Just like your car, your PC needs regular maintenance from you in order to keep it running in peak condition. Here are some simple tips to keep your PC in tiptop shape:
 

• Keep patches and service packs up-to-date (this applies to both the operating system and applications). It is imperative to have your PC current on patches and service packs. Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs to fix bugs and security exploits for their entire product line. The easiest way to get them is from "Windows Update". When you are on the website, Windows Update would offer to scan your computer for any missing patches. It will show you a list of "Critical Updates" that you should apply. Download them and restart your computer. You should get in the habit of visiting Windows Update at least once a month. As for applications, apply regular updates to prevent glitches and incompatibilities with the operating system.
   
• Install antivirus software and update your virus definitions. If you have Trend Micro Internet Security installed this is an easy process. McGill has purchased a site license of Trend Micro Internet Security for all departments of the University; therefore all members of the University can use Trend Micro free of charge. Please get in touch with us if you need to have it installed on your desktops or laptops.
   
• Be aware of the software that you are installing. Many popular software, such as KaZaa and Morpheus and other file sharing software are known security threats to your PC. Although we cannot control how the population chooses to use their own PC, we always recommend that you do not install any unnecessary software on your computer. Always remember that we are not responsible for problems that occur to your PC if it is determined that unauthorized software (including computer games) is the cause of the problems. This also applies to any unlicensed software. It is illegal to use unlicensed software anywhere in the world. The IT staff will not install unlicensed software for anyone in the department.
   
• Keep your PC free of unused software. It is a good idea to keep an inventory of the software that you have installed on your PC. Keep in mind that every single piece of software that you installed on your computer consumes system resources and disk space. It is a good habit to uninstall any unused software as soon as you do not plan to use it any longer. To uninstall software from Windows, always use "Add/Remove Programs" from the Control Panel. Never delete program files of any piece of software without uninstalling it from "Add/Remove Programs" first. Failure to follow this procedure could destabilize the operating system.
   
• Defragment your PC. Your PC will run much more efficiently with regular defragmentation. The files on your hard drive will be organized in a way that access to files and programs will be much more efficient. All versions of Windows come with a Disk Defragmenter. Once again get into the habit of running it at least once a month, especially if you have moved a lot of files in and out of your computer. Always run the Disk Defragmenter when the computer is not in use. When the Disk Defragmenter is run the computer will be slowed down considerably; it will be very difficult to run anything else. It’s a good idea to defragment your computer when you are leaving for the day or the weekend. A typical defragmentation takes about an hour on a reasonably fast and uncluttered PC.
   
• Backup any important data regularly. Always backup any critical data from your PCs. Never assume that your data will be safe when they are stored in the hard drive. Common methods of backing up your data include using a Zip Drive or for larger capacity Tape Drives. Using Recordable CDs is not a recommended method of doing backups due to the fact that CDs are not very durable and it can be damaged easily. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us regarding suitable backup options for your particular needs.
   
• Laptops: Handle with care. A laptop is a very delicate piece of hardware. It’s a good idea to treat it with a lot of respect. Also, do not let the battery run too low and recharge it regularly. A battery could have trouble recharging itself if it has been drained close to empty too often.
   
• Clear out excess dust from inside your PC. Accumulation of excess dust will affect the lifespan of all hardware parts inside a computer. The computer is very similar to an air conditioner. For an air conditioner to work in peak condition its filter has to be cleaned about once a month to remove accumulation of dust. As for a computer it is recommended that you open up its casing to remove the dust inside about once every six months. The easiest way to do this is to use a can of compressed air. When you are doing the cleaning it is a good idea to do this away from your desk.