So now that you invested in a new computer system, how do you maintain and protect it so that you will get a long and trouble free period of use from it? Many things can be done to help keep your system running up to spec. Below I have noted some of the more effective ways to maintain your new system and keep it running smoothly. Some computer glitches are inevitable however and cannot be blamed on the computer's owner. Many computer slowdowns, error screens and general computer failures are the cause of the owners and lack of maintenance.
- SCAN, SCAN, SCAN!!! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a reliable virus scanner and using it on a regular basis. Don't just see the virus scanner sitting in your toolbar and think to yourself, “Yep, I'm protected.” You must run manual scans as often as possible. Some virus scanners are preset to scan automatically. This builds a false sense of security for some new computer owners. If your scanner is not up to date it can scan for viruses "till the cows come home! Update the scanner manually, you may be surprised to find that there is a new virus update ready to be downloaded and installed. If there isn"t you've wasted very little time. Viruses are the number one reason that your new computer will not perform at its optimal level.
- Run registry fix software on a daily basis. Your registry consists of six parts: 1. Contains user information for each user of the system. 2. Has all of the preferences for the current user. 3. Configuration- stores settings for the display and attached printers. 4. Includes file associations and OLE (object linking and embedding) information. 5. Has settings for hardware, operating system, and installed applications. 6. Includes performance data. With all of these specialized functions of the registry, a new computer owner would be misguided not to make sure that the registry is up to par. Various registry optimizers are available and it is recommended that a new computer be equipped with one.
- Keep the inner components dust free. Compressed air is available to blow out the inside of your computer system. Barring that, a new soft paintbrush can be used to gently dust out the interior of your new system. Don't be afraid to open up your system's case. The more familiar that you are with the insides of the computer, the more equipped you are to service your own computer. (with experience)
- Always use a surge protected power bar and have your computer connected to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The money that you will spend on a UPS is far less than the cost of replacing a motherboard or a burnt out CPU (central processing unit) in the event of a power surge or a power failure.
- Take advantage of your screen savers. Contrary to popular beliefs, a screensaver is not supplied to make your computer look pretty. The constant changing picture that your screen saver creates saves your screen from image scarring and pixel burn. Use your screensavers to protect your display and the longevity of you whole system.
- Do not turn the power off and on. Try to keep your system running even if you have to enable hibernate mode. Your system works hardest when you go from no power, boot up and are at full power. Not only is this hard on your power supply, but a new computer owner may get boot system errors from constant powering off and on. Leave your system running and the fan will keep your system cool when you are not using it.
- Get another fan installed. Systems run at there best when they are cool. A secondary fan is a good idea to keep your system at a good cool and safe temperature.
- Placing the tower part of your system in a cool well-circulated area is a good idea so that the chances of your system of overheating are slim to none. Some people inadvertently place there systems too close to heating duct vents and the system runs hot and eventually begins to either slow down or work erratically .
Using these tips and common sense the new computer owner will get a lot of enjoyment out of their new systems as opposed to the headaches that plague some people in regards to owning a computer.
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