4. "Your computer could fry if you
don't keep it clean,"
says Jonathon Millman, Chief Technology
Officer for Hooplah Interactive.
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5. Keep Your PC Squeaky Clean
You will need:
ďścan of compressed air (available from
computer dealers or office-supply stores);
ďścotton pads (do not use a cotton ball);
ďśpaper towels or anti-static cloths;
ďśrubbing alcohol;
ďśscrewdriver, and lastly
ďśclean water.
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6. AlwaysâŚ
turn your computer off before you set
off and unplug all the connectors.
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7. Cleaning Steps
ďśStep 1: Within the box
ďśStep 2: Outside the box
ďśStep 3: Keyboard
ďSpills
ď For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain
water may cause severe damage. Never, ever, try to
dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or
conventional oven.
ďś Step 4: Mouse
ďśStep 5: Monitor
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13. Software
Hard Disk
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14. Software
Windows Tools
ďśCheck Disk;
ďśDisk Cleanup, and
ďśDisk Defragmenter
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15. Software
Run Frequency
ďśCheck Disk â Weekly;
ďśDisk Cleanup â Weekly, and
ďśDisk Defragmenter â Monthly
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16. Check Disk
Check Disk wonât be available in the scroll-down list of
programs that you can select from in the Task
Scheduler; you will need to select it manually
⢠Click Browse
⢠Navigate to windows system32 chkdsk.exe.
⢠Select chkdsk.exe.
⢠Click Open.
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17. Check Disk
and Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler, will enable you to schedule Check Disk
to run automatically at weekly intervals, at times to suit
your PC use.
Windows XP
⢠Click Start All Programs;
⢠Point to Accessories; point to System Tools, click
Scheduled Tasks, and
⢠Follow the instructions in the Scheduled Task Wizard.
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18. Check Disk
and Task Scheduler
Windows Vista and Windows 7
⢠Click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools
Task Scheduler;
⢠Click Create Basic Task;
⢠Type the task name and click Next;
⢠Click Daily Next, and specify the schedule you want to use. Click
Next;
⢠To schedule Check Disk to start automatically, click Start a
program, and then click Next;
⢠Click Browse to find Check Disk, click Next, and
⢠Click Finish.
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19. Disk Cleanup
Over time, a large number of temporary files, from
several sources, can be collected. The World Wide Web
is a principal offender, and the cumulative effect is to
slow down the operation of your PC.
Use the Task Scheduler to run Disk Cleanup on a weekly basis.
The program you will need to add to your schedule is âcleanmgr.exeâ.
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20. Disk Defragmenter
Files can become too large to store in a single position on your hard
disk, so your PC will split it into fragments.
These fragmented files build up on your hard disk, and degrade your
computer performance.
The built in program Disk Fragmenter will rearrange these file
fragments for quicker access.
Use the Task Scheduler to schedule the Disk Fragmenter program
to run monthly. The program to be scheduled is Defrag.exe.
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22. Malware
âNastiesâcan be lumped together under the heading
âmalwareâ, which is short for âmalicious softwareâ.
They are:
⢠Spyware;
⢠Trojan Horses;
⢠Viruses, and
⢠Worms.
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23. Destroy Malware
Donât take any chances with malware.
Check for, and repair, any damage NOW.
A useful tool is:
Microsoftâs âMalicious Software Removal Toolâ.
You can download this from:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
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24. Use a Firewall
A firewall is a hardware or software device that will protect
your PC by not allowing unauthorized users to gain access
from either the Internet or a network.
Running one of the Windows Firewalls will not do any harm but I
have a preference instead for the free PC Tools Firewall from
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ .
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25. Spyware
Spyware collects information about you or your business without you
being aware of its existence. It can weigh down your system and even
shut down services.
You should always use an anti-spyware program to scan for and
remove any spyware from your PC.
A couple of good ones to use, that are free, are:
âMicrosoft Security Essentialsâ,
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5201 , and
âSpybot Search & Destroyâ,
http://www.safer-networking.org/ .
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26. Trojan Horse
A Trojan Horse is a program that appears to be a
useful application.
However, instead, it will compromise your security
and cause wide ranging damage.
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27. Virus
A virus takes the form of a piece of computer code that
attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from
computer to computer, infecting as it travels.
Viruses can damage your software, your hardware, and
your files.
It is critical that the virus protection definition
files on your computer stay updated.
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28. Worms
(They infect PCs too)
A worm spreads without user action and
distributes complete copies of itself (sometimes
modified), across networks.
A worm can consume memory or network
bandwidth, causing a computer to stop
responding.
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29. Microsoft Update
Microsoft regularly issues updates (patches) to fix
bugs and plug security holes in Windows.
These 'security holes' can be used by worms,
viruses and hackers to compromise your
system, so it is vital to keep Windows up-to-date.
⢠How long does it take, and
⢠How often do I do it?
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30. Microsoft Update
The first time you carry out this procedure, it may
take a âlong timeâ.
It is so IMPORTANT not to be put off.
Even after you have updated your Windows you
MUST repeat the update procedure at least
once per month.
These 'monthly' updates will be quick and easy.
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31. Schedule Microsoft Update
To configure a schedule for Automatic Updates:
1.Click the âStart buttonâ;
Click âControl Panelâ; click âSystem and Securityâ, and
then, four items down, click âWindows Updateâ and
then in the left pane click âChange settingsâ.
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38. SUMMARY
1. Routine Maintenance â Physical
a) Internal, and
b) External
2. Installation and regular updating of effective anti-virus
and âmalware software.
3. Regular updating of operating system and all installed
applications.
4. Be careful of what you download and where you
download it from.
5. Donât click on links in e-mail messages from unknown
sources.
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