How to Maintain Your Computer's Performance if You're Not a Geek, Part 1

The applications you install on your computer can have a huge impact on your productivity and enjoyment levels. But they can also wreak havoc, creating problems and performance issues you can easily avoid.

It's tempting to install all sorts of applications, especially the 'free' ones that come at you every day. There are risks and consequences. Read this and learn how to protect your computer's performance if you're not a geek.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Microsoft Operating System (I can't advise on Mac or Linux)
• Aversion to paying or begging others to diagnose and advise you on computer performance
• A very strong will and discipline NOT to download from pop-ups that promise to make your computer run faster, safer, clean your registry, etc.

1. Step 1

   ~ Don't Download What You Don't Know ~
   
   It's that simple. Don't let impulse dictate what you run on your computer and by doing so, put your files or computer performance in jeopardy. The old adage "You get what you pay for" applies in the on-line world, too. Some free software is useful and safe, but much of it is not. The consequences can range from SPYWARE that logs your key strokes, to making your other PROGRAMS UNRELIABLE, to REFORMATTING your hard disk and causing the loss of everything you have on your computer.
   
   If you have an irresistible urge to download or play with free software, just investigate it first. Go to PCMag.com or CNet.com. Click on the reviews, and do a search on the software to see if they rated it. If they didn't vet it, why take a chance? Can it wait?!

2. Step 2

   ~ Only Install Applications and Drivers Designed for YOUR Operating System ~
   
   Don't take chances by installing a version of an application that's not certified to work with your operating system. For example, putting Quicken 2006 on a Windows Vista machine may well lock up. To avoid these issues, Microsoft has a compatibility page for Vista and will tell you whether a large majority of programs out there will run on your system. The link is below in "Additional Resources".
   
   If you Add an Application, go about it slowly, watch the screen and watch the installation messages. Only click when they tell you to. Be patient.
   
   Only install one new application at a time. Run it for a day or few days, see if it affects the computer or other programs. If no problems occur, you can add another program.

3. Step 3

   ~ Create a "Restore Point" on your Computer BEFORE you Install New Software ~
   
   For Windows XP, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, Create a Restore Point. This takes 30-45 seconds to do; it's that simple. If your computer locks up while installing a new application, you can use restore point to get back to that 'safe place' where you were before the new application.
   
   For Vista, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.

4. Step 4

   ~ Setup Your Automatic Updates. Then Check Monthly for Ones You Missed ~
   
   Microsoft will send critical/urgent update notices out 'real time', but for routine updates on Windows operating systems and software, Microsoft established a fixed point in time each month to make updates available. This is the second Tuesday of each month.
   
   My computers are set to update every night at 3 am. Any night that I shut down/turn the computers off, updates can't take place. So it's a good idea to manually check for updates, too.
   
   At least monthly, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, go to: Start, All Programs, then click on Windows Update (it will go to the Microsoft site, look for updates, and bring those to you).

5. Step 5

   ~ Get More Computer Performance and Maintenance Tips ~
   
   I'm married to a technology-savvy guy who takes great care of our network and computer needs at home as well as several of our neighbors, family members, and friends. It occurred to me that as computers become more critical in our lives and more sophisticated/complex to understand, there are alot of people flying blind as far as technology goes. This article is the first of several designed to share some of what we know and help others. So stay tuned