Computer Maintenance Guidelines

You may not realize it, but your computer and your car have something in common: they both need regular maintenance. No, you don't need to change your computer's oil. But you should be updating your software, keeping your antivirus subscription up to date, and checking for spy ware. Read on to learn what you can do to help improve your computer's security.

Getting started

Here are some basics maintenance tasks you can do today to start improving your computer's security. Be sure you make these part of your ongoing maintenance as well.

* Sign up for software update e-mail notices. Many software companies will send you e-mail whenever a software update is available. This is particularly important for your operating system (e.g., Microsoft or Macintosh), your antivirus program, and your firewall.
* Register your software. If you still have registration forms for existing software, send them in. And be sure to register new software in the future. This is another way for the software manufacturer to alert you when new updates are available.
* Install software updates immediately.
When you get an update notice, download the update immediately and install it. (Remember, downloading and installing are two separate tasks.)
An ounce of prevention

A few simple steps will help you keep your files safe and clean.

* Step 1: Update your software
* Step 2: Backup your files
* Step 3: Use anti virus software and keep it updated
* Step 4: Change your passwords

Developing ongoing maintenance practices

Now that you've done some ground work, it's time to start moving into longer term maintenance tasks. These are all tasks that you should do today (or as soon as possible) to get started. But for best results, make these a part of a regular maintenance schedule. I recommend setting aside time each week to help keep your computer secure.

* Back up your files. Backing up your files simply means creating a copy of your computer files that you can use in the event the originals are lost. (Accidents can happen.) To learn more read our tips for backing up information.

* Scan your files with up to date antivirus software. Use your antivirus scan tool regularly to search for potential computer viruses and worms. Also, check your antivirus program's user manual to see if you can schedule an automatic scan of your computer. To learn more, read our tips for reducing your virus risk.

* Change your passwords. Using the same password increases the odds that someone else will discover it. Change all of your passwords regularly to reduce your risk. Also, choose your passwords carefully. To learn more, read our tips for creating stronger passwords.

Making a schedule

One of the best ways to help protect your computer is to perform maintenance regularly. To help you keep track, I suggest making a regular "appointment" with your computer. Treat it like you would any other appointment. Record it in your datebook or online calendar, and if you cannot make it, reschedule. Remember, you are not only helping to improve your computer, you are also helping to protect your personal information.

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Computer Viruses - Where They Come From & How to Protect Your Computer

Back in the 90's, it was relatively safe to surf the Internet without the concern of contracting a computer virus. Today as many as 2,000 new viruses or malicious software (malware) invade the Internet on a daily basis. These computer malware are know by various terms, such as, viruses, trojan's, spyware, worms, hijackers, rootkits, etc. Malware can interfere with your computer productivity, monitor your Internet activity, steal your logins and passwords, and even destroy your Windows operating system. This can leave you with a computer that is unusable. These Internet attacks are a form of Internet terrorism and unfortunately, all computers are a potential target and need to be protected.

How can a virus get on my computer? One very common way is through email attachments and email links. These email can be addressed from an unknown sender or someone you know and trust. How is that, you ask? Although a friend or family member would not intentionally send you a virus, their infected computer can use their email address list to send out infected email. If you're not expecting an attachment, sometimes it's wiser not to click on it. If there is an Internet link in the email, hover the mouse over the link and read the link address in the lower left of the email message to see where it is going to take you. When in doubt, don't click on the link, as it might take you to an infected website.

The majority of the viruses and spyware, we remove, are contracted by downloading free music, movies, software and games, using what is called, a P2P or peer-to-peer program. There are 20+ free P2P programs that exist, such as, Limewire, Ares, uTorrent, BitTorrent, and eMule, to name just a few. When you use a P2P to download free "stuff", you might be downloading "free" viruses too. In addition, a P2P program allows others access to your computer to upload what you have downloaded. If you have one of these P2P programs on your computer, we recommend uninstalling it while your computer is still healthy. If your not sure you have a P2P installed, give us a call. Computer PC Medic's Fort Collins computer repair technicians can remove any P2P's and all malware.

WARNING: If you see message boxes, of unknown origin, soliciting a response from you or a new antivirus scanner on your desktop, DO NOT click on any messages or buy any antivirus products from it. Your computer is being compromised and is at the beginning of the infection process. Turn your computer off and call your favorite computer repair technician.

Hello, I'm Dan Ruffolo and the owner/operator of Computer PC Medic ( http://www.ComputerPcMedic.com ), a computer repair company, in Fort Collins, Colorado. We offered computer repair services and training to homes, students and small businesses in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor and Greeley. - Dan -

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The Future of the Personal Computer

What do you think the future of the personal and business computer will be? Things have moved on at such a pace over the last decade and this is set to continue in the next few years. Competition is as fierce is ever with the computer companies thinking of new interesting ideas to offer to the market on a monthly basis. In this article I will be giving my opinions on the future of computers.

I have owned a personal computer for the last eleven years. We now have one main computer and two laptops in our household. My fourteen year old step-daughter spends a great deal of time on her laptop. She completes her homework and sources information on the internet. She also enjoys communicating with her friends on sites like facebook, msn messenger and myspace.

I have a number of websites and also promote the sites of other webmasters; I therefore also spend a large amount of my time on the computer.

I was thinking earlier today that I would love to be able to tune into the television on my personal computer. In this day and age I am amazed that this is not available, I think that it will be in the future. I am aware that you are able to buy an add on to make this possible but just think it should be available on all computers as standard. It should be as easy as connecting to the internet.

I think that within the next ten years people will be making the majority of their phone calls via their computers, using a microphone or head phones, they will be watching television on their computers, they will be controlling the lights, heating and other household appliances through their p.c. Basically the computer will be an even more integral part of one's life than it is today, I can not wait for it to happen.

Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including: stuttering and cheaper line rental

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