Applies to Windows 2000, XP Home, and XP Professional operating systems. This is a good checklist to help keep your computer running smoothly, free of spyware, and protected from hackers and viruses.
Task |
Software/Utility |
1st Month |
2nd Month |
3rd Month |
4th Month |
5th Month |
6th Month |
1. Update any of the following: - Virus definition
files |
If you do not already have a good virus protection software, spyware detectors/cleaners or a firewall, get them! Free: Zonealarm firewall software, Lavasoft Ad-Aware. | ||||||
| 2. In the c:\windows\temp folder, delete all the contents of this folder (leave the folder there, but empty). | Use the utility Windows Explorer to do this. Windows Explorer (not "Internet Explorer") can be found in the <start> <Programs> <Accessories> folder. | ||||||
3. In Internet Explorer
under <Tools> <Internet Options>, click on the "Delete
Files" button to clear the browser cache, then "Delete Cookies",
then "Clear History". |
Internet Explorer | ||||||
4. Use two spyware removal programs to remove spyware from the computer. |
A. Spyware Search and Destroy B. Ad Aware |
||||||
5. Defragment the hard drive - use <start> <Programs> <Accessories> <System tools> "Disk defragmenter" |
Windows Disk Defragmenter | ||||||
| 6. Clean the lens of the CD ROM drive (and/or CDRW Drive or DVD Drive) | You can purchase a laser pickup lens cleaner at any major computer, entertainment store that sells computers, or Walmart | ||||||
7. Uninstall any programs that are not being used regularly. <start> <settings> <control panel> "Add or Remove Programs". |
Windows Uninstall | ||||||
8. Move any large files from the Desktop to another folder on the hard drive. |
Use "Windows Explorer" (not Internet Explorer) | ||||||
9. Backup important data (should be done weekly!): - E-mail |
Use Winzip to compress these files and store them off-site onto: - Another hard drive |
||||||
10. Empty the trash can on the desktop |
Trash |
© 2003-2005 Paul Kurucz. This document or any information on it may be copied freely. As a courtesy, please reference this site as your source for anything you copy from here. Thank you.