The Importance of Creating a Preventative Computer Maintenance Plan

"The Importance of Creating a Preventative Computer Maintenance Plan"

The most common reason for slow computer performance is the hard disk, which is a non-removable area that stores all the information available from your computer. The hard disk may slow the computer's performance as a result of a deteriorating ability to store data efficiently.

Two useful tools provided by The Windows operating system include: Disk Cleanup and Check Disk. On a weekly basis, it is recommended that the computer's hard disk be cleaned of any temporary files and checked for errors.

The best solution to complete all of these tasks is to create a preventive computer maintenance plan through Windows, which allows you to automate these individual tasks.

How to Cleanup Your Hard Disk

Temporary files are one of the items that will eventually start to slow down the efficiency of your computer. Temporary files build up on your computer over time, and there are a number of sources where these temporary files come from including the Internet.

In order to clear your PC of these temporary files, The Windows Disk Cleanup tool should be run once every week. Due to the fact that The Windows Disk Cleanup tool requires user input to complete its designated task, it is important that when setting up the tool to run automatically you choose a time when you are typically on the computer so you can provide this input. You can do this by following the steps below:

1. Use the Create Basic Task Wizard
2. Select the Open the Properties dialog for this task and then click the Finish check box
3. On the Settings tab, select the Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed (Checking the box will ensure that the task starts the next time you are logged on to your computer)

How to Check Your Hard Disk For Errors

Errors on your hard disk, which are created when a computer program in use crashes, can also slow down your computer.

The Check Disk tool corrects these errors on your hard disk, resulting in better PC performance. About once every week, you should run the Check Disk utility.

Note: You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you aren't logged on as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.

written by Ryan Kristopher