Home Care for Your PC

You wouldn't trust your car with just anyone. Why would you with your computer?

Your computer holds your most valuable digital documents: pictures, documents, emails, contacts, personal files and music to name a few. Keeping this data protected can be a challenge in today’s world. While we recommend having your PC professionally tuned-up at least once a year, there is some maintenance that you can do at home to help keep your PC at optimal performance.

1. Windows Update keeps your operating system up-to-date which is a key component to your PC’s safety. Windows makes it easy by doing this for you. If you PC does not prompt you to run updates, you should manually check this once a week.
2. CCleaner is a utility program used to clean potentially unwanted files (including temporary internet files, where malicious programs and code tend to reside) and invalid Windows Registry entries from a computer.
   • We do not recommend allowing any program, including CCleaner, to manipulate your Windows Registry. This is a highly complex part of your computer that has many intertwined components that can render your computer useless if not handled correctly. Windows does this on its own.
   • The cleaner portion of CCleaner is very useful and efficient. We recommend running this at minimum of once a month or weekly for PC’s with high use.
   • Instructions for installing and running CCleaner.
3. Malwarebytes is an application for computers running under the Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X operating system that finds and removes malware.
   • We recommend running Malwarebytes after you run CCleaner. A scan can take upwards of an hour.
   • Instructions for installing and running Malwarebytes.
4. Bitdefender AdWare Removal Tool frees your computer from annoying adware, malicious hijacker programs, unwanted toolbars and other browser add-ons installed with or without your consent.
   • Run this tool after Malwarebytes.
   • Instructions for installing and running Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool.
5. Antivirus Software - is computer software used to prevent, detect and remove malicious software.
   • For regular home use, Windows Defender (built into Windows 8 & 10) or Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows) should keep you covered.
   • Bitdefender provides excellent tools without all of the “extras” that come with other Antivirus software. There is a free version that will keep you protected, or a paid option that provides additional coverage.
   • We do not recommend Norton, McAfee, AVG, Avast, ESET or Kaspersky. These add extra “junk” that is unnecessarily running at all times slowing down your PC. Once installed they are also difficult to remove completely.
6. Regular backups on an external hard-drive is your safest option for keeping your data safe.
7. For cloud storage backup services, look for solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive.

Contact us to setup an appointment to bring your PC in for a tuneup.