can repair them
• Depending on the condition of the hard drive this may take a while.  
• Here’s a guide

•  Don’t leave the pc running 24/7

• Give the pc rest – if you’re not going to be using it for several hours shut it off.   You won’t leave your car idling over night would you?
• Harder on the system and uses more electricity to reboot.
• Rebooting can clear the ram if a program is hanging it up
• Give the pc an inside dust cleaning – especially the fans.
• A can of compressed air can be used
• Dust can accumulate and cause heat issues which can lead to deterioration in hardware over time.
• Do at least 2x a year

 That’s about it for this basic guideline. It may not seem like much but doing these basic tips can go a long way in getting the most out of your pc and its performance.                                              

Be on the lookout over the coming months for more detailed information on the individual tips in this guide.