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PC Checkup

"An Ounce of Prevention
Is Worth a Pound of Cure"

A PC Checkup on a regular basis can lower your risk of computer and data failure! If you get "into the habit", you won't even notice the effort!

Daily

  1. Check backup report to verify scheduled backup ran successfully.
  2. Run Adaware software and check for updates if running free version. (Paid versions allow you to schedule scans and update reference files automatically. We suggest one of each. Check out our Spyware page for more info.)

Weekly

  1. Swap external hard disk drive used for backup. Take offsite for safe storage.
  2. Check your AntiVirus software for two things.
    1. Run LiveUpdate. Should be scheduled to update automatically on a daily basis.
    2. Run Full System Check. Should be scheduled to run automatically on a weekly basis.
  3. Run Windows Update if not automatically scheduled.

Monthly

  1. Run disk utilites like Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter. Tip: Disk Defragmenter can be scheduled in Vista.
  2. Run Application Maintenance Utilities. Ex. Softdent Utilites.

Quarterly

  1. Remove side cover from CPU Tower and with a can of Compressed Air, blow out inside of CPU Tower. This removes dust from the fans and allows air to flow more freely so that the computer is less likely to overheat.
    1. Shutdown computer first.
    2. Unplug power cord from backup of CPU Tower.
    3. Do not touch any component inside CPU Tower.
    (You could discharge static electricity and either impare the computer's workings or destroy the computer completely!)

There are lots of programs to help you perform a PC Checkup at a deeper level. They may replace some of the checkups above, but you need to always "Check Up" and be sure that the programs have run as you have set them up with the expected results.

Here are a few that we have used:
Advanced System Optimization is a multi-functional system performance and optimizer suite. It includes tools to change system settings & improve your system performance, remove unnecessary & junk data from your PC, enhance your system's performance and make your work much more simple and organized. You can also beautify your Windows and maintain your system security by using Advanced System Optimizer.

The Ultimate All-in-One, Norton 360

There is an advantage to using one program to do several tasks! If there is ever an issue you have only one vendor to deal with!
Introducing Norton 360 - All-In-One-Security! Norton 360 provides antivirus protection, antispyware protection, antiphishing protection, PC tuning, website authentication,and 2GB secure online backup storage, delivering all-in-one security to protect you from identity theft, hackers, online identity thieves, and other online threats.



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