9 Computer Maintenance Tips 2020

The following may be a list of basic maintenance steps you'll implement if you’d wish to attempt to improve your computer’s performance on your own (for Windows only). Don’t worry; if you don’t feel comfortable doing these maintenance steps yourself, CONTACT US and that we can roll in the hay for you!

Step 1: Anti-virus
Update your anti-virus software and run a scan.

How you are doing a scan will depend upon what program you’re using but most have very clear instructions right from the beginning . Unless you recognize there’s a drag i like to recommend doing the programs’ default scan. you simply need a full scan if you recognize you’ve got an epidemic and therefore the default hasn’t found it. I also recommend plugging in any external hard drives in order that they get checked at an equivalent time.

Step 2: Anti-spyware/anti-malware
Most anti-virus programs do a basic spyware check too, but do both to form sure. There are many options for spyware removal software, Malware Bytes Pro, Super Antispyware and Spybot: Search and Destroy are recommended. Many also offer to guard your browser(s) against future incursions which I’d recommend because it can prevent tons of your time and trouble.

Like anti-virus programs how they work will vary but it’s usually easy to ascertain what you would like to try to to , often you only click a button and let it go.

Step 3: Empty your recycle bin (best through with CCleaner)
Just because you’ve deleted something doesn’t mean it’s actually gone, if it’s sitting within the recycle bin then it’s still on your disk drive and still taking over memory. Disc Cleanup (See Step 4) will empty the recycle bin automatically, but i prefer to try to to it manually just just in case anything important ended up in there accidentally .

There should be a recycle bin icon on your desktop, but if not it’s on the beginning menu. Just open the folder, check what’s in there and click on ’empty recycle bin’.

Step 4: Disk and Application/Software Cleanup
This is another easy step because it’s built into Windows. You’ll find it by getting to Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools. Pick the drive you would like to scan (your main hard drive(s), any that are just used for data storage won’t have problems) and let it go.

It finds files that aren’t needed any longer and odd bits of knowledge that got left behind. Stuff like sites that were archived automatically, temporary files that never got deleted, old service pack backups then on. It then presents you with an inventory of what it’s found and the way much memory each item is taking over . you'll pick and choose which of them to delete but i prefer to try to to the entire lot.

Also look on top of things panel for unwanted or unnecessary programs. Uninstall anything that has leached on to the system over time like Internet Browser toolbars.

Remove any unwanted or unnecessary Internet Browser extensions, plug-ins or add-ons

Expert level technicians might want to wash up the system registry (do not attempt this unless you're absolutely sure you recognize what you're looking for)

Step 5: Defragment
Again this program comes with Windows, it’s within the same place because the Disk Cleanup tool. It’s an easy process; pick a drive, invite analysis and if it says it needs defragmenting let it do its thing.

Step 6: Configure your startup
This is a touch more complicated, but extremely useful. First, you would like to open the Run program. Type ‘msconfig’ and click on OK. When it opens enter the ‘Startup’ tab. this is often an inventory of everything that runs automatically once you switch your computer on. If you’re unsure what something is, it’s best left alone but there should be some familiar names there too like iTunes or MSN.

Ask yourself if these actually need to be running within the background each and each time you turn the pc on and uncheck any that don’t make the cut. Then click apply, then OK. Next time you begin up your computer those programs won’t start with it. you'll still open them manually and they’ll work precisely the same way, but they won’t be hogging resources when you’re not using them.

Step 7: Check Windows Updates, Update plugins and basic applications
Check Microsoft Updates, including weekly scheduled updates also because the latest Service Packs.


Step 9: Clean and mud internal computer parts and fan (check fans and computer temp.)