Simple Computer Maintenance

We live in a society where computers are becoming more and more popular while at the same time becoming increasingly affordable. Nevertheless, it is always best to try and avoid the hassle that comes with a dying computer. A common and sometimes devastating issue is hard drive failure, putting important files at risk (although they can be recovered with the right programs) and causing the owner to need to purchase a new hard disk for their PC. Here are some ways to delay such an event and to prevent total loss:

1. Make backups and keep them in a safe place. If you backup your files then you can save a lot of time and energy when the hard drive fails (they never last forever).

2. Run a disk defragmentation program at least once a month. Put simply, high fragmentation = slow computer. Operating systems such as Windows include their own defragmenter, but downloadable ones are available as well.

3. When you shut down your computer, allow it to shut itself down properly, dont just cut the power.

4. To uninstall programs, try not to do so manually. For example, with Windows it is best to go to the add/remove programs option in Control Panel (Found in the start menu).

5. Open up the computer case every so often and clean it out (sometimes it's easiest jst to blow on it) to make sure there isn't too much dust buildup in it.

6. Make sure you have an antivirus program and a firewall. Viruses can really do a lot of harm to your computer. Windows comes with a firewall, and there are many free downloadable antivirus programs and even firewalls that can be found. There are also programs (e.g.: 'Norton Internet Security') you can buy at most stores that sell computer goods. However, though effective in keeping your computer safe, some of these (including Norton) are known to slow down your computer considerable on their own. Whatever program you get, run it at least once a week to scan your computer. It would probably also be safe to scan after any downloads.

7. Another good program to download would be a registry cleaner. There are a number of free and paid versions available (e.g. Eusing is a good free one). Over time, especially as you add and delete files or programs, your registry becomes filled with more and more things you don't need. The registry can directly affect the speed of your compter, so if you clean the registry it will boost performance.

8. You should keep a decent amount of disk space free. A full hard drive is noticeably slower than one with a good amount of empty space.

9. Don't ignore error messages or the blue screens of death, and if you find you have any number of bad sectors, it's a sign that your hard drive hasn't got much time left before it gives up on life (a bad sector is a part of the hard drive that has become unusable either due to physical damage or a logistic error - chkdsk can help to identify them).