Prescription For a Healthy Computer
Best Practices for Computer Maintenance and Operation
A Compilation Project
April 23, 2007
Best Practices Definition
A best practice is a technique or methodology that, through experience and research, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result.
In our case, it is Home Computer Maintenance procedures which make the task easier with predictable results
Purpose of the Presentation
Encourage everyone handle more maintenance tasks on their own computer
Make tasks easy to do by describing the steps to do them
Recommend the tools to use
Use Best Practices recommended by Computer Club Mentors
Notes
This presentation will only be an overview of some of the procedures
Step by step procedures will be provided in the Club archives version but not included in this presentation
These procedures will evolve over time as more Best Practices are identified
These apply only to Windows XP
1. Remove all Unnecessary Programs and Data
Consider programs no longer needed
Consider all temporary files
Why is it good to eliminate them?
They occupy space on hard drive
Slow down Defragmentation process
Slow down access to the hard drive
What files can be eliminated
Temporary Internet Files
Downloaded program Files
Unneeded Program Files
Temporary Windows files
Obsolete personal files
Recycle Bin
Deleted E Mail in Deleted Items Folder
Removal Process
Uninstall unneeded programs through Add/Remove Programs in the Control panel or programs Uninstall program
Use Microsoft Disk Cleanup found in Properties of Local Hard Drive
Use CCleaner to remove unnecessary files
2. Malware Detection and Removal
Prevent viruses or spyware from corrupting your Programs or Data Files
Prevent viruses from infecting friends, neighbors or family through E Mail
Prevent viruses or spyware from slowing or stopping your computer
Solution to the Problem
Install Malware detection and removal programs
Mentors recommend several free programs
For Viruses AVG Free version 7.5
For spyware Spybot 1.4
For Adware Adaware SE Personal
Other purchase programs are also available
3. Speedup Your Computer
Remove Disk Indexing on all hard drives
Cut size of Temporary Internet Files
Cut System Restore save area
Cut size of Recycle Bin
4. Block Hackers from Your Computer
Critical for Cable and DSL internet connections which are always on
Can steal your personal information
Can use your computer to propagate robots to take over other computers or infect them
Can corrupt your computer
Solution to the Problem
Add a Firewall program
Windows XP firewall will suffice
If you have a Router with a built in hardware firewall, that will suffice
Can have both a hardware and software firewall installed
Zonealarm has a free version as well
5. Protect Yourself Against a Crash
All computer hardware is subject to failures
Need to be able to restore if computer crashes and hard drive data is lost
Unintentional deleting of needed files
No need to backup programs if have source media (CD or floppy or can download)
What to Backup
My Documents
Favorites or Bookmarks
Address Book
E mail
Pictures, Music, Videos, etc
Other personal data files
Backup strategies
Can save data files like My Documents on CD, DVD, hard drive
Can save a full image of the hard drive on a second hard drive
Can save full copy of files plus incremental backups
6. Clean Up Startup
Remove excess programs on startup
Slows down computer boot up
tie up RAM, slowing all other programs
Remove by running MSConfig
7. Keep Windows and Other Programs Up-To-Date
Correct Security holes
Correct other program bugs
Get the latest features in newest version
Update Process
Make Windows Updates automatically downloaded
You can control what gets installed by manually choosing
Allow other programs to automatically or manually update
Which Programs
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Office & Works
Virus checker, spyware and adware programs need to update definitions of threats and their removal procedures
Other applications such as Adobe Reader, QuickTime, Real player, etc.
8. Lock Down Your Wireless Network
Drive bys or neighbors can tap into your network if unsecured
Choose between several levels of encryption WPA2 being highest
Need to access your router to change the parameters
9. Use the Limited Account
Administrative Account gives full access to the computer
Using it means malware can install itself
Using Limited Account blocks installation of malware and other parameter changes
10. Defragment Hard Drive
Puts scattered parts of files together
Speeds up access to files
Reduce wear & tear on hard drive
Use Microsoft Windows Defragmenter
Schedule based on change activity
Lots of changes require more frequent defrags
Preparation for Defrag & Scandisk
Set Screen Saver = none
Unplug Cable/DSL modem
Set system standby = never
Set monitor/hard drive turn off = never
Anything that writes to hard drive restarts the process
11. Scan Emails, attachments and downloads
E Mails, attachments and downloads can contain malware
Virus program should be set to scan incoming e-mails automatically
Save attachments and downloads to desktop and scan before opening
12. Block Spam from Your Computer
Spam e mails are junk unsolicited advertising E mails that are unwanted
They change e mail addresses constantly to avoid detectors
If they come from same sender or have same words included, Outlook Express can implement message rules to delete them or can block sender
Future Plans
This set of Best Practices will be discussed in the May Mentors meeting
Changes may be incorporated based on that discussion
This presentation will be added to Meeting Archives
Step by step procedures will be added
Conclusion
Following these steps will:
Reduce system crashes
Speed up boot up process
Speed up computer operation
Cut down hard drive activity
Be prepared for problems