Computer Maintenance Tips

Computer Maintenance Checklist

At system setup

1. Install a surge suppressor/emergency shutdown power strip
2. Register your software products
3. Schedule automated updates
4. Read the maintenance section of your manual
5. Set up your email to auto-archive older messages
6. Install anti virus software
7. Install anti-advertising software
8. Put your software drivers in a pocket sleeve 3 ring binder

Weekly

1. Run a disk scan to check for hard drive issues
2. Run a defragmentation program
3. Run a clean up to delete unneeded files
4. Back up your files to a remote location
5. Empty your recycle bin
6. Delete your Internet files
7. Clear your browsing history
8. Delete your cookies
9. Update your virus definitions
10. Run a full virus scan

Monthly

1. Check for updates
2. Delete/uninstall unneeded or unused programs

Quarterly

1. Clean your keyboard
2. Clean your monitor
3. Clean your peripherals
4. Rebuild your desktop
5. Change all your passwords

Yearly

1. Renew your software update and anti virus subscriptions