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TIPS FOR A
HEALTHY COMPUTER
This page has its
reason for being due to the fact that during the last 3 months of the year
2001 we received over 300 emails containing virus from different people
who have us in their personal directories, besides which, we know that a
computer should have periodic maintenance in order to get attain maximum
service.
The computer is the
electronic device that has evolved the most since its invention. Now within reach of the masses it is not necessary seemingly the knowledge of like they work to use them.
These extraordinary
devices are exposed to many dangers within their correct and continued
function without problems. Some of the principal problems encountered are both
physical (hardware deficiency) and operative (software deficiency and virus).
The main hardware
deficiencies are the following:
The main software
deficiencies are the following:
HOW TO
FORESEE HARDWARE FAILURES:
When you wish to put up
to date or replace an internal component of the equipment (cards, chips,
processor, etc.), do it only if you are perfectly sure that you know how,
otherwise, leave this to an experienced technician.
Never open a computer,
as just simply touching a component you may harm it due to the static
electricity that is in our body.
In case you need
additional memory, another hard disk or any other component for your
equipment, always be sure to acquire the correct one for your equipment and
avoid creating conflicts with another element.
It is recommendable to
connect the computer to a power source (no-break) or a voltage regulator
instead of connecting it directly to the current. This guarantees an
additional purer signal for the equipment and protects its components from the
consequences in case of a voltage failure.
Dust is the computer's
worst enemy. Therefore, it is important to install it in a clean area and also
if necessary to clean its internal components periodically (every 6 months).
HOW TO
FORESEE SOFTWARE DEFICIENCIES:
Upon installing a
program in your computer, make sure that it originates from a safe and
reliable source, whether you download it from the web or acquire it from
another place.
Never download files or
programs e-mailed from sources unknown to you or even friends. These are the
worst generators of virus. NEVER run files with extensions EXE which come in
an e-mail. Trust no one, except those that you are actually expecting to hear
from.
Be sure to install an
antivirus.
Consider that the cost
of an antivirus installation will always be less than the value of the
information that can be lost through a virus attack, the waste of time in
having to repair it as well as the cost of same.
Constantly update your
antivirus via web. It is advisable to do it every two weeks. There is a daily
appearance of new virus and we are all exposed to them, especially those of us
who use the internet. Antivirus manufacturers constantly have on their website
the most recently updated antivirus
Antivirus links:
Norton Antivirus. Click
here
McAfee. Click
here
F-secure. Click
here
It is also advisable to
count on a diagnostic and repair program which should be used periodically.
These programs test the different components of both the software and hardware
system.
In this manner, it is
easy to repair any of deficiencies which may be found and detect those that
indicate deterioration of an equipment component such as the hard disk, in
order to take the necessary measures before the problem gets worse. Among the
tools of the Windows operating system there are two that are especially
useful: Scandisk and Defrag (or disk Defragmentator). The use of these tools
are highly complementary to the diagnostic program.
A very useful tool is Norton-Utilities,
which is very easy to use and prevents many headaches.
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