PC Health Check

How to give your PC a health check:
Most computers benefit from regular cleanups and checkups, though many people aren’t sure where to start or what to clean. A quarterly PC Health Check is a good place to start. These checks can be performed and carried out by most users without the need for an IT support callout, however if you’re ever in doubt about a particular process it’s best to leave it be and ask someone for help. This could even be another user.

Your PC check-up should involve the following key steps:

• Software audit/review
• Physical check & clean
• Temp files cleanup
• Software updates
• Hard drive defrag

To begin with the software audit, take a look at the program icons on your Desktop, in the Start Menu and also down besides the Windows clock display (usually bottom right hand corner). Do you still use each of the programs regularly? Often you will find that there are programs still resident that you no longer use.

This could be software associated with an old printer that you have since disposed of (recycled of course¹), or messenger software that you never use. If that’s the case – remove them. Unused software programs can slow down your PC’s boot times among other things. Simplicity is key. To remove unused software – use the Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features icon in the Windows Control Panel.

While still on software – also look for any Internet Explorer toolbars that you don’t use/need. Most toolbars offer nothing more than popup blocking and a search bar – included by default with Internet Explorer now. Toolbars can also be embedded with advertising and spyware. Uninstall toolbars unless absolutely necessary, and stick to the big names – Google, MSN, Yahoo etc.

Your computer will only need one good virus scanner and possibly (if separate) spyware scanner. Having more than one of either can significantly slow down your PC. Again, stick with the big names in virus scanners. There are hundreds of malicious software programs in existence purporting to be decent virus scanners, while in fact the ‘antivirus’ software itself is the virus.

For the physical check on the PC – clear the space around your PC, and if under a desk make sure that it has sufficient room to ‘breathe’ especially at the rear. Look out for build ups of dust on any vents or ports at front and back. With the computer turned off, gently vacuum or dust away as much dust from the vents as possible. Dust can prevent your PC’s components from cooling sufficiently and can reduce their life span or slow your computer down (most PCs now have intelligence to slow down their processing power if they become too hot). A large build up on any vents can indicate that there’s a large build up inside the PC – which is usually best checked by a technician.

Temp files can be scattered in various parts of your computers C: drive. It’s best to use a tool such as CCleaner² which can scan and clean unused temp files. This can reclaim a considerable amount of space on your PC and reduce software start times.

A hard drive defrag (short for defragment) can also be useful, though the above tips should have a more positive impact on your PC’s performance. Over time the files on a computer are scattered all over the drive, mostly in pieces. Your computer needs to work harder to gather all of these pieces together when you request a file, so a defrag simply collects all of the ‘bits and pieces’ and puts them back in order again.

While spring-cleaning, if at any point you are unsure of what you’re either leave that item and move on (you’ll be no worse off at least) or ask someone for help. Feel free to give us a call on 1300 788 301 or email at: info@itechnique.com.au

¹ See www.recyclingnearyou.com.au to find computer recyclers in your area
² CCleaner is a free tool that can be downloaded at www.ccleaner.com