Maintaining the Health of Your PC

The main things you need to do to keep your computer running on all cylinders:

1. Periodic(depending on your usage level; average user = every 3 months) Defragmenting
2. Keep current on your windows updates.
   
3. Frequent virus scanning and active protection at all times.
4. Periodic(every 2 - 3 weeks) Scan Using Adaware
5. Periodic(every 2 - 3 weeks) Scan Using SpyBot S & D.

Periodic Defragmenting
This involves defragmenting your hard drive which allows your computer to access programs & files quicker.

1. Go to Start -> (if using XP, goto Programs) -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmentor.
2. Be sure to Defragment all of your hard drives (for most users just highlight drive c:)

Do this about every 3 months.



Keep frequent on your Windows Updates
These should run automatically (with your permission). There is also an icon on the Start Menu




Frequent Virus Scanning and Active Protection
If you are connected to the internet, you should always be protected by an anti-virus software. There are several brands out there. If you can't afford one, I would recommend doing the House Call(below) and searching google for free/low cost protection.

Popular Antivirus Software:

• Norton
• McAfee
• Trend Micro (I would recommend this brand but it's up to you)

House Call:
Free Scan for your PC (for viruses, adware, etc)

• http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Periodic Scans Using Adaware

1. Download adaware
2. Install it, and run the PC Scan (it may take awhile, I would get some popcorn, or sour patch kids, man i could go for some sour patch kids right now)
3. Scan your pc using this utility every 2-3 weeks (once a month at least)

Periodic Scans Using SpyBot Search & Destroy

1. Download (scroll down the page to find the link) SpyBot S & D
   
2. Run the scan (click "Check for Problems")
3. When it is finished (this will also take awhile), delete everything that comes up - if no results are returned, you are good to go.
   

Time Warner also has a good article on this here:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/customer/support/prevent.html