Without appropriate software to instruct it, all computer hardware is dumb and useless. This software not only has to tell the hardware what it should be doing, it also has to make friends and be accepted by Windows. It is a miracle that anything works at all.
Most computers run perfectly normally for most of the time. But like any other machine, things can and do go wrong. We add more programs, load hundreds of photographs, start a Word document then decide we will finish it later. We go on a deleting spree, download files from the internet. And plug in any amount of USB devices and internal hardware.
Things you could and should do.
1. Always back up. It is recommended you back up your entire hard drive regularly. You should at the very least make a back up of all your photographs. Copy them all to a CD and make at least two copies for safety. For important day to day files, a Memory Stick is probably the quickest and easiest back up. For really important files and photographs, remember that memory Sticks do have a limited life and should not be used for long-term storage.
Once pictures are safely stored on an external media, you can consider deleting some from your computer, to free up hard drive space.
2. Use System Restore and set a restore point once a week. And always set one before installing any new software or hardware. This applies to any downloaded software as well. Remember, Windows does not like changes so if things go wrong, you can use System Restore and go back to a time when things were working properly.
3. Always shut Windows down properly. Do not be tempted to just flick off the power; this will only lead to future problems. Shut down by using the Start and Turn off computer button. This will let your computer shuffle all files neatly into their proper locations; save all your data and close any open programs. I know this can sometimes take awhile, but please be patient. If you, like many other computer users, leave your PC on all the time, it is still a good idea, once a week, to re-start your machine. This will enable Windows to tidy up and put files back where they should be, for faster operations. In the unfortunate event that your computer will not turn off or has frozen for some reason, then the only option is to flick the power switch. However, you should wait at least 30 seconds before turning the power back on. Do not simply flick the switch off and straight back on, you can cause serious damage to your Motherboard by doing so.
4. Use your Security Program to scan for viruses and spyware, at least once a week. Preferably a Full System Scan. Also make sure your security suite is up to date.
5. Clear internet clutter. Temporary internet files can build up over time. Delete these by going to Internet Options via Control Panel.
6. Uninstall any programs you no longer need. Use the add/remove Wizard located in Control Panel. Do not be tempted to simply delete them. Only uninstall programs that you have installed. If any programs were pre-installed on your computer when you got it, even if you have never used them, do not uninstall these.
7. Always purchase and use genuine software. Pirated software, as well as being illegal, is often the source of computer viruses.
8. Do not let other people use your computer. Computers are private, they have personal information, confidential e-mails and pictures you wouldn't want any body else to see. And they will always mess with your settings because they think they know best. Tell them to buy a Laptop if they are so desperate to use a computer.
9. Clean your screen now and again. Use a soft clean cloth or a lightly dampened cloth, do not use any cleaners. And don't forget to clean your keyboard. This is best done when your computer is off, otherwise you can end up pressing the hibernate or sleep button. Use a small soft paint brush to clean between the keys. Alternatively, you can buy special cans of compressed air to blow out dust and particles,
or use a small USB vacuum cleaner.
10. Unplug any USB devices that you are not using. If they are plugged in, they use up system resources even if not in use.
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