PC Maintenance Guide for PCs attached to the Ethernet

1/31/2007

...Every Day

  1. Update your virus and spyware definitions: Viruses and spyware can spread within hours, so keeping your anti-virus (Symantec AntiVirus) and anti-spyware (Microsoft Defender) software up-to-date is essential. Most anti-virus/spyware programs can be setup to automatically update; if so, set a time then the PC is on and connected to the net.
  2. Perform a quick virus and spyware scan: Regularly schedule a quick scan of your system to find virus and spyware programs hiding on your system by. Most anti-virus/spyware programs can be setup to automatically do a quick scan; if so, set a time then the PC is on and PC use is at a minimum.
  3. Do an incremental backup: Make a copy of new files and files that have changed since your last full backup. For more information, see Backup from the 'Don't be a Hacker's Dream' web page.
  4. Reboot when programs crash: Failed applications can cause other programs to falter. Save our work and restart your system after every crash to clear it out possible future program problems.
    5.

 

...Every Week

  1. Perform a full virus and spyware scan: Regularly schedule a total/full scan of your system to find virus and spyware programs hiding on your system. Most anti-virus/spyware programs can be setup to automatically do a total/full scan; if so, set a time then the PC is on and PC use is at a minimum.
  2. Do a complete backup: Better safe than sorry. A backup of all of your data will help you recover if your hard drive fails. Note: Backup only the files you have created; the operating system and software applications can be reinstalled if your hard drive fails.
  3. Run System Update: Obtain the latest critical system and software patches:
    1. MS Windows:

                                              i.     Click on the 'start' button

                                             ii.     Select the 'All Programs' option

                                            iii.     Click on the 'Windows Update'

    1. Apple OS:

                                              i.     Click on the 'Apple' desktop icon

                                             ii.     Select the 'Software Updates' option

  1. Run a spyware-and-adware removal program: Tools like Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-aware can quickly find and remove sneaky spyware and adware software. To date, there is not an program that will look for everything; therefore running the tools listed above, in addition to MS Defender, is strongly recommended.

 

...Every Month

  1. Update your programs: To make your apps more stable, check for vendors' software updates. Most applications have a clickable 'Update' options within the 'Help' drop down menu.
  2. Check for new drivers: Installing the latest drivers for your system devices can help speed up and stabilize your PC. If you are experiencing a software driver problem, obtain the latest drivers from Microsoft by running MS Windows Update with the custom option and check for hardware updates.
  3. Analyze Your Security: Use Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer tool to help you analyze the security of your computer.

 

...Every Year

  1. Check on passwords: Check the strength of passwords by using a password checker. Microsoft provides the following web link: (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx).
  2. Change Passwords: Regularly change critical passwords. Check the strength of any new password by using a password checker.

 

 

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