Maintaining Your PC Health

Your PC is probably one of the most important gadgets in your home and life without it could look pretty bleak. Without the right maintenance though, your computer could very well stop functioning. So, if you notice a slow response or constant crashing, take them as warning signals and give your PC a health check immediately.

The best way to prevent your computer from getting damaged or sluggish is to take precautions well in advance. Regular maintenance is a must for a healthy PC. Doing so on a routine basis will help keep your computer in top shape.

Start by getting rid of the dust. Most computer owners are guilty of not taking out enough time to do so. Excessive dust and dirt in your computer could lead to overheating and thus, it is very important for you to keep the system as clean as possible. You should ideally clean it with lint free wipes at least once a year. Also, remember to use an antistatic wrist band to protect your computer interiors while cleaning inside the CPU case.

Get a power surge protector for your PC as well. Most computers are poorly protected against power surges that could very well damage the entire system. So, invest in a good quality surge protector to safeguard your PC from sudden power outages or lightening strikes. Preferably, the power surge unit should come with a warning indicator for added effectiveness.

Turn off the monitor when you're not using your computer. This is a common enough tip and should be followed diligently. This step is particularly important for computers with LCD screens as these monitor types are more likely to burn out or acquire bad pixels after long periods of use without rest.

Windows XP users should use an error checking utility to check the health of their hard disks at regular intervals. This will help determine the condition of your hard disk, whether good or bad. If the check comes up with 100 or more errors, it could mean that your drive is full of bad sectors. The best way to deal with this issue it back up all your important files and then try and get the drive repaired.

An anti virus program is an absolute must for any computer. Yet, many home computers are often found without one. This particular software is non negotiable for any PC model. After all, it's the only way to successfully protect your PC from viruses as well as other threats to your privacy and computer health. Consider getting an accredited anti virus program such as those created by Norton or Mcafee for best results.

These simple maintenance measures will help you keep your computer in good shape with great functionality. And by simply taking care of your computer the right way, you will be able to ensure for yourself a hassle free experience with the PC.