Computer Maintenance

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Pardon us as we work on our fiber connection... "I'll find that T3 line yet... Don't worry about the radioactivity and fallout. I'm up wind of it."

 

Computer Troubleshooting and Maintenance Services

 

With over 17 years of experience in the computer support area, I have the knowledge to help you with your PC support challenges! I do provide consultation services. So if you need help with your desktops or laptops or installing new computers for your business, go to the "Contact Us" page for more information. I service the greater Cleveland, Ohio area.

I will provide a free basic consultation with you over the phone. From there we can determine what your issues are and how we can help solve them.

Computer Help Forums

Below you will fine some computer help forums that can assist you with help when you are trying to diagnosis your computer system. Most of the tips you will fine are good. But just beware of you are using them at your own risk.

 

 

Computer Maintenance Tips

Windows Vista Issues

Many people are having "challenges" when using Windows Vista. While Vista looks like XP in many ways, there are many changes that have been made in the background. Why? One main reason is Microsoft has tried to make it harder for hackers to do the following;

1. To install programs onto your computer from the Internet or from viruses without your knowledge.

2. To better protect your identity. People are having their identities stolen each day at an alarming rate. And the sad thing is, it is increasing. Now some of the larger police departments are creating a separate unit that only deals with this type of crime!

3. To protect you from unauthorized credit card charges.

 

For Windows Vista information, click on the link below.

For Windows 7 information, click on the link below.

 

 

Regular maintenance items for Windows XP or Vista

 

1. Disk Clean-up, perform once a month

It's important to clean up those temporary files on a regular basis. They can come from the Internet, suites like Microsoft Office, Wordperfect, etc. Cleaning up those unused files can free up to as much as 1 GB worth of hard drive space!

Go to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup. Note it will take longer for it to perform this action the first time you run it. But thereafter, the operation will take much less time.

 

2. Disk Defragmenter, perform once a month right after you run Disk Clean-up

This allows Windows to reorganize most of the files on the hard drive. By doing this, it will allow Windows to find and open your programs more quickly. You will usually see an increase in speed when booting up and when opening programs.

Go to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter. Note it will take longer for it to perform this action the first time you run it. But thereafter, the operation will take much less time.

 

3. Windows Updates

It's very important to make sure your computer is up to date regarding any patches that are needed. It will help keep your computer secure and possibly have it run more smoothly. If there are any available, they normally come out once a week on Tuesdays. To get the windows updates, open up Internet Explorer. Click on the "Tools" menu and pick "Windows Update."

 

4. Viruses, Malware, & Spyware

Kaspersky seems to be the best anti-virus, malware/spyware program available. Click the link below to go to this page for more information. No program will pick up all the virus malware/spyware that could make its way onto your computer. But Kaspersky is one of the best. I also recommend you get and install Malwarebytes. You can get it from download.com. A link to it is below.

 

 

5. Sleep or Hibernate mode

Windows has these features enabled to basically save energy. While that is a nice concept, there can cause problems while having these features enabled. They include the computer and/or program(s) hanging up when it tries to come out of one of the above mentioned modes. If you are experiencing these problems, consider turning them off in both the BIOS (CMOS) and in Windows.

 

6. Desktop Maintenance

Basically follow the above tips. As with any computer, don't try and move it unless it is off and the power is unplugged from the wall.

 

7. Laptop Maintenance

There are many more tips involving laptops. I've created a separate page for them. Click the link below for more information.