Computer Tips

On this page we provide some tips that can improve the performance of your computer and give you ideas you can use with your system.

Computer Operations

Try not to open too many programs while working on your computer. The more things that are open, the slower your system will run. Older operating systems such as Windows '98 use a lot of memory anyway, so it's best to open only those programs you need at the time.
You can always add more memory, also. Memory has become very inexpensive.

Printers

When you purchase a new printer, remember to add it to the list of printers for your computer. This will allow you to print on your new printer. If you're using Windows XP, the printer should be detected automatically by the operating system. If not, go to Start -> Printers and Faxes -> and double-click on Add Printer Wizard. The wizard will help you do the rest.

Maintenance Issues

Keep your laptop out of extreme hot and cold temperatures, which could affect the performance of the PC.

Viruses

The most common questions I hear on a day-to-day basis concern viruses.  These questions include:

• How did I get a virus?
• How can I prevent viruses?
• My antivirus software cleaned the virus.  Why does it keep coming back?

Viruses come from a variety of sources.  These sources include floppy disks, USB memory keys, virus-infected CD's, or just surfing the Internet.  Viruses come across the Internet from malicious websites and email attachments (to just name two). 

The best way to prevent viruses is to install antivirus software.  The cost is usually around $50.00, and the cost is well worth it when you consider the cost of lost data or a crashed computer which can occur from the effects of the virus.  Antivirus software, when configured properly, can scan constantly for viruses and clean them as they occur.

Viruses keep coming back because many of us don't know how to clean them or our antivirus software is inadequate.  System Restore, a feature of Windows since Windows Millennium (r), can keep the virus on your computer if the antivirus software isn't scanning the System Restore files.  Turning off System Restore, scanning your computer completely, rebooting your PC, and turning System Restore back on is a good way to keep the virus from returning.