ELM Bulletin - October 29, 2004
Basic Computer Maintenance
Computers, like any other mechanical device, require occasional
maintenance. This month's bulletin will cover some general maintenance
tips to ensure that both you and your computer are kept in proper working
condition.
1) Hourly
a) Ergonomics: Sitting at a computer for an extended period of
time can encourage the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome. Blood circulation
can also be impaired leading to fatigue and a decrease in your efficiency.
To keep yourself at peak performance get up from your desk, stretch your
legs or get a drink of water.
2) Weekly
a) Antivirus: Check that your antivirus definitions are up to
date. Visit the manufacture's website or use your antivirus software's
automatic update feature to ensure that the latest definitions have been
installed.
b) Spyware: Spyware blockers also update their definitions
on a regular basis. If you are using a spyware blocker ensure that its
definitions are also kept up to date.
c) System Scan: Once your security software has been updated
perform a full system scan to ensure that your system has not been
infected by potentially harmful software.
3) Monthly
a) Windows: Microsoft regularly releases product updates and
security patches for all of its currently active products; typically on the second Tuesday of each month. If you have a
supported Microsoft product you can visit the Windows Update website to
automatically install applicable product updates. Install the Critical
Updates Notification package if you would like to notified when updates
are available. (Please remember that software manufacturers such as
Microsoft do not send email announcements of product updates. If you
receive an email informing you of an update you have most likely been sent
a virus.)
b) Security: If you use a software firewall on your system
check that its latest update has been installed. Examine the security logs
for break in attempts.
c) Cleanliness: Although the performance of a system will
not be affected by its appearance this is the part of the computer that
has the greatest effect on the user (other than system performance). A
computer that is clean has a more pleasant appearance which in turn may
improve the performance and/or attitude of the user. A cleaning agent such
as Windex can be used with a soft cloth or paper towel to clean dust from
the computer and the monitor. Shake or blow accumulated dust from between
the keys of the keyboard. If you use an older style ball mouse remove the
ball and use a dull blade to remove debris from the rollers that could
affect mouse movement. If you have printers or scanners you should clean
them as well on a monthly basis.
d) Biological Viruses: Strange as it may seem computer
keyboards and mice (and even your desk) make excellent homes for germs and
viruses. If you have a cold or flu a simple wipe with an anti-bacterial
cloth could go a long way to preventing its spread to others who make use
of your computer.
4) Semi-annually
a) Hardware Firewall: If your network uses a hardware firewall
(usually incorporated with an internet sharing device) check the
manufacturer's website for updates and install them according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
b) System Performance:
i) Hard disk: As software is added, removed or modified
system performance can be greatly reduced over time. Windows includes many
tools that can be used to improve system performance, among these are the
Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter utilities. Disk Cleanup will examine
your hard drive for files that are no longer required and can safely be
removed. Disk Defragmenter will take files that may be scattered
throughout your hard disk and collect all the scattered segments into a
single area. (Due to active programs the Disk Defragmenter may on occasion
continually restart. This can be bypassed by starting your computer in
Safe Mode and then starting the Disk Defragmenter.) In both cases the
performance of your hard drive may be greatly increased.
ii) Software: Additionally, you can use the Add or Remove
Programs icon in the Control Panel to remove any programs that you no
longer use.
iii) Registry: Finally, you can use a registry cleaner to
remove invalid entries from the system registry (where Windows stores all
information and settings for installed software). This may have the added
advantage of correcting random problems as well. If you choose to do this
be sure to use a reputable product as making improper modifications to the
system registry could cause serious problems.
5) Annually
a) Software Licensing: Most virus and spyware software is
purchased on an annual license. Keep track of the expiry date of your
various licenses and be sure to renew before the deadline as some
suppliers offer discounts to customers renewing an existing license.
b) Cleanliness: Clean the inside of the computer case.
Disconnect from all power sources and peripherals and use a can of
pressurized air (be sure to use a product designed for use on computer
equipment) to blow the accumulated dust from inside the case. Since a
great deal of dust can accumulate in the average system you would be well
advised to do this on a loading dock or outside.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue.
Past issues of the ELM Bulletin are available from our website, feel free to forward them to anyone you wish.
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Peter Rhebergen Telephone |
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