Computer Maintenance
The first thing we should talk about is deleting. When you delete something on the computer, that thing that you deleted is sent to the recycling bin, stored on your computers desk top. You must then empty your recycling bin to get rid of whatever it was you deleted. If you are not sure that the deleted file is no longer required, then do not empty the recycling bin. Let the file sit there for a month or so to see if any program needs it. If the file is needed, then in the recycling bin options is a “restore” feature that will put the file back where it was.
You should not delete programs. When you install a program, bits and pieces of the program are installed in various places on your computer. That is why you should always “uninstall” a program to get rid of it. There are two ways of doing this. First and easiest, is to use the programs uninstall option under “start-programs-the program-uninstall”. The second is, under “start-control panel-add/remove programs-the program-remove”. Depending on what operating system you have you may be asked to restart your computer to finish the process.
Rebooting or restarting your computer is like a reset or refresh function. It will fix a lot of minor problems, as the computer will put things back where they belong, and, recover the memory that the computer uses for regular tasks.
Regular maintenance is a key factor in having a trouble free computer. Therefore, you should set up the “task scheduler” included in the windows operating system. This program will enable the computer to look after itself to a certain extent. You can tell it to automatically scandisk, disk defragmenter, do virus checks, run other programs, etc. For instance, my computer automatically defrags once a month. I think that retailers should have the task scheduler set up before you take the computer home, but since they do not, you will find the needed information in your help files.
Most new programs work better with more RAM. This is the memory your computer uses to operate. If your computer, regardless of age, does not have at least 64megs of ram, then you will notice that programs run slower, your computer will sometimes freeze, and weird things will happen. With all the new innovations in computers, and different manufactures, ram is also changing. I would suggest that you contact your local computer store to see if you can get more ram. If it is still available, get as much as your mother board will handle. Even an old computer will run better with more ram, proper maintenance, and the right tweaks.
We have all had our email addresses harvested lately and many of us have been receiving unwanted email, including porn, diet aids, and other things. Most of these mass mailers will not take you off of their mailing lists. When you try to get yourself removed they then know that your email address is still good and will even sell your address to another company. The only way I know of so far to really stop these emails, is to use the “block sender” option in your email program. (Some of the newer email programs have “add to junk or adult senders list”). Highlight the offending email and find “block sender” in your menu, usually under actions, or tools depending on what email program you use. Your email program will then look after it automatically.
Most hotmail, yahoo, register.com, and similar email addresses, are regularly sold or harvested and will receive unasked for mail, and in lots of cases will attract viruses. many people have started to block any mail from hotmail and yahoo accounts.
As always you can email me with specific questions at george@kcnb.ca