Healthy Computer Habits


Your Hardware

• Turn off your computer once in awhile for a fresh restart.
• Disk Defragmenters boost up performances. Run them as needed.
• Keep your computer in a cooler, low dust area, as best as possible.
• Tip: Installing Memory is a simple most people can do themselves. Consult your manual.

Email, Internet, and the Web

• Refrain from opening email messages from strangers. It is strongly advisable to remove them promptly.
• Refrain from opening attachments which were not scanned for viruses first. Pay special attention to attachments coming with generic emails.
• If you receive a window popup claiming it is Antivirus software, inspect it carefully to make sure it is from the known vendor. If you are able to scan, detect, and schedule viruses and virus scans - great; otherwise we'll be glad to help.
• Use a proper Web Popup blocker to minimize unwanted advertisements and spy ware.

Virus Protection and Security

• Run Antivirus scan weekly and make sure all your incoming email is checked by it.
• Select Automatic Updates for your Antivirus.
• Refrain from installing unknown Freeware software. They mostly come with spy-ware baggage.
• Refrain from downloading any type of files (applications, documents, music etc.) from unknown domains.
• It is highly recommended to create a Login username\password and use a Firewall.
• If you do not need an Administrator privileges, refrain from becoming one.

File management and backup

• Backup your valuable data periodically. Consult us for best Backup and Restore options for your needs.
• Keep your backup data in a safe place. Refrain from saving it on the same computer you are copying the data from, floppies, etc.
• It is advisable to keep all files under "My Documents" folder.
• Keep your Desktop canvas uncluttered. Move as many "Program" icons and shortcuts such as Internet Explorer, Outlook or Quicken from the Desktop to you Quick Launch pad in your active task bar at the top of your computer.
• Organize your data taking advantage of File System features: create different folders for different categories. As recommended above, try to keep your folders under "My Documents".
• Follow manufacturers' instructions carefully when installing and uninstalling new software. Do not hesitate to contact us for any install and uninstall questions.

Other Good Habits

• Enable Windows Updates. It is very important to download and install at least the critical updates once they become available. For the non-critical updates, you can read on each and every one of then in the Microsoft website before you decide whether or not you really need them.

HEALTHY COMPUTER BEHAVIOR

• Runs fast.
• Boots fast.
• Shuts down fast.
• None or at most one pop up when visiting web sites.
• Not many or manageable unsolicited email messages.
• Kids have limited access to the web, or to install THINGS.

UNHEALTHY COMPUTER BEHAVIOR

• Does not boot.
• Takes forever to boot.
• It acts different than always. Something goes wrong.
• Application/s crash.
• My computer freezes.
• Some of devices stopped working.
• Too many pop up windows even before getting to a target website.
• Takes too long to start an application.
• Takes too long to see a file in an application.