Click Here for more
articles
|
|
3
Summer Computer Tips
|
by: Sharron
Senter
|
Written By: Sharron Senter
#1 – Summer Computer Travel
Holiday travelers should be on alert when arriving home from long
weekends, such as the Fourth of July, a popular time for computer
viruses to spread.
Most computer users have a tendency to turn off their computers when
away on trips, which means you’re not getting newly-released
anti-virus patches or anti-spyware updates; the two most common areas
that cause computers problems. We recommend you update anti-virus and
anti-spyware scans before opening e-mail or going online after an
extended absence.
We consistently see an increase in calls for virus related problems
immediately following long weekends. Avoid the problems altogether by
updating your security software before using your computer. For a free
listing of viruses, spyware threats and trends, visit:
www.VisitingGeeks.com/downloads.htm
#2 -- Should You Leave Your Computer Running?
One question we hear frequently is, "Should I leave my desktop computer
on or turn it off?"
There are 2 schools of thought…
Turning it on and off numerous times during the day subjects the
microcircuits to flexing and fatigue due to change in temperatures.
Over time this could lead to a break in the circuitry and result in
system failure.
Leaving the computer on all the time puts excess wear on the mechanical
components (the hard drive spindle motor and cooling fans).
Best compromise. First user in the morning turns it on; last user turns
it off.
We leave our desktops on all the time allowing for scheduled utility
tasks to run during overnight hours. We also restart the systems (to
flush the RAM and reset the operating system) on a regular basis and
routinely remove the case covers to clean out any dust that may have
accumulated, especially around the fans and screens.
#3 -- Stop Popups!
Never click inside the window of a popup. Instead, close it by clicking
on the X in the upper right corner. Many people are fooled into
installing spyware applications by popups that promise to clean their
system. If you receive a message saying it can help, assume
it’s spyware and don’t click!
About the author:
About the Author
Sharron Senter is co-founder of http://www.VisitingGeeks.com-
an on site computer repair, security and networking company serving
north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks’
technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, popups and securing
and making computers perform faster. Learn more about Sharron at http://www.SharronSenter.com
Circulated
by Article
Emporium
|
|