Taking steps to keep your computer clean, well-maintained, and secure is a good idea for a number of reasons: Keeping it cool, dry, and clean on the outside can help prevent performance problems on the inside; keeping it "clean" on the inside can help you gain back valuable speed and space; keeping it secure can help you reduce your vulnerability to online dangers.
Keep it cool, dry & clean on the outside Keep it clean on the inside Keep it secure
KEEP IT COOL, DRY & CLEAN ON THE OUTSIDE:
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Keep your computer in a controlled environment. Computers do best in a cool (60-75 degrees F), dry, dust-free environment, out of direct sun.
Remove dust buildup to avoid overheating that may make your computer behave erratically or even burn out a component. Before you clean, the computer must be turned turn off. Then, vacuum the keyboard and case openings with a soft brush attachment (vacuuming when the computer is on can generate static electricity that can destroy it). Also, remove and wash the ball in the mouse or track ball. Tape can be used to remove deposits from rollers.
Clean your screen. A soft, lint-free cloth can be used to dust off the monitor. If there are fingerprints or other substances, use a bit of non-ammoniated glass cleaner, and spray the cloth, not the monitor.
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KEEP IT "CLEAN" ON THE INSIDE:
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Remove unneeded programs. Look at your program list in Windows "Add or Remove Programs" Control Panel, or Mac OS's Applications folder, and uninstall those you don't use anymore; just be careful not to remove programs you don't recognize, particularly Windows or MAC OS system programs, as that could cause your applications to malfunction.
Find and delete unnecessary files. You may have folders full of files you no longer use that can be removed. But, as with programs, keep any files you don't recognize, particularly Windows or MAC OS system files, which are needed to keep your computer running properly.
Run Microsoft's maintenance tools: Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, and ScanDisk. This can speed up your computer by finding and fixing errors. Generally, you should run Disk Cleanup about once per month, and less if you have a large amount of space (>20GB) left your hard drive. Run Disk Defragmenter about once a month; it will do ScanDisk itself as a first step (do ScanDisk separately if you get any mysterious errors reading files). To learn more, check your manual or the Microsoft Web site for help with Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, and ScanDisk.
Regularly empty the recycle or trash bin and delete temporary Internet files. This will recover hard drive space. If you're running low on disk space (say, less than 5 GB), you can also reduce the amount of space your computer allocates to the bin and Internet files in the first place. To learn how, check your operating system's Help manual or Web site.
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KEEP IT SECURE:
General security
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Regularly upgrade your operating system, web browser and other key software, such as bug fixes and security enhancements. Every program has its own means of updating with varying degrees of automation. For Windows, run Windows Update from the Start Menu; for Macintosh, go to the Software Update Control Panel. For other programs, check for manufacturers' update instructions or web downloads online.
Regularly back up personal files. This safeguards your data in case of a security problem. Consider using a plug-in external hard drive as your main or backup storage, so that if the computer becomes disabled, you'll already have your files off the machine.
And don't forget the surge protector. It not only protects your equipment, but it's an easy way to save on "standby power"- the energy that many electrical appliances consume even after you hit their off switch. Turning off the surge protector cuts the electricity supply to everything, including the standby power. But be sure to shut down the computer normally first.
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For Consumer Reports latest information on Internet threats and how to stay safe online, click here.
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