Computer Maintenance

Your computer and your car have something in common: they both need regular maintenance. No, you don't need to change your computer's oil. But you should be updating your software, keeping your antivirus subscription up to date, and checking for spyware. Read on to learn what you can do to help improve your computer's security. Here are some basics maintenance tasks you can do today to start improving your computer's security. Be sure you make these part of your ongoing maintenance as well.

1. Sign up for software update e-mail notices. Many software companies will send you e-mail whenever a software update is available. This is particularly important for your operating system, your antivirus program, and your firewall.
2. Register your software. If you still have registration forms for existing software, send them in. And be sure to register new software in the future. This is another way for the software manufacturer to alert you when new updates are available.
3. Install software updates immediately. When you get an update notice, download the update immediately and install it. (Remember, downloading and installing are two separate tasks.

A few simple steps will help you keep your files safe and clean

1. Update your software
2. Backup your files
3. Use antivirus software and keep it updated
4. Change your passwords

Developing ongoing maintenance practices

Now that you've done some ground work, it's time to start moving into longer term maintenance tasks. These are all tasks that you should do today (or as soon as possible) to get started. But for best results, make these a part of a regular maintenance schedule. We recommend setting aside time each week to help keep your computer secure.

1. Back up your files. Backing up your files simply means creating a copy of your computer files that you can use in the event the originals are lost. (Accidents can happen.) To learn more read our tips for backing up information.
2. Scan your files with up to date antivirus software. Use your antivirus scan tool regularly to search for potential computer viruses and worms. Also, check your antivirus program's user manual to see if you can schedule an automatic scan of your computer. To learn more, read our tips for reducing your virus risk.
3. Change your passwords. Using the same password increases the odds that someone else will discover it. Change all of your passwords regularly (we recommend monthly) to reduce your risk. Also, choose your passwords carefully. To learn more, read our tips for creating stronger passwords.

Making a schedule

One of the best ways to help protect your computer is to perform maintenance regularly. To help you keep track, we suggest making a regular "appointment" with your computer. Treat it like you would any other appointment. Record it in your datebook or online calendar, and if you cannot make it, reschedule. Remember, you are not only helping to improve your computer, you are also helping to protect your personal information.

Auto End Tasks to Enable a Proper Shutdown

This tips make automatically ends tasks and timeouts that prevent programs from shutting down and clears the Paging File on Exit.

1. Copy the following text below into notepad.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management]
"ClearPageFileAtShutdown"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop]
"AutoEndTasks"="1"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]
"WaitToKillServiceTimeout"="1000"

2. Save the file as shutdown.reg
3. Double click the file to import into your registry.

NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled.

Vista System Health Report

As we know, the windows vista features the System Health Report is able to produce a report on the condition of the PC. Reports provided based on information provided Reability and Performance Monitor. With this feature, we can quickly obtain information quickly on the area system which has the potential to cause issues. To use this feature, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select System and Maintenance menu.
3. Select Performance Information and Tools.
4. In the task list which is on the left, select Advanced Tools.
5. The diagnostic results will be displayed last. This process takes several minutes. Results of the diagnosis will be displayed in the Reliability and Performance Monitor window.

TCPOptimizer

Internet is the place where all information can be found easily and quickly, but what if our Internet connection is not so fast, how much is done to speed up the connection manually or automatically. One alternative that can be used is TCPOptimizer. Follow the steps below to use:

1. Download TCPOptimizer here.
   
2. Run TCPOptimizer.
3. Find the option Current Settings, Optimal Settings and Custom Settings.
4. Select the Optimal Settings.
5. Click Apply Changes.

Computer Tips

Better Sound on Vista

In Windows XP, any regulation made standard. There are no features to optimize the sound quality like bass, surround or equalition. Like others, if we install a sound card with a variety of additional applications to be able to produce a better sound from the onboard soundcard. For those who still use the onboard soundcard, can still vote, but by using Windows Vista, because on Windows Vista is equipped with the capability of voice. Do the following tips:
 

1. Go to the Control Panel, select the Sound menu.
2. In the Sound window, select the Playback tab.
3. Select the speaker icon and click Properties.
4. Properties window appears, click the tab Enchacements and see the box that contain options Bass Boost, Virtual Surround, Room Correction, and Loudness Equalization. Check the options above and click Settings to configure the options selected above.
5. Save changes by clicking the OK button

Computer Tips