TLC for Your PC
When’s the last time you’ve given your computer some love? Or, simply paid attention to its cries for attention? It may sound silly, but if we hope to have our trusty electronic sidekick by our side into the future, it really does need a little TLC every now and again.
Follow these simple steps to ensure the health and longevity of your PC:
1. Keep Your Windows Operating System is Up to Date
Windows Updates should automatically start as they are needed. These updates will usually happen when you shut down your computer. Upon clicking shut down, you will periodically see a message that tells you updates are in progress and that your computer will automatically turn off when they are finished. It is important that you do not turn off your PC until these updates are complete.
2. Keep Your Virus Protection Program Up to Date
No matter which virus protection program you are using, it is essential that you have it set to automatically update its virus definitions. Updates teach the program about new viruses. If your program does not receive its updates, it will not be able to protect your computer from these new threats. We also highly recommend running a virus scan at least once per week.
3. Remove Unneeded Programs and Toolbars
Viruses aside, nothing slows down a computer more than a collection of unintentional downloads. If you’ve ever downloaded a free game, you have more than likely unknowingly downloaded add-ons such as toolbars and other malware-like programs. These add-ons can clutter up your browser and create annoying pop ups. Go to your Control Panel and open up the Add/Remove Programs menu, find the offending toolbars and programs, then click on the change/remove button. Just be sure that you do not uninstall anything that your computer may need.
4. Run a Disk Clean Up
Disk Cleanup is a built in Windows utility that removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need. To run: click the start button, select All Programs, move to Accessories, move to System Tools, click on Disk Clean Up.
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Attention Music Lovers: This is For You…
We know you love your music, especially free music. But here’s the kicker with free music downloads, they almost always come with a virus. Rather than download free music and risk getting a virus, stream it online – for FREE.
Spotify is an online music streaming service that provides access to millions of songs from thousands of artists. You can search for specific artists and songs, browse other’s playlists, or simply let Spotify surprise you with music that is entirely new to you. You can even build your own playlists.
Their basic streaming service is free (with periodic advertisements). Low cost paid services are also available if you want more features or avoid the ads.
Visit www.spotify.com/us/ to learn more.
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