Why do computer maintenance? Because very much like your car, your PC can benefit from regular upkeep. And like cars, one can often get away with little or no maintenance – as the ad says, “You can pay me now or pay me {a lot more} later.”

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From Our Team of Technical Advisors.
 

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Computers are at their best—and their most secure—when well-maintained. Without regular cleaning and organization, your hard drive gets cluttered with data and programs, your file system becomes messy, and overall performance slips. Without frequent backups and weeding, your data is less secure and more difficult to restore. Even the physical cleanliness of your hardware affects the quality of your computing experience. Monitors get smudged, dust gets into your keyboard, grime builds up under your mouse. Just like your home or your car, your computer requires attention from time to time. The recommended maintenance tasks, if performed on a regular basis, will keep your computer running safely and smoothly.

After an initial tune-up, you should perform routine maintenance on your PC to check for errors or problems that could get worse over time and could possibly lead to system failure. Spend some time taking care of your PC, and it will reward you with smooth surfing. You do not need a specially trained technician to maintain your computer (which could cost your hundreds of dollars) -- you can easily do it yourself -- for FREE.

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The recommended utilities (mostly free!), checklist and maintenance schedule found in this section of the web site can guide you in keeping your PC running efficiently and trouble-free. 

Of course, some people use their computers more than others. So although we recommend certain actions to be done daily, weekly, monthly, and so on, your actual mileage will vary. For example, if you never connect your computer to the internet, the risk from malware is greatly reduced (but not to zero!). If you only use your computer for games, there is less a need to backup than if you are working daily on the Great American Novel. Just like some drivers change their oil every 3,000 miles, others 7,500 miles, or every 6 months, feel free to adjust these schedules for your particular needs.

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This guidance is directed primarily to Microsoft Windows users, and Windows XP in particular. Windows 95, 98, and ME users should see the section at the end of maintenance Step 2.

Physical Cleaning - Click the link below for more detailed instructions:
Computerhope.com

Nobody likes a dirty computer, so here are some guidelines for cleaning. But first, some ground rules:

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Rule 1: DO NOT USE ANY CLEANER ON LCD SCREENS THAT IS NOT EXPLICITLY MARKED AS BEING SAFE FOR THOSE TYPE SCREENS. Use of window cleaners (e.g., Windex®) can scratch and cause permanent marks on the screen.

Rule 2: Spray the cloth, not the item. Apply the moistened cloth to the item. This way excess liquid will not run into the device potentially causing even more problems than dirt. (I have seen a big-screen TV ruined this way.)

Rule 3: Be gentle, especially with monitor screens. There is often an anti-glare coating on the screen (both LCD and CRT) that can be easily scratched. Don’t use paper towels on monitor screens – use a soft cotton cloth instead.

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Monitors now come in two basic types: the new LCDs (the flat panels) and the older CRTs (the big, heavy, TV-like displays). Different cleaners are used for each - see Rule 1 above.

Keyboards: A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is good for picking up the loose dust and dirt. For ground-in soil, use a moistened cloth (see Rule 2.)

Mice: A ball-driven mouse probably is the computer item most affected by dirt. To clean a ball mouse, remove the ball by rotating the underside cover in the direction of the arrows. The cover and ball should drop out. Remove the crud that builds up on the two or three rollers. Click link for instructions with pictures: Fonerbooks.com . Optical mice can be cleaned with the same technique as keyboards.

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The external case of the computer can be cleaned with the same techniques as keyboards.

Modern computers can generate a lot of heat, easily equivalent to a 250W incandescent light blub. Fans are used to keep things from overheating; four or more fans within the case are no longer unusual. That many fans move a lot of air, and accordingly, a lot of dust may be sucked through the case. The higher off the floor you place the CPU, the better the airflow through of the case, and the longer the system will last. If you place your CPU on the floor and allow pets and cigarette smoke in the room, your system may experience a premature death. Many extreme gamers that run their high-power machines to the maximum simply remove the covers for better airflow. That said, unless you are in a very dirty and dusty environment, the interior of the computer should not need cleaning.

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In practical terms, it is quite amazing the amount of dust and dirt that can collect within a computer without affecting its operation. However, if the dust accumulates enough to completely block ventilation holes overheating failures are soon to follow. To check, carefully take the cover off the computer case. A small vacuum can clear out the dust that collects over vents. Dust and dirt on components is seldom a problem by itself, but blocked airflow can be. An effective way to clear the dust out, if time consuming, is to take the computer outside, remove the covers, and then use a shop vac to ‘blow’ on it from several feet away. If doing this, be careful of the diskette and optical drives – you do not want to blow more dust into these confined spaces, only out.

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This web site contains 9 pages that discuss in detail the maintenance Steps or Tasks one should do over the course of your PC's life. Try to follow a plan, it will pay off.

RECOMMENDED UTILITIES

STEP 1:  Before you begin your initial tune-up (Step 2), you will need to gather some "tools" to make the process easier.  The utility programs listed as recommended are used consistently by senior surfers and are considered reliable and safe programs for personal use.  Plus they are free! Click on the animated arrow to see a list and description of the recommended utility programs.

To print pages in this section, see Printing Instructions.