Getting back from Summer holidays and getter ready for school here are some common tasks to help your computer running smoother

Protection

Virus/Spyware writers did not slow down over the summer, so make sure your AntiVirus AND AntiSpyware are up to date on all PCs.  If your Norton or McAfee is coming up for renewal, we recommend you replace it with Computer Associates Internet Security Suite.  "Tastes Great, Less Filling" -- ie does the job with less overhead to slow down your PC  (http://home3.ca.com).  Also available in 3 & 5 packs -- meaning discounted rates for all your PCs.

Backup

If you have not done so lately, please please PLEASE! make sure your important data is backed up.  We continue to see new clients with crashed hard drives and lost data.  Remember, digital photos do not have any negatives, so take some time now to ensure the safety of your information.  If you still have not done so, please take a few moments to investigate Nerds Online Backup (http://mydata.nerdsbackup.com).  This inexpensive service works behind the scenes; whenever you are NOT using your keyboard/mouse, it ensures that your data backup is always up to the minute. 

Disk Maintenance

Windows XP users have available two tools which are seldom used because they are buried in the menus.  Navigate to START – ALL PROGRAMS – Accessories – System Tools, and you will find DISK CLEANUP and DISK DEFRAGMENTER.  Disk Cleanup removes the clutter of temporary internet and installation files from your hard disk.  Disk Defragmenter brings together fragmented files and compacts empty space on your disk, so your computer performs better.  Both of these tasks should be run every 6 months.  A good time to remember, is to do it at the Daylight Savings Time changes in April and October (when you change your smoke detector batteries, right?). 

As always, your Personal Nerds are available to answer questions and help with these and any other projects you may be contemplating.