computer maintenance

[chrisso]

hi. i have a toshiba satellite L500.. i think? lol

its running ok, no real problems at all, but i've had it for since may 2010... can anyone recommend anything i should do to it to keep it running tip top???

:huh::sarc:

 

[richc46]

Welcome
This fine tutorial will answer all your questions
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

Additional Information
As soon as you get home with your computer:

Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install.
Should be done at the end and this software, although probably free for a while,
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.

Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates.

Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.

This is also the opportunity to download Adobe Flash Player

Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE.

Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.

Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.

Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance

 

[Corazon]

Just don't run any registry cleaners, system tweakers or "optimizers"...even if their description sounds awesome. Especially if it sounds awesome.

One notable exception to this rule is CCleaner which has a very nice registry cleaner built-in that's generally very safe to use.

 

[pparks1]

One notable exception to this rule is CCleaner which has a very nice registry cleaner built-in that's generally very safe to use.

While my experiences with CCleaner are usually positive, it's not always a guarantee. I would hesitate to run the CCleaer registry tool since the OP says everything is fine on his computer.

My personal recommendations are
1). Install testing or unknown software to a virtual machine, thus your host machine keeps a clean registry and doesn't get screwed up
2). Use a software application like Acronis/Macrium/EaseUs and make regular image backups. This way, if performance does tank for 1 reason or another, you can always snap back quickly and easily to your last known good image.

 

[LordSneakyBeak]

Just wanted to add my +1 to CClean's registry fix. I've been using it for a number of years always worked well for me. Still, if it ain't broke, don't do too much 'fixing'

 

[1Bowtie]

One more very important thing keep the dust bunnies out, they cause heat which can manifest into multible problems.

 

[OldMX]

Yes, keeping the vents clean on a laptop is the best to avoid overheatting.