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Update and Run Your Virus Scan Software
Make sure you have virus scan software on your computer. If you don't, McAfee offers a free program you can use over net. Visit http://www.mcafee.com and click "Home and Home Office". If you already have virus scanning software, update it, and run a full check periodically.
Run Scandisk
Double-click your My Computer icon on desktop. From their, right click your hard drive(c: is default), select Properties, then select Tool tab. Now you need to select Check Now in error checking section. Once you click "Check Now" a small window will pop-up. Check "Automatically fix system errors" box and hit Start button. Follow instructions your system gives you from this point.
Run Disk Defragmenter
This is by far longest step in this article. I suggest you perform this procedure last. It may be best for you to let this program run overnight or while you are at work. Over time, information on your hard drive may become fragmented. Imagine being assigned a file clerk position at your job. Would it be faster and easier if files you need to sort/retrieve are all in one location and alphabetized? Or, would it be easier for you to randomly look for files all over office?
Sometimes your computer needs to "look for files all over office". Defragmenting your hard drive will correct this problem. To run this program, double click My Computer, and right click your hard drive (c: is default) and select Properties. From Properties window, select Tools tab and click Defragment Now. You can also click Start Button- Programs- Accessories- System Tools. Make sure you run ScanDisk before you run Disk Defragmenter.
There may be errors on your hard drive that need to be fixed before you defragment. I would hate for you to run this program, head to work, and find out program stopped on its own once you get home.
These are just a few things that you can do to boost your PC performance. If you would like further tips and tricks, visit www.24-7computers.com.
Willie Long is the webmaster at www.24-7computers.com. He has 8+ years experience working in the Information Technology field.