5 Tips for PC Health

A cluttered computer is often a slow computer. And nothing is more frustrating than a PC that simply cannot do the job it is supposed to. Everyone knows the feeling. You have a school or work assignment due at midnight and you are working your fastest to get everything done, but your computer will just not cooperate. Shouldn’t your PC work just as fast, if not faster, than you? Well, it can with a few simple fixes.

This article from Microsoft.com provides 5 steps to help you get your computer working to its full potential using tools in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2010.

1. Organize your folders: Go through your folders and figure out what files you need and what files you can just delete. Next, begin to organize your folders (and subfolders) in such a way that makes sense for you. If things are properly labeled, they will be easier to find in the future – saving you valuable time. Then, once everything is set up and working properly, check back in from time to time to do a little “spring cleaning.”

2. Clean your hard disk: Windows includes two utilities—Disk Cleanup (compresses old files) and Disk Defragmenter (consolidates files) —that help you free up more space on your hard drive and help your computer work more efficiently.

3. Use system restore: System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If something horrible happens and you lose vital information or can no longer access what you need to, System Restore allows you to restore your computer to the same state it was before the problem started. So make sure you make restore points anytime you install a new device or do anything that you do not want to lose.

4. Don’t use out of date software: Computer programs are continually being upgraded. So do the right thing for you and your computer and stay current.

5. Use antivirus software and a spyware detection and removal tool: Don’t wait until you have a virus on your PC to go out and get antivirus software. One of the biggest culprits in computer slow downs are viruses. So protect your computer before it is too late!

If you have any questions, contact Certified CIO by calling 443-283-0666 or click here today!