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Keeping our computer running is critical.
With a car, we must change the oil every 3,000 miles to keep it running.
A computer is no different.
Below is our 10-step plan for keeping our computers
running "clean" and smoothly:
Step 1: Backup, Backup, Backup!
For detailed information on this step, read our article on backups! Click here!
Step 2: Update Your Virus Definitions
If you do not already have a good virus protection software, check out our Security page, click here!
Step 3: Ignore Virus Hoaxes
Hoaxes are popular these days, because they are spread by FEAR. A hoax is an e-mail, which someone sends out to a large group that tells them to delete a file on their computer. It goes on to say that the file is a virus and no anti-virus program can find it. If you are unsure about anything, always consult a computer technician prior to deleting any file.
Two of the more popular Hoaxes involve Teddy Bears that are icons on our computers. One is for Windows 98, the jdbgmgr.exe file. The other is for Windows XP, the setdebug.exe file. Both are non-critical files to our computers, so deleting them is not life-threatening. But ignore the hoaxes anyways.
Step 4: Run Disk Cleanup
A very helpful tool under Programs/Accessories/System Tools is the Disk Cleanup Tool. It is a one-stop, all-in-one system cleaner and takes care of many things. Make sure to Check 'Downloaded Program Files', 'Temporary Internet Files', 'Recycle Bin', and 'Temporary Files'. Then click OK to delete, and Yes to confirm deletion of these extra files. Note: Windows XP has other items to choose from, but they are not necessary.
Step 5: Delete Temporary Internet Files (Automate)
When you visit a web site, the pictures and files are transferred from the web server to your Temporary Internet Files folder. Thus, the more sites you visit, the more space you take up on your computer. Typically, you are using Netscape, Internet Explorer, or another browser to surf the web.
| Netscape 7 |
Under Edit/Preferences, click on Advanced/Cache. Here, click Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache to eliminate the Temporary Internet Files.
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| Internet Explorer 6 |
Click on Tools/Internet Options. Under Temporary Internet Files on the General Tab at the top, click Delete Files and OK.
To Automate this...
Click on Tools/Internet Options. Under the Advanced Tab at the top, scroll down to Security. Check the boxes "Empty Temporary Internet Files when browser is closed" and "Do not save Encrypted Files to disk" (for added security). Then click OK.
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Step 6: Delete The Files in Our Recycle Bins
Step 7: Delete Email Messages in Our Trash Bins
Step 8: Run ScanDisk Periodically
Step 9: Run Disk Defragmenter Periodically
Step 10: Keep Your Computer Systems Up-To-Date
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