Surge Suppressor
A surge suppressor is distinguished from a power strip or
multiple outlet device because it controls power surges, keeping them
away from your PC. Where do surges come from? Lightning, the power
company, having your PC on the same circuit as your dryer, microwave,
etc. Surge surppressors cost: $10 and up depending
on outlets, features, etc.
Router You will
probably use a router to provide multiple
connections to the internet. You may use one on a sole computer for its
firewall features. A router will provide private addressing for your
computer so the bad guys will not see your computer on the net.
Disk Maintenance
- - Check Disk
Check the files and folders on the hard disk. Go My Computer, right
click C: drive, select Properties, select the Tools Tab, select error
checking, select Check Now, check both Automatically fix file system
errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors, then select
Schedule Disk Checkup. Disk Checkup will run the next time your
computer starts. This will normally take under one hour. Do this check
quarterly.
- - Defrag
Defragmentation makes all files contiguous
on the drive. This allows faster scans, etc. Select c:drive and right
click Properties as above, Select Defragment now. This may
take up to a few hours. Do this quarterly.
- - Hard Disk Diagnosis
Uses Self Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Can identify
failing hard disk health. This file is on
Computer Wizard's Super Disc
- - Disk Cleanup
Cleanup does things like removing temporary files and cookies. This
should be done monthly. This file is on
Computer Wizard's Super Disc
- - Backup You
can backup your data or your whole system. Use the Windows backup,
located in the same place as Defrag above. If this is not to your taste
you can try another backup. This file is on
Computer Wizard's Super Disc
PC Protection Solution 1
Antivirus
Avira
and Antispyware
Spyware Doctor
or
Super Antispyware
- - Pros Fast
scans, frequent updates, effective. - - Cons
Restrictive licensing. Downloaded from the internet.
PC Protection Solution 2
Antivirus (Clamwin) and Antispyware (Winpooch)
These files are on
Computer Wizard's Super Disc
- - Pros Open
source, effective, frequent updates.
- - Cons Slow
scans.
Should I use a firewall?
If you have a router, no.
If you have no router, yes, use a firewall (wipfw).
- - Pros Better
than any Microsoft firewall through Vista.
- - Cons You
need to tweak it for file and printer sharing.
This file is on
Computer Wizard's Super Disc
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