How to keep PC healthy??

cemcilfa · 16 Feb 2011

Hi,
Is there any chance that I can keep my pc 'healthy' meaning running smooth and free of any errors?
Many thanks :)

OldMX · 16 Feb 2011

Dont install crap programs, run ccleaner on a regular basis and let windows self-defrag every time its scheduled.

cemcilfa · 16 Feb 2011

thanks

Brink · 16 Feb 2011

Hello Cemcilfa,

In addition, I would say the best way is to always create a restore point before doing anything that makes changes to the system first. This way you could always do a system restore to undo it if it messes things up.

sygnus21 · 16 Feb 2011

Running CC Cleaner is not a pre-requisite to keeping a clean healthy system. I myself don't use any registry cleaners and I have/keep a healthy PC by using the tools available within Windows itself.

Also..... If you have an SSD drive, there's no need to defrag it as it's not required for SSD drives. In fact Windows 7 will (should) automatically disable the service for them.

I do agree however that watching what you install is a great step in keeping a good running system. Keeping Windows updated through Windows Update is also key.

Make sure you have a good anti-virus program installed - Here's a free good one - http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ Did I mention it's free, and good?

And Brink's suggestion is spot on as well

My two cents.

whs · 16 Feb 2011

In addition, I would do frequent images (but do not use the Win7 native imaging - use free Macrium, Paragon or Acronis). The system restore does not always work correctly and earlier restore points may disappear fast depending on the size of your shadowstorage.

Bill · 17 Feb 2011

Crap cleaner is great, it will keep your system from getting filled up with all junk files (temp internet files, cookies, logs from programs, etc). It also finds keys that you no longer need in registry and that are invalid. The program also has some cool system tools built into it that allow you to stop programs at start up without having to use msconfig. It's a must have.

pparks1 · 17 Feb 2011

The number 1 way to keep your PC error free and running great is to not install anything you don't "need". This is easier said than done.

I try to play with all software that I am evaluating on a virtual machine. I try to install as little as possible to my actual system.

Another way I have kept my machine clean is with my Acronis True Image software that I purchased. It has a mode called Try&Decide. So, if I do want something on my actual machine, you fire up Try&Decide and it takes a snapshot of your machine. Then, you can install and play with whatever you want. At the end, you can simply tell Acronis to revert back and and it takes you right back where you were...with nothing new installed on your system. I've used that extensively to trash changes and it's worked very well. I tried "ONCE" to commit changes and had a real problem on my hands. So, from now on, if I want to commit changes..I revert back and simply complete the steps again without Try&Decide running.