Maintain your PC Tutorials:

Adware/Spyware | Defrag | Microsoft Updates | Norton Updates | Add/Remove Programs |

Links:

• Information Technology
• Technology Policies
• Illinois College

 

Maintaining a Healthy Computer

Maintaining your computer is essential to keep it running smoothly and healthy for years. Without routine maintenance a computer becomes sluggish and can wear out much faster. Computer maintenance does not have to be troublesome. It is just a matter of scheduling.

 

 

Adware/Spyware· What is adware? Software that is installed on your computer by a remote site. It is usually installed when visiting a site that uses banners and pop-ups. Adware also installs itself when you download a free program or feature (i.e. toolbars). Users browsing habits or information are then reported to a third party. Adware is supported by advertising. Once adware is installed it may continue to generate ads when you are no longer visiting their site (i.e. popups) This is done without your knowledge or permission.	Defrag · What is defrag? Defrag is short for defragment and is a function built into Windows. It is the process of rearranging the files of your hard disk in a continuous way. Defrag puts all the pieces of one file together in the same location. Your hard disk is one of the few parts of your computer with moving parts. The more defragmented the hard disk becomes the more the arm has to move. The sooner the hard drive wears out.
Microsoft Updates · What are windows updates? Windows updates are created by Microsoft to correct problems and compatibility issues with Microsoft products such as Windows, Word, Excel, etc.	Norton Antivirus · Why should I check to make sure Norton is updating? Keeping your virus definitions up-to-date ensures that your computer is safe from virus attack. Since new viruses are created daily, new virus blockers must also be created. To keep your computer safe, your computer needs to know how to stop the new viruses.
Add/Remove Programs · What is Add/Remove Programs? Add/Remove programs is a function built into Windows to help the user get rid of programs they no longer need/use and to install new programs.	True Life Examples · How do I know maintenance is worth scheduling? Read these true life examples of the effect routine, or lack of, computer maintenance can have.