Follow this maintenance list to keep your PC working properly.

Keeping your PC running well does not have to be costly or time consuming. Here are the important things that most everyone can do to keep their PC running smoothly with minimal effort. Many users have told me that they have corrected computer problems just by doing the steps below and save money doing themselves!

Weekly-

Defrag - Fragmented files rob your system's performance Run Windows defrag tool. (Go to my computer, then right click your C drive and select properties. Click the "tools" tab and click "defragment Now". Run this once a week

Clear your cache - Temporary internet files build up on you computer. Have CCleaner remove everything from the IE and Caches.

Virus Scan - The best defense is to practice safe computing habits, but you should follow that up with a weekly scan using AVAST! or AVG which has a free version for home users. Many ISP's provide free anti-virus software to their customers also so you can also check you ISP's web site for free protection.

Spyware/Malware scan -Comodo BOClean and F-Secure BlackLight will keep your PC squeaky clean, but only if you update and run them often.

Monthly-

Full Backup - You should always back up important data to another location (not on the same hard drive). Use Windows XP's built in back up tool or vendor software such as Symantec's Norton Ghost.

Remove unused software - Clear some room on that hard drive. Uninstall unused app's and old games, and then scrub your system with a full CCleaner run.

Check system drivers - Updated drivers improve performance and enhance compatibility. Routinely look for driver updates on the vendors' web sites for your video card, sound card, chipset, and other components.

Clean Fans/Filter - Dust buildup inhibits airflow and can raise temperatures unnecessarily. This added heat can damage you PC. Blast those dust bunnies out with a shot of compressed air.

Check Hard Drives - Scan you disk for errors and correct them. (Go to my computer, then right click your C drive and select properties. Click the "tools" tab and in the Error-checking box click "Check Now" button. Then check the "Automatically fix file system errors" and click start . If the drive you are running it on is the root drive you will get a box asking if you want to schedule the disk check the next time you restart the PC. Say yes and that's it.

Bi-Annually/annually-

Check Coolant level - Air-cooling users need not bother, but water-cooling setups should be checked and topped off at least every six months.

Update Software - Only three things are certain - death, taxes and software patches. There are a bunch, and many are important. Keep you app's up to date. Use the Secunia software inspector button on the first computer page of this site to check your software.

Check wiring - Cables wiggle loose and dangling wires interfere with fan blades. Whenever you case is open, give you wires a good check and secure any loose fittings.

More help here!

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