| Steps | | | | Perform a scan disk operation. Periodically |
| | | | perform a scan disk to make sure that your |
| 1. | | | | files are all in working order. This scan |
| | | | should be performed about once a week. |
| Delete unused programs. They take up useful | | | | |
| memory. If you're a pack rat and just can't | | | | 6. |
| seem to part with these files, save them to | | | | |
| disk for future reference if needed. | | | | Defragment. Defragmenting your computer will |
| | | | guarantee that your files are organized and |
| 2. | | | | your computer is running at optimal speeds. |
| | | | This should be done at least once a month. |
| Use the Chameleon Startup Manager tool to | | | | |
| check which programs are starting at the boot | | | | 7. |
| time. Some common tools (Acrobat Reader, HP | | | | |
| printer driver, Java scheduler) have a nasty | | | | Use anti-spyware software. These programs can |
| habit to "call home" and check for updates. | | | | rid your computer of unwanted spyware, |
| You can uncheck those programs. If a program | | | | greyware, and malware. |
| is not immediately required upon Windows | | | | |
| start, you can specify a delayed startup (we | | | | 8. |
| recommend several minutes) or upon what | | | | |
| program this program should be started. | | | | Utilize anti-virus protection. If you can't |
| | | | afford an anti-virus program (or don't want |
| 3. | | | | one because of the negative effects it can |
| | | | have on your computer), simply conduct a free |
| Create system restore points regularly. Do | | | | online virus scan. Two of the most trusted |
| this at least once a week. If weaker viruses | | | | scans are TrendMicro and Panda. |
| are accidentally downloaded, the restore | | | | |
| point will ensure that your data is | | | | 9. |
| recoverable. | | | | |
| | | | Delete cookies and clear your cache after you |
| 4. | | | | sign off. These files are completely |
| | | | unnecessary, take up memory, and can allow |
| Create backup disks. Backup any files that | | | | spyware to invade your computer. |
| you use on a regular basis or files that are | | | | |
| updated frequently. In the unfortunate event | | | | Tips |
| of a hard drive crash, you won't panic about | | | | |
| lost work. | | | | * When downloading files onto your computer, |
| | | | always use caution and good sense. Do not |
| 5. | | | | download files from unknown senders or sites |
| | | | that you do not fully trust. |