Computer maintenance and repair go hand and hand. The better maintenance you do on your PC, the less fix you will have to do. Below are a few tips and guidelines to go by.

It is better to not turn your computer off if you employ it at least a couple of hours a day. If you do switch off your personal computer, you need to first wait to complete the Windows shutdown and then press the power button. Only if your hard disc is not running or your personal computer is not working properly, you can switch it off with the power switch, avoiding damages to the system.

It is very counseled to protect your PC by using an UPS (uninterruptible power supply), then your personal computer should not be spoiled by a surprising power cut or surge.

It is always a smart idea to backup your files and archives which are important for you. There are many kinds of storage devices such as external hard drives, USB sticks, CD’s etc, and there are excellent services you need to use.

You need to run the disk cleaner and do a defragmentation on your personal computer regularly so as to avoid doubtless serious damages to your drive. These can be set up to run on a prepared time-frame which is the easiest way to not forget. You can also purchase a service pack, offered by stores which have your computer’s brand.

You shouldn't remove peripheral devices from your computer while it is activated, because this could have a negative influence on either the connector socket or the motherboard. This action is strictly authorized only if you're equipped with a marginal device guaranteed to be “hot pluggable”.

Make efforts to maintain at least 300 MB of free space at your hard drive in order to be utilised by the Windows OS. For Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 the preferable amount of free space should be about 500 MB on your C: Drive. The absence of empty space in your drive will definitely finish up causing serious malfunction to your personal computer, including information loss and deformation. It is also terribly common to face highly low speed when you're trying to execute a task. Be sure to make the most of the ADD/Remove tool in the

Windows Control Panel to get rid of pointless programs which are installed at your hard drive. There are also several programs designed especially for “cleaning” and speeding up your PC.

When you switch on your PC, you shouldn't permit sufficient programs loading up as long as they consume inestimable amounts of your computer’s memory and Windows Resources. In the event you don't use all programs in your Windows System Tray, it is endorsed to lock them and let them load up after computer’s booting.

You've got to have at every point a good antivirus program on your PC, which is loading up the time you turn on your P. C. You'll be perfectly protected if you select a continuing observing antivirus program, that is immediately updated.

Since you have a high speed Internet connection, it is certain that you must have installed a firewall programme. A firewall programme is used to maintain your personal computer safe from malicious attacks against your system. It'd be best to avoid allowing someone aside from you having access to your information and files. Today all new computers are equipped with an inbuilt firewall program. You can simply change the firewall’s settings by accessing the control panel but you should do not forget to keep the firewall turned on. If you require some extra protection for your computer it'd be best to take into consideration some security software available in stores like

Panda AntiVirus Pro, BitDefender Total Security and Kaspersky Net Security. All of these programs are improved with firewall, antivirus and lots other security features.

You need to also check computer and marginal devices ‘ software discs and keep them in a safe enviroment, as they store helpful programs and files for your Windows Version. Keep a lid on of these upkeep rules and you will cut back the amount computer maintenance you'll have to do.

Tom Van Cader has over 10 years of expertise in computer repair. For some more good info on repairs and maintenance go to his website.