10 ways to keep a new computer performing well

[Dante]

The holidays are likely to bring a new computer into the house. What can we do to keep it running smoothly?

...Follow the 10 commandments of PC ownership:

1. Reduce clutter. Programs like to create temporary files on your hard drive. Web sites are duplicated on the drive as temporary Internet files. Temporary files and temporary Internet files can cause all sorts of problems. Get rid of them regularly by moving files from the Temp and Temporary Internet Files folders to the Recycle Bin. Then empty the Recycle Bin.

2. Run maintenance utilities. Despite your best efforts, your files and hard drive can develop problems. ScanDisk, a Windows utility, looks for and corrects some of these problems.
As you create and delete files and install and uninstall programs, your hard drive can turn into the electronic version of a messy sock drawer. Another Windows utility, Defragment, puts things in order.

ScanDisk and Defragment are found under Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools. Run them every few weeks. Shut down all running programs, including your screen saver, before doing so.

3. Keep out viruses. Your PC probably came with an antivirus program. Configure the program to always run when the computer is on and to check e-mail automatically.
Antivirus software publishers regularly issue updates so the programs can spot new viruses. If your antivirus program came with a utility that automatically checks the publisher's Web site for updates, activate the utility. Otherwise, remind yourself to check the site regularly. And don't forget to turn off antivirus software before installing a new program.

4. Keep out hackers. A small band of people out there scans the Internet for computers it can break into for all sorts of mischievousness. Install a software program known as a fire wall to keep these folks out of your PC.
I like Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall. Other people like ZoneAlarm and Black Ice Defender. Choose one and use it.

You need such a program even if your computer came with Windows XP, which comes with a fire wall that's of limited use. Note: When you install a third-party fire wall, you must turn off XP's.

5. Update drivers. Computer peripherals, such as printers, monitors, modems and scanners, are controlled by small files known as drivers. Hardware manufacturers regularly update drivers for their devices. Check their Web sites for new driver versions and install any updated drivers you find.

6. Uninstall, never delete, programs. If your computer came with a program you won't use, or if you change your mind about a program you have installed, uninstall it. Merely deleting it will leave behind detritus that can cause all sorts of problems.

Some programs come with their own uninstall utilities. If a program has an uninstall option, the utility is listed under the references to the program in the Start/Programs menu. If the program does not have an uninstall option, use the Windows Add/Remove utility. You get to it by going to Start/Settings/Control Panel; in the Control Panel, choose Add/Remove Programs.

7. Install programs carefully. Read the box for notes on what your system should contain if it is to run your new program correctly. But remember that these requirements often reflect the absolute minimum support the program may need.

When you install software, close all open programs first, including screen savers, antivirus programs, disk maintenance programs, and your Internet connection.

8. Avoid program duplication. Similar programs can get in each other's hair, clashing in a way that can cause problems.

Keep only one kind of a program on your drive. At the very least, if you have two programs that do the same thing, don't run them simultaneously.

9. Shut down correctly. Never shut off your computer just by turning off the power. Exit programs first. Then use Start/Shut Down. If you don't follow this script, you run the risk of corrupting important Windows files.

10. Add memory. Windows XP uses a massive amount of memory, as do many programs these days. If your computer came with 128 megabytes of RAM, add another 128 MB or more.

...Happy Computing in 2004!