We're keeping it simple here with recommendations on basic maintenance needs for computers.   This section can help you take the first steps to keeping the computers healthy and increasing their longevity.

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.


Purchase an UPS (uninterrupted 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.


Run Scandisk and Defragment at least once a month (Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter/Check Now). This will keep your hard drive healthy and sometimes it wll alart you for possible problem with your hard disk system. Scan Disk - Check hard drive for physical errors, and Defrag - Organizes the files and programs in a logical order.

Disk Clean-up (Start > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup) - Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches your drive, and then shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files. From time to time, Use the ADD/Delete tool in the Windows Control Panel to delete unneeded applications from your drive.

Get an Good Anti virus and malware application(s) - 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.

If you have a high speed Internet connection you need a firewall(hardware or software). A firewall keeps those who want to directly hijack your computer from gaining access to your system. Computers are "Not Magic" it is in your best interest not to have someone else running your computer.You can purchase and run a Norton, Panda, or a Bitdefender's Personal Firewall program.

point: Did you know that some of the junk mail you get are coming from person who has no idea that their computer is sending out junk? Those people are not aware that someone is in control of their systems. Do not think you are safe from hackers? Get a firewall and use it.

Clean your computer's hardware at least once a year - Dust and oils tend to build up in them so it is a good idea to do a bit of house cleaning once a year. Please use common sense when doing this process do not damage the fans or knock something loose, if you are not sure of what you are doing take the system in to a qualified technician. Go to the local store and pickup a couple of cans of (computer grade) compressed air (or for those of you have an air compressor set the gage to 35 psi), open the case, aim the air at the heat fins by the CPU, any fan blades, and the power supply. 

This is advice, and we are offer this advice to you. Please! DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING. We suggest you take the system in to a qualified technician and they will provide this service for a fee.