How to Keep Your Computer Healthy

Computers are expensive and you probably want to maintain it so that it can work well physically and internally. To have a healthy computer, consider a weekly or monthly maintenance by performing the procedures below.

Keep your computer physically clean.

Dust, liquid, dirt, and other foreign matter can destroy internal or external components of your computer. Gently clean your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other surfaces by applying appropriate methods. Take note that before cleaning any hardware, make sure to check its manufacturer's manual first. They might have provided you with different set of instructions in cleaning or maintaining it.

Guard your PC from malicious software.

Malware is a type of software that can infect, corrupt, replace, or delete files in your computer. It can also gain personal information without your consent. Most malware programs are delivered from the Internet and are often packed with other software.

To ensure that your PC is malware-free:

1. Download, install, then run reliable anti-malware software.

2. Make sure to update the database of malwares in the software.

3. Perform a full malware scan.

4. Remove all detected threats.

Free up some hard disk space.

Unwanted files and junk files such as temporary files and folders accumulate in your computer over time. This can slow down the performance of your PC. To clean out these files:

Delete unwanted files.

You may not notice it but large files can build up in your PC over time. Consider deleting files of no longer use if you want to free up space.

You can use Disk Cleanup.

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.

2. Select the drive you want to clean up, then Click OK.

3. Under the Disk Cleanup tab, check the files you would like to delete.

4. Click OK.

However, Disk Cleanup cannot completely clean up all of the junk files on your computer. You can download, install, then run specialized hard drive cleanup software.

Uninstall space-hungry programs.

Open Programs and Features to uninstall these unwanted programs.

1. Click Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

2. Select a program, and then click Uninstall.

Update device drivers.

Device drivers are vital part of the system. It allows communication between, internal and external PC hardware, programs, and the operating system. Corrupt, outdated, or incompatible device driver can cause errors in your computer. In the worst case, it can cause a fatal system error like Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Updating your device drivers will ensure your system to continue to be stable and operate smoothly.

However, finding, downloading, and updating the device drivers manually is exhausting and time-consuming. Installing an incompatible driver can make the problem worse. As a solution, consider using a reliable driver update tool to automate finding the accurate version and updating process.

Fix Windows Registry errors.

The registry is a database of configuration settings and options used by the Windows operating system. Since most applications use the registry to store these data or keys during installation, change, and uninstallation, it is possible that the registry may be fragmented or accumulated with invalid entries over time.

Here are important reminders when considering cleaning the registry:

- If you are not a professional, do not manually repair the Windows registry. A minor error may cause fatal errors in the system.

- Back up the registry before repairing it because a sudden computer crash or lockup may happen during the repair process.

You can just download, install, and then run a trustworthy registry cleaner.

Defragment your hard drive.

Windows has a Disk Defragmenter utility that is used to scan all data in a hard drive and rearrange it through consolidating fragmented data so that the drive can read them faster. Defragmenting disks can make your computer run more efficiently.

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.

2. If prompted, provide administrator password or confirmation.

3. Select the disks you want to defragment.

4. Click Defragment Disk.

Turn on Automatic Windows Updates.

Windows Update provides updates for the operating system and the installed components. By getting the latest security and important updates, it can keep your PC safer and faster.

1. Click Start.

2. In the search box, search for Windows Update, then click it.

3. Click the option you need under Important Updates.

4. Check the options you need under Recommend Updates.

5. Click OK.

Keeping your computer in good shape can significantly extend its lifespan. Not only that, it can help you save time in troubleshooting errors and avoid expensive hardware repairs too.