This document outlines 7 habits for maintaining a healthy computer:
1. Use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Enable the built-in Windows firewall.
2. Backup your files regularly using an online backup service or external storage since hard drives are prone to failure.
3. Install Windows updates weekly to keep your system secure. Updates can be found through Windows Update or online.
4. Install and regularly update antivirus software to remove and prevent viruses from slowing your computer down.
5. Use additional spyware removal tools like Ad-Aware to remove unwanted software changing your computer's behavior.
6. Use the CCleaner tool weekly to remove temporary files that accumulate and slow
2. Common Problems
Slow Performance
Unable to Print
Unable to Get Online
Unable to Find/Launch Programs
Unfamiliar Home Page/Search Engine
Slow Startup/Shutdown
I Can’t ________ Anymore
3. 7 Habits
1. Use a Firewall
2. Backup Your Files
3. Install Windows Updates
4. Remove/Prevent Viruses
5. Remove/Prevent Spyware
6. Keep Your Computer Clean
7. Defragment Your Hard Drive
8. Bonus: Secret 8th Habit
4. 1: Use a Firewall
What
Software that prevents unauthorized access to your
computer.
Built into Windows.
How
Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > “On”
Frequency
Once
(but check in on it)
5. 2: Backup Your Files
What
Hard Drives have 100% failure rate.
Photos, photos, photos.
How
Online Backup – secure, safe, reliable, cheap
carbonite.com, xdrive.com, allmydata.com, mozy.com
Otherwise Copy to CD/DVD’s
Avoid “Backup/Restore” programs – iffy at best.
Frequency
Install Once
Check on it weekly
6. 3: Install Windows Updates
What
Windows requires updates to stay healthy
Not always “Automatic”
How
Start > All Programs > Windows Update
Or try www.update.microsoft.com
Choose “Express”, wait for results
Select everything, restart when prompted
Repeat
Frequency
Weekly
7. 4: Remove/Prevent Viruses
What
Internet Connectivity + People = Slow Computer
Internet Connectivity + Children = Very Slow Computer
How
Install Anti-Virus Program
windowsonecare.com, symantec.com, mcafee.com
Keep Anti-Virus Program Updated
Only as good as latest “signature”
Frequency
Install Once
Check for updates Weekly
8. 5: Remove/Prevent Spyware
What
Unwanted, invisible rogue software that
changes the behavior of your computer
Symptoms:
Unfamiliar homepages, slow performance, pop-ups,
strange browser toolbars
How
If not addressed by WindowsOneCare, Norton, etc.
Install Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com)
Download latest “definitions”
Scan your system
Remove what the scan finds
Frequency
Weekly
9. 6: Keep Your Computer Clean
What
Bits & Pieces of unused programs, websites, etc. that
remain on your computer and slow it down
How
Download CCLEANER
www.ccleaner.com
Install (de-select Yahoo toolbar)
Cleaner, Issues, Tools
Check what runs at System Startup
Frequency
Weekly (Check for updates)
10. 7: Defragment Your Hard Drive
What
Hard Drives – like all of us - are busy and become
fragmented (used & un-used space become entangled
over time)
A Fragmented Drive Slows Performance
How
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk
Defragmenter
Choose “Defragment”
Frequency
Monthly (or more)
11. 8: Bonus Habit
1. Update Your Computer’s Hardware
What
Your computer is a collection of parts that interact with each
other via “drivers”, “firmware”, “BIOS” etc.
Display Drivers, Sound Cards, Printers, Monitor, etc.
How
dell.com, sony.com, hp.com, gateway.com, etc.
Search for Downloads specific to your system
Have the site determine your system # if unsure
Compare dates of available downloads with your system –
download individually and check performance
Frequency
Monthly