Inishowen Computer Systems Ltd

Hardware & Hard Drive Maintenance

Keep records of any expansion cards you install and the procedures you follow to install them.
Windows has a disk clean up function which will remove temporary files created by programs. This can free up additional hard drive space.
Defrag your hard drives. A PC runs better with regular disk Defrag. Defragging your hard drive organizes your hard drive so that access to files and programs is more efficient.
If you are using a trackball mouse be sure to frequently clean the rollers inside to keep the mouse moving smoothly.
Clean your CRT monitor with standard glass cleaner and a lint free cloth. Be sure to spray the cloth with cleaner and then wipe — do not spray cleaner directly on the monitor.
Most LCD displays can be cleaned with isopropyl. However, you should check your manual for the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.
Extend the lifespan of your computer monitor by shutting it off when not in use.
Be sure to update drivers and software for your expansion cards, such as video or sound cards. By using updated drivers your hardware usually will run better.

To access built-in Windows tools for disk clean-up and Defrag,
right click on the drive in your Windows Explorer and choose 'properties' to access.

Software Maintenance

Keep a backup copy of original software, either on CD or DVD. This type of software copying is perfectly legal.
Be wary of installing file sharing and other peer-to-peer software as they represent a security risk to your PC. While the software itself may very well be virus-free and not represent a security risk, sharing your files and downloading other users' files can be.
Purge your software. Getting rid of unused software frees up additional system resources and hard disk space. To uninstall software on a Windows PC, use the "Add/Remove Programs" function from the Control Panel.
For better system performance avoid using shareware (or freeware) wallpaper, screensavers, and similar audio and visual apps. These will usually require extra system resources to run.

Always uninstall programs by using the Add/Remove Programs in your Windows Control Panel

Antivirus Protection

Install an antivirus program that automatically scans for viruses when the system boots.
Once you have an antivirus program you will need to update the virus definitions daily to ensure your system is protected against the latest threats.
Do not download any files from the Internet unless you are certain the source is not transmitting a virus to you.
Do not use any storage media that has been used in another computer unless you are certain the other computer is free of viruses and will not pass the virus on to your system.
Never open e-mail attachments from people you don't know; and don't open any file attachment that ends in '.exe., All downloaded files should be scanned by your anti-virus application before you run or install it.

The more applications we add to our computers, the more convenient and fun our life becomes. But too many applications loaded on our machines drastically slow them down and inhibit their performances. Our computers need preventive maintenance to run smoothly and avoid major breakdowns. Here are some quick tips to get your computer running at its fastest and most efficient:

1. Erase Disk Errors: Every time a program crashes or you face power fluctuations, your computer may create errors on the hard disk which can slow it down. Windows has a Disk Check program to check and clean up such errors and speed up your computer. Ideally, run this program once a week.

2. Delete Temporary Files: Your computer stores temporary files when ever you look at web pages or work on files in programs like MS Word. The storage of such files adversely affects the speed of your machine. Run Windows Disk Cleanup once a week to rid your PC of these deadbeat files. You can even remove unnecessary software programs this way.

3. Reorganise Your Data: To speedily access files, your computer breaks them into parts. File updates are often saved on the largest space available on the hard drive, away from the adjacent sectors of the file. Such fragmented files slow down the computer. The Windows Disk Defragmenter run once a month will defragment the files and speed up your PC.

4. Automate Microsoft Update: Configure your computer to automatically download and install all the updates that Microsoft constantly releases for Windows, Office etc. These updates improve your computers performance in every way possible. With automated updates, your computer will always remain in top shape.

5. Install Antivirus And Antispyware Programs: Spyware entering one’s system drastically curtails performance and speed, in addition to exposing it to theft. Keep your computer protected with Norton and McAfee antivirus programs.
Additionally, up your computer’s performance level by running Startup Delayer, turning off fancy visual effects in Windows and removing broken shortcuts from the registry. By removing unwanted pre-installed software, disabling unnecessary Windows services and reducing your web page history, you will have your computer working quickly and efficiently, effortlessly!

CLEAN UP YOUR PC!

Over time, our PCs often become cluttered with unused software and files we never opened after they were created. Such clutter can slow down your PC and hamper your usability.

System Optimization Tools Clean Up:

	Internet Explorer Cache, history, cookies, recycle bin, temporary files and log files
	Recently opened URLs and files
	Third-party application temp files and recent file lists (MRUs)
	Software such as Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Office XP, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce and more

Computer desires correct maintenance to perform at its best. Knowing your way around your Personal computer and conducting routine repairs will keep it in good working order.

1) Know your system: - At a minimum, you really ought to know what type of processor you have, how much random access memory (RAM) is installed , and how huge your drive is. If you are conscious of these critical statistical data, you will be in a stronger position to rectify issues when programs tap your machine's capacities.

2) Use your system's built-in utilities: - Your drive stores info by scattering it on the drive, and finally this fragmentation slows down the computer. Run Disk Defragmenter (for Windows) or a corresponding application intermittently to consolidate the info and keep your drive organized. Also, resources like Disk first aid for the Mac and ScanDisk for Windows can mend disk issues and make your machine better.

3) Make an emergency boot disk: - Before you have issues with your computer, make a start-up disk using your original operating system's CD. Save this disk in a secure place for the day -- which you hope will never come when your computer has issues booting up from the drive.

4) Back up frequently: - Make a practice of backing up all of your vital files one or more times a month. You can back them up by hand or with an automated backup-and-restore program, which does the work for you.

5) Use antivirus software: - Install antivirus program and set it to scan your system frequently. You should also set the application to scan each file you download.

6) Don't remove programs manually: - When possible, use either your computers de-install application or another remove program to get rid of software you now don't need.

7) Use good work habits: - Shut down your machine properly, and make a response to alerts and errors fast. You must also keep your machine as clean as practical by intermittently opening its case to get rid of amassed dust, cleaning your keyboard and removing dust from your mouse.