COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

by Rick Albee

I receive a glut of e-mail regarding basic computer problems, many of which can be traced to a basic lack of maintenance. Look at it this way: Most people wouldn't think of buying a new car and then driving it until it stops--but that's what many users do with a computer.

I recently got a call from a person who suffered continual computer freezes. Among other things, 30,000+ TEMP files were in residence. The following maintenance tips solved the problem--completely. In this article we'll look at several ways to keep your computer tuned. Please keep in mind that these are just the basics, but the basics will go a long way to keeping you up-and-running.

Remember: Before you do anything, make sure your data is backed up!

Your car has to have gas, right? So does your computer; it needs the current fuel to keep it at optimal performance. A computer accumulates water in the gas--so to speak. The computer's "clean gas" is its Windows Update program--fixes with the latest information to keep the OS (operating system) fueled properly. You must be on-line to run the Update program, so do that first, and then click on the Windows Update icon found on your desktop (a globe with the Windows logo over it). If not there, look in the Start menu; go to Start (lower left corner of the screen), and you'll see the link pop-up in your menu. If you can't find it, go to: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/. After the program loads, you'll notice a couple links to "Product Updates"--click on one. The first update available, "Critical Updates," will already be checked for you. Always download the critical updates (click on the Download icon). The more often you do this, the less time it will take--monthly should be sufficient. There are a number of additional updates available; note that for each one there is a "Read this first" link--therefore, read this first!

Your car runs slower and uses more gas if overloaded, right? So does your computer. It accumulates data in, primarily, three files designed to make the computer run faster by making frequently used data quickly accessible; however, if overloaded, the opposite results. The files are Windows > Cookies, TEMP, and Temporary Internet Files. Do not delete the directory (folder), only the files within each directory. You can safely delete all the files in each of these directories. If you get a Windows warning, heed it--you may still want to delete the file, but be sure first. You may notice that a frequently-used web page will load slightly slower the first time you access it after this process, but from then on it will again be stored in "memory," and you will have emptied the garbage, thus lightening the load of what your computer has to look through to retrieve your information. You will want to do this on a regular schedule.

If you don't change your car's oil and filters, it won't function properly. Neither will your computer--anti-virus programs are the computer's filters. Viruses are the bane of the Internet, but also infect your computer in a number of other ways. Current virus definitions insure that your program can recognize a virus so that it knows what to look for. Follow your program instructions. All quality anti-virus programs offer quick and easy updates--use them frequently. If yours doesn't offer updates, get rid of it--it was obsolete before you installed it.

When looking for an address, most people follow a map for the most direct route. Your computer uses the same technique; each file is addressed, and if the file is fragmented on the HDD (hard drive) it makes the computer look for multiple addresses, then reassemble the pieces before displaying the file. The DEFRAG utility does what the name implies, it de-fragments the scattered data, thus allowing much-improved operation. It is found at Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Be aware that if your power fails while running defrag, you will lose data. This is another good reason to make sure your data is backed up. And a "smart" UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) is always a good idea.

Preventive maintenance is as important to a HDD as it is to your car--it's always best to change the tires before a blowout. ScanDisk is an often-overlooked part of your maintenance. Found at Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > ScanDisk, it scans the disk for potential problems, and will give you the option to do repairs before you crash.

As always, my standard disclaimer applies: This is a training bulletin; it is--generally speaking--accurate. Playing with computers is like life--there are a lot of exceptions and qualifications. I'm not responsible if you get into your computer and muck around without the proper training, experience, and/or without knowing what you're doing.

And for the 3rd time: Before you do anything, make sure your data is backed up!