- Protect your computer from dust, where ever possible, do not put your tower PC on the floor, keep it away from the tumble dryer and preferably in a different room to an open fire.
- Use a tray to put your laptop on. I like the trays with the bean bag bottoms; they provide a sturdy, comfortable work base and prevent dust being sucked up in to it from carpets beds and sofas.
- Don’t eat or drink over or near your computer. I know this can be tempting or can be done without registering we are doing it but it only takes one slip! Invest in a surge protector, laptop or tower… this can save you a lot of money and endless hassle.
- Surge protectors are readily available (I bought my last one from Argos) and are not much different in price from an extension lead.
- Most new computers come with a utility to make a set of backup discs, don't put it off! Get it done as soon as you can, you will usually need 4 or 5 DVD's and just follow the on screen prompts. When you have made the backup's pack them in a way that they don't get scratched or damaged then store them in a safe place where you know where they are if you need them.
- Use a quality Anti-Virus Program. Make sure it is configured to update and scan your computer at regular intervals. Make sure your operating system is set to update automatically too.
- PC stands for ‘Personal computer’, where ever possible try to keep control of what happens to it and what is down loaded on to your computer.
- Programs that promise to fix all your computers problems and or make it run faster in just three clicks will not work! Be sure to remove tool bars that you didn't ask for, want or need.
How to keep your computer running at it's best Some general tips and advice to help keep your computer running at it's best.
If you have a PC infected with a virus File Genie can help you sort it out, but the question is how I can protect myself from getting it in the first place? Sorry but there is no definitive answer to this, but here is some good solid advice and guidelines for you.
Viruses can often find their way on to your system via e-mail attachments. Common malicious emails include massages from banks that you don’t bank with, banks that you do bank with but are still fake. Shipping companies and all manner of random senders often but not always... offering you the world or threatening/ warning at the end of it. Best not to open the email at all but defiantly do NOT open any attachments. If you don’t open an email and it was important the sender will find a way to contact you. Keep your operating system up to date. This will install the latest security patches onto your PC. This is easy to do and for the most part can be set to update automatically. Downloading pirated software, music, or movies can invite all sorts of nasties on to your PC and although this may seem cheap you will pay more in the end! Make sure you have a good and up to date antivirus program installed and running on your PC. Set it to scan at least once a week. There are some very good free antivirus programs available such as AVG or Avast in addition to some fairly inexpensive paid programs. All this can sound like a bit of a phaf but once you have made it part of your routine it will serve you well and help keep you safe and virus free. Well, since my last post Microsoft has realised.... wait for the catchy name... Windows 8.1 update 1 (not 8.1.1 or 8.2, far too easy) but that said, there were some very handy tweaks. Firstly if you are using a traditional size laptop or monitor screen, then this latest incarnation will boot up into the more familiar desktop view rather than the tile-based menu. Thankfully, secondly they have reinstated the 'X' in the upper-right corner to close things without all that clicking and dragging palaver. As I mentioned in an earlier post 'So is Microsoft Windows 8.1 really that bad?', the power button was previously a bit of a mystery but now prominently placed at the top of the Metro screen. One of the more innovative features of Windows 8 is the 'Child Account' and 'Family Safety'. This can be set to compile a weekly report so that you can better protect your children. As you can tell I do like Windows 8 and with the sad passing of XP, Windows 8 is the now, and as Microsoft seem to be listening to its customers and seem hell bent on improving it, Windows 8 is the future! |
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