Computer Preventive Maintenance

Schedule
With proper maintenance you can avoid trouble and keep your computer running at peek efficiency. The basic steps are:

 Keep your operating system up-to-date with all the latest security releases.
 Run an anti-virus program regularly to keep your computer bug free.
 Run system utilities regularly to make sure your hardware is operating correctly.

This is a schedule you can use as a guide.

Daily Weekly Monthly Annually

Delete Temp Internet Files X

Delete Temp Windows Files X

Run Virus Scan X

Windows Update X

Run Spybot X

Run Ad-Aware X

Check for Updates to Java X

Run Disk Cleanup X

Run Scan Disk/Check Disk X

Run Disk Defragmenter X

Check for Updates to Adobe Reader X

Clean Computer, Mouse, Keyboard & Monitor X

Basic Computer Housekeeping Tips

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At one time or another everyone experiences computer problems! It's just a fact of
life. When they do have problems the ISP receives the call for some reason. The caller
usually starts out with, "I don't know what's going on but I keep getting a message that
says General Protection Failure." Who is General Failure and why is he reading my hard
disk? :) Well, there can be a number of reasons for this message to appear. The main
thing I think people should know is how to do their housekeeping. But then you wouldn't
usually know about these things until somebody informs you that it needs to be done. So,
that's what this page is all about! There are many do's and don'ts that come with owning
a computer. Here are a few helpful things to know.

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1. Don't ever reach over and just turn your computer off. Always go through the correct
shut down procedure! Start ... Shut down the computer? ... wait until you see the "It is
now safe to shut down your computer" message. Then you can turn it off. (If you need to
reboot; Always wait at least 10 seconds before turning it back on) There are times when
the machine is locked up and nothing responds that will leave you with no choice but to
turn it off improperly.

To correct this;
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, all at the same time. Let go of them, all at the same time.
The Win 95/98 Task Manager will come up and then you choose End Task.
It will take you to another box that wants you to click on the name of the program you
were working in to highlight.
Once you do that, choose End Task at the bottom of the box.
Then another box will pop up and ask you to click End Task again.
It will then take you to the Desktop and allow you to go on from there.
If it is still locked up;
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete again and choose Shut Down.

If your computer doesn't automatically run Scan Disk when it re-starts, you will need to
to this now. Click here for instructions.

2. Don't give your machine too many commands at one time. You know, we're from the
clicker generation! Remember riding in the car and there's always someone there that's
constantly changing the station on the radio. Well, it never messed up the radio to do it,
but it'll trash your computer if you do. When it comes to this topic, think of your
computer as a digestive track. Take a bite and give it time to go down before you take
another one! I've had people tell me that they clicked and clicked and all it does now is
sit there, the mouse won't even work. They have 'locked up' their computer! They had
given it so many commands that it got confused and didn't know what to do.

To correct this;
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete all at the same time. Let go of them all at the same time.
The Win 95/98 Task Manager will come up and then you choose End Task.
It will take you to another box that wants you to click on the name of the program you
were working in to highlight.
Once you do that choose End Task at the bottom of the box.
Then another box will pop up and ask you to click End Task again.
It will then take you to the Desktop and allow you to go on from there.

Note: Whatever you were working on at the time the machine locked up will be lost
unless you followed the golden rule of saving your work as you go along!

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To keep your system running smoothly and to prevent logon problems to

the internet, Use Windows ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter regularly.

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This needs to be done;
Once a week, If you use your computer an average of 16 hours a week.
Once a month, if you use it less than 16 hours a week.
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You can use ScanDisk to check your hard disk for logical and physical errors. ScanDisk
can then repair the damaged areas.

You can start ScanDisk by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing to Accessories,
pointing to System Tools, and then clicking ScanDisk.

Click the drive you want to check. exp. - [C:]

Under Type of test, click Thorough.

You'll want to specify how ScanDisk repairs the errors it finds, click the Automatically
fix errors check box.

Click Start.

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Using Disk Defragmenter to speed up

access to your hard disk.

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You can use Disk Defragmenter to rearrange files and unused space on your hard disk so
that programs run faster.

You can start Disk Defragmenter by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, pointing
to Accessories, pointing to System Tools, and then clicking Disk Defragmenter.

Click the drive you want to defragment. *

Click OK.
 While your disk is being defragmented, you can use your computer for other tasks. (Not
recommended) However, your computer operates more slowly, and Disk Defragmenter
takes longer to finish. To temporarily stop Disk Defragmenter so you can run other
programs faster, click Pause.

During defragmentation, Disk Defragmenter must restart each time other programs
write to the disk. If Disk Defragmenter restarts too often, you may want to close other
programs while defragmenting your disk.

*defragment -
A file that is too large for a single location on a disk is fragmented and stored in any
free spaces on the disk. You can use fragmented files, but your computer takes longer
to access them. Disk Defragmenter rearranges the files and free space on your disk.
Files open more quickly because they are stored in adjacent units and free space is
consolidated.

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When it is storming outside
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Always ... even if you have a surge protector ...

Unplug all computer hardware from the outlet!
This includes your telephone line to your external modem or on the back of your
computer. If you have a surge protector that all of your
computer/printer/scanner/modem is plugged into, just unplug the surge protector. The
manufacturer of the surge protector sometimes guarantees your equipment in the case
of a lightening strike, but it cannot replace your data should this occur. I have seen
many cases where users had everything on a surge protector and it did not save the
equipment from getting damaged by lightening.

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You can access all pages from the menu

below or use the navigational links on the left.
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Designed by Serenity's Spiritual Creations

We have listed below a few of the things you can do to keep your PC running efficiently. Many of the items take very little time
if done regularly.

Virus Scanning & Updating

One of the most important tasks that you should do to keep your PC running smoothly is updating and running your anti-virus
software. Ideally, you should update the virus database (the list of viruses that your software will look for) every week as several
new viruses are discovered daily. You should run a complete virus scan of your PC at least once a week if possible. Where
feasible this should be scheduled to run automatically at a time you don’t expect to be using your PC – i.e. whilst you’re having
your dinner!
Want to know what Internet Security software we recommend? Click here to see!
Spyware/Adware/Malware Scanning & Updating
Scanning for ‘Spyware’, ‘Adware’ and ‘Malware’ should be carried out on a weekly basis where possible. It normally only takes
a couple of mouse clicks to do the scan and in some cases the software will even do that bit for you too! It is also important to
keep your software’s database up to date. Again, it’s normally just a case of clicking a couple of buttons whilst connected to the
Internet. It doesn’t take long if done regularly and will keep your machine protected.

Firewalls
From time to time you should check that your Firewall is still active and up to date. Again, this is a two minute job that will keep
your PC protected from hackers.

SPAM
Where possible, delete any SPAM (junk email) from your PC as soon as you receive it. SPAM can contain malicious files or
viruses that are best got rid of straight away. It also takes up space on your hard drive that could probably be better used for other
things!

Windows Update
Your operating system (e.g. Microsoft Windows) should be kept as up to date as possible at all times. When a ‘Security Issue’ or
‘Critical Update’ is issued by Microsoft this will be downloaded and installed on your PC automatically without you having to do
much at all! Go to Microsoft’s Windows Update page (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and follow the prompts to ensure
your PC is up to date. It will probably take a long time if you haven’t updated your PC for a long time, but further updates are
normally quite quick.

Backup your Data

Make sure you back up any important files (especially photographs) onto CD or something similar. If your hard drive fails, it can
be very expensive (and not always possible) to recover the data. Backing up your data needn’t be a chore if done regularly. It is
even possible to semi-automate the procedure using software.
If you want to make life really easy for yourself, why not try our Livedrive service? This offers UNLIMITED online data backup
for just £30 a year.
Disk Defragmentation
Disk defragmentation should be carried out every now and then to keep your hard drive in order. If you save a lot of files or are
constantly installing and uninstalling software this should be carried out about once a fortnight. If you don’t use your PC very
much then once a month is fine. Defragmentation tidies files that have been scattered all over your hard drive into some kind of
order that makes finding them and loading them quicker for your machine. Where possible, close as many programs as possible
before running this procedure as files and programs that are opened can’t be defragmented.

File Management
Keep your files (letters, photographs, music etc.) in a logical order. Creating folders in ‘Documents’ or ‘Pictures’ using a
meaningful name (e.g. Holiday – Greece 2014) is normally the best way. Getting rid of files that you no longer need frees up
space on your hard drive that can be used for something else. It is best to keep your files organised from the start, preventing the
‘tidy up’ becoming a ‘major task’! Likewise, uninstalling any software that you no longer use will free up your PC’s resources.
What is an example of a Housekeeping Inspection Checklist?
Use the following checklist as a general workplace guide.

Floors and Other Areas

 Are floors clean and clear of waste?

 Are signs posted to warn of wet floors?
 Are floors in good condition?
 Are there holes, worn or loose planks or carpet sticking up?
 Is anti-slip flooring used where spills, moisture or grease are likely?
 Are there protruding objects such as nails, sharp corners, open cabinet drawers, trailing
electrical wires?
 Are personal items, such as clothing and lunch boxes, in assigned lockers or storage areas?
 Is the work area congested?
 Are floors well-drained?

Aisles and Stairways

 Are aisles unobstructed and clearly marked?

 Are mirrors installed at blind corners?
 Are aisles wide enough to accommodate workers and equipment comfortably?
 Are safe loading practices used with hand and power trucks, skids, or pallets?
 Is the workplace lighting adequate? Are stairs well lit?
 Are stairs covered with an anti-slip tread? Are faulty stair treads repaired?

Spill Control

 Are all spills wiped up quickly?

 Are procedures followed as indicated on the material safety data sheet?
 Are spill absorbents used for greasy, oily, flammable or toxic materials?
 Are used rags and absorbents disposed of promptly and safely?
 Is a spill area surrounded by a barrier to prevent a spill from spreading?

Equipment and Machinery Maintenance

 Is equipment in good working order, with all necessary guards or safety features operational
or in place?
 Is equipment damaged or outdated?
 Are tools and machinery inspected regularly for wear or leaks?
 Is equipment repaired promptly?
 Are drip pans or absorbent materials used if leaks cannot be stopped at the source?
 Is a machine that splashes oil fitted with a screen or splash guard?
 Are machines and tools cleaned regularly?
Waste Disposal

 Are there adequate number of containers?

 Are there separate and approved containers for toxic and flammable waste?
 Are waste containers located where the waste is produced?
 Are waste containers emptied regularly?
 Are toxic and flammable waste chemicals handled properly?

Storage

 Are storage areas safe and accessible?

 Is material stacked securely, blocked or interlocked if possible?
 Are materials stored in areas that do not obstruct stairs, fire escapes, exits or firefighting
equipment?
 Are materials stored in areas that do not interfere with workers or the flow of materials?
 Are bins or racks provided where material cannot be piled?
 Are all storage areas clearly marked?
 Do workers understand material storage and handling procedures?

Fire Prevention

 Are combustible and flammable materials present only in the quantities needed for the job at
hand?
 Are combustible and flammable materials kept in safety cans during use?
 Are hazardous materials stored in approved containers and away from ignition sources?
 Are sprinkler heads clear of stored material?
 Are fire extinguishers inspected and located along commonly travelled routes, and close to
possible ignition sources?
 Are oily or greasy rags placed in metal containers and disposed of regularly?