Important Tips to Maintain Your PC

1.   New computer viruses and malware may bring trouble even with anti-virus software installed. If you keep the virus definitions up-to-date, literally, along with Java, Adobe Reader, Flash and Windows Updates, your PC and important data are less at risk than an out of date system. Many anti-virus programs charge you an annual fee. Avira AntiVir and Panda Cloud Anti-virus are excellent free anti-virus programs for consumers. Avira AntiVir Premium and ESET's NOD32 are currently two of the best business antivirus programs. Both can be downloaded from filehippo.com in the anti-malware category. Beware that there are many hundreds of rogue programs with similar names, or just cool sounding names like "Antivirus 2010 Enterprise" or “Security Suite” that advertise free cleaning or run fake scans while surfing the web. Don't be tricked into installing a fake program that will only infect your computer and open it up to further infections. Never click on pop-under ads that look like Windows warnings that your PC is "infected" as the entire window, including the close window button (X), is a giant install button. Instead, right-click on the taskbar and run Task Manager. In the list of Processes click on iexplore.exe, and iexplorer.exe, and end every instance of these processes. If you are running Firefox or another browser, end those programs processes instead. Or, simply restart your computer without closing your browser. It’s easier. If you inadvertently infected the PC, reboot into safe mode right away (Turn on the PC and tap the F8 key). Once in safe mode open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware update the program, and then run a quick scan. This may clean the system out. If not, call (309) 523-3168.

2.   Spyware and rogue programs are installed on your PC, without your knowledge, in many ways. Some are automatically downloaded through peer to peer file sharing programs like KaZaa, Warez, Gnutella, LimeWire, eMule, Morpheus, BearShare, Blubster, and the various Torrents. When using file sharing networks you open your computer files for the world to see, and steal.  IM file transfer is another avenue for programs that you don’t want and only cause problems. Never accept IM file transfers that you didn't ask for and know are safe while using any Instant Messaging program, or click on any unsolicited links. Use legal download sites only, such as iTunes. Spyware is also silently, and insidiously, installed with many “free” Internet offers, like Save, New.net, Home Search (CoolWWW), Hotbar, free screensavers or cursors. Be careful as the “evil-doers” change their program names often. Your PC will slow down, sometimes significantly, after Spyware is on your computer. To avoid Spyware, do not install any free programs that have not been professionally reviewed as free of Spyware. To remove Spyware and keep your Internet and PC activity private, and to keep your PC running at normal speed, you will need to run several programs that remove the spybots and spyware. Along with Windows Defender, we recommend Spybot Search and Destroy, SuperAntiSpware, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If these free but valuable programs are not preinstalled on your PC, you can go to Google to find download sites like Filehippo.com. Do not download programs with similar sounding names as they are fake and will make your system worse. Follow each program’s directions and help files as needed. We recommend that you run your anti-spyware programs weekly to clean garbage from your computer. Before running each program check for updates on the Internet to insure you have the latest protection. Additional programs may be needed as attackers change their tactics. The latest version of Webroot Spy Sweeper is quite effective when used in conjunction with the free programs we recommend, but requires an annual subscription. If you find spyware or viruses, turn off System Restore in XP, run all the utilities again. Turn System Restore back on when you are certain all the malware has been removed.

3.   Make frequent backups of your data files. Why take a chance? Save your data to another PC on a network, to a flash drive, or to a CD or DVD recordable drive. Backing up onto your own computer, where your original files are, won't help if the hard drive dies, gets corrupted, or the system is hit by an electrical surge caused by a nearby lightning strike. One complete backup weekly is recommended with daily incremental backups if you are using the PC as an integral part of a business or organization. Home users should also backup all important files. Don’t learn the hard way! Back up your data locally. Windows and all your programs can be reinstalled, but your data files (spreadsheets, documents, and graphics) will be gone forever if not backed up. Acronis True Image works well with XP, Vista and Windows 7.  Make sure that you create a boot disk for the imaging program that you use. Windows 7 has disc imaging as part of its built-in backup software. For best security do not leave external hard drives plugged into your PC as overwhelming power surges that could damage your PC will also damage the attached drive. A second way to backup many of your important files is over the Internet with sites such as mozy.com, which gives you 2-GB of storage for free. This is useful if you have a broadband connection. 

4.   For security purposes computers running Windows XP with more than one user account should ALWAYS set up the additional users as Limited Accounts, or have them use a Guest Account. This helps prevent installation of malicious programs, but will not completely eliminate all risk. All legitimate programs should be installed by the main user (also the Administrator) with access allowed by all users. The main account should be password protected to insure curious people will not subvert the established security levels of your PC. Windows Vista’s user account control is added security that should not be turned off.  Additional users should be Standard users so that the Administrators password is needed to install programs or make system changes.

5.   Never click on a link to any website that is listed in an e-mail whether it is from a stranger or from a known acquaintance, unless you expected the e-mail. It may unknowingly be a link to trouble as spammers use aliases. You can avoid malware written into the code of digital pictures by setting your local e-mail program to read all e-mail in plain text. After doing so, all the nice formatting and pictures will not be viewable; neither will porn, spam, or digital picture viruses. Web based e-mail services, like Yahoo and Hotmail, are imperfect, but usually keep their spam and virus filters up to date.

6.   Never blindly use the trial software that comes preinstalled on a brand name PC. Why? Because it is a trap to get you to pay more than you would for the same software purchased on sale, or to dissuade you from using alternate software. If you want MS Office 2007, determine which of the many versions you want and then buy the retail version when it is on sale. The retail version may be installed on two computers. Retail Office 2007 Home and Student may be installed on three PCs. Preinstalled OEM MS Office 2007 versions are limited to the PC it came installed on.

7.   Always connect and remove all cables from the computer with the power turned off and the power cable unplugged. The only exceptions are USB (Universal Serial Bus) and FireWire cables. They are designed to have cables plugged in and removed with the PC on and running.

8.   If your computer locks up, shut down and restart the PC. In Windows XP, go to Windows Explorer, right mouse click on the C drive, select Properties, and click the Tools tab, in the Error Checking area left mouse click on the Check Now box, click on both boxes, and click Start. Windows will tell you that it cannot run the program and ask if you want to run it at the next reboot. Select YES. Go to the Start button and restart the PC. Upon rebooting a utility will run and fix any error that may have occurred. Windows will restart normally after the chkdsk utility completes. The test may take ten minutes or so to run and fix any file errors caused by the lockup.

9.   Save all program disks, manuals, product keys and serial numbers for all software that you buy and keep them accessible. You will need them if it is necessary to reload Windows at some point in time. A new OEM PC for J & R PC will have a Genuine Microsoft Windows sticker attached to the case, unless you had Linux installed. A Windows product key can only be used on one PC. Do not use the product key on another PC.

10.  If you want to remove a program for whatever reason, run Uninstall from the “Add or Remove Programs” Icon in Control Panel. Do not manually delete Windows or any program files. Manually deleting program files using Explorer or other file utilities will create system and registry errors and may cause problems such as lockups, blue screens, or unexplained slow operation.

11.  If your system came with AC powered speakers, turn them off when not in use or when you don’t want to hear sound while using the PC. Control the volume using the speaker’s volume control. While there is a software volume control built into Windows, it is most useful for setting the various device levels, microphone, CD, line, and system .wav files so they are all about the same volume during operation.

12.  Do not change the CMOS or BIOS settings (done at PC start up by pressing the Delete, or other specific, key when prompted on screen) unless you are certain you know what will happen and what you are doing. This is not an area to experiment on as some incorrect settings will prevent the PC from functioning.

13.  Never use the CD or DVD for any other version of Windows to add or remove system components. Use only the disc that you received with your computer. Only install programs and drivers designed specifically for the version of Windows on your particular PC, or you are likely to experience problems. If you have Windows XP or Vista and need to run an older program that will not install on XP or Vista, you can install Microsoft Virtual PC which lets you install an older version of Windows in a virtual machine and safely run older programs on the older version of Windows, which is running in a virtual space in your newer Windows version. Expect some issues when doing this and do so only if absolutely necessary. Running virtual machines requires a minimum of 2-GB of RAM to run both your native OS and the virtual OS at an acceptable speed. Do not attempt to install hardware or software that were designed for older version of Windows (3.1, 95, 98, Me). While many of the older products work okay with Windows XP, not all do so. In fact, some older products can damage your Windows installation and require a clean install or restore of a working disk image. Windows Vista is even pickier. If you think a Mac will be better, consider that you will need to replace ALL of your software when moving from Windows to a Mac.

14.  Contrary to popular belief you can create problems by arbitrarily hitting various keys. There are key combinations that cause actions. You will become familiar with keyboard shortcuts over time. They are usually shown next to menu selections that have associated keyboard shortcuts. For example, pressing the Ctrl and the C keys at the same time will copy into memory text, and/or graphics, highlighted or selected in a program. Ctrl & V pastes the text (or graphics) into the same or another program.

15.  J&R PC is not responsible for data problems or errors caused by humans of other beings while using your computer. When unsure how to do something in Windows, check the help files built into every Windows program and the operating system itself.

16. Your J&R PC is energy saving. There is no need to use screen savers. In fact, we recommend against the use of screen savers as monitors do not “burn-in” like older model monitors did. Typically, we set up your PC to turn off the monitor after 20 minutes. Simply move the mouse to turn it back on.

17.  Organize your files right from the beginning. Most people don’t and as a result cannot easily find a file they remember saving sometime in the past. We recommend the following. Under the “My Documents” folder create subfolders for all users. For each user create subfolders that are appropriate for them. We recommend you use another subfolder for each year. This essentially gives you an electronic file cabinet with all your data in one folder. When given a choice in any program you are running save the file to your centralized location. Nothing is easier to backup than a single folder that contains all your data files.

18.  If for some reason you cannot find a file on your computer, use the built in search feature. Vista's file searching is quite fast and intuitive. Here’s what to do for finding a file in XP: move your mouse down to the bottom of the screen and click on the Start button.  Move your mouse up to Find, and then click “Files or Folders”.  You can type in the name of the file you want to locate, and where you want to look for it.  “Include subfolders” means it will look in every folder within your selection.  For example, if you choose to look in the C drive, and the include subfolders button is checked, it will look in every folder on your C drive. If you know the file name started with “Bill” but don’t know the entire file name, type bill*.* this will tell the computer to find all files types that start with the four letters in bill. To search in Vista start typing as soon as you click on the Start orb. 

19.  Use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to ensure clean power enters the PC and to prevent shutdown, and corresponding lost data or corrupt files, during brown outs or power outages. A minimum power rating of 350 VA is recommended. One of the main reasons to use a UPS is to prevent power supply stress during periods of voltage drops, which occur most often during the summer. If your power completely stops, the UPS will give you about five minutes to save your work and shut down the PC. You will have piece of mind after you put one to use. A UPS normally lasts three years.

20. The pop-up blocker on your PC, if turned on, usually requires that you hold down the left Ctrl key while clicking a link that is to a useful pop-up window or to open a related second browser window.

21. When burning a DVD or a high speed CD you may need to disable the PC's anti-virus program for best results. This is usually necessary on older underpowered machines. Make sure that you re-enable the anti-virus program as soon as the disk is successfully burned.