Windows Security and Maintenance
by: BOB BALOGH

Let's deal with built in Maintenance programs as well as some we might wish to add from outside sources.

The first question we should ask is: -- Why should we maintain our computer?
The answers are really quite simple: -- View this cartoon and then just peruse the list below:

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  1. Speed up “Startup” time.
  2. Speed up internal running of programs.
  3. Keep Spyware & Viruses out.
  4. Avoid computer breakdowns.
  5. Add “life” in years to your computer.
  6. Avoid “freezing” and “error messages”
  7. Save data.
  8. Save money.
    9.
Let's look at these items one at a time. "Startup" time is like watching water boil. It never seems to be fast enough. The first clue is to do what I do. Start your computer, put on some shorts, go outside and pick up your newspaper, if you drink coffee put up a pot and then go back to your computer and it will be already to go. Of course you could always sit and watch it boot up and look at your watch. BTW, let me know when the eggs are ready. If the computer is taking too long to boot it is due to the fact that you have too many programs starting up at the same time. Well not exactly at the same time but in a pre-determined order. Meanwhile why are they all starting up? Do you need them? Do you know what they do? How do you find out?
OK, click on Start >Run (on the right)> and type in msconfig. On the drop down click on the Startup tab .
Balogh2     Once this is opened you will see a list of items that are loaded at Startup. The problem is Do you understand what they are, what they Do.. and do you need them to startup automatically? Most us can't tell anything from the list which looks like this on my computer:
Now how do we find out what to do?
A program we have often discussed that is essential is CodeStuffStarter. "Starter allows one to view and manage all the programs that are starting automatically whenever operating system is loading. It enumerates all the hidden registry entries, startup folders' items and some of the initialization files, so that the user could choose to temporarily disable selected entries, edit them, create new, or delete them permanently. Starter allows one to view and manage all the programs that are starting automatically whenever operating system is loading.

    It enumerates all the hidden registry entries, startup folders' items and some of the initialization files, so that the user could choose to temporarily disable selected entries, edit them, create new, or delete them permanently." By right clicking on a program that starts when you boot your computer you can locate information on exactly what the program does and whether it is safe to stop it from running at startup. Needless to say stopping programs from running at startup will speed up your startup process.
The beauty of CodeStuffStarter is that if you right click on an entry it will allow you to view that entry at Pacs Portal on the internet and will let you know if it is necessary to have start up. You will then be able to stop the program from starting up from the program and will speed up your startup procedure.
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What Programs Exist within your Computer?

1. Windows internal maintenance programs.
      To view these programs click on Start ">" All Programs ">" Accessories ">" (scroll down) System Tools. Once here click on
      Disk Cleanup a tool helps you free up space on your hard disk by searching your disk for files that you can safely delete.

2. System Restore. Your route to the past. Start ">" All Programs ">" Accessories ">" System Tools ">" System Restore

2.1 While it is the same in Vista using Start > Start Search to locate System Restore is quicker.


System Restore is the fountain of youth for your computer. It helps you restore your computer's system files to an earlier point in time. It's a way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e mail, documents, or photos. If a program fouls up your OS and you can't seem to fix it just use System Restore. Again a brief caveat: prior to installing any program set a new Restore point so that you have a safe, operable place to return to if need be.

3. Disk Defragmenter – Do this once a month. While this program is a little slow it does the job. A FREE program which I use is Ausologics Disk Defrag. Download it at: http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/download

4. POTPOURRI MAINTENANCE
Rid yourself of programs, icons and folders you no longer use. Organize your files into folders in the Documents section. Remember, this serves as a simple filing cabinet.

Recycle Bin is not a storage area. Do not leave items there forever. After a week or so delete them otherwise restore them.

 BOB BALOGH - September 2009