I am considering adding more to this page, but have not yet set a time.
You can also visit our general tips and tricks page 
What you should do
|
What not to do
|
| |
|
| Use the Start Button
on the Windows Taskbar to shutdown your computer. It is also necessary
to first save any files you were working with and close all applications
running in the taskbar. This is called a clean shutdown. Windows is
a program that needs to close, so always use the Start Button. |
Don't
Switch off your computer without shutting down using the Start Button |
| |
|
| Run Scandisk regularly
to check the condition of your hard disk and if necessary make repairs.
It is good practice to always run Scandisk if your computer did not
shutdown properly. Scandisk can run in the background, but for fastest
results close all other applications otherwise Scandisk will have
to restart every time data is written to the hard disk. |
Don't
Terminate Scandisk prematurely when your PC did not shutdown properly |
| |
|
| Defragment your hard
disk to ensure that files are optimised such that each is stored continuously
across the disk surfaces and not fragmented. If you regularly Defragment
your hard disk and use the option 'check the drive for errors' then
you will not need to run Scandisk separately. It is possible to disable
the swap file and then run defrag so as to fully optimize the space
on your hard disk. After defrag has completed you can enable the swap
file again. This is recommended if you regularly add and remove files. |
Don't
Always run Scandisk with the option to scan the disk surface for errors |
| |
|
| Connect and power on all peripherals before powering
on the computer. This includes printer, monitor, scanner, passive
(mains) speakers, external modems or any devices attached to your
PC. This is the recommended procedure and should be followed at all
times. Recent printers and scanners are equiped with power management
features, that help save running costs. |
Don't
Disconnect the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer or any peripheral
if the PC is powered on at the mains |
| |
|
| You should always properly shutdown the computer.
Then it is okay to turn off any peripheral devices such as printer,
scanner, monitor, speakers or modem for example. Devices that are
connected to the USB ports can be connected, disconnected and switched
on or off without first powering off the computer. The same goes for
the printer and scanner, unless the devices are bi-directional. |
Don't
Switch external devices on and off several times hoping that may be
a cure |
| |
|
| Keep your keyboard and screen clean. It is also
necessary to clean the rubber ball and rollers of your mouse. Keeping
the printer, scanner and other peripherals clean by wiping the chassis
is one way to attract a buyer when it is time to upgrade. It is easy
to clean the keyboard and keys. I would not recommend submerging the
mouse or keyboard in water, then leaving them out to dry. There are
easier methods you can follow. |
Don't
Eat or drink over the keyboard and mouse mat or blow smoke over your
screen |
| |
|
| Keep CD's in a cover and handle them by the edges.
Try to keep floppy disks in an a proper storage box and perform a
full format on any disk that will hold important data before you use
it. Plastic covers are available to protect computers, keyboards,
printers or scanners and fit almost all shapes and sizes. |
Don't
Leave floppy disks or CD's lying about gathering dust then use them |
| |
|
| If you need to move your computer, even a few
centimetres always shutdown first. Adjusting the monitor is also best
done before powering on. Moving any peripherals attached to the computer
should also be carried out with no power to the system. Unnecessary
judder can cause fatal breakdown of sensitive parts or reduce the
working lifetime. |
Don't
Move, kick, knock or bump the computer when it is powered on |
| |
|
| Optimize the refresh rate of your graphics card
and monitor. Setting them above or below the specified hertz can do
you and your monitor permanent damage. The more refreshes per second,
the more data throughput and the greater the lag of your system. Many
users prefer to use high resolution and true colour settings which
generates an amazing amount of data every second which has to be passed
on to the screen and updated as many as 120 times per second if the
refresh rate is set to 120 MHz for example. |
Don't
Run your display adapter and monitor at the wrong refresh rate for
the resolution |
| |
|
| Write all your usernames or ID's and passwords
down on paper. It is usually a good idea to keep them in a notebook
or pad. Jot down as much detail as you need to properly reinstall
the account or to completely remove it from your computer. You should
also regularly change your password and keep this written down in
the same place as your original record. If you choose to save passwords
on your hard drive it may be possible for another operator to use
the account and hackers could get access to your information. |
Don't
Save usernames or passwords used by you to log in to accounts on other
networks and computers to your hard drive |
| |
|
| Use the boot menu to start in safe-mode then use
Device Manager To Remove devices from your computer. Removing devices
from control panel any other way may cause your computer to stop functioning
and force you to reset the computer without using the Start Button. |
Don't
Remove devices from Device Manager unless In Safe Mode |
| |
|
| You should consider cleaning the hardware. Use
a small hoover pipe or an old, stiff paint brush to remove dirt from
the motherboard and around the fan. This will help it from over heating.
Although I have never known dust to short anything out, it is still
I wise precaution to keep it from happening. If you get right into
the cleaning thing, try removing all the keys from your keyboard using
the lid of a BiC pen. The part of the lid that holds the pen in your
pocket is excellent for popping the keys up and off so as you can
clean all the crumbs, hairs and dust. Use a cotten bud to clean the
well. It is fun putting all the keys back without another keyboard
to look at. |
Don't
clean any of you system with household chemicals such as polish or
cream cleanser. However Duraglit is excellent at removing pen marks
from around the screen, keyboard or other casings. |
