Cars are serviced at regular intervals... How about regular maintenance servicing to protect Computers..

Motorists are accustomed to the need for regular servicing of their vehicles..

Dentists like you to have your teeth checked regularly..

How about Computers?..

Over the past 12 years I have been servicing, repairing, upgrading, faultfinding, building and generally working on domestic and SOHO Computers and I have lately noticed a change in some users attitudes towards the possible benefits of some regular servicing of their Computer (s). 

I would now have about 20 Clients (the number seems increase by about 2 or 3 every year) who contact me on a regular basis for a check-up and preventative maintenance. 

The frequency suggested seems to be every 12 months which in my view would be adequate unless a major upgrade such as a Service Pack was to be installed.

So what items would (should be) covered every 12 months?
 

My program during my visit would normally include the following...
 

• Check version of Antivirus program and update if necessary. Ensure latest definitions are being used and that downloads of definitions are automatically activated.. Scan the Hard Drive for viruses.
   
• Remove all temporary files and other extraneous files from the Hard Drive.
   
• "Error Check" & "Defragment" the Hard Drive.. Checking for any errors or Bad Sectors.
   
• Using the Control Panel "Add | Remove" applet remove any unnecessary and unwanted programs from the Computer.
   
• Ensure all Microsoft "Critical Updates" and Service packs are installed..
   
• Check the items being loaded at "Start-up" and remove any unnecessary programs from this area.
   
• Install the latest version of "Spybot.. Search & Destroy"  Update definitions and then scan the Computer for any Trojans and "Malware"
   
• Reset to default Internet Explorer and Outlook Express settings and remove any unwanted ActiveX and BHO's ..
   
• Check with Client for any known problems, error messages, or other undesired issues and effect a repair.

Normally this takes 60 to 90 minutes and costs between $100 to $180 ... which for many users is an insurance against developing problems particularly when the Computer is used for important business or schoolwork..