NECESSITIES of any computer for better performance

If you have a PC at home, these are NECESSITIES:

Install windows updates

o Select Start, All Programs, Windows Updates
o Allow it to scan your PC for necessary updates, and choose Express install.

Turn on automatic updates
o Right click My Computer
o Select Properties
o On the Automatic Updates tab, select Automatic

Use antivirus software that updates automatically
o www.mcafee.com
o www.symantec.com

Use a spyware blocker
o Ad-aware - www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/
o Spybot Search & Destroy - www.spybot.info/en/spybotsd/index.html
o Microsoft Defender –
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Enable your Windows firewall.
o Right Click My Network Places, select Properties
o Select Change Windows Firewall settings
o Select On

Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).



Basic troubleshooting:

• Always reboot before calling tech support.

• Check your physical connections – disconnect and reconnect them.

• Take the time to think about what has changed that could have caused the problem.

• System Restore – allows you to undo changes to your computer. It does not undo changes to personal files.

o To make sure system restore is turned on, Right Click My Computer, select Properties, and make sure “Turn off System Restore” is unchecked on the System Restore tab.

o To restore to an earlier time, choose Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, and follow the instructions provided.

• Backups!!!!!
o Windows XP backup – Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup Utility.

• Pay attention to error messages. Write them down, or retrieve them by right clicking on My Computer, Manage, Event Viewer, look at logs.

• Remember to read your screen. Don’t indiscriminately click OK.