Computer Maintenance Checklist

It is better to sew up a small hole, which would need one stitch rather than wait until the hole gets bigger and will need 10 stitches. I am sure everyone will agree with this. Now, a computer is the most used appliance in our lives, and with a lot of content and media available for download on the Internet, it can become unresponsive and slow, due to the data building up on the machine. Most of us are unaware, but every time we switch on our PC; read our mails, read new documents, create new files, download something, etc., it adds up to the clutter and junk. Some operating systems come with an in-built system that helps you keep your computer working sturdy and spam free. Now when your computer starts running slower than usual, you know there is a serious need for its maintenance, and instead of spending a few dollars on a technician, here is a monthly computer maintenance checklist that will help you fix your computer when it is down, and check for its maintenance on a monthly basis.

* – To print the computer maintenance checklist click anywhere on the table.

Basic Computer Hardware Maintenance Checklist
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Make sure your computer, monitor, printer, CPU (central processing unit) are plugged into a surge protector.
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Clean your computer’s screen, mouse, keyboard and other parts with alcohol-free wipes or cleaners used specifically for this purpose.
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Check physical connections between all devices, and see that a clear air flow is maintained and no wires are obstructed anywhere.
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Blow out the accumulated dust in and around your PC. The motherboard and the sides of the expansion cards are attracted to debris and dust. Make sure you blow out the dust from that area too.
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Check that the CPU’s cooling fan is working properly, and that it is free of dust and cob webs. Accumulated dust is likely to obstruct the working of the cooling fan.
Basic Computer Software Maintenance Checklist
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Firstly, update your PC’s virus definition or install an antivirus if you don’t have one installed already. Update your antivirus and run a complete virus scan at least once a week.
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Delete all the temporary Internet files. Go to Internet Explorer click on Tools Menu and select Internet options. Click the option marked Delete Files. The deletion will take a long time, but it is necessary to get rid of all those temporary files.
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Clear your Internet cache. Every time you surf the net, the computer stores all the web pages and images you scroll through. This back up information eats up the hard drive space.
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Empty the Recycle Bin. Make sure you empty it, every time you delete something. This will help keep the hard drive clean and free from unnecessary clutter.
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Go in for a disk clean up. This will help you get rid of old compressed files, temporary files and other junk. To get there, go to the Start Menu →All Programs →Accessories →System Tools →Disk Cleanup.
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Shortcut icons on the desktop are no doubt handy and easily accessible, but get rid of the icons that are not in use. This will make your desktop look clean and neat.
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Delete programs that are rarely used or not used. Use this option by going to the Control Panel →Add and Delete Programs. This option will give you a brief view of the programs installed in your PC and the frequency of their use. Deleting those which are rarely used or not used will only increase the performance of your computer.
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Backup your database to protect and restore it, in case of system failure.
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Run the Disk Defragmenter utility. This will clear disk space on your hard drive, that is occupied by unnecessary data. To access this particular program, click the Start button →Programs →Accessories →System Tools, and then select Disk Defragmenter option.
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Restart your computer. You have just successfully cleaned your computer from unwanted clutter.

Using this checklist, you can assure that your PC will perform its best. The cleaner the hard drive, the smoother and more efficient your computer’s performance will be!