Does Your Computer Need A Tune-Up?

Last month we talked a little about error messages and their meanings. If you missed last month's NewsLetter, the HTML version can be found here.

As was discussed, error messages are a fact of computer life. You are going to see them! However, there are some things you can do to reduce the number of error messages you see.

Actually, not just error messages. You can reduce the number of freeze-ups, the number of fatal errors and the number of reboots your computer has. You can also reduce the amount of downtime your system experiences as a result of having to cope with these problems. You may also be able to reduce your stress level, and the number of swear words your computer hears.

Not only that, but you can increase the overall speed and efficiency of your computer.

Am I talking about upgrading? Should you increase your RAM, buy a new CPU, or a more efficient hard drive? What about a whole new computer?

While these measures will stop the problem for a short time, errors will return, and your system will eventually experience a decrease in performance and efficiency, once again.

So what am I talking about? I'm talking about simple preventative maintenance practices, and tune-up procedures that can be performed by the average user.

Taking a few precautions as you work, and learning to use the computer and its file system properly, can save you trouble in the long run.

Time taken, once or twice a month, to perform a few simple clean up procedures and use a couple of maintenance utilities, can make a big difference in how your computer performs.

If you disagree with anything I have to say, or you have suggestions that would be of interest to other subscribers, I'd love to hear from you. But, if I suggest something like, say..., leaving 25% of your hard drive free, I don't need an email telling me that you have only 5% free and have never had any problems.

The object of the suggestions in this newsletter are to optimize your computer's performance and reduce the number of errors you see, without costing you any money.

One thing I do think needs mentioning! If you follow the ideas and suggestions in this newsletter, do so one item at a time. When making changes to your computer's configuration, file structure, settings, etc... you should do one thing at a time, shut off your computer, then turn it back on and make sure everything is still working properly. If it doesn't start properly, then the last thing you did was probably what caused the problem.

If you make several changes at once, then turn off your computer and it won't restart properly, its a lot harder to track down the problem. Its only common sense.

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