Computer Tips
| BACKING UP |
- back up any documents you create on an external drive
- disk, zip, jazz, tape, or CD-Rom are all acceptable
- keep back-up copies of all computer programs in case you have to re-install
- backing up your entire system at one time takes care of both concerns
- back up as often as you regularly make changes to your documents
| FIREWALLS ARE KEY |
- programs that keep others from accessing your computer from the outside
- acts as a “locked gate” for your computer hard drive
- can be installed on your computer via software (Black Ice, Norton, etc.)
- may also come with your operating system, router, or other networking hardware
| KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY |
- install a good anti-virus software program (AVG FREE VERSON)
- this program will scan your files, drives, and email for viruses
- set up to scan external disks automatically when inserted into your machine
- set up to scan your hard drive automatically when you start your machine
- set up to scan email automatically when you send and receive
- be sure to update your software regularly for virus updates
- most programs give automatic prompt when new updates are available
| POWER ISSUES |
- surges in electrical power can harm your computer
- get a good surge protector with multiple plugs and on / off switch
- avoid cheap ones with a metal oxide varistor (MOV) suppressor that can fail
- buy a surge protector with included insurance to cover damage to equipment
- protects your computer even when turned off
- if you don’t have a surge protector, unplug your equipment when not using
- be particularly careful during storms or when it is lightning
| PUTTING A STOP TO SPYING |
- install a good spyware program (Spybot, Malwarebytes.)
- tracks down programs secretly monitoring your computer activities
- these programs may have been installed through internet downloads
- can also be installed surreptitiously when installing other programs
- know where programs are coming from before downloading from internet
- research the software provider and make sure they are legitimate
- run spyware program weekly to clean out rogue programs from hard drive
| STAYING AWAY FROM TROUBLE |
- don’t accept software or downloads from unconfirmed sources
- many viruses embedded in email attachments and activated when opened
- set your email program so it doesn’t open “preview” window
- delete any suspicious email without opening it
- don’t open attachments unless you know who and where they came from
- .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .mdb, .reg, and .js file extensions are dangerous
Freeing up space on my c drive
Two things you can do:
Right click on the icon for your C drive. Left click on Properties (at the bottom) To the right of the pink and blue pie, click on Disk Cleanup. Windows will then scan your PC and present you with a list of files that you no longer need. Check any or all and follow the instructions.
After Windows is finished, I’d run Disk Defragmenter to reorganize the hard drive’s files. (this will free up space) Look for Disk Defragmenter under the Tools tab in the C drive Properties box.
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Thanks, Phil @ Windys Computer Repairs