I bought my PC some four years ago. It was a HCL PC having Intel Celeron with 32 MB RAM and 2.1 GB Hard Disk. Now, such computers are rated outdated. But when you come and see my PC, you will find it as good as new.
I have read many articles on the net regarding maintenance of computers. I have tested them on my PC. Now I have a fast PC and a fast net connection, even though I have 33.6 Kbps modem. You would like to learn how I did it. So, here’s my secret.
Try them at your own risk. Tips only for Windows
1) Clean up some space
Open up Windows Explorer and go to Windows - Temp. Delete all the files in this folder. These are temporary files, which Windows create automatically. They are result of some of your unfinished and unsaved work, or when you directly shut down your PC without saving them, or files that were temporarily unzipped by WinZip. They have the extension’.tmp’. NT have some files with extension’.dmp’. You can delete these files without hesitating.
There may be some useless files lying on your PC, which are results of your uninstallation of softwares. Some files still remain on your PC, even though you have removed them.
Cleaning up Cache(Netscape) and Temporary Files(IE) will give you space.
2) Maintain your Hard disk
Due to several accidental crashes of your PC, your Hard Disk may develop bad sectors. There may be some files with error or cross-linked files. You have to detect them and remove them. PC crashes can also slow down your the speed terribly. Also deletion of files and installing and uninstalling create random clusters on hard disk, which has to be grouped as one.
Windows includes’ScanDisk’ and’Disk Defragmenter’. Run ScanDisk first with’Thorough’ option selected and also’Automatically Fix Error’ selected. Start it. At the end, you will receive a summary. If there are files in bad sectors, you will have to remove them by sending your Hard Disk to your Engineer. Bad Sectors are removed easily.
Then run’Disk Defragmenter’. In that click Settings and check’Rearrange program files so my programs start faster’ option. Disk Defragmenting takes time. Usually more than 3-4 hours. If you have a large disk, it can even take a whole day! These two options are located at Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools. If you don’t have them, install it from your Windows CD.
You also have the option of installing Norton Utilities. It performs the same function in a lesser time.
3) Don’t even think of that
Don’t ever, never ever, mess with the Windows Folder. Specially the System folder located inside Windows folder. It includes all your drivers that run all your hardware. Once you delete them or mess with any of the files inside System folder, you will never see Windows start again. You will have to reinstall Window.
There are two other files whom you should not touch. They are’Autoexec.bat’ and’Command.com’. Don’t delete MSDos.sys file too. You are asking for trouble if you even think of it. So, don’t even think of that!
4) Back it up
For security reasons, you should back up your registry. Go to Start - Run and type in RegEdit. Here you can export your registry and save it. You can also run MSDOS and type in’ScanReg’. It will scan your registry and prompt you to back-up your registry. Say, ’YES’, if you want to back-it up.
There are sevaral other utilities available on the Net, which can help you back-up your files. You can back-up your System Folder.
5) Utilities
You can download some helpful utilities from the Net. I have listed some below:
WinRAM Booster - For your RAM speed.
wwWhoosh Accelerator - To increase surfing speed
Note: You can read my article on’Speeding Internet Connection’ to know more about increasing your Net Speed
SpeedyROM - To get more out of your CD ROM
These are useful software. You can get many softwares from CNET and ZDNET.
6) Faster Start-Up
You may find that your Windows take time to start as too many software start in the background. These programs are seen starting on your taskbar at the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the Clock. You would like to stop them. But How?
Go to Start - Run and type in MSConfig.
ALERT - Not for Novice. Others may proceed
Then in MSConfig, go to the Option’Start-Up’. Here you may uncheck all the programs that start automatically. You can restart your PC and see how fast Windows starts now.
Novice can download WinTweak or other such Windows utilities.
7) General Maintenance - Hardware
Cleanliness first! Wipe the dust off your PC with a non-abrasive cloth. Don’t wet it too much. A blower can also be used.
Open your mouse by removing the ball and wipe all the dirt settled on the walls of the mouse.
If you face, electricity fluctuations in your area, you must have a Stabilizer.
Use a CD Cleaner for your CD ROM. Never mess with the lens.
Do all this when your PC is off!(kidding)
8) General Maintenance - Software
Do not directly delete a program folder. Uninstall it by going to Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs.
Install an Anti-Virus. Norton or McAfee is recommended.
Create specific folders for each program. Do not dump it in the root.
9) Upgrade that damn thing
As I said, I bought a Slow PC. But now I have upgraded it to Intel III and have a 52-X CD ROM. 64 MB RAM is advisable. Nowadays, Cable Internet has come in. It should replace my 33.6 Kbps modem in a week. 3-D Cards are expensive. If you a game buff, have one of these.
You should be careful that your are buying the right stuff. People may fool you. Also ask for warranty. Same goes for when you are purchasing a PC. Expert advice should guide you.
10) Last few words
I have covered most of the stuff in this article. I have written some more articles related to Computers & Internet. Do check them out. I treat my PC as my baby, and take ultimate care of it. It provides me my bread and butter. I should keep it top condition.
Avoid your PC from moisture and dust. It is a myth that Air Condition is required for a PC. What is important is that your room should be dust-free.
Don’t treat your PC as your table on which you can keep things. Avoid any burden on your PC.
Shut down your computer as directed.
Keep away curtains from your PC as they generate Static Electricity, which may disturb your PC.
Never type in’Format C:’ in MS-DOS.(kidding).
I hope you don’t do it!
If you want maximum security for your PC so that no other person starts it, you can have a password. Not the Windows password, but the System password.
Here’s how to do it.
Restart your PC and hit Del when the first screen comes after restarting. You will see a blue screen. Go to’Supervisor Password’ and type in your desired password. You will have to type in two times. Now when you restart your PC, you will be asked you enter the Password. Don’t forget your password. It gives you good security.
I think I have listed everything. Others might have something else important.
Happy Reading, guys.