Best Practices
We suggest applying the following check list of important steps to protect and optimize your computer:
-
Basic Steps
- Backup your data, or one day you WILL lose it! A Google study found an 8% failure rate on 2-year old hard drives!
We recommend you use
Mozy for free 2 GB online backup, at minimum.
For added protection, image your hard drive with Acronis True Image occasionally; then you can restore the image in minutes and be back to work if disaster strikes. - Stay current with software updates and patches. Running Windows Update is not enough!
- Keep a changelog of changes you make to your system - updates applied, hardware & software installed, changes in configuration, preferences, etc.
- Store all you program disks, Windows installation disks, ID numbers, registration numbers, tech support numbers, etc. in a safe place in case you ever need to reinstall (or have a technician do it).
- Use a good surge protector, not just a "power strip". Even better is an Uninterruptible Power Supply. Find these hardware products and more here:
-
Security Requirements
- Install a good anti-virus program and update it often. Do a full system scan weekly.
We recommend Kaspersky Antivirus, one of the most highly rated. - Run Windows Update often to keep your operating system patched.
- Remove spyware, adware & malware to keep it from slowing down your system.
- Use a router if you are connected to the Internet via broadband. Install a software firewall if your are on dial-up. Consider a better firewall than the built-in Windows Firewall.
- Don't use Internet Explorer, Outlook Express or Outlook! There are much better & safer free alternatives.
- Run Windows as a Limited User, not administrator.
- 10 things to do to a new PC before surfing the Web
- Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
-
Speed & Stability
- Use Windows Scandisk to check for disk errors. Do this about once a month (with a full surface scan occasionally).
- Keep at least 10-15% free disk space. Many programs and Windows itself create temporary files that need space.
- Defrag your hard drives occasionally to keep file fragmentation from slowing down your system. Diskeeper is very good for this job, and highly recommended.
- Uninstall software you never use and disable "quick start" icons in the System Tray of the Windows Taskbar (they are usually unneeded).
- Optimize your system settings. Get a free scan here to help identify what needs improving:
If you have not already done so, please check our main page for the latest security alerts and our security page for more detailed information.
There are many other options and programs available - some even free. See Useful Links.
Note: Items marked with require Acrobat or another pdf reader.
