5 Tips to Prepare your PC for the New Year

Tip #1 - Perform a Full scan of all your computers with a proven up to date Antivirus Software Application. This means scan your Desktops, Laptops, Flash Drives and Smartphone phones. The year 2011 proved to be a year where there was an significant increase in cyber criminal activity and yes cell phones and tablets were included.

Tip #2 - After a successful Antivirus scan, backup all your important Data to some type Removable Storage Media such as an External Hard Drive, Flash Drive, CD, DVD or Blu Ray. In 2011 CTS serviced many desktop and laptop computers with failed and broken hard drives and less than 5% of our clients backed up their data.

This means 95% lost everything (pictures, docs, music etc.) and other 5% who thought they were doing good, failed to update their data. Not performing updates and synchronizing leaves you with old data that might be useless.

Performing Incremental and Full backups are important. Seek professional advice if necessary.

Tip #3 - After Tip 1 and 2, check all Software Programs that are running in RAM (Memory) of your computing device. You may discover Malware, Viruses or other RAM hogging Applications that are running in your computer.

In all Windows based computers (1) Press the Windows Key on the Keyboard (the key with the flag located between the Ctrl and Alt keys) and the R key at the same time. The Run window will appear on the desktop. Type msconfig and press the OK button. See the figure below.

Once the System Configuration window appears on the desktop click the Startup Tab. Please only view and write down all of your Startup Items. We do not suggest that you disable any items but report this information to your PC professional for their advice. Disabling the wrong items can produce ill effects and CTS is not responsible for your actions. After recording the Startup information click the Cancel button.

Tip #4 - Clean your Desktop or Laptop computer. If you’re computer is over 2 years old and it has  never been opened, this is the time. Computer equipment will overheat from Dust and Dirt. A computer that is overheating can perform erratically. You may experience BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), Slow Running to Restarting periodically.

If you own a desktop computer open the cabinet and check the surface, fans and power supply. If you cannot open the case contact a PC professional to check and clean the desktop.

Laptop computer are a little tricky in that many people us Duster to spray the vents on the sides and bottom on the unit. CTS suggest that the entire bottom be removed to check the motherboard and fans. Sometimes spraying duster in the vents will only spread the dust and dirt throughout laptop. A skilled PC professional should do this for you. If you use your laptop a lot or it’s been years since it was internally cleaned, schedule an appointment right away. Laptops, Notebooks and Netbooks have limited internal case space so overheating can be a real issue.

Tip  #5. Update all your Computer and Mobil device software’s when necessary. This includes updating The Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Products, Antivirus Software’s etc. Not updating the software’s on your computer can cause problems and conflicts with other software’s and hardware components. CTS definitely suggest speaking with a PC Professional, as updating the Microsoft Operating Systems can be a bit tricky on what Updates or Patches you should install. Sometimes updates can cause your computer perform erratic.

These steps mentioned above are only a few to start the New Year by helping your computer to run Error Free. Computers can be compared to Cars, “neglect your car and eventually you’ll be stranded”.

Coming April 2012

Do It Yourself Computer Tune Ups Workshops. Learn how fine tune your computer and save money!

Call (215) 939-3089 for More Information

Thank you,

April Johnson, CTS LLC

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