Issue 5.13
It seems that the beginning of a new year is a good time to think about making our lives or health of finances better by choosing to do something better than we have done in the past. As important as the computer is in many people’s lives, it seems it might be a good time to make a few resolutions that can avoid problems or make our computer experience better. Here are a few I suggest.
First (you knew this was coming) make sure that my data is backed up regularly or continuously so that, if my computer crashes or is destroyed or stolen, I can get back the data, pictures, documents and projects that matter to me.
I will share my family photos, histories and other documents with other family members and let them share theirs with me which will provide another level of security and duplication of the unreplaceable.
I will manually check my anti-virus/anti-malware software for effectiveness and make sure it is up to date. (To check the ratings for your software, search for “2013 compare anti-virus”.)
I will remove junk programs and unnecessary toolbars from my computer. (You can do this through the control panel. It usually will speed up your computer.)
I will check internal and case fans in my computer to make sure they are running well and not clogged with dust or dirt. (Heat is the major contributor to computer failure)
I will use a laptop cooler under my laptop when I have it turned on, especially if it is sitting on the bed or other surface that reduces airflow. (see last resolution)
I will change my passwords regularly, especially to legal and financial accounts and email. (every six months is recommended)
If children (or unreliable adults) use my computer, I will install filtering software (such as BlueCoat K-9, Cyber-Sitter,etc..) to protect them from damaging or uncomfortable content.
If I can’t figure out how to do these things, I will get a professional to either help me do them or show me how to do them myself.
There may be others, but these are good to consider. If you do these on a regular basis (every 6 months or every year) it will give you peace of mind and may save you quite a bit of grief..
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.