Okay, so we all want to keep our computers healthy. And much can be done by the average computer user; you don’t have to be wearing a Def Leopard t-shirt, only ever eat pizza and never emerge from your bedroom.

The average computer user can help maintain their machine in good nick and it doesn’t require specialist knowledge.

So, in this section, we’re going to cover the following:

• how healthy is your PC;
• which windows version am I running;
• important windows controls and where to find them;
• what can you do without calling out the computer repairman;
• user accounts, groups and log-on security;
• how safe are your passwords and PINS.

And most of what we talk about is aimed at users of the Window’s XP and Window’s Vista operating systems, although some of what is discussed is relevant for other systems as well.

The good news is that we can all do quite a bit to keep our machines in tip, top condition, without having to get the local expert in.

And the best advice is make sure that you do some regular maintenance; don’t take the easy route and switch your computer on and off, on and off, day in, day out, without giving it some TLC.

You’ve got to remember that a computer is similar to a big fat, and very clever, filing cabinet. It sits there patiently whilst you stuff it with files, some in the wrong place, some too thick for them to fit properly and some with their contents spilling out all over the place. And then you take them out again, work on the them, then throw them back without a thought. And while doing that, you also put in some dirty files, which has the effect of dirtying the rest of them.

So when it comes to basic computer health, you have two main areas to consider:

• hardware;
• software.

Firstly, hardware. Don’t forget the physical bits of your computer, as they can easily let you down as well as any software application. So, think about your keyboard (try not to eat a sandwich or drink whilst typing); check that your mouse is not on it’s last legs; and, take an occasional look at your computer’s box and wiring. We’ll show you how to conduct basic PC maintenance in What can you do without calling out the computer repairman.

And don’t forget your monitor, as if this packs up, then its Goodnight Vienna.

Secondly, software. In some ways hardware issues can be a comfort when faced with potential software problems. Most of us don’t understand basic programming languages and binary codes.

And thankfully, most software applications these days are designed to run on Window-based operating systems (o/s) with easy-to-use, intuitive interfaces. But when they go wrong, there is not much that can be done, and more and more people have to rely on diagnosis tools, or searching the net. But, we’ll take you through what might be achieved in What can you do without calling out the computer repairman.

The biggest problem with software is its vulnerability to bugs and viruses, not only from external attack from cyber criminals, but in its original creation. When written, most software has quite innocent bugs that can represent a flaw. It may be that the original programming team missed out a command, or forget a line of code, which is not spotted prior to its launch. And when you consider that the average software application has millions of lines of code, then you can forgive the odd mistake. This is why software is often released in Beta form, which effectively means it’s a draft and that the final version will only be ready after further testing (and feedback from key customers).

This flaw might mean that say a particular command cannot be actioned properly, or that an external virus might find its way into the programme. And this is why software development companies rely on retrospective patches in order to close holes and make good any mistakes.

And the biggest threat to your computer’s health are external viruses. The best way to get your head around this is to compare the internet with a dangerous part of town. The sort of place where you don’t walk alone, day, or night, and certainly don’t advertise the fact that you have a wallet, or anything of value on your person. Now, that’s common sense of course. Everyone knows not to put themselves in the path of danger, otherwise they will be mugged. Yet people wander around in cyberspace completely unprotected, caring little about what awaits them around the next digital corner.

Above all, people should be on their guard at all times. And helping you stay protected is the pre-occupation of our Knowledge Centre.

Introduction to PC Health Care – Recap

Remember:

• don’t ignore your computer, give it some TLC;
• two main areas to consider, software and hardware;
• biggest threat is external viruses;
• don’t get mugged in cyberspace.