The one exception to this rule is when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running (hard drive light is not blinking). In this situation, you can turn the power off without harmful effects to the hard drive. As cutting the power can also result in lost data or Windows files, you should only do this when you have to.

Following this rule will prevent permanent hard drive defects caused by the hard drive heads contacting the surface of the drive disc, and it will prevent a host of Windows problems. Whenever possible, recover from crashes by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time. Press them again to reboot your computer. If you have had problems and you think it might be due to shutting off your computer incorrectly, contact our staff who will gladly assist you with this.

2. I highly recommend that you purchase an UPS (uninteruptable power supply) for your computer. This will keep your computer from crashing during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage occurrences. An UPS is far superior to a surge protector and will save your computer from almost any type of power disaster. (See #1 above for what happens when your computer crashes.
3. Backup, backup, backup, any data you cannot afford to lose to at least two separate physical drives. So backup data to external hard drives, Zip disks, CD-RWs etc. The time to backup is when you create something you can’t afford to lose. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

4. Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month. This will keep your hard drive healthy and prevent crashes. Alternatively, purchase Norton Utilities and use it to keep your hard drive healthy.

5. Never unplug peripherals from the computer when it is powered up. Unplugging with the power on can short out the connector socket or the motherboard.

The only exception to this rule is if you know a peripheral is “hot pluggable”. If you do not know what “hot pluggable” means then ignore this exception.

6. Do keep at least 300 MBs of your C: drive free for Windows to use. If you use Windows XP or Vista then you should have 400-600 MBs of free space on your C: drive. If you do not have enough free space you will choke Windows and it will start dumping data to your hard drive, or it will just get really, really, slow. Use the ADD/Delete tool in the Windows Control Panel to delete unneeded programs from your drive. You can also use Cleansweep included in Norton Utilities to clean up your drive. If you do use Cleansweep or another hard drive cleaner, do not delete shared files unless you back them up. The cleaners do a rotten job of knowing if another program uses shared files.

7. Do not let a lot of programs load up when you start your computer. They use valuable memory and Windows Resources (Windows internal workspace). All programs in your Windows System Tray (in the lower left of your screen) are running on your computer. Close them if you don’t need them or run them and configure them not to load when you boot up. Other programs running in the background can be found by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time.

8. Do use a virus checker regularly. Everyone should use a virus checker. The best type of protection is continuous monitoring from a dedicated anti-virus program like Norton Antivirus. The second best thing is to use is the free online virus checkers such as Housecall provided by Trend Micro.

9. If you have a high speed Internet connection you need a firewall program. A firewall program keeps those who want to hijack your computer from gaining access to your system. You really do not want someone else running your computer. We suggest you purchase and run Norton’s Personal Firewall program or similar antivirus/firewall program. Your firewall should boot up with your computer to protect it from invasion. If you need some help getting this set-up and working correctly, please visit our support department where we can give you a free consultation on how vulnerable your computer is.

10. Keep track of the software disks you receive with your computer and new peripherals. These disks contain valuable software drivers and programs for Windows and are needed when Windows must be reloaded. Keep these disks and your Windows software disks in a safe, dry, place — you never know when you will need them.

Hopefully these computer maintenance tips will keep you out of trouble. However, if you have problems with your computer, feel free to ask for help from our online computer support department.

What is a firewall program? A firewall program is software that acts like a traffic cop that intercepts Internet traffic to and from your computer. Like all good traffic cops, your firewall software should stop any software program that breaks the traffic laws (hackers).

It is very important that your firewall program functions effectively as your firewall program is your main defense against hackers that are trying to break into your computer through your Internet connection. If hackers gain entry into your computer they can cause all kinds of mischief and thievery.

Firewall Advice:

For Modem Users. If you use a modem, you are at a much lower risk from Internet attackers. Frankly, most hackers don’t want to waste their time hacking into computers with slow Internet connections that are rarely connected to the Internet.

However, just because you aren’t the most desirable target, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run a firewall program. I suggest you at least use the Windows XP Professional firewall or the free firewall programslike ZoneAlarm if you don’t want to buy a commercial firewall program.

If a virus or worm gets into your computer, it will have unlimited access to send anything it wants to any other computer — including personal information about you. Most commercial firewall programs block access to and from your computer – so even if a hacker gets into your computer, he still has to defeat the firewall on the way out.

For High-speed DSL, Cable, FIOS, and Satellite Internet Users. You are a primary target for Internet hackers. If a hacker gains access to your computer, they have free reign to commit computer crimes, crash your computer, steal your personal information, or attack other computers.

You need maximum firewall protection. A leading commercial firewall program that is actively updated by the manufacturer is a must.

Examples of commercial firewall programs include: Norton Personal Firewall, MCafee Firewall, and PC-cillin.

If you would like help installing or maintaining your firewall and antivirus programs please contact us at secureremotesupport.com