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RSS feedsThe dreaded crash, where the PC just freezes, is still rather too common, but there are things you can do - basic maintenance - to help keep your computer on the go.
Disk Cleanup
The Disk Cleanup tool is the nearest thing you can get in PC terms to giving your house a spring clean. By accessing the Start menu, then choosing Programs, Accessories, System Tools, you'll find the handy little Disk Cleanup Wizard.
Once you've specified which drive you want to clean up, Disk Cleanup will check for various files that are unnecessarily taking up space on your hard disk. These range from temporary internet files downloaded by Internet Explorer to the contents of your Recycle Bin. Simply check or uncheck those you are happy to delete to free up precious disk space.
10. Defragmenting your hard disk
Many PC users don't even know their copy of Windows has a tool called Disk Defragmenter, let alone what it does. In brief, when you move, delete or create files on your PC's hard disk, it leaves gaps on the disk and spreads the information around, meaning your PC takes longer to read and write to files.
This inevitably slows down your system. By running the Disk Defragmenter tool regularly, about once a month, you can keep your PC in good shape. The Defragmenter can be found by going to the Start menu and choosing Programs, Accessories, System Tools. Once you launch it, you can choose which hard disks - if you have more than one - you wish to defragment.
It's quite a lengthy process so it's best to close all other applications down first and run the defragmenter during a time when you need to use your PC least.
11. System Restore
To prevent any data loss, Windows Me and XP ship with a program called System Restore. It's not ideal because it backs up your entire system at set times and will only restore to the most recent system save it performed, but it saves you most of the grief you would otherwise get if nothing at all was backed up and your system was to blow a gasket.
Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools to find it. You can change the settings to specify which drives, if any, you want to backup in this way, before deciding whether to backup or restore from an earlier save.
It's a handy tool but we recommend you don't just rely on System Restore to save you - make sure you back up all your important documents regularly to prevent any hair-tearing in the future.
12. Downloading and installing drivers
A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer or scanner. Because of the ever-changing nature of PC software and hardware, many manufacturers release updated drivers for their products to ensure they continue to run smoothly.
These drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website but they then need to be installed. Often, drivers come packaged as self-installing 'executable' files, but if they don't, you will need to know how to install them.
On the Desktop, right-click on My Computer and choose Properties, Hardware, Device Manager. Pick the device you wish to install the new driver on, right-click your mouse again and choose Update Driver. This brings up the Hardware Update wizard, from where you can automatically or manually install a new driver.
13. Updating software online
Windows Update is the place to go for keeping your system software up to date, and it's crucial you check here often to find software updates for Windows.
Every once in a while, Microsoft releases service packs for its software, containing fixes and improvements that have been brought to light recently. Downloading and installing such packs, as well as any other patches or software updates, can sometimes make the difference between a properly functioning PC and one that is distinctly, but mysteriously, under the weather.
Making things as easy as possible, Windows Update will scan your system for you to work out what you do and don't need to update.
14. Aligning printer cartridges
To keep your printer in tip-top nick, make sure you follow the maintenance instructions in the manual. This often includes aligning the cartridges to ensure optimum print quality and most printers come with software included for this task. Scrutinise the handbook to make sure your printer stays as sharp as the day you bought it.
Personalising matters
Software is, by its nature, very generic - all copies of Windows look the same to the untrained eye. However, there are ways or setting up Windows according to your tastes and needs.
15. Wallpapers and themes
Are you are aware that you can customise your PC's Desktop with what is known as wallpaper? Right-click your mouse on the Desktop and click Properties to bring up the Display Properties window. From here, select Desktop and either choose one of the Windows wallpapers available or, by clicking on the Browse button, choose one of your own images as a backdrop.
If you are feeling very adventurous, you can adjust things still further. By changing the fonts, window colours and icons from the standard Windows look, you'll have your very own personal Desktop. If you'd rather use someone else's hard work, you'll find plenty of looks to download for free at sites such as ThemeWorld.
16. Windows sound schemes
Windows comes with dozens of default sounds, from the familiar theme that jingles along when you boot up to the paper-rustling noise that plays when you empty your Recycle Bin.
These can all be changed according to your own wishes by accessing the Sounds and Audio Devices category within the Control Panel. Under the Sounds tab, select the sounds you want for the different Program Events or import new sounds from your own collection.
17. Shortcuts
Rather than dallying around opening and closing various windows to get to a particular folder or application, why not create a shortcut to it and place it on your Desktop? You can create a shortcut to pretty much anything, be it a folder within My Documents or a hard disk.
Simply select the icon you want to make a shortcut to, hold down the right mouse button and drag and drop the icon to your Desktop. When you release the right mouse button a window pops up with the option to Create Shortcut Here.
Security council
The more time people spend online, the more worried they can become about attracting unwelcome visitors - spam, viruses, and so on. However, there are some things you can do to minimise the danger posed by such threats.
18. Deleting internet History
Internet Explorer saves the details of web pages you visit and places them in the History folder. Normally, there's no harm in letting Windows do this, but in certain circumstances it's a good idea to delete the files to stop people from revisiting the pages you have viewed.
In particular, if you are accessing online banks or web-based email accounts from someone else's computer, at your office or in an internet cafe, it makes sense to cover your tracks. In Internet Explorer, choose Tools, Internet Options, then Clear History.
19. Removing spyware
Spyware - software that sits unknown on your PC gathering information on your internet use, among other things - is particularly insidious because you're unlikely to know whether it is on your PC or not. These little programs often come hidden in free applications and self-install themselves, unbeknown to you.
Step in applications such as Lavasoft's Ad-aware. This application scans your PC for signs of spyware and removes it accordingly. You can download it here. Once installed, click Scan Now to set the ball rolling.
20. Maintaining security software
Broadband internet access is more popular than ever but it does have its downsides. By leaving your PC online all day, your computer can be vulnerable to attack if you do not have a firewall installed. The other major threat to computers on the internet is from virus attacks.
Combined firewall and virus software packages can be picked up for around £50. Most modern packages automatically update themselves to ensure they recognise all the latest viruses. Just in case though, be sure you know how to manually check for updates, as outdated virus software is little better than no virus software.
21. Saving attachments before opening
Many viruses arrive on your PC via email attachments. In order to minimise the chances of problems, it's better to save the attachment on your hard disk before opening it.
Once saved, use your antivirus software to scan the attachment and ensure that there are no threats to your data hiding within. In Outlook Express, save your attachments by opening the email and clicking on File then Save Attachements.
Don't forget tips 1 to 8:
The top 21 essential PC skills - Part 1
See also:
There's a lot more to Microsoft Office than you might think. Make the most of your software by using all the additional functions available 01 Oct 2004
All Desktop Computers
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