Del DeVries : Computer Maintenance

Serious update for Vista Needed

2010-01-09

Beat bloatware, even on a new computer by:

Load MSCONFIG (Start - and in the search box type)
1. Startup tab
  - uncheck any startup items that you don't want to run. On an HP Compaq, I unchecked the HP and Cyberlink programs and MSFTs Groove Monitor.
  - Sysinfo.org Startup List database
2. Services tab - start by checking the box "hide all Microsoft services" (take it to another level to dig in here). I didn't need anything except the NVidia Display Driver Service.
3. Need any of these? Just repeat the process, except check the box so that the program or service loads on startup.
Another method is to simply use the automated script, PC Decrapifier, to give you a standard solution! What it removes. This is a more permanent solution.

WinXP below!! Pre 2009

Project Speed Up an old XP system -- check here for details! _2008-05-22

Computer Maintenance

Tips and a structured methodology for maintaining a system that actually works when you need it. This may include some old basics but I recently had to reinstall a system and these are some of the steps and resources that I used.

Regular Maintenance

(M=run monthly)

LangaList CleanXP batch file (M)
Defrag Win XP Pro command line
Checkdisk Win XP Pro command line or My Computer | Properties | Tools | Error Checking (in the great name change game - MSFT has gone back to Chkdsk, remember DOS!, and Scandisk is retired with Win ME.
- Spin Rite is another option for maintaining a healthy hard drive. A lower level utility than Checkdisk -- numerous options, takes a while to run!

What is Running? / Reference

Windows Task Manager (right-click an empty space on the taskbar, and then click Task Manager)
Windows Task Scheduler
Windows XP Professional Product Documentation this is it! The big online reference source!
LangaList: Tools To Keep Hard Drives Healthy

Even better than what is running - update drivers and vulnerabilities!

Secunia Online Software Inspector - web based scan to inspect your operating system and software for insecure versions and missing security updates.

Other Tasks

File Archiving - It is easy to create a file but how many years should it stay resident on your hard drive? Deduplication is a new term for reducing multiple copies and backups.
Batch Files - The command line is still there, even in Vista, and can speed up many simple tasks.

Price is what you pay; value is what you get.

Ben Graham

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