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PC Maintenance

• Install and Update an Anti-Virus Program
• Check your disks for errors
• Defragment your disks
• Clean your floppy drive
• Clean your CD-ROM drive
• Clean your mouse
• Vacuum out the air vents in the case
• Always shut down Windows before turning off the power
• Backup your data regularly
• Keep a system log
• Always use a surge suppresser

Install and Update an Anti-Virus Program

Why: Computer viruses can destroy not only your installed programs, but can also destroy your data. If you have complete and up-to-date backups, you can restore your data, but it can take much time and effort to clean the system and restore it to its previous configuration. Even if nothing is damaged, it will take time to disinfect your computer (and any infected floppy disks).

How: There are many good anti-virus programs on the market. The certification to look for is the National Computer Security Association (NCSA) Certification. Our personal recommendation for an anti-virus program is Symantec's Norton Antivirus. In addition to installing the program, you need to ensure it is updated weekly. Norton's provides you with a Live Update button that enables you to download the latest virus definitions with the click of a mouse. There is also a setting within the program that allows the user to automatically download new definitions each time they are released by the company.

Most vendors provide free updates to their products. As new viruses are being found constantly, an out-of-date anti-virus program can be just as bad as having none.

We carry Norton's here in the store. Any other products can be ordered at your request.

When: Updated Weekly

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Check your disks for errors

Why: Errors occasionally happen in the file and directory systems. If they are not found and corrected, they can grow and can potentially disable a system. By checking for these errors periodically and keeping records of when they are found, they can be repaired and trends can be identified.

How: Scandisk is a program provided by Microsoft with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, and recent versions of DOS. Scandisk will check your disk drives for errors. If errors are found, it will allow you to repair them, at the same time possibly warning you that your hard drive may be nearing the end of its life. Here's how:

For those with Windows 98 or Windows ME:

For Windows XP:

When: At least monthly or anytime you have corrupt data or erratic system behavior At least once a year, you should change the type of scan to thorough.

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Defragment your disks

Why: When your computer saves files to your hard drive, it tries to save the entire file in one place, but for various reasons, sometimes this is not possible. When parts of a file are saved in several places, the file is said to be fragmented. When a file is fragmented, it takes your computer longer to access it than when it is not. When many files are fragmented, your computer may slow down noticeably.

How: Fortunately, DOS , Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME, come with a Disk Defragmenter, which puts the files back together, defragmenting the drive. Here's how:

For those using Windows 98 or Windows ME:

For Windows XP:

When: Monthly or anytime performance slows.

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Clean your floppy drive

Why: Floppy disk drives operate in much the same fashion as cassette tape recorders. Over time, the heads which read and write information to the disk become dirty, causing slow disks, errors, and possible ruining disks. By cleaning your drive, you can avoid many problems and prolong the life of you floppy drive.

How: There are many cleaning discs available to clean floppy drives. We recommend any computer owner to purchase one. As each product is different, follow the instructions enclosed.

When: Yearly, or more often if you use your floppy drive often.

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Clean your CD-ROM drive

Why: Much like floppy drives, the lens on your CD-Rom reader can become dirty. This has much to do with how clean you keep your CD's.

How: There are several products which will clean your CD-Rom lens, and many which will clean your CD's. Though these are not really must-have items, if your CD's are dirty, or you start having problems reading your disks, they might be a good investment. We can help you with the applicable product required. Pop in and talk to one of our knowledgeable sales team.

When: As needed

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Clean your mouse

Why: The rubber-coated ball found in most mice is designed for traction, but it has the side-effect of being very efficient at picking up dirt form your workplace and depositing it on the rollers inside the mouse. A mouse pad is an excellent way to slow this process (but only if the pad itself is kept clean), but with time, almost all mice get dirty rollers.

How: Here's how to clean most mice (may vary by model):

Before cleaning your mouse, disconnect it from your computer to eliminate the chance of electric shock.

When: As needed

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Vacuum out the air vents in the case

Why: Heat is one of your computer's worst enemies. There are generally one or more cooling fans in the case which are designed to circulate air around the components and keep them cool and functioning efficiently. When dust builds up around the air vents, heat can build up and slow your computer and shorten it's life.

How: Any air holes in the case should be vacuumed out to remove dust. The case can also be removed and the inside of the case can be vacuumed out. This will remove the dust that falls and collects on the actual components and on the fan on the CPU.

When: Outside: Monthly
Inside: Yearly

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Always shut down Windows before turning off the power

Why: While Windows is working, it keeps open several important files. Shutting down properly gives Windows an opportunity to save these files. If it is not shut down, errors can occur in these files making Windows unstable, or recent changes could be discarded.

How: Windows 3.1: From Program Manager: File -> Exit.
Windows 95 and Windows 98: Start -> Shut Down

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Backup your data regularly

Why: In case of a hard drive failure, virus infection, or disaster that destroys your computer, your important data could be lost. The amount of time required to reproduce these files can be very high. If there is only one copy, they can possibly be irreplaceable. If there is a major catastrophe and you have a backup of your data, it is relatively simple to just reinstall the programs, restore the data, and continue working.

How: Microsoft has included a backup utility with its operating systems, called Backup. While this is functional, it is often easier to use the shareware program Winzip or any other file compression program to compress the backup onto floppies. If you have a very small amount of data, you can just copy it directly to floppies. Either method is fairly easy with all of the data in one directory, and becomes much more difficult when your data is spread throughout your hard drive.

When: Daily or monthly, depending on value and quantity of data

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Keep a system log

Why: In case you need to reinstall programs, it is easier if you have a record of what you had installed, what the serial numbers or passwords are, and what configuration changes you made to make the programs work best for you. If you have problems with your computer for which you need to call a consultant, the log could be helpful in identifying the exact cause of the problem.

How: Have a notebook near your computer where you note any programs you install, as well as any changes you make to the system configuration.

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Always use a surge suppressor

Why: The electricity coming out of the wall outlet is not always constant. If your computer is subjected to too much voltage delicate electronics can be destroyed. A surge suppressor, while not 100% guaranteed, will prevent major voltage spikes. For more bulletproof protection, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) should be used.

How: Surge suppressors are available here at the Memory Lane store. Ensure that you purchase a surge suppressor and not just a power strip, as power strips provide no electrical protection.

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