| There are many reasons why you should take | | | | 4. Scan for other malware. Other malware can |
| care of your computer. Number one, is that it's a | | | | include spyware, adware, key loggers, and Trojan |
| major investment for most people and you would | | | | horses. These pieces of software can get installed |
| probably like to keep it running for as long as | | | | without your knowledge when you install another |
| possible. | | | | program or visit a website. They can cause your |
| There are various things that you can do to help | | | | PC to slow down considerably. Spybot Search |
| prolong the life of your PC, both hardware and | | | | & Destroy and Adaware are two well known |
| software wise. It's always a good idea to keep | | | | malware scanners. |
| your computer clean. A clean computer runs | | | | Here are some ways you can keep your |
| faster and lasts longer. | | | | hardware running smoothly. |
| Here are some ways to clean and maintain the | | | | 1. Clean out the dust. Computers are notorious for |
| software (your operating system) on your pc. | | | | accumulating dust. Every once and a while you |
| 1. Run the defragmenter utility, at least once | | | | should open it up and clean it out. This can be |
| every month or two. In Windows XP this can be | | | | done with a vacuum cleaner or a can of dust |
| done by going to your Start menu, then All | | | | remover. |
| Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then select | | | | 2. Keep your PC cool. You should always make |
| Disk Defragmenter. The defragmenter will help | | | | sure that you keep your computer in a well |
| ensure that your files are located at the right | | | | ventilated area. By doing this you help keep the |
| place on the hard drive and should boost the | | | | PC cool and, therefore, will prolong the life of your |
| overall speed of your computer. | | | | hardware. |
| 2. Clean up old files. When you install/uninstall | | | | 3. Buy quality hardware. When you buy new |
| software frequently it can leave many unwanted | | | | components for your PC try and get good quality |
| files in temporary and system folders. In Windows | | | | parts. If you get components from respected |
| XP, you should run the Disk Cleanup utility once | | | | manufacturers you can be sure that you will get |
| and a while to clean things up. This utility can be | | | | good technical support and the parts will be well |
| found by clicking the Start menu, then All | | | | made and not cause problems with other |
| Programs Accessories, System Tools, then select | | | | hardware. |
| Disk Cleanup | | | | Theses are just a few little tips to help you keep |
| 3. Scan for viruses. Viruses can cause your | | | | your computer running for a long time. There are |
| computer to be slow or not work at all. You | | | | many other things that can be done but by |
| should always have a good virus scanner installed | | | | following these few tips you can be sure that you |
| and keep it up to date. Some well known virus | | | | will reduce future computer problems. |
| scanners are Norton, McAfee, and AVG. | | | | |