Simple steps to Maintain your System

James of RenoGeek is an expert in all phases of system maintenance on all types of computer systems. If your in the Reno area please feel free to call 775-313-1951 if you should need any help with the maintenance of your computer.

Here you will find some simple ways to help maintain the security and performance of your system. Please remember to do a full backup on your system and to create restore points for your computer before you start.

You may wish to bookmark or print this page before you start.

1. Make sure your system is up to date with all the latest patches from microsoft.

Go to the Windows Update Site and install any critical updates your system may need. Doing this helps makes sure your computer is protected from the latest threats to the Windows O/S.

2. Make sure your Anti-Virus Software is up to date and that it is doing full system scans on a daily basis.

If you do not already have a anti-virus program you can download AVG Free Edition Here.

3. Make sure you have 2 or more anti-spyware programs on your system.

No spyware scanner catches 100% of all spyware so running more then one scanner increases the chances of catching spyware on your system. You do not have to run both all the time but you should check for updates and do a full scan with each scanner at least once a month.

If you do not already have a scanner you can try both

Ad-aware Download Ad-Aware Free Edition here and Spybot Download Spybot here.

4. Browser Immunization.

Use a Browser Immunization program to help protect you while your surfing the net. Programs such as Spywareblaster keep a list of thousands of known malware websites and won't let your browser download spyware/malware from them.

Download SpywareBlaster here.

5. Clear the Junk out.

Over time the Windows Registry get full of junk from old data your system no longer needs. In addition to the registry other parts of your system also fill up with data that your system no longer needs or uses. A good cleaning program removes all this junk and helps Windows run fast again. One very popular program to remove all this junk is CCleaner. You can run this program about once a month to keep your system running along.

Download CCleaner here.

6. Defrag your Drives.

Over time all Windows based systems suffer from drive fragmentation. This is where your data gets scattered all over your hard drive and Windows takes more and more time to find it each time you ask for it. By defragging your drive at least 1 time a month you will help get your system speeding along.

To run defrag just click on "my Computer" then "right click" on the drive icon of the drive you wish to defrag...
Then click on "properites" and then on "tools" and then "Defragment Now".


7. Use System Restore.

Many problems start when programs are installed wrong or simply do not work, causing the system to become unstable. By using system restore before you install a new program you give yourself a easy way to return your system to the way it was if something goes wrong.

You can find system restore by clicking on "Help and Support" in the windows "Start" menu.

By taking the above steps your system should be more secure and run a bit faster and more smoothly.