Protecting your computer
The festive season is over and it’s time to get back into the swing of things. If you have been away from your computer for a while then its time to go through a few maintenance tasks before you really start working on your projects.
Windows Update
There are bound to be a few updates from Microsoft since Christmas so check through those. I have my updates set to notify me first before I decide to update. Windows Defender is an update that comes through regularly which I always update. The others I am more selective about.
Antivirus Protection
Make sure that you are up to date with your anti-virus protection program. There are so many different computer viruses and malaware circulating one can never be too careful. Be sure that your program is set to scan your e-mail client aswell as a virus can enter the system by you opening and clicking on a link in an infected email. There are many fraud emails circulating out there. It’s no fun trying to clean up an infected computer and it may even cost you money if you cannot do it yourself and need to get an expert to do it for you.
Set up a deep scan on your antivirus program and let it run overnight scanning all your files and folders. If you don’t scan regularly or have your program set up to constantly monitor your system folders may harbour a nasty or two.
Disk Clean
A disk clean is one of those maintenance tasks that should be done regularly but we often forget to do it or put it off till later. This will get rid of all those temp files,cookies and will clean out the cache that is stored. When you use the Disk Clean also go to More Options at the top then Programs & Features and remove any programs you don’t use. When all this is done use the Disk Defragmenter tidy up loose files and get the pc running more smoothly.
Backups
We are probably all guilty of neglecting doing backups. There is nothing more soul-destroying than finding that you have lost all your work, files, photos etc. and you have no backup. On Windows 7 just go to the Control Panel >> Back up & Restore and set it up if you haven’t done already and run it. On Windows 8 >> Apps >> Backup Tool and set up the backup. If you are using online storage make sure that is running and backing up your files, the same with an external Hard Drive.
I create a backups in two places in case one goes down. Last year the worst thing ever happened! One way or another my computer got infected and the virus gobbled up both drives on my pc. Right before my eyes! Everything gone! Was I pleased I had taken the time and created backups, you bet I was.
When we bought an iPad we were introduced to online storage. I have used this since as well as backing up to an external drive. Some items like family photos are irreplaceable. I like to keep the originals however I now create family photo books – a printed book can be passed on from generation to generation and is a joy to browse. (Photo books make wonderful presents too).
I personally like to start the New Year with a clean slate, clean & tidy computer (tidy up files into folders if you haven’t done so already) and a clean workspace – getting rid of unwanted stuff to start 2013 afresh all ready for the next project, and these I have already queuing up on my desk.
Wishing you a wonderful and productive 2013!
