"An Ounce of Prevention
is more valuable than a pound of cure!!"
You may not realize it, but your computer and your car have
something in common:
they both need regular maintenance. No, you don't need to change your
computer's oil. But you should be updating your software, keeping your
antivirus subscription up to date, checking for spyware, and cleaning and
dusting it. Read on to learn what you can do to help improve your computer's speed,
reliability, longevity, and security.
Getting started
Here are some basics maintenance tasks you can do today to
start improving your computer's security. Be sure you make this part of your
ongoing maintenance as well.
· Many software companies will send you an e-mail whenever a software update
is available. This is important for your operating system (e.g., Microsoft),
your antivirus program, and your firewall.
· Register your software. If you still have registration forms for existing
software, send them in. And be sure to register new software in the future.
This is how software manufacturer knows to alert you when new updates are
available.
· Install software updates immediately. When you get an update notice,
download the update immediately and install it. (Remember, downloading and
installing are two separate tasks.)
· Make sure you have a surge protector with EMI and RE protection, not just
a standard plug bar. Also, make sure it
is not too old. They can deteriorate. Even better, have a good battery backup.
· An ounce of prevention will allow you to sleep at night