Summer-ize Your Computer!

June 2007

 

Even though summer might be a vacation for you, there are no vacations for your computer from viruses, spyware and unexpected failures. Computers like cars, require regular "tune ups" to keep them in top operating condition. If you don't want to experience any down time this summer, take these steps to protect your computer.

Backup your important documents and files. You've probably been told this before, but it really is a good idea to back up any personal documents stored on your PC. All PC hard drives will fail, and even careful users can accidentally delete files. Why only documents and files? You can replace or re-install applications that are on your PC from the original discs. Even if you weren't supplied with these discs, you could purchase new software. If you lost your letters, address books or financial accounts you will not be able to replace them.

Install anti-spyware software and keep it up to date. Spyware is currently the top computer issue and is more of a problem than viruses.  Unless you don't use the internet at all, you will get spyware on your computer. There is no way to prevent it completely. Therefore, you need to scan and remove it periodically. We recommend the free utilities Spybot and Ad-Aware. If you run these spyware removal tools at least monthly, they will help keep your computer running better.

Purchase a UPS. Computer components are very sensitive to electrical fluctuations which can occur during summer rain and thunder storms. Any surges or browns will cause your computer to malfunction. Buy a UPS that offers AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation).  Most low end UPS's only protect against surges (increased voltage). They offer no protection against browns ( lower voltage) which are very harmful. UPS's with AVR protect against both.

Protect your computer against the elements. Along with summer comes a whole new environment that your computer could be in. Be careful with notebooks at the beach. Getting sand in any components could render them useless. Also, don't leave computers in a sealed car in the sun when it's hot out or any other place where the sun can directly damage it. Extreme heat can destroy a computer. Keep notebooks away from pools and water and watch out for drink spills.

Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date. Most people think that just having virus software on their computer is good enough. This is not. Your virus software must be kept up to date & expires 1 year after you installed it. Although there are a few free antivirus programs, it's best to buy a commercial antivirus from a well-known company with the resources to "stay on top of" the problem.

Have some type of firewall software or hardware between the internet & your computer. Hackers can easily get to you without it. You may also think that dialup is safe, you are very wrong.  The chances are very slim that your computer will be hacked into but it is there. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Remove dust from your computer. Your computer will always pick up dust, smoke or other foreign particles but an excess of these particles will destroy your computer. Open your PC's cover or look at the fan that is on the power supply. If it is caked with dust, your PC needs to be cleaned. If you do not feel comfortable doing it call us or any computer service company that offers preventative maintenance services.

Install Windows & Office Updates. Most people use some version of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office (which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and Publisher) on their PCs. Since these programs are so popular, they are targeted more often by various forms of viruses and hackers. Microsoft strives continually to repair problems, and provides free updates, mostly free. Visit the Microsoft Windows Update site and follow the instructions there to make your PC automatically update itself whenever a flaw is fixed.

If you follow these few simple suggestions, your computer will remain happy, healthy and safe this summer. This will allow you to spend less on computer repair costs and more on vacations and summer time fun!

 

 

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