Apr 17, 2002 05:21 PM
4203 Views
(Updated Jun 03, 2002 05:58 PM)
Your PC is * never * trouble free, while 99% of the time you worry about virus attacks and 1% of the time for some untold calamity, but 99% of the time it is this 1% untold calamity that attacks!
Despite the fabulous power our PCs have they are still prone to minor hazards that wreck our PCs and drive us insane! After having gone through tough times, I started gathering some small but important info about maintaining hazard free PC. I thought of sharing it with you all.
Have you ever switched ON your PC on a sunny morning and found that it’s lying cold and bleak? No matter how many times you try to start(boot) it but it will never show up your desktop and will just drop dead after giving few beep sounds. What’s the problem? Virus attack, hard disk failure, motherboard problem.WHAT IS IT?… you wonder and wonder….and wonder and than switch it OFF and curse your PC or call for the doctor. Both ways you loose your peace of mind!. * OK, smarty pant you tell me what to do? * Simple, ask your PC! But how?
Here’s how: If not always but most of the time your PC tells you what’s the problem. It sends different beep sound to communicate its problem. If your PC doesn’t start and gives beep signal just count them. If it’s one long beep sound than your RAM(memory) is driving you crazy or if its 8 than it’s your video RAM…the list can be obtained either from the web(search in google) or check your processor manual.
- See dear I am no comp wizard, and even if I know what my PC is suffering from, * I CAN’T HELP IT! … Cool it up, here’s what you must do next.
Always create a startup disk(boot disk) for your PC.
What is this startup disk? Well, in simple terms it’s a floppy disk that has bare minimum system programs that will get your PC atleast to start with minimum settings. So, you can start trouble shooting it or fix the bug. Say, at times(with me, most of the time) you install new hardware but the wrong driver, your PC can get hanged, startup disk helps you here!
How to make a startup disk?
Follow these steps if you use Win 95, 98:
- Click on: Start -> settings -> control panel -> add/ remove programs -> startup disk -> create disk
Once you have done this, simply follow what your system tells you! Once you have created it, label it clearly and keep it in a safe place…and do NOT use this floppy to store or copy any other program.
Another problem is:I have new PIII, 750 MHz, but I guess my old 486 can give it a tough competition…boy, it crawls!
If you have a branded PC or is assembled and * fine-tuned * than you can take few simple steps to speed it up.
1.Disk Defragmentation: * Run this program to re-align thousands of small clusters on your hard disk. I will recommend defragmentation atleast once a week if you use it regularly.
2.Disk Cleanup:* This searches for old and unused files that can be deleted without affecting your system but freeing up precious space and boosting speed!
3.ScanDisk: * Run this program to scan for error, bad sectors(area) on hard disk /floppy disks. It automatically fixes bad sectors on disks. When program hangs or does not work properly, run this to find if it’s due to bad sectors.
4.Maintenance Wizard: * These are tasks automatically performed by the system as and when set. You can schedule(must schedule) above 3 programs when you deem fit. Usually at times when you will probably not be using your system.
And yeah…do not forget to install an Anti Virus! Which one? Well, read others' reviews to find it out! I use Norton.
Last but not the least protect it from dust, moisture and hammering. Do not take magnets near your disks(hard disk as well as floppy disks). Use vacuum to suck dust from power plugs, and internal components. Use soft and slightly moist linen clothe to wipe off screen. Never Ever open your Monitor. It works at very high voltage and a minor shock can be fatal.
These are few general advices, as the MS category demands, on maintaining our PC, hope it helps.
PS: The inspiration for this review was drawn from sujay_marthi’s mail. Well there’s someone who really wants to read my review!
