Windows PC Maintenance

Windows Running Slow? Here Are Some Free Ways To Fix A Slow PC - Part 2

2010-03-12T14:19:00.001Z

* Shut down processes you are not using. This is different from shutting down software applications (visible on the task bar). Open the Task Manager 'Processes' tab and kill off any EXEs you don't require. Only kill off those EXEs that you are familiar with (for example, Skype, etc). Another useful free tool for doing this is Sysinternal's Process Explorer.

* Do a complete PC reboot. A reboot clears out the RAM and Virtual Memory of any memory slots that have not been freed up by applications (this can be due to faults in these software applications.

* Run Windows Update from the Start Menu. Updates normally fix bugs and security loopholes but some of updates are included to fix performance issues.

* Use a registry and file clean up tool such as Windows own Disk Cleanup application or CCleaner to remove the multitude of cached files and data residing on your PC that is no longer being used or required. If you are a frequent Internet user then you will discover that the web browser caches huge amounts of files.

* Run a defragmentation too across all your drives. Some options include the free Auslogic's Disk Defrag tool or Microsoft's own defragmentation tool (that is provided with all Windows operating systems). Some computer users should defragment drives more often if they are repeatedly installing and uninstalling a lot of software or if using applications that generates hundreds of big files (for example, audio/visual applications).

Windows Running Slow? Here Are Some Free Ways To Fix A Slow PC - Part 1

2010-03-09T14:19:00.000Z

The following check-list is a list of monthly activities I have been using over the past years to maintain the stability and performance of three PCs that I use. I have found that taking a little time to maintain and repair computers each month has prolonged the life of these machines. The oldest was built in 1998, now uses Windows XP and still runs fast in spite of only having 512MB of memory. All of these activities require no extra cost.

* Verify that each of your hard drives have at least 10% free space. Running a PC utilizes a lot of disk space for its virtual memory and file swapping. If you are under the 10% mark then the proceeding tasks will help free up some much needed space.

* Remove any software applications that you use infrequently. Always uninstall software from the Control Panel. You should be quite callous about removing applications to free up as much space as possible. If you have the CDs for installing these applications then you can always re-install later if you feel the need to use them again.

* Close down rarely used applications. Opening multiple browsers and multiple documents caches a lot of data. Close the applications and add short-cuts to the specific documents you want to access on your desktop so that they are close to hand when you do need to open them.

PC Repairs Before You Need Them: Screen Savers And Hibernation

2010-02-25T15:06:00.000Z

Screen savers are really badly named in my opinion as they do not ‘save’ your screen at all.

This may have been true 20 years ago when monitors that had displayed a recurring image or color on a pixel could result in enough pixel damage to cause images to be continuously displayed on the monitor. However, most modern monitors are very power efficient in comparison so there is a lower chance of pixel damage.

In saying that though, one myth surrounding screen savers is that using a screen saver conserves some amount of energy – this is not true. It only conserves energy once the monitor powers down.

A better option is to use Standby mode in Windows which will result in power consumption being decreased. Another, even better, solution is to use Hibernation mode.

To make it clear - Standby Mode keeps the machine running at a reduced capacity thus using a constant amount of power while still letting the computer be started up rapidly (its ‘standing by’ waiting to start up again). Hibernation Mode is different in that it first saves a snapshot of your system’s running applications and then shuts down Windows entirely, which saves you using power and saves the electronics from continual usage.

The less you run your PC when you are not using it, the less wear on the electronics and circuits, which prolongs the computers health and life span.

Preventative PC Maintenance: Power Surge Protection

2010-02-25T14:53:00.000Z

I really think that power surge protection should be built into all computers. I realize there is a cost implication but given the volume of PC’s sold each year you’d say that the cost would be minor – I guess it’s just not as popular a feature as having extra RAM or a cool monitor on each PC that is sold.

I use a power extension strip that has surge protection built into it.

All it takes is for a vacuum cleaner blowing a fuse in my house to cause a power surge to my computer burning out its circuits – which is usually fatal for the machine.

Many years ago, while working in a small startup company just such an incident happened. A toaster in the communal kitchen blew a fuse. The power went out and twenty engineers were stuck unable to work. Of the 20, five desktop computers were damaged by the power surge. We were fortunate enough that we had (a) backed up all code on the boxes and (b) were able to swap out & copy the hard-drives before sending the boxes back to the supplier. But in hindsight, a few simple surge protector boards would have saved the day!

Preventative Maintenance: Software updates

2010-02-25T14:44:00.000Z

This is one that I’ve used over the years and found that preventative maintenance that ‘maintains’ the health of a system is much better than trying to resolve an issue after it has occurred. The irritating part is that it is so simple to do, but so many people do not do it.

All it consists of is keeping the OS and application drivers up to date! As software vendors improve their products, fixing errors and security issues, patch updates become available and it is generally good practice to ‘Check for Updates’ often and the majority of better product vendors provide automated updates as part of their products.

Your first port of call for updating the Windows operating system files should be Microsoft’s own Windows Update service (from your Start menu). Their updates generally fix Windows minor bugs but the security updates are critical to keep up to date.

Making a habit of getting these updates incrementally keeps your computers health levels continuously at a high level. If left for too long, you will also find the size of the required downloads is incredibly high so it’ll eat into your bandwidth just downloading the updates.

PC Repairs: USB Hubs

2010-02-25T14:32:00.000Z

My first bug bear to comment on is USB hubs.

Just as you should not overload a power extension board by plugging in too many devices into a single socket, so you should steer clear of having too many peripherals connected to your PC/laptop.

The main culprit here are USB splitters (or hubs – they go under a lot of names).

I know that having peripherals that consume small amounts of energy is OK (e.g. keyboards and mice). But having several external drives running in parallel over a long period has the potential to overheat the USB hub resulting in the hub burning out and/or the OS having difficulties picking up the devices.

Just this last month, my brother had this happen to his PC resulting in the blue screen of death. It only got resolved through using costly computer tech support.

Remember that the USB connection provides data connectivity and a power supply so the more devices it has to power, the greater the strain.

Welcome to my PC maintenance blog for Windows owners

2010-02-25T14:24:00.000Z

Welcome to my PC maintenance blog for Windows owners.

I’ll post articles, links and ideas about ways for the PC owners to maintain and, if need be, repair their computer. I've been working in IT since 1993 so have worked on a lot of PCs/laptops in my time. In addition, I'v read plenty of books about Windows systems and used a number of on-line tools so hopefully can pick out some of the useful ones!

Please leave comments or recommendations as I’m open to hearing about new tools which might help me.
Rod