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Archive for October, 2011

My computer crashed on Sunday and I was devastated.  A week later I’m still not 100% restored.  Yes! MikaSue to the Rescue had to rescue herself from herself.  But it’s my own fault. I saw it coming and ignored the symptoms.

It began to take longer than usually to start up but just as I was getting concerned there it came alive.  Then it would move slowly when I performed certain tasks. But just as I was getting concerned, the task would finish.  I knew it was time for a backup but I was soo busy creating, developing, supporting, computing that there was no time to be idle for a backup.

My computer is my everything – my tv, my radio, my phone, my business! Yet I did not make time to perform my preventative maintenance and I paid for it – BIG TIME.  There is never time to do it but always time to recover from not doing it.

I am not venting about my computer crashing, I am simply encouraging you to avoid neglecting yours.  Believe me I understand how easy it is to ignore maintaining your computer especially if you are a power user.  But it is so important to take time to perform the necessary tasks to keep your computer running optimally.  Over time, computers accumulate unnecessary files, out-of-date software, and other hazards.  Staying on top of these can reduce the risk of your computer performing poorly and eventually conking out on you.

I have a preventative maintenance schedule that I try to follow.   It is only my suggestion. Follow it as you see fit. I will definitely be more attentive to it and follow it a lot more closely since I am still recovering from my crash on Sunday.  Feel free to leave a comment and share your stories or preventative maintenance suggestions.  Happy computing!

MikaSue Designs Computer Preventative Maintenance Schedule

Daily

#1 - Be smart online. Only click on links and accept email attachments that you are expecting from others.  Even if you know the person, do not automatically trust the email.  Email is hacked often! You think because you recognize the email and know the person that it is safe.  NOOOO! Confirm with the person that he/she sent you an email with a link or attachment before you download it to your computer.

#2 – Accept updates offered by your active anti-virus software. If you have anti-virus software that has expired, do not allow updates or click on ads from that software. In fact, REMOVE IT.  It is not active and thus not doing your computer any good.

#3 – Run a manual quick scan after you are done computing for the day. Don’t always trust that the anti-virus software is running automatically. Manually click the button and start a quick scan of your computer before you shut it down.

Weekly

#1 – Run a disk clean up to remove temporary internet files, cookies and other unnecessary files that have accumulated from your usage all week.

#2 - Update software such as Adobe and Java. You can click INSTALL LATER only so many times before these updates do become necessary when browsing certain sites.

#3 – Run a full system virus scan after taking updates.

Monthly

#1 - Inventory your Documents and Downloads folders and remove any unused or unnecessary files. If you have downloaded a program from the internet and it is running properly on the computer, you do not need the original Download file you can remove it.

#2 – Archive your email. Don’t let spam, junk and unimportant emails accumulate in your inbox.

#3 – Backup your documents, music, pictures, and other important files.

#4 – Physically clean your computer casing, keyboard and mouse. Dust can cause all kinds of problems with a computer. Food can get between the keys of your keyboard and the mouse can roll over just so much dirt.  Use an anti-static cleaning pad or can of compressed air and blow away these problems.

Yearly

#1 - Inventory the programs on your computer and remove any expired or unused software. Remove software for printers/scanners/cameras you don’t actually own anymore.

#2 – Archive your documents. Create a folder for the current year files.  Move all your necessary documents that you must keep.  Delete all others or save to an external drive.  This will make room for the new files for the upcoming year.

#3 – Defrag your hard drive. Moving and deleting documents can leave spaces in your hard drive.  Run a defrag to increase the storage capacity of your hard drive.

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MikaSue Designs provides excellent computer support services including virus removal, memory upgrades, hard drive optimization, etc.
MikaSue to the Rescue
http://www.askmeacomputerquestion.com

Computers today are loaded with many different types of software programs and many more titles are available for purchase or download. Most of us just open a program and begin exploring the different options to see what the software can do. Some of us are tasked with a specific issue and are forced to learn the software to help solve the problem. In both cases, formal training is non-existent but very relevant. Being formally trained in software programs can lessen your frustration, save you time, and increase your productivity.

Today, software is very complicated and offers several different ways to complete the same task. This can be overwhelming and may even discouraged use of the software altogether.

While feeling your way through software can be sufficient for your needs, it is also time-consuming. Being familiar with a software program and its features can help you decide the best tool for the task at hand. For example, if you need to create mailing labels, you may know to use a word-processing program. However, knowing about and how to use the mail merge feature of Microsoft Word will help you create labels more easily, thus increasing productivity.

Exploring new software can be exciting but also frustrating. Formal training on software programs can introduce you to its features and user interface, which will increase your comfort level and confidence with using the software. Community colleges and other private training corporations offer training on every software title available. Seek out formal training instead of feeling your way and become a more productive and proficient software user.

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MikaSue Designs offers excellent computer training on popular software titles at affordable rates.
http://training.mikasuedesigns.com