Top tech tip: top 5 reasons for computer downtime and how to avoid them with best practices
Computer Troubleshooters identifies the top 5 reasons for computer downtime and suggest best practices to avoid them. Simply put (in my words):
1. old computers break more often than new! replace computers every 36 months In my experience, old computers cannot be updated either: I had to junk a perfectly working 5 year old computer last month because I couldn’t update the software anymore.
2. Computers without up-to-date firewalls, AntiSpyware, AntiVirus are easily invaded by viruses and malware which disable them. Keep computers up-to-date with all patches.
3. Bad surge protectors damage computers. I recommend: Use a Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) (I do not use surge protectors, because they go over to the dark side.) Use UPS’s — today’s UPS’s also provide you more up time, so you can save your work and turn off your computer normally!
4. Dirty cooling fans! Keep them clean! I open up my computers every few months and blow out the dust around those fans. (but don’t open laptops, unless you have the special tools for them and you are an expert with their specialized hardware)
5. Keep your software backups and documentation in an organized location nearby! I do this: I have a box for all of the computer’s software and documentation, including copies of my receipts. and I throw all of my future purchases for that computer in the same box! I stuff the box in a closet, clearly labeled with my computer’s name, date, and model. This one tip has saved my a*s more than once!
["Computer Troubleshooters USA was named the top tech support business franchise company in 2005 by Entrepreneur magazine in its annual Franchise 500 rankings." enewsrelease]
My next article will include a 6th tip to minimize downtime, the most valuable tip of all: and the one you can count on for virtually ANY computer problem, guaranteed.
Got a computer recovery story or a tip on how you maintain your computer. or a computer horror story. We’d love to hear it. Please tell us in the comments.
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All good points and no doubt the tops of the list. I would also extend the list by saying,”Teach your self how to defrag the hard drive. Internet access is a major past time for many folks. This wears on the organization of the drive.
Set aside a time to run the scans every week. The free protection stuff works but it almost always has to be updated manually, check for updates before you scan, ie Spybot search and destroy, Adaware. Anti virus scans must be run to provide protection, they are passive protection, not active. You’ve definitely got the tips, mine are just to elaborate
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