1	PC Tune Up in 13 Uneasy Steps
2	It Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult Spend just a little time once a month, or break it down and do a few tasks each week Do not attempt this on a day when you are already frustrated, anxious, tired and cranky!
3	Don’t Forget! WRITE IT DOWN! Just last week I had a woman tell me she had JUST updated her virus definitions… when I got to her computer, she had 4 viruses and she had “just updated” in February- and this was MAY! I told her that “just updated” means THIS WEEK not 4 months ago! It helps to write it down… keep a notebook, write on your calendar or a post-it note!
4	Step 1: Update your Virus Definitions! JUST DO IT! I know that antivirus is supposed to update automatically. BUT if there is a problem, and you don’t check it yourself (at LEAST once a month, Even better- once a week!) then there is no one to blame! Grandkids or Children on your PC? Little fingers can accidentally change settings on antivirus programs and easily download things that look like “FUN!” Preventative Maintenance is the Key! ARE YOU UP TO DATE?
5	Step 2: Windows Updates What? Yes, you heard correctly. Windows Updates. Want to stop BUGS in Microsoft products? Want to Prevent Your PC from being vulnerable from Viruses? AT LEAST once a month, go to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and scan for updates… don’t forget updates to your office products at http://office.microsoft.com/OfficeUpdate/default.aspx
6	Step 3: Run ScanDisk Checks for bad sectors on your hard drive and then fixes those sectors so that data isn’t saved on them. Good Indication of the Health of your Hard Drive Usually Found Under Start, Programs, Accessories, “System Tools” (differs by Operating System) In XP to find Scandisk You must Enter My Computer Find your hard Drive (Usually C Drive) Right Click on the C Drive and Choose PROPERTIES- then go to the tools tab- on this tab the first Option is called ERROR CHECKING Choose CHECK NOW to scan your hard drive for errors.
7	Step 4: Run Defrag! Puts all of your files back into the correct locations instead of scattering them all over your hard drive. Whenever you move or delete files or programs, your drive becomes more fragmented Start Programs Accessories System Tools (except in XP) Where you will follow the same path as we previously discussed for Scandisk… but choose “Defragment Now” on your Tools Tab. Defragmented Hard Drive can cause performance issues such as slow opening and saving of files and program operation deteriorates.
8	Step 5: BACKUP your data! Start with the obvious- My Documents, My Pictures, etc. If you use OUTLOOK (not outlook express) you can download a free “add in” that backs up your calendar, contacts, and e-mail messages for you automatically Backup Quicken or MS Money Files, any other programs that you use that have files you may need in a PC emergency! Burn them to CD! (saving to floppy may not fit them all… you will have to use multiple floppies) You can also buy a USB Jump Drive that you can use to store backup files.
9	Step 6: CLEAN your Keyboard It may not make your PC run better, but then again, if there are Doritos or a paper clip under there… it just might! With your PC Off… Turn the keyboard upside-down over the garbage and tap on the back of the keyboard to remove foreign objects and dust Use Compressed Air to Remove Dust and Debris under the keys Use Alcohol wipes or alcohol on a cloth to wipe down and disinfect keys and areas between keys
10	Step 7: Clean Your Mouse! Remove the trackball from the back of the mouse Clean the trackball with a cloth and remove any dust and debris from mouse with compressed air or q-tip Replace trackball Clean exterior of mouse and mouse buttons/scroll wheel with alcohol pad or alcohol on a cloth
11	Step 8: Uninstall Old Programs! If you don’t use it DELETE IT! Excessive Downloaded programs can bog down your computer and take up space Go to Add/Remove Programs through Start; Control Panel
12	Step 9: Clean out Temporary Files Every photo and file that you view online is saved in your cache or temporary internet files and takes up space that can slow down internet performance. Clean out your temporary internet files weekly- In Internet Explorer, from the tools menu choose Internet Options. On the General Tab Click “DELETE COOKIES” and then “DELETE FILES” and “CLEAR HISTORY” these three buttons will remove cookies, temporary internet files, and the history of visited websites… and will improve your internet performance. Be sure to choose OK after deleting these files.
13	Step 10: Empty Recycle Bin After Deleting all of those files, it is a good idea to remove files from your recycle bin. If a file is still in your recycle bin, it is still on your PC and is still taking up disk space. You take your trash out at home every week… so don’t forget to empty your recycle bin!
14	Step 11: Get Rid of OLD e-mail messages Go through your inbox (outlook, eudora, netscape, outlook express) and get rid of e-mails that have been hanging around for way too long. Save attachments that you need to keep to you’re my documents or my pictures folder and then GET RID Of those old messages. Did you know that most e-mail programs (primarily outlook express and outlook) save ALL of the e-mail messages that you have deleted? And unless you have changed the settings of the e-mail program, they also save all of the messages you have SENT? Yikes! Check your Deleted Items Folder and your Sent Items Folder and GET RID of things that you do not need! Then move things that you want to keep into designated folders and remember to keep your trash clean! Change your settings to “Empty Deleted Items Upon Exiting”
15	Step 12- Detailing your PC Use Compressed Air or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from around your PC’s air vents (back and sometimes sides) clear papers and clutter from around your monitor and your PC’s air vents… let it breathe a little and prevent your PC from overheating!
16	Step 13: Ergonomics I want YOU to get WRIST RESTS! Can I say that any louder? YES you need them. Yes YOU! Spring for it. Take out a loan. No excuse will work. If you have Ever had carpal tunnel you will know that a wrist rest for your keyboard (AND YOUR MOUSE!) is priceless. Pay attention to your PC’s setup… do you have to crane your neck to see your monitor, is there room for your feet and legs? Do your wrists hit the edge of the desk as you type or mouse? Fix it, don’t ignore it.
17	GRAND FINALE!!