10 Tips on Computer Maintenance and Security

1. Install anti-virus software that provides an automatic update of virus definitions.

Viruses can cause some of the most pernicious attacks on your computer, and they are constantly updated and re-launched by nefarious individuals. Only by downloading updated definitions of these constantly changing viruses can you ensure your anti-virus software will remain relevant.

2. Run a disk cleanup, disk defragmentation and virus scan on your computer first thing every morning.

Keeping your computer in tiptop condition will extend its life from about three years to more than five. Disk defrags can be time consuming if you only run them once a month but are completed in a snap when you do them once a day.

3. Backup your computer system every day.

This is crucial to ensure business continuity and preservation of files that are indispensible for your business.

4. Run an offsite backup once a month and keep it in a separate location.

You can buy portable external hard drives for this purpose. Though the risk may be minor, it's worth it to have an offsite backup for your peace of mind.

5. Protect yourself from hackers by installing an external firewall.

You can purchase a router with an external firewall included.

6. Copy the files of your company web site.

Your web site is crucial for marketing and generating an independent revenue flow. You should be updating it every day with additional web pages and/or an internal blog. Why leave its security totally in the hands of your hosting company?

7. Create a login for your computer system and personal settings.

You probably don't want your boss or other employees rummaging through your computer files when you're out to lunch. A system login will prevent this.

8. Turn off your computer when you're not using it.

This should be common sense, but you would be surprised at how many people leave their computer on all day, and some leave it on all night, too. Like any appliance, computers go through an aging process, and the less they are active, the longer they last.

9. Stay away from web sites that are untrustworthy.

Usually, your anti-virus software will also protect you from dangerous sites, but you should also use your common sense to avoid risqué locations.

10. Do not open attachments from unknown parties or click on links that raise your suspicion.

This step goes hand-in-hand with the previous item. Even with all the protection mentioned above, a policy of moderation in your computer use will pay dividends by prolonging the life of your machine.

Diligent attention to the items above just take a little time each day and will save you from the exasperation of a computer that gets slower and slower in its basic operations. Once that process starts, it is generally irreversible.