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Q: What sort of
maintenance should I keep in mind to ensure that my
system runs smoothly?
A: There are ten procedures and
recommendations that will help insure that your computer
runs smoothly and at peak efficiency.
1) Chkdsk
(Check Disk):
On Windows 2000, XP and Vista click on "Run"
type: cmd Once
in the Command Window type: chkdsk
c: /f /r then press the
"Enter" key. The command will prompt to
restart your computer; press the "Y" key, then
restart your computer. On Windows 95, 98 and ME,
Scan Disk can be run without restarting your computer. To
start double left click on the ‘My Computers’
icon on the desktop, then right click on the
drive (C:). On the pop-up menu left click ‘Properties’,
then left click on the ‘Tools’ tab.
Under ‘Error-checking status’ left
click ‘Check Now’. More information about Chkdsk
and Scandisk can be
found in your Windows manual. Plexus recommends to
run these utilities if power has ever been lost while
computer was on or after or freeze/lockup.
2)
Defrag (Disk Defragmenter):
This program reorganizes data on a hard drive and makes
it contiguous again. To start double left click
on the ‘My Computers’ icon on the desktop or within
'Windows Explorer', then right
click on the drive (C:).
On the pop-up menu left click ‘Properties’,
then left click on the ‘Tools’ tab.
Under ‘Defragmentation status’ left
click ‘Defragment Now’. Any messages that suggest
that defrag
is unnecessary should be ignored. More
information about Disk Defragmenter can be found in your
Windows manual. Plexus recommends
that this utility be run at least once a month. Disk
Defragmenter can be scheduled to run automatically using
tasks or the use of propriety software. See
forums for details.
3) Clean Out The Dust:
Dust can cause fans to slow down or stop working
and insulates metal heat sinks that are designed to dissipate
heat. Heat can
cause computer performance degradation, premature
hardware failure, software errors, lockups and in a few
cases unexplained shut down. Fans
that spin slower than there designed rating or make
noise should be replaced. Most computer manufacturers, including Plexus, make it very easy to
open the side of a computer without the need of tools to
access the processor and internal components. With
the use of an Air Duster which can be purchased at any
computer or electronics store you should blow dust away
from all fans and internal components.
Dust can also cause CD-ROM drive, tape and floppy drive
problems. You
can purchase cleaning disks and cartridges to clean
these drives. If
you are in a dusty environment, smoke or the power is on
12 or more hours a day you should do this every 6 months
otherwise this should be done once a year.
4)
Protect Against Viruses and Malware:
Most anti-virus and anti-malware programs are
updated automatically as long as the computer is
connected to the internet. Viruses and malware are
unwanted programs also called trojans, worms, spyware,
adware and hijackers among several
others.
5) Check
For Software Updates: To start in Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista go to
‘Start’, then ‘Settings’ and click ‘Windows
Update’. It is recommended that this be done once a month.
If lockups occur regularly check for video driver
updates. (Drivers
are software files that allow Windows to understand what
type of devices you have.)
Install the latest DirectX.
(DirectX is a set of multimedia drivers that
allow programs to run faster and better with what
devices you have.)
Updates for other programs run
frequently should also be checked for and installed if
necessary.
6) Use Certified
Software: To be safe install software that says Designed for
Windows X where X is your windows version. Compatible with Windows
is not the same since for example, 95 and Vista are very
different. The
owner or qualified technician should be the only people
who install programs.
Internet users should download
programs from a reputable site that checks for viruses.
7) Stay
Away From Gimmick Software: Software that promises to protect
you from window crashes or others that promise
better performance should be avoided.
Most only slow a computer down and cause
problems. If
in doubt about any software feel free to call Plexus
Computers.
8) Backup System Files:
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista users can use the
Backup utility found under Accessories\System Tools to
backup system settings and data. Windows 95/98/ME
provides an Emergency
Recovery Utility located at x:\Other\Misc\ERU folder on
your CD-ROM drive (where “x” is the drive letter for
your CD-ROM). To create a backup of your system
configuration files, double-click the Eru.exe file and
follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to
choose a location for storing the backup information.
By default, the information is stored on floppy
disk. The
files that are backed up by default are as follows:
INI
Files:
C:\Windows\Win.ini
C:\Windows\System.ini
C:\Windows\Protocol.ini
Registry
Files:
C:\Windows\User.dat
C:\Windows\System.dat
DOS
Files:
C:\Config.sys
C:\Autoexec.bat
C:\Io.sys
C:\Msdos.sys
9)
Backup
Personal Files: All
hard drives have a life expectancy.
Think of them like light bulbs and when they go
all your personal data will be gone.
Besides the inevitable; theft and natural
disasters can wipe away your life's work. A regular backup onto tape, diskette or other media can avoid
this. More on what
to backup can be found here: What
to backup.
10)
Read the Windows manual that was included with
your documents:
The manual is full of answers that is most often
asked by new and experienced users.
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