Get your PC in better shape this 2008
Posted by ADMIN on January 16, 2008
Every time a new year sets in, people often always find it necessary to make New Year’s resolutions like losing excess weight, being more frugal, or spending more time with the kids – but end up failing to sustain them anyway.
This New Year, instead of making promises that are bound to be broken anyway, why not make ones you can actually keep? Symantec, the global leader in infrastructure software, believes that there are other practical resolutions to make – and keep – without breaking a sweat. One of them is as simple as this: Get your PC in better shape!
Resolve to make that PC a part of your New Year’s resolutions and you’re all set. With just a little time, effort and very minimal expense, you can begin making your computer more secure, efficient and enjoyable to use this 2008. Here are some of the many easy ways that you can keep in mind, and follow, courtesy of Symantec:
1. Be Secure — In today’s world where hackers, spyware, phishers, and pharmers abound, every valuable personal information on your computer — from financial information and documents to family photos and movies — is at risk. Whether getting a new computer or wanting to get more out of the old one, one of the most important things that you can do is make sure your computer and the information on it are protected.
If you already have Internet security software, make sure it’s effective by downloading the latest protection updates and setting it up to receive updates as soon as they become available. If you don’t have Internet security software yet or is beset with an outdated version, check out Norton Internet Security 2008 (www.symantec.com) or Norton 360 (www.symantec.com). Both can deliver up-to-date protection that you need.
2. Back Up – Everyone knows the importance of backing up valuable information, but do any of us do? Many people still had to experience losing everything before they back up. Before corrupt files, hard drive failures, hackers, fire, theft or physical disaster can wipe out your information, back it up — regularly. A good backup software like Norton Save & Restore or Norton 360 can help back up your data to CDs, DVDs, other hard drives, flash drives, tape drives or online storage services. You can also set automatic backups with any of these on a regular basis. If you can’t do anything else for your computer this year, back up.
3. Digitize – In the same way, use your PC to back up valuable documents – things that would be difficult or impossible to replace, like birth certificates, tax returns, insurance policies, family photos and movies. How? Scan them into your computer, copy them to CDs, DVDs or flash drives and store them in a safe place away from your home (for instance, a safe deposit box). If you don’t have a scanner, there are many available for under $100, or you can take your paper documents to a service store like Kinko’s and get them scanned.
4. Clean Up — Is your PC’s hard drive starting to look like your attic? Everything is there (including things you don’t want or need) but you’re not sure where. Is it a bit sluggish or even prone to crash? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, then it’s time to clean up, and get organized. Remove unwanted temp files, sweep out Internet clutter and clear out old email attachments. Defragment your drive as well. Good utility software such as Norton Systemworks can help you with the cleanup, defragmenting and optimization.
5. Organize- This is something you’ll have to do on your own. Take a look at the files on your PC, divide them into categories or perhaps, sub-categories. Then, create folders for each and fill them in with appropriate files. While at it, delete files you no longer need or load them onto CDs or DVDs and then delete them from your PC.
Once you get your PC backed up, cleaned and organized, you’ll be amazed by how much better it runs and how easier it is to find what you’re looking for and get things done. You can also rest easy knowing that all your valuable personal information is protected. All it takes is just a little time, effort and very little expense, then you’re all set to start the “Year of the Rat” on the right track — and keep your promises, too!
