Take care of your PC, or it will make you crazy!
1. Backup Files
Before you begin cleaning up your computer, be sure to back-up all your important files and store it in a safe place. Online storage is becoming popular, as it keeps your files away from local harm (such as theft, fire, virus or power surge) and you can access them from anywhere in the world. Another reason: some services are free, such as Microsoft's Windows Live SkyDrive, which gives you up to 25GB of free password-protected storage per account. Recommended files to back up include your documents, irreplaceable photos and camcorder footage, important emails, address book and calendar, web bookmarks, and so forth.
2. Clean Clutter
After you back-up your important files, now it's time to decide what programs you no longer need. This should be pretty simple if you've never used a DVD burning program that shipped with your computer or a 4 year-old game you forgot about. Don't just delete the desktop icon, of course, but click Start, Control Panel and finally Uninstall a Program (or for older PCs, Add/Remove Programs). You should clear up a lot of hard drive space, and also clean up the icons on your desktop, so you can see your wallpaper again.
3. Defragging
"Defragging" is another way to help your computer operate faster with more stability. Click on the Start button and type "defrag" in the search box (or go to All Programs>Accessories> System Tools). Run the program and while it might take a while, you should notice a marked performance improvement when it's done. Because it's not recommended to use your computer while you're defragging, perhaps you'll want to start the process before you go out for lunch or before you go to bed (but turn off your monitor to conserve electricity).
4. Update Software
The second-last step to whipping your PC into shape is to download the latest free software updates for your operating system (Start>All Programs>Windows Update) as these updates plug security holes and add functionality. Better yet, choose to enable automatic updates. Also be sure to download all the updates to your favorite programs – such as a web browser or media player – as they usually fix issues (like technical bugs) or add new features. There are often new updates for hardware accessories, too, such as a printer, monitor and webcam.
5. Use Protection
Finally, it's critical for PC users to have a good "anti-malware" solution which usually includes antivirus and antispyware tools that can detect and remove online threats in real time. There are many free security software options available from CNET download.com. Once you start using one be sure to regularly check for updates (if it doesn't do it automatically) to ensure you're protected from the latest online threats.
1. Backup Files
Before you begin cleaning up your computer, be sure to back-up all your important files and store it in a safe place. Online storage is becoming popular, as it keeps your files away from local harm (such as theft, fire, virus or power surge) and you can access them from anywhere in the world. Another reason: some services are free, such as Microsoft's Windows Live SkyDrive, which gives you up to 25GB of free password-protected storage per account. Recommended files to back up include your documents, irreplaceable photos and camcorder footage, important emails, address book and calendar, web bookmarks, and so forth.
2. Clean Clutter
After you back-up your important files, now it's time to decide what programs you no longer need. This should be pretty simple if you've never used a DVD burning program that shipped with your computer or a 4 year-old game you forgot about. Don't just delete the desktop icon, of course, but click Start, Control Panel and finally Uninstall a Program (or for older PCs, Add/Remove Programs). You should clear up a lot of hard drive space, and also clean up the icons on your desktop, so you can see your wallpaper again.
3. Defragging
"Defragging" is another way to help your computer operate faster with more stability. Click on the Start button and type "defrag" in the search box (or go to All Programs>Accessories> System Tools). Run the program and while it might take a while, you should notice a marked performance improvement when it's done. Because it's not recommended to use your computer while you're defragging, perhaps you'll want to start the process before you go out for lunch or before you go to bed (but turn off your monitor to conserve electricity).
4. Update Software
The second-last step to whipping your PC into shape is to download the latest free software updates for your operating system (Start>All Programs>Windows Update) as these updates plug security holes and add functionality. Better yet, choose to enable automatic updates. Also be sure to download all the updates to your favorite programs – such as a web browser or media player – as they usually fix issues (like technical bugs) or add new features. There are often new updates for hardware accessories, too, such as a printer, monitor and webcam.
5. Use Protection
Finally, it's critical for PC users to have a good "anti-malware" solution which usually includes antivirus and antispyware tools that can detect and remove online threats in real time. There are many free security software options available from CNET download.com. Once you start using one be sure to regularly check for updates (if it doesn't do it automatically) to ensure you're protected from the latest online threats.