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Many PC owners are unaware that their computers need to be maintained properly to be kept in good condition. The below listing shows you the many tasks needed for a computer to kept up and running at peak performance, while at the same time ready for any mishap which may occur. These items can be applied to most computer systems but were compiled with the Windows 95/98 users in mind. There are software programs available that can do many of these tasks automatically for you such as - Nod32 ( Virus protection ) - Executive Software Diskeeper ( HD Defragger ) - Powerquest DataKeeper ( Backup ) - System Mechanic ( Overall File Maintenance ) - Window Washer ( File Cleanups ) and many others. Mention of these products does not show in any way our endorsement but is merely to give the reader an idea on what is available for purchase. We are referencing the MS Windows 98SE OS here - later OS may require varying methods.

Software ( often free ) and included Operating System utilities now go a long way in keeping computers healthy but if you are still using an earlier technology PC then these short lists are made for you!

Scan hard drive for logical errors.

Run general utilities and anti-virus software in the background.

Restart MS Windows ( the longer windows runs, the more unstable it becomes. )

Scan hard drive for virus infection or even better, have an auto viral checker running all the time in the background.

Empty the recycle bin.

Backup important data files.

Clear out caches.

Delete all files in C:\temp\ and C:\windows\temp\

Defragment the hard drive ( an organized drive is a quicker and more efficient drive. )

Scan hard drive for surface errors.

Uninstall unnecessary applications.

Scan hard drive for surface errors.

Uninstall unnecessary applications.

Incremental backups.

Update virus data files.

Update general utilities and virus software.

Update applications ( if updates are available. )

Clean hardware ( keyboard, mouse, monitor etc. )

Update MS Windows startup disk.

Update backups of configuration information.

Update virus emergency boot disk.

Update general utilities emergency boot disk.

Update image of hard drive.

How much you install and uninstall software and hardware determines how often you should do other jobs listed above, with the exception of updating applications. Some general utilities suites can tell you when certain files need to be updated.

Don't assume disasters happen to other people.

Do place your PC system in a cool, dry room.

Do leave some 'breathing space' around your computer.

Do avoid drafty places.

Do leave system on the whole day if used often as heating and cooling the system can damage circuitry.

Do always use a surge suppressor.

Don't put a system or disks near magnetized objects.

Don't unplug peripherals like printers while your system is on.

Do keep food and drink away from your computer.

Do save certain files - it's safer to save files you know nothing about than to delete them.

Do use Ctrl-Alt-Del to end 'Not Responding' tasks if MS Windows locks up on you but only as the final alternative.

Do always use the manufacturer's install and uninstall facilities.