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February
9,
2010
KnowtheNetwork.com
1
|
P a g e
Essentials
of
PC
Maintenance
by:
Keith
“tsudo”
Crawford
A
computer
is
a
machine
and
in
the
same
way
your
car
needs
oil
changes
your
PC
requires
maintenance.
This
guide
will
cover
the
essentials
tasks
that
you
should
perform
regularly
to
keep
your
computer
performing
well.
Download
this
and
all
the
recommended
at
1.
Delete
temporary
files
a.
Why?
–
As
you
use
the
computer
and
browse
the
internet
your
system
is
creating
hundreds
of
temporary
files.
The
files
can
reduce
your
web
browser
performance
and
consume
unnecessary
disk
space.
b.
How?
–
Download
(The
slim
build
doesn’t
include
the
Yahoo
toolbar).
Install
CCleaner
with
the
default
settings.
Once
the
application
is
installed
open
the
program
and
click
“Run
Cleaner”.
Make
sure
all
your
web
browser
windows
are
closed
for
maximum
effect.
c.
When?
–
The
frequency
will
depend
on
your
computer
usage
but
I
recommend
running
this
on
a
weekly
basis.
February
9,
2010
KnowtheNetwork.com
2
|
P a g e
2.
Defragment
your
hard
drive
a.
Why?
–
Windows
can
scatter
parts
of
a
file
across
your
harddrive.
While
the
file
is
fine
it
can
take
longer
to
access
and
load.
This
is
called
fragmentation.
Running
a
Defrag
resorts
these
files
and
optimizes
them
for
speedy
access
b.
How?
–
I
recommend
2
different
applications
for
defrag
based
upon
your
needs.
Note:
Windows
does
have
a
built
in
defrag
but
it
is
woefully
inadequate
i.
–
This
is
the
application
I
most
frequently
deploy.
It
offers
lots
of
options
and
scheduled
scanning.
ii.
(direct
link
to
exe)
–
This
is
a
very
simple
and
effective
application,
double
click
the
icon
and
it
goes
to
work.
Fewer
options
and
no
built
in
scheduling
functions
but
if
you
are
looking
for
a
lightweight
solution
JKdefrag
is
the
app
you
will
want.
Note:
JKdefrag
has
now
been
updated
to
I
don’t
like
the
latest
version
so
the
link
is
to
the
older
version
3.36.
c.
When?
Monthly
February
9,
2010
KnowtheNetwork.com
3
|
P a g e
3.
Apply
Windows
Updates
a.
Why?
–
Microsoft
is
continually
releasing
bug
fixes
and
security
patches
and
they
are
critical
to
maintaining
a
good
system.
I
recommend
enabling
automatic
updates
so
you
can
set
it
and
forget
it.
b.
How?
–
In
the
control
panel
select
“Automatic
Updates”
and
select
the
“Automatic”
option.
If
you
are
unsure
how
to
navigate
to
windows
update
in
the
control
panel
here’s
a
shortcut:
Hold
down
the
windows
logo
key
on
your
keyboard
(between
Ctrl
&
Alt)
and
hit
“R”
simultaneously.
A
“Run”
dialog
box
will
open,
type
“wuaucpl.cpl”
and
hit
enter.
c.
When?
–
Set
automatically
and
forget
it.
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