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Maintaining a healthy PC does not have to be difficult. Take a look at the following tips to prolong the operation of a healthy PC.
Operating System
Use Windows XP (Home or Professional) with at least Service Pack 2.
Microsoft software updates are set to automatically download and
install.
Windows Firewall is on. User accounts have complex passwords, i.e. the passwords include numbers, letters and punctuation. If someone or something attempts to gain access to your computer, the likelihood of them guessing your password is slim. User accounts do not have administrative privileges. This practice applies to everyone in the family, especially the kids. A user account that does not have admin privileges is less likely to accidentally crash your computer. A virus or spyware program could potentially be less destructive or rendered powerless. Keep a user account that does have admin privileges. This way, you can use this account to install software and perform maintenance tasks when necessary.
Run CHKDSK (check disk) and defrag
(disk defragmenter) at regular intervals. Running each of these
utilities every other month will help to avoid hard disk related
issues including PC slowness and data corruption. In Windows
XP, click on Start, My Computer, right-click
on your C drive and go to Properties. Click on the
Tools tab. The first option is "Error checking"--this is
the same as CHKDSK. The second option down, "Defragmentation"
will allow you to run Disk Defragmenter. To run CHKDSK, click
the Check Now button and place checkmarks in front of both
options. If you prompted with a warning, click Yes. The next
time you reboot your computer, the CHKDSK program will run.
Software (Use at your own risk)
Hardware
a.
1024MB RAM or more. Almost all new systems include at least 512MB.
Check out your PC manufacturer's manual or website if you are unsure
if you can upgrade your PC or are unsure what kind of RAM you will
need. Can't find the answers? Check out
Crucial.com. You can enter your
PC make/model information to find out what kind of RAM you need.
You can purchase the RAM right there or take the info to your local
computer store.
b. If
you have high speed internet access: A cable/DSL router. This
inexpensive piece of equipment installs between your DSL or cable
modem and your computer. It provides a much needed layer of
invisibility to outside threats. If you decide to purchase a
wireless-capable router, consider the following security
precautions:
1.
Turn on WPA encryption.
2.
Do not advertise/broadcast your SSID.
3.
Change the default channel.
4.
Change the router's admin or "web access" password.
5.
Disable WAN pinging.
Most
routers provide documentation on how to perform the previously
mentioned tasks. While these tasks may force you to glance at the
owner's manual, you are for example, 1) protecting yourself from an
intruder's malicious use of your internet connection, and 2)
preventing the neighbors from copying your expensive MP3 collection.
Wired
and wireless routers are available at most retail stores and
here. Big-name
brands include Netgear, Linksys, and SMC.
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