A Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Your PC
Daily Maintenance:
- Anti-Virus software update: - This should be on automatic. If not, then at least twice a week.
- Backup Data
Monthly Maintenance:
- Remove Spyware: Monthly
- Run either Scandisk or Chkdsk: Monthly - See article on running chkdsk with Windows 2000 and XP - Automating chkdsk (Nov 03)
- Defragment Your Hard Drive, if you do a lot of accounting or database work.
- Check for Windows Updates
- Scan hard drive for viruses
- Remove Temporary Files from Windows
- Do a Virus scan of your whole hard drive
Quarterly:
- Defragment your hard drive if you do not do much accounting or database work.
- Review programs that startup when your computer starts
- Image your hard drive. If you are setup to image your hard drive then it should be done quarterly
- Test your UPS: If you have a battery backup, then close all your programs and unplug it from the wall for a minute to make sure your computer stays up and the backup power is working properly. After the first year, I recommend checking quarterly.
Twice a year
- Check for updated Router Firmware
Annual
- Open up your computer and vacuum (with a plastic nozzled vacuum) or clean with compressed air to remove dust buildup which will create heat buildup.
- Do a Security lockdown where you review all your security settings, running services, antivirus and network protection.
I will be happy to help you with these processes and many clients have me do a security lockdown on their computers annually.