Computer Maintenance Checklist
By Ramona Creel

• 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.

• 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

• install a good anti-virus software program (Norton, 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

• 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

• run a disk defrag program to organise your files.

• run a clean up to delete unneeded files

• Register your software products

• Schedule automated updates

• 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

• 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

• 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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