Computer MaintenanceScandisk Disk Defragmenter Leaving it On Freeing System Memory Starting Applications Automatically Updating Windows Making Backups Safeguarding Against Surges etcScandiskRun ScanDisk (Start-Programs-Accessories-System Tools) every month to reorder your hard disk. (This runs usually if you haven't shut down your computer properly). ScanDisk rearranges the position of files on your hard disk, allowing all free space to be put together. There are a number of configurable options you can get Scandisk to do when you start it.Disk DefragmenterOnce a month, run Disk Defragmenter (Start-Programs-Accessories-System Tools). 'Defragging' rearranges the position of files on your hard disk, allowing all free space to be put together. There are a number of configurable options you can get the program to do when you start it.Leaving it OnIn theory, leaving your computer on all day puts less stress on the components than turning it on and off constantly. This is because, like a car, a PC has an optimum operating temperature.You can usually shut off a monitor safely without turning the computer box off. Many PCs can be set to turn off their monitors after X minutes. Right Click the desktop and select Settings. RestartingOften a simple Restart can clear memory. This is sometimes necessary when you have run more than one application at the same time.Use the 'Three Fingered Salute' (Ctrl+Alt+Del) to close individual running applications if the normal way won't work. This can also Restart your computer. An answer to the question "Is crashing normal?" is that it is. Windows NT is stabler than its siblings 95&8 due to its design. The 95+ family were only ever intended for general & home use. Automatically Starting ProgramsCheck your Start-Prgrammes-StartUp folder for names of applications that are run automatically each time your computer boots up. You may find that you can do without some. (Microsoft FindFast, which comes with Office 97+ is a typical contender!). The easiest way to remove applications from the StartUp folder in Windows 98 is to right click on the name and select delete. In Windows 95 you need to go through Start-Settings-Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs/Taskbar & Start Menu.TroubleshootingIf something isn't working right, use boolean logic to narrow down the causes. This means investigating questions that are answerable 'Yes' or 'No'. Here are some to start off:
Updating WindowsYou may be aware that Windows 95 comes in 2 main versions, as does 98 and doubtless 2000 will. Between releases, various updates have been released because of bugs and issues which only became apparent when using the products.Microsoft's web site is mandatory if you have one of their Operating Systems. You may have a link to Windows Update in your Start Menu. This is a useful tool which logs you onto the update site and determines what service packs and updates an individual system needs. If you want, you can download and install them there and then. Updates include bug fixes and security feature updates which can make you safer when you are on the Web and using eMail. As a guide though, be prepared to be online for 30 minutes on a 56k line. PC BackUpsRemember: Your DATA is most important. Keep backups of files and documents you create (including data files created by accounting programs) on reliable media AWAY from the computer they run on.Your need to backup programs and whole hard disks wil depend upon how large your system is. Choose the best device for your existing and future needs but remember it has to be manageable.
In order of simplicity and cost you can use these for backups: Whichever you employ, you should make regular backups of crucial files and ideally test the system to see if you can recover from a backup. Keep original program disks safe, away from the computer. These may be needed to reinstall particular program software or even your Operating System. Establish exactly what you can backup as a minimum. It may be that databases can happily function simply by accessing their specific data files. Estabish what you need to run the software. Having a fall-back machine is crucial to be able to continue working should it be necessary. Windows 98 does have a useful built-in Backup program, which likes to backup to a hard disk or a tape streamer and there are many ither 3rd party Methids available. However, an intelligent backup approach can save money and, above all, data if you organise it properly. Safeguarding Against Surges etcA Surge Protection strip (£20+) ooks like a normal plug board but can stop harmful deviations in the current (spikes) which can cause hard disk problems.An Uniterruptable Power Supply (UPS) (£60+) can keep a system running if power is cut momentarily and some can even can shut it down safely. A figure of 75% is quoted for systems failing because of power supply problems. Believe you me, it DOES make a difference.
|