Does Your
Computer
Need Cleaning Inside and Out?
Linda Bryson
May
17, 2010
Reasons
for Cleaning
•
The better shape
your computer is in, the less likely to have hardware and software errors.
•
Keeping vents,
fans, filters, and other components clean promotes better airflow.
•
Clean
can mean healthier and a more pleasant workspace.
•
Removing
unnecessary files and controlling what starts up at launch should help make
your computer more efficient.
Eliminate
Unnecessary Startup Programs
•
Startup programs
load automatically each time you start Windows.
•
Keep your virus
program, firewall, and anti-malware programs running.
•
Other programs
don’t need to start unless you are ready to use them.
•
“Startup
Inspector” à free software
Uninstall
Unused Programs
•
Some programs
have their own uninstall program as part of their package.
•
If not, go to the
Control Panel. Look for Add/Remove.
Update
Your Software
•
Programs,
including Windows, need to be updated whenever possible to fix problems, add
features, and generally operate more efficiently.
•
The update option
is usually found in the program’s Help menu.
•
If not, go to the
manufacturer’s web site.
•
Sometimes drivers
need updating to keep your hardware running efficiently.
•
www.devicedoctor.com
– free software
that will scan your computer hardware for drivers that can be updated.
Run Your
System Cleanup Programs
•
Defrag the hard
drive and
•
Disk Cleanup à both in System Tools
•
CCleaner à
system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool (free software)
“Smart
Computing” – April 2010
•
Series of
articles entitled “Clean Your PC Inside & Out”
– A Clean PC
Is A Happy PC
– Windows
Washing
– Bust The Dust
– Keep Germs At Bay
– Whose Fingers
Have Your Keys Been Under?
– Cable
Wrangling