Eosc-Net Tech Support - PC Maintenance

Update your Operating System
Update your operating system!  By installing all critical, recommended, and driver updates your PC will run faster, be more secure and less susceptable to viruses.  This is probably the single most important action you can take to ensure the stability of your PC.		 Follow this Link:  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Anti-Virus
Update your virus definition files.  		 Run Norton, click on Live Update.
Scandisk
Check your local hard drive for errors by running Scandisk.  Many file system problems are solved by simply running this program on a weekly basis.
98/XP
Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisk
Disk Defrag
Defrag your local hard drive.  The Disk Defragmenter utility rearranges the data on your disk so that each file is stored in contiguous blocks, rather than being scattered across different areas of the disk.  The defragmentation of stored data helps to speed disk performance.		  
98 - Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter
XP - My Computer, right click on Drive C, Click on Properties, Click the Tools Tab, Click on Defrag Now
System Shut Down
Shut Down your PC properly (whenever possible).  Most hard drive errors occur when PC's are not shut down properly or the electricity goes out and the system crashes.
98/XP
Start, Shut Down, Shut Down
Free Space Requirements
Be aware of the the free space on your local hard drive (usually drive C: )  Windows likes plenty of free space for building temporary files etc., 15 percent freespace is usually about right.
98/XP
Start, Programs, Windows Explorer, Right click on (C:), left click on Properties, click on the Gereral tab.  The free space on your drive is displayed.
Screen Savers
Screen Savers good or bad?  Somtimes that really "neat-o" screen saver causes your PC to lock up, what do you expect for free!  If this happens to you,  change to another screen saver or set it to None. (my personal favorite).
98/XP
Right click on an empty portion of your desktop, left click on Properties, Click on the Screen Saver tab.

 

Tech Support | Eastern

The information presented on these web pages represents that of the author and not that of Eastern Oklahoma State College. The author takes full responsibility for the information/materials presented.
If you should experience technical difficulties or have questions concerning this page please contact Jeff Weems, Chief Technical Officer Phone 918.465.1750 or email at jweems@eosc.edu
Updated May 12, 2005.

Eastern Oklahoma State College