5 tips for PC health: Categorize your folders, update Windows, run antivirus software.

5 tips for PC health: Categorize your folders, update Windows, run antivirus software.
Performing on a slow, disorganized computer may be frustrating-also it occurs to the better of us. This short article will give you some easy-to-follow guidelines on how to keep your computer on the right track using tools in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Microsoft Office 2010.

1. Categorize your folders
We all know how easy it can be to abandon files into the incorrect folder after we're in a very hurry. But a technique to make sure you keep the files organized is to remove the clutter with a filing system that is sensible for the best way you employ your computer. Listed below are a few tricks to get you started:

Start clean.
Start by deciding which files you no longer need in your hard disk drive.
Think it through.
Take the time to plan how to organize your files. How must you spend your time on the pc, and what do you create? Do you're employed with photos and image-editing software, surf the web, write short stories, research school projects, or play games? The folders you create in Documents (called “My Documents” in Windows XP) can be easily tailored to show you just the type of data about your files that you need to track. For further tips about setting up a well-organized filing system, see File organization tips: 9 tips to manage your files better.
Use sub folders.
Once you have an idea from the types of items you create and need to save lots of, create folders and sub folders to stock up your files. Make sure to use logical, easy-to-understand names. For example, within Documents, you might create additional folders called Projects, HR Benefits, and Career. Then, within the Projects folder, you could create sub folders for each different project.
Clean your files periodically.
Once you have set up your file system, check and clean it regularly Routine maintenance tasks, such as deleting old or duplicate files and folders and ensuring that important files are in the correct folders, can save you a large number of time and frustration.
Email folders specifically usually spiral out of control, so be sure to spend time ordering and maintaining them. Microsoft Outlook 2010 offers nifty features to help you stay on top of your Inbox. For further tips, see Get organized: 7 ways to better sort, store, and search your email.

Tips:

To make a brand new sub folder with Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, right-click anywhere in the folder, click New, after which click Folder. Type the name for the new folder, and press ENTER. For further recommendations on making a well-organized filing system, see File organization tips: 9 tips to manage your files better.
To create a brand new folder in Windows 7, in Windows Explorer, click New Folder at the top of any folder or library. Also in Windows 7, the new libraries make managing your files easier than ever. Learn more about working with libraries.

Windows 7 makes it easy to maintain track of the files and folders.

2. Pack up your hard disk
Now that you've organized your files and folders and cleaned up your desktop, you can organize the data itself. Windows includes two utilities-Disk Cleanup and Disk Derangement-that assist you to free up more room in your hard disk drive and help your computer work more efficiently.

Disk Cleanup compresses your old files to free up storage space.
Disk Derangement scans your hard disk drive and consolidates files that may be scattered across the disk.
It's as much as you to decide how often running these utilities, but it's a good suggestion to do so at least once a month. Windows Vista users take note: Disk Derangement is automatically scheduled to run once a week (Sunday at 4 A.M.). You are able to change the scheduled time for this feature or, if you prefer, turn it off.

Learn how to run Disk Cleanup
Discover ways to run Disk Derangement
3. Use System Restore
System Restore is one of those programs that may be a life-saver when you've been the unlucky recipient of unstable software, a badly timed power outage, or a harmful thunderstorm. System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If the unthinkable happens and your computer files are damaged or inaccessible, you should use System Restore to revive your computer to identical state it was in before the data was lost.

System Restore creates restore points daily and whenever you put in device drivers, automatic updates, and some applications. However it's a good idea to get into the habit of making a system checkpoint (called a restore point) whenever you're about to install new software or take any action you suspect might make your computer unstable. Then, if there's any conflict at all, you possibly can restore your computer to the purpose just prior to a began the installation.

Make a restore point in Windows 7

Create a restore point in Windows Vista

Create a restore point in Windows XP

Although System Restore can put your computer back so as, it’s prudent to periodically back up all the files in your computer. Whether you select to use an external hard disk, DVDs, or even a network location to copy your files, Windows 7 makes it easier than ever to safeguard the contents of the computer. It is possible to copy your files in the event you’re running Windows Vista or Windows XP, too. Learn more about backing up your data.

4. Keep Windows and Microsoft Office up-to-date
Computer programs are continually improved according to customer feedback and regular product testing. As problems are resolved, you should benefit from those improvements. By checking Microsoft Update often, you can be sure to've got the most recent Windows and Microsoft Office improvements available to you.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista users don't need to sign up for Microsoft Update: An account is automatically created for you in the course of the registration process, and Windows Update is automatically installed in your computer with default settings that you can change later, if you wish.

Windows XP users must visit Microsoft Update to begin the update process. First-time visitors might need to sign up for the service. After you've visited Microsoft Update, you need to configure your computer running Windows XP to receive critical updates automatically. This free service is called Windows Update in Windows 7 and in Windows Vista, and it is called Automatic Updates in Windows XP.

Learn how to receive critical updates automatically in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP:

Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Important: If you do not select the recommended automatic updating option, you must download and install every critical update. If you download the updates but forget to install them, your computer will not be protected with the latest enhancements.

5. Run antivirus software including a spyware detection and removal tool
Updating your Windows software is simply step one to keep your computer safe. Next (if you haven’t already done so), you'll want to install antivirus software from a reputable vendor, for instance Microsoft, AVG, Norton, or McAfee. As is possible with Windows, it is critical that you keep your antivirus software approximately date. Free antivirus software comes pre-installed on many computers, but after the trial period expires, you’ll be exposed to new and emergent threats. Be sure to renew your subscription or to secure alternative virus protection.

If your computer seems sluggish or if you begin to see plenty of pop-up advertisements, even when you're not surfing the world wide web, your computer might be infected with spyware, ad ware, or other unwanted software. Learn more about spyware and what it can perform to your computer.

Microsoft Security Essentials offers comprehensive protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. You can download it for free. You can also download the free Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.