ITS Tech Tips: Windows Maintenance

Just like a car that does a lot of driving, your PC can start to slow down after awhile and needs regular maintenance to keep it going. Here are some tips for keeping your PC in top shape:

1. Run the Scan Disk and Disk Defragmenter utilities.

Windows 2000 Scan Disk
Windows 2000 Disk Defragmenter
Windows XP Scan Disk
Windows XP Disk Defragmenter

2. Although most of us have the Norton anti-virus program set up to receive regular virus definition updates, it's still a good idea to run a scan.

3. Check to see if your computer has picked up any spyware which can significantly slow your computer up.

4. Got a lot of icons on your desktop? The more "stuff" you have on your desktop, the longer it takes to boot up. Shortcuts are generally fine but don't store files on your desktop if you can avoid it.

5. Or maybe it's just time to either add more RAM or get a new computer. Check out http://www.cwu.edu/~css/pcormac.html information. If your computer tag number is less than 80000, you may qualify for the WIN/WIN program. Check out http://www.cwu.edu/~css/winPolicy.html for more information.

Page last updated 04/25/07. Send questions or comments to ITS Training.