PC Maintenance

Your computer is a data hog. Without you knowing, it constantly seeks, collects and stores bits and bytes of information from every possible source. Let's clean house...


1. In Windows, go to the start menu.
2. Select Programs, then the Accessories.
3. Now select the System Tools and Disk Cleanup.
4. Your PC will now calculate what can be thrown away.
5. When it finishes scanning, ensure all of the boxes are checked.
6. Click OK. Confirm this is what you want to do... and your done.

Is you computer sloooooow? Your files could be fragmented. Every time you create, cut, paste or delete your data becomes fragmented hindering the performance of the hard drive. Defragmenting the drive once a month will help make a difference.


1. Go to the start menu.
2. Select Programs, then Accessories.
3. Now select System Tools and Disk Defragmenter.
4. Select the drive (usually C:) you want to defrag and click OK.


Note: This may take awhile if the drive is heavily fragmented.

Errors tend to happen over a course of time. It's inevitable. Windows ScanDisk utility can check your hard drive for such errors and then repair the damaged areas. Run ScanDisk if you notice any problems saving files.


1. Go to the start menu.
2. Select Programs, then Accessories.
3. Now select System Tools and ScanDisk.
4. It is wise to do a Thorough scan.
5. Select the drive you want to scan and click OK.

Windows does a pretty good job of managing your virtual memory. But, if want a little bit more performance...


1. Right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties.
2. Select Advanced tab then the Settings button under Performance.
3. Hit Advanced tab then the Change button under Virtual memory.
4. Enter an Initial Size that is equal to your system's RAM
5. Enter a Maximum Size that is 2.5 times your system's RAM
6. Click OK and reboot your computer.