Managing Computer Health
Most normal users are unaware that they should perform (or engage someone to perform) regular maintenance on their Computer (s) to avoid possible troubles at some future date. The situation is similar to owning a Motor vehicle, regular service should give trouble free motoring...
The following guidelines will help to reduce the likelihood of serious problems and will contribute to a safe Computer environment.
1) At least 3 times a week
update your Virus Scanner’s signature files to ensure you have
the best chance of avoiding a Virus attack. Most good Anti-Virus
software will automatically update when you are connected to the
Internet. Also regularly (say ... once a month)
check the Virus Companies website for version updates to the actual
Anti Virus Program.
Do a complete Virus Scan at least once a month of all the files on your Computer.
2)
At least twice a month (especially the 2nd Wednesday of the month)
when connected to the Internet go
to the Microsoft “Windows Update” website (Start/Windows Update) to
check for (and download if available) any “Critical Updates” Your
Computer can also be set to automatically notify you or download these
updates when connected to the Internet.
Do not disregard these update
messages. You can ignore anything
other than “Critical Updates"
3)
Use a
Firewall. As an absolute minimum ensure the Windows XP
firewall is turned on. If on ADSL Broadband the Modem / Router acts as a
hardware Firewall. A Cable Modem has no such Firewall therefore you
must use a free software Firewall package such as Zone Alarm or Sygate.
4) Regularly using Windows Explorer to delete the files stored in your
Windows\Temp folder. (In XP ..Documents & Settings\ (Your User Name) \
Local settings \ Temp. This action is normally quite safe and the only
files which you may not be able to delete are any with the current date.
5) Regularly run the Check Disk utility (Properties of the Hard Drive /
Tools / Error-Checking) to check for any software problems with the
physical contents of the files stored on your Hard Disk Drive.
6) Regularly run the Defrag utility (Start/Programs/Accessories/System
Tools) to move the physical contents of files together on your Hard Disk
Drive.. This can speed up the Computer as Hard Drive access time may be
reduced.
7) Backup your important data
constantly!! Remember things like email messages, address book &
favourites in addition to your accounting data, spreadsheets and Word
documents. These days remember all those Digital camera pictures..
Be aware that much “Free” software products may contain
“Spyware” which in
addition to potentially prying into your Internet habits may also cause
various serious operational problems.
Please note that visits to “Adult Content" websites, “Pirate Software" websites, some Gambling websites or other similar partially illegal websites will almost certainly result in major browser problems with browser hijacking, keystroke logging, International Modem diallers and other nasties a real possibility.
Please note also that most Music download sites and P2P software will also eventually corrupt your system.
Use the latest versions of your Web Browser and e-mail programs as this will ensure you have the best possible security when using the Internet. Check for updates to any programs you are using particularly if they are used with the Internet.
If you ever suspect you have Spyware or Browser hijack problems use one of the freely available detection programs such as Spybot found at security.kolla.de to scan your Computer and remove these items.
Microsoft has stated it will make available in the later half of 2005 a free Spyware detection and removal product.
Be aware of “strange” noises and events and NEVER put off seeking advice when these occur..
Advice is always free unlike a major recovery once something has failed and data is corrupted..
All material remains the copyright of the DOS Doctor and may not be reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the DOS Doctor.
Last updated 2nd September 2005