Computer Maintenance Overview
Also see: System Mechanic by iOlo for optimal system performance maintenance.
Home Computer Maintenance - Tips and Guidelines
Arthur K. Burditt III, CheckWithArthur.Com
This outline material is drawn from notes I used in teaching computer maintenance to group classes.
These notes cover various tips, tools and best practices to get the best possible performance from your home computer.
I have posted it here for use by my computer help customers in identifying areas they may want help.
CLASS 1 of 2
I. Make friends with experts - Introductions:
Instructor – 25+ years’ experience using home computers and helping offices and home computer users learn and deal with computer systems
Class members (10)
Friends, neighbors, computer user clubs
II. Tap the FAQs and Tech Support – E.g., Microsoft, Dell, HP
Applies to computers in general but we will consider our topics today in a Windows framework.
Computer consists of your computer hardware and work area, its operating system, software installed on your computer, and other local, network or internet (cloud) devices and resources
Computer maintenance means keeping your Windows computer running smoothly:
Longevity – Maximizing its useful lifetime
Reliable operation – Avoiding failures to operate
Efficiency – Enhancing performance at satisfactory levels
III. Work Location – Arranging computer equipment and surrounding space
Easy-to-see with indirect lighting, away from direct sunlight
Dust-free area
Magnetically and electrically neutral
Surge-protected – by hardware and flooring
Cleaning, kits, and static – Prevention and precaution
Well-ventilated port, cable, drive and fan areas
Accessible back-space, side-space
Comfortable sitting space, foot room, accommodations
Adequate surface and shelf space
USB cable extenders and hubs
Solid support surface for printer
Computer desk features – Wheeled, open-back
IV. Computer Use Times
Reasonable periods of continuous use
Periodic log-offs, restarts and shutdowns
Normal shutdown practices
On-time for security, maintenance, backup and update cycles
Update schedules – start-ups, restarts and start-up delays
Allowance for storm times
V. Log-in Access – User Controls (Control Panel / Settings)
Default or Admin account or identity – Password-controlled, Admin privileges, generally clean of software installations, generally clean of user files
Primary User – Typically “self” by Name – Password-controlled, Admin privileges
Guest – Generally NO password, NO Admin privileges
Other Users / Family Users – May set up individual log-in with or without password, but generally NO Admin privileges
VI. Organizing, Managing and Locating your files
Windows Explorer / File Explorer – Learn its features
Use Folders and Sub-folders according to your needs
Left-Right Pane familiarity, folder expansion
Cut, Copy, Paste, Move, Drag-drop / CTL, Menu, R-click
Options: View Type; Show extensions
User folder (Libraries) versus general C:\ drive folders
Option – Indexing available to include file text content
CLASS 2 of 2
VII. Reference – “For the record” Notebook Log – E.g. Spiral or steno
License codes and serial numbers
Passwords clearly identified by purpose
Software installations, versions and purchase details
Device installations and purchase details
Set-up, Setting or other technical specifications
Log significant upgrades and repairs
Contact and source information
Reminders and questions for action or follow-up
VIII. Windows system maintenance tools
Routine operating system maintenance – some automatic
Defragmenting
Check Disk (incl. hard shutdown situations)
Recycle Bin
IE Temporary Internet Files
System Restore points
Safe software removal –
Control Panel – Programs and Features (Windows Uninstall – versus “Delete”, versus proprietary Uninstall)
Program list View
Uninstall delayed refresh
Update removals – e.g. IE 11
Safe hardware removal versus simple unplug
IX. Security & Utility Programs
Anti-virus - Anti-malware – Choosing a software
Microsoft Security Essentials / Windows Defender
Competitive Productions – E.g. AVG, Avast
Security & Utility Suites – E.g. Kapersky, Norton, McAfee
Malware programs – E.g. Malwarebytes
System and registry clean-up – Generally available with a Microsoft-listed competitor as part of a software suite
Never install a program of this kind or any kind in reponse to a an unexpected pop-up screen
X. Recommended backup and storage precautions
Security precautions and breach handling
Know the look of your AVS and follow suggested action when Threat is discovered
In case of a freeze-up requiring hard re-boot, use F8 to restart into Safe mode, check Program and Start-up lists, then consider Check Disk, Delete Temp IE, System Restore
Data back-up, restoration and access
Minimum: Copy User Folder to a flash drive regularly
Personal practice: Use service like Carbonite – Save User files to Cloud, and save a Mirror Image to local external hard drive
Alternatives: Windows Backup/Restore, OneDrive, and various Cloud space vendors offer comparable safeguard solutions – Always keep your access information for backups and restores available somewhere in hardcopy
XI. Software Combinations
Duplicative and competing software installations
Ensure that only one program is active for any one of these functions - AV, Malware, Firewall, Clean-up, Registry
Browsers and other programs or Apps correspond 1:1 with file extensions – controlled through file type association settings
Unsafe sites and unsafe protection
Active AV and Malware software should guard against most risks associated with unsafe sites and executables
Drive-by's –
Risky or annoying software associated with installation of many Apps, Extensions, Toolbars
Malware and junkware installed as drive-by’s may cause undesirable computer symptoms including
Block websites
Reroute to unwanted websites
Slow performance and load on computer operation
Self-flagging as target through online connection
Deactivate and Uninstall
Deactivate through Task Bar and Task Manager
Uninstall through Control Panel
As a Rule, do NOT delete “Shared Files”
XII. Summary:
Make Friends to Share Know-How – E.g. Computer clubs
Tap Available FAQs and Tech Support Resources
Arrange a Good Work Location and Surrounding Space
Allow for Your Computer’s Own Maintenance Schedule
Limit User Access to Your Computer Controls
Allow Time to Organize and Manage Your Files
Keep a Reference Notebook to Log Technical Information
Know and Use the Regular Windows OS Maintenance Tools
Rely Upon Familiar Security & Utility Programs
Make Regular Back-Ups of Your User Files or Disk
Reduce Duplicative, Idle and Suspicious Software
Home Computer Maintenance - Tips and Guidelines
Arthur K. Burditt III – CheckWithArthur.Com
Class 1
Make Friends to Share Know-How – E.g. Computer clubs
Tap Available FAQs and Tech Support Resources
Arrange a Good Work Location and Surrounding Space
Allow for Your Computer’s Own Maintenance Schedule
Limit User Access to Your Computer Controls
Allow Time to Organize and Manage Your Files
Class 2
Keep a Reference Notebook to Log Technical Information
Know and Use the Regular Windows OS Maintenance Tools
Rely Upon Familiar Security & Utility Programs
Make Regular Back-Ups of Your User Files or Disk
Reduce Duplicative, Idle and Suspicious Software
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