Preventative maintenance is the key. By using the right software
and routinely performing computer maintenance, you can prevent most
problems your system will likely encounter.
- Uninstall unused software using Add/Remove Software
(within the Control Panel).
- Run ScanDisk weekly.
- Download, update and regularly run a spyware removal program.
- Defragment Your Hard Drive monthly.
- Install Anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.
- Keep Your computer operating system updated (Windows
Update)
Spyware programs allows your online activities to be secretly tracked -
exposing your computer to outsiders, profiling your shopping preference,
altering important system files, and providing access to your personal
data. I strongly recommend downloading one of the free spyware
removal programs available online. One of the easiest programs to
use is Ad-aware,
made my Lavasoft. It is a sophisticated, sleek and free spyware
removal program.
Today, many families have more than one computer in their home
They may also have a cable modem or DSL internet connection. This
broadband connection offers many benefits over the conventional dialup;
Besides additional speed, broadband gives you the ability to share
Internet access by creating a home network. When connecting via a
broadband connection, I would highly recommending getting
Firewall protection.
In order to access the Internet, you must first sign up with an
Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP serves as your gateway to the
Internet. There are several factors to consider when choosing an ISP.
Broadband or Dialup- With broadband you don't need to dial in to connect to the Internet. And with all types of broadband, the time it takes to open web pages, download video clips, music or files is much faster than on a dialup connection. Typically, broadband access is usually around 10 times faster than a standard dial-up connection. Things that take 60 seconds to download with your dial-up connection take about six seconds with a broadband connection.
Price - Most ISP prices
range between $7.95 to $34.95 per month.
Level of Support - If
you are inexperienced with computers, this is a major consideration. Do
they have a toll free number? What hours is help available?
Email Account - At the
bare minimum, your ISP should provide you with an email account at no
extra charge. Many providers offer multiple email accounts.
A computer virus is a piece of code written and designed to enter a
computer without permission - they are a serious threat. The virus'
generally replicate and attach themselves to files. They can spread
by sending infected emails to people listed in your email address book.
To protect against virus', I
recommend installing either
Norton Anti-virus or
AVG Anti-virus -
both automatically remove viruses, protect email
and automatically update.
Grisoft Inc.'s AVG
Anti-virus offers a FREE Edition. It is available for single home
computer use only.
Most people run several programs all at the same time. (i.e. Internet
explorer, Microsoft Word and Instant messenger, and Outlook Express. )
Unfortunately, doing this causes a computer system to run slowly. In
order to have each program available at the same time, the computer needs
enough space (RAM) available.
RAM acts as a buffer to speed up access to the files and programs that
are in use. Even though data is stored on the hard drive, RAM can
transfer data at a much faster rate. When a file is requested, it
loads into your system RAM so that it can be accessed faster. The
more RAM you have the more files and programs you can keep stored in RAM
and be accessible. The end result is a faster running computer.
The Minimum amount of Ram really depends on which operating system you
have installed, your type of computer usage (gaming etc.), and whether you
run intensive software applications that use a lot of system resources.
Anymore, 256 MB is the minimum amount of Ram needed for the
average user.
