Computer Maintenance Regimen
for Computer Buddies

A regimen developed for AgWebSite.com customers

By Nedra Bayne*
*Assumes Windows 98 and above. Offered freely and with no warranty.

These software tools should be installed and used routinely. In each case, tasks can be scheduled through built-in Automatic Updates, Task Schedulers, etc. These automations should be used, but humans must regularly oversee that computer-scheduled tasks are performed as ordered.

1. Virus Scanning
   McAfee Virus Scan, Norton AntiVirus, Computer Associates, other. Must be constantly on, protecting incoming mail and (in the case of Norton and others) outgoing mail.
   
2. Virus Definitions
   Set computer to update definitions daily or whenever the Internet is connected. Humans should double-check computer check every Thursday morning. Keep software subscriptions up-to-date, usually annually.
   
3. Windows Op System Updates
   Computer needs to automatically check Internet for updates daily. Human should follow-up weekly with a manual check. Only the Critical Updates need be installed. Window Updates also should check for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook Express updates. Keep these current as they add security enhancements.
   
4. Disk Defrag and Error Checking.
   These programs protect hard drives and are offered through the Windows operating system. Run Disk Scan monthly. Run the Defrag program weekly. You will find these two programs under My Computer a desktop icon. Select My Computer, then select the computer drive letter (C, D) you want. ‘Right click’ the drive and click Properties. Then click Tools and you will find the Defragmentation and Error Checking programs.
   
5. Registry Cleaner.
   There are many registry cleaners with names similar to Computer Clinic, Computer RX, System Doc, etc. System Mechanic, by Iolo, is one of the good ones. It is available on the web for free evaluation. It helps keep registries healthy and computers system relatively free of clutter. This regimen is designed for System Mechanic. Monthly, run the Files program, running only these two features: Find and Remove Junk, Find broken shortcuts. Using the System program, run just this feature: Clean the Registry. Run more frequently if you have a problem, such as a computer crash.

All of the above programs can be automated, but it is the human’s job to oversee
these maintenance chores. AgWebSites’ Computer Buddy^TM will keep you on track.
Ask your AgWebSites representative for an update or new Computer Buddy^TM. ComputerBuddy@AgWebSites.com

Additional Tips

for the

Meticulous Computer Caretaker

Anti-Spyware

Unfortunately, some programs that record computer activities may creep into systems due to your Internet habits and activity. For the large part, you will want these programs out of your sytem. A regular sweep of anti-spy software is the appropriate tool. For that, we use: LavaSoft’s Ad-Ware, a realtime spyware-monitor. It runs silently in the background, waiting for spyware that tries to install or modify your system. Run it monthly or whenever you are suspicious that you have uninvited guests

Ultra Virus Protection

With Outlook Express/Explorer 6, this adjustment will give you the best virus protection: Go to Tools> Options> Security> Virus Protection. Under this tab, select these options: Restricted Site Zones; Warn me . . . ; and Do Not Allow attachments. For your e-mail, selecting the Do Not Allow Attachments will make it difficult for viruses to sneak in your system stowed away in an incident looking e-mail attachment. This is the usual way that executable files enter systems. This important bit of security might be seen as an inconvenience but it is nothing compared to having an infected system. So, when you are expecting and wanting an attachment from a customer or client, and are absolutely certain that it is the expected safe document, simply head back up to Tools> Options> Security> Virus Protection, and de-select the Do Not Allow provision. Once the attachment is opened and saved in an appropriate system directory, then go back to Tools> Options> Security> Virus Protection and select the Do Not Allow provision.