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Computer Maintenance Checklist
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
- put your software drivers and your operating system disks in a safe place.
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 (Norton, AVG , VirusScan, etc.)
- 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
- be sure to update your software regularly for virus updates
- most programs give automatic prompt when new updates are available
- run a disk defrag program to organise your files.
- run a clean up to delete unneeded files
- Register your software products
- Schedule automated updates
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, AdAware, etc.)
- 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
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