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This
month, we continue with the remainder of our ‘Top Ten Tips’ for looking
after your computer:
6. Cleanup
your disk:
As you perform tasks on your computer (like browsing the internet), a
trail of ‘temporary’ files are left behind, so your computer can access
your information faster the second time around. Unfortunately, these
are often not cleaned up again and the pile of temporary files grows
bigger, taking up valuable space on your hard disk. The easy way to
delete these (without deleting something important by mistake) is with
Microsoft’s Disk Cleanup program. In Windows XP you can find it under
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. We
recommend you run this once a month.
7. Defragment
your disk:
How does your paper filing cabinet look? Is everything logically stored
and labeled, or it is messy, with documents stuffed in wherever you
could find room? You’d agree that it’s much quicker to retrieve
documents from a tidy filing cabinet. The physical storage of files on
your computer can get messy too, slowing down the time it takes to open
them. Microsoft’s Disk Defragmenter program literally tidies up the
‘fragments’ of your files, much like tidying your filing cabinet. In
Windows XP you can find it under Start > All Programs > Accessories >
System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. We recommend you run this once a
month too, after your Disk Cleanup.
8.
Remove & prevent dust:
A serious, hidden danger lurks in the room with your computer – dust.
Just like a blanket, even a thin layer of dust inside your computer
causes heat to build up which can cause permanent damage to your
computer’s vital internal components.
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Do not place your
computer directly onto carpet - it will suck up carpet fibres and dust.
Check the outside of your computer case and brush off any dust from the
fan grills (with your computer turned off!. If they are looking
particularly dirty, call your local Computer Troubleshooter – they can
clean the dust from the components inside your case too.
9. Upgrade your
hardware:
As technology advances, new software programs require more computing
power. Asking your old computer to perform new tricks could place too
much strain on it. You may have an option to upgrade individual
components rather than buy a whole new computer. Consider upgrading
your computer’s memory, hard disk or processor to speed things up and
handle your new software. Your local Computer Troubleshooter can advise
if this is a cost-effective option for you.
10. Address
little problems before they become big ones:
If you notice a minor problem with your computer, call your local
Computer Troubleshooter. It can be significantly more cost-effective to
fix a minor problem straight away, than waiting for it to compound and
then require major work. Keep a log book to record the details of any
problems, including what you were doing at the time and the exact
wording of error messages. This can help speed-up our troubleshooting
process, as we follow your trail of ‘clues’ to help us determine the
source of the problem.
Call your local Computer Troubleshooter to discuss how these tips can
help in your particular situation.
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