26 Tips to Keep Your Computer Up and Functioning

(This post originally appeared on Lifehack.org)

Open Loops blogger Bert Webb and I often collaborate on projects, include guesting at each others functions. At a recent presentation I did on “Effective Workplace Communication” the laptop I was using to run my PowerPoint presentation became possessed by evil juju and began a spontaneous series of automated functions ending in a system shutdown. Bert and I had different theories about why this occurred at this particular moment in the great cosmos. But, one thing we did agree on is “technology is a great thing…when it works!” And Murphy’s’ Law can be suspended.

Based on that I have put together the following list that usually keeps me functioning.
When I loose productive time at work it is usually because of a problem I have encountered with my computer. And any time I have a computer problem it is usually related to one of the following items. In order to be a little proactive I have build this little checklist. I have automated as many of them as I can and if much of your livelihood depends on your technology functioning smoothly I suggest you consider doing the same.

Computer Maintenance Checklist

At system setup
Install a surge suppressor/emergency shutdown power strip
Register your software products
Schedule automated updates
Read the maintenance section of your manual
Set up your email to auto-archive older messages
Install anti virus software
Install anti-advertising software
Put your software drivers in a pocket sleeve 3 ring binder


Weekly
Run a disk scan to check for hard drive issues
Run a defragmentation program
Run a clean up to delete unneeded files
Back up your files to a remote location
Empty your recycle bin
Delete your Internet files
Clear your browsing history
Delete your cookies
Update your virus definitions
Run a full virus scan


Monthly
Check for updates
Delete/uninstall unneeded or unused programs
Quarterly
Clean your keyboard
Clean your monitor
Clean your peripherals
Rebuild your desktop
Change all your passwords


Yearly
Renew your software update and anti virus subscriptions
Reg Adkins writes on behavior and the human experience at (elementaltruths.blogspot.com).