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We all know that the older your PC gets the slower it seems to go. Well here are a few tips, from Microsoft, of what you can do to keep your PC as healthy as possible.

  1. Think before you install – Installing software on you computer takes up space on your hard drive, install enough stuff on your computer and it will begin to slow down. Before you install something new on your computer think about whether you really need it or want it.
     
  2. Maintain you anti-virus – To keep you PC free from viruses and spyware you need to make sure you use a trusted anti-virus and anti-spyware program and that you update them as updates become available.
     
  3. Update your operating system – Often updates to operating systems fix vulnerabilities that the produces of viruses and spyware are using. If you are already using automatic updates then this is something you won’t need to worry about. To find out how to check if your automatic updates are on click here.
     
  4. Regularly inventory your computer –Every few months you should take a look at what programs you have and remove the ones that you don’t use.
    To do this go to Start/Control Panel/ Add or remove programs, and then click on the name of the program you would like to remove and click Remove.
     
  5. Defragment you hard drive – Defragging your PC every so often can help to keep it running as quickly as possible.
    To do this go to Start/ Programs/ Accessories/ System tools/ Disk defragmenter and follow the instructions.
     
  6. Keep things clean – Make sure that paper or stickers are not blocking your computers air vents and your that computer doesn’t get too dusty.
     
  7. Be prepared –In case something does still go wrong with your PC you need to be prepared. Make sure all your important data is backed up in some way, whether it be to a server, an external hard drive, or even a CD so long as you have some way to get your information back if something does happen.

To read more about each of these points click here.