How to Take Care of Your Computer

This is simply a list of things that you should do. I know most of you know this, but just in case someone is new to computers and doesn't know who to ask or doesn't know at all that you actually have to take care of your computer, not just use it, this is what they'll need to know.

Have Anti-Virus software
New viruses are created everyday. WIthout antivirus software, you leave yourself open to getting viruses through the internet, email or using someone else's disk. At KD Computers we like AVG Antivirus - it is reliable, creates less problems than Norton with some operating systems and is a fraction of the price of other antivirus software. Norton Antivirus is also popular with some people. Which ever one your choose, in the day and age of spam, viruses and spyware, antivirus software is essential.

Update your antivirus software.
Remember that your antivirus software needs to be updated regularly (every few days). A great place to get updates and find out about the latest viruses is: Symantec Website

Have a Firewall
Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet. All messages entering or leaving the network pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria. Without a firewall, it is possible for anyone to gain access to your computer and either control it, relay email through it (which uses up your downloads) or to gain sensitive information from it (such as passwords and usernames).

ZoneAlarm is free
Zone Alarm Downloads

Scan your hard drive for errors
Use Windows' Scandisk or get Norton Utilities,which has a better scanner. This should be done before you do a defrag of your hard drive.

Defragment your hard drive(s)
Use Windows' Defragmenter or use a professional defragmenter like Diskeeper.

Back up your data
If you are smart, you will back up all or most of your hard drive regularly. There are several back up options available and we can help you with the one best suited to your needs. If your computer crashes and you have not backed up your data, you could loose everything with no way of getting it back. With a backup, even if your computer needs to be rebuilt, the data can be restored and away you go.

Gain Knowledge
Don't know technical computer terms and what they mean? Here is a great website where yo can type in a word and it will explain what it means.

Webopedia Website Link