Regular Computer Maintenance
Big Geek Daddy's Tips to Keep Your PC Performing
The frequency of performing these tasks is designed for the Geek that uses
their computer everyday and wants to keep it in optimal shape.  If you don't
use your computer that often then adjust your maintenance cycle accordingly.
Weekly  

1.  Run CCleaner - Download CCleaner
Double Click Icon on desktop.
Select “Run Cleaner” in lower right hand corner.
After the program is finished cleaning follow the prompts to discard files.
Select “Exit” in upper right hand corner and you’re done using CCleaner to clean your junk!

2.  Backup - If you want to prevent a really large headache in case your Hard Drive
crashes or your computer is destroyed do this weekly.
Monthly

1.  Check Hard Disk For Errors - Whenever a program crashes, or you suddenly lose power cause you're not using the proper
Electrical Protection, your computer might create errors on the hard disk. Over a period of  time, the errors can slow down your computer and cause
other errors.  Windows includes a Disk Check program to check and clean any errors on your computer and to help keep it running smooth.  

Depending on how big your hard disk is (I have a Big one) and how many errors it has this process could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours
to complete so only do this when you won't be needing to use the computer for awhile.

Select Start (lower left corner of screen)
My Computer - If My Computer isn't in your Start menu then look on your desktop and
Doubleclick it then right click on your hard drive and select Properties.  
Select the Tools tab
then the Check Now button under Error Checking.  
A Check Disk box will appear and you'll need to place check marks next to both:

Automatically fix file system errors.
Scan for and attempt recover of bad sectors.

Then click Start.  
You should now get a message asking if you want to schedule a disk check the next time
you restart your computer.  Click Yes.  

Then go ahead and restart your computer.  Note: This process usually takes about an
hour so only do it on a restart when you won't need to use the computer for an hour or so.

2.  Defragment Hard Drive - The more you use your PC, the more some files become broken into disparate parts scattered around your hard
drive. Defragmenting rearranges each file's pieces into a single continuous block for faster access.  Think of it as a workbench that starts out with
everything in place then gets messed up because the tools aren't put back where they belong.  They're still there, it'll just take longer to find them.

Select Start (lower left corner of screen),
Programs
Accessories
System Tools,
Disk Defragmenter.

Highlight the drive that you want to check, and press the Defragment button.  This process can also take quite a bit of time if you haven't done it
recently.  If you've had your computer for over a year and never done it then it might take several hours depending on how big the hard drive is.

3.  Check for Updates then run a Full System Scan using your AntiVirus product.

4.  Remove Unused Programs - Programs you don't use anymore are like friends who have overstayed their welcome: You're much happier
after they leave. Not only will removing unused software free up Hard Disk space, but it could make Windows faster and more reliable.

Select Start, Settings, Control Panel and double-click on Add/Remove Programs.  

Choose the program you no longer want on your computer and select “Change/Remove”

Yearly

1.  Clean It - Buy a can of compressed air and use it to blow out all the dust buildup inside your computer.  You should be able to remove one side
panel to do this.  
Big Geek Daddy