MouthShut.com Would Like to Send You Push Notifications. Notification may includes alerts, activities & updates.

OTP Verification

Enter 4-digit code
For Business
MouthShut Logo
25 Tips
×
Supported file formats : jpg, png, and jpeg


Cancel

I feel this review is:

Fake
Genuine

To justify genuineness of your review kindly attach purchase proof
No File Selected

How To Crash Your Windows Desktop.
Nov 14, 2001 09:05 AM 2194 Views
(Updated Jan 07, 2002 03:43 PM)

The best way to learn how not to mess up your machine is, of course, to mess it up. Or so the case is with me. In the past decade I have crashed two IBMs, three Windows machines, and several DOS workstations. I’ve even messed up old-school floppy drives, Western Digital hard drives, Web browsers, BIOS setups, and internal configurations. So, with all of that interesting stuff in mind, I’ll tell you the most common, easiest ways to crash your system and, in some cases, permanently damage it.


Don’t partition your hard drive or store files in various folders all over the drive. Think of your hard drive like a house: You’ve got different rooms. There are walls that separate them from each other. You store some things in one room, others in another, et cetera. Also, there are storage spots within the rooms - such as your closet or perhaps a file cabinet. Use the MS-DOS partition tool to section your hard drive out so that it can be more effectively used. Also, don’t put a ton of junk on your Windows desktop: Separate into various folders and sub-directories. Otherwise Windows will over-load - I’ve seen it happen. Or, rather, I’ve made it happen, but that’s a different story altogether.


Store your computer’s tower right next to the wall. Your computer needs breathing room - the fan on the back of the case has to circulate freely so that clean, cool air can run over the internal hardware such as hard drives and the motherboard. Using a tiny vacuum or hose attachment to suck the dirt off the back of the fan grille will help. So will using a can of compressed air to blow dirt and other debris out of the case. Remember, you want to blow it out, not just stir it up inside, so this requires taking the case cover off. Be sure your computer is turned off when you do this: Otherwise you’ll probably short-circuit something.


Ignore your system tools. Defrag is a great program: It runs around, collecting fragmented files that Windows drops around while it is working to gather data from the hard drive and other sources. But, it does not work if you do not run it periodically. Since my computer is used for several hours every day, I Defrag at least once a month, if not more often. This helps your computer run faster and perform better, but also causes it to work a little less when you send it after a file or program.


Play FreeCell while a lightning storm is raging outside your window. Lightning strikes often lead to power surges - this is not very good for your system. The internal components can short-circuit and malfunction should too many power surges or brownouts occur. So, when the storm’s raging outside, turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall - better safe than sorry, right?


Ignore your system’s capabilities. Hey, that 486 can play MP3s, run Paint Shop Pro, and browse the Internet all at once, right? Hahaha. Yeah, right. When your computer’s hard drive light stays on and you hear ’’booting’’ sounds more often than not, it’s time to cut back on multitasking or consider an upgrade - or even a replacement.


Smoke, eat, and drink around your computer. There’s nothing like thick, heavy cigarette smoke! It builds a residue on the internal hardware eventually, as it gets scked into the computer through the tower’s rear fan. There isn’t much that jams up a keyboard or mouse as fast as spilled food or drink, either. So, if you don’t really like scking chip crumbs out from between the numerous keys, make the computer area a No Food/Drink zone. Also, banning cigarettes from the workstation will keep the smoke from damaging internal components. Yes, it takes time for it to happen, but it does occur.


All in all, performing routine system maintenance, keeping your computer and surrounding work area clean, and following the directions given with various hardware and software will help you to enjoy a long, peaceful relationship with your computer. Remember, it’s a fairly expensive investment. Make your decision wisely, and don’t neglect the guidelines and procedures recommended by the manufacturers.


image

Comment on this review

Read All Reviews

X