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Log...Internet seems to be running slow.
Viruses.
Spyware.
Worms...Oh my!
Buggy software.
Failing hardware.
Strange noises.
Overheating.
Lockups and Freezes...Or even the occasional loose wire.
These
are just some of the computer users’ nightmares and headaches, the can
bring productivity to a halt and potentially can cost us money.
With
so many technological devices nowadays in our lives, it’s crucial to
stay on top of maintenance that needs to be performed periodically on
your Windows computer and other devices to keep things running
perfectly. Chances are your computer runs smoothly if you start delving
and stressing the problem.
So what are the things that must be carried out regularly?
Update Wi-Fi Router
For
Wi-Fi speeds, trouble with technologies such as AirPlay or spotty
connections, updating the firmware on your router can help if you are
experiencing slow Wi-fi speeds. Router manufacturers update firmware on a
regular basis in order to resolve issues and enhance performance.
Basically,
you’ll need to connect to the router by means of a browser from a
computer on your network and download the most updated firmware version
from the manufacturer’s site.
Keep Your Windows Properly Updated
If
your system is not recurrently updated, it could be compromised and
prone to attack from hackers. While Windows defaults to installing and
downloading updates, the programs and apps on your computer and other
devices must be also updated. It is recommended to manually check for
Windows or OS updates as well. Windows update will check for new drivers
for your PC’s hardware including display drivers, chipsets, graphics
cards and network cards.
Windows update is a simple task, thus if
you choose to attend on your own updates, it’s usually a matter of
remembering to install them. You can set the level at which important
updates occur with “Change settings”. It doesn’t merely handles
important updates, but recommended updates, and updates for other
Microsoft products like Office. You can disable these later too if you
don’t like to receive them through “Windows Update”.
Use a Firewall
A
firewall may allow you to check email and browse the web, however it
disallows you to do Windows file sharing. It is a piece of software or
hardware that is designed to block unauthorized access while allowing
certain types of data to cross.
You already have a type of
hardware firewall if you’re connected to the internet through a router.
This prevents random networking-based external threats from reaching
your computers.
On the other hand, if you are using a dial-up internet connection, a firewall may not be as important.
Use Virus Scanner
Viruses are able to cross the firewall and en up on you computer through email or other means.
Virus
scanner is ideal to use to detect and remove them from your hard disk. A
real-time scanner will notice them as they arrive, before they hit the
disk.
Reminder: Since new viruses are arriving every day, it is
important to keep your virus definitions up-to-date. Make sure you
enable the scanning software’s automatic-update feature every day.
Be Skeptical
Don’t click on links in email that you think aren’t safe.
Don’t install free software without checking it out first because many free packages are loaded with spyware, adware and worse.
Beware of downloading attachments. Attachments are one of the most common ways why malware spreads.
Following these simple tips can help you ensure your computer is running at optimal performance with fairly minimal effort.
You
have to carry out most of the tips mentioned above on a regular
basis so it’s good to get into the habit of performing them.
If
you need more computer advice and if you are located in Melbourne, you
may get additional technical support from CKP Computers. They have the
qualified, highly-skilled technicians that can help you in your needs in
terms of computer repair in Melbourne. Visit them at http://www.ckpcomputers.com.au/ It’s time to end the computer horror stories and nightmares.
