The best way??

[jra677]

I am new here.... I would just like to ask a simple question. What is the best way to do maintenance on your PC? Do I have to use Norton, or some other utility software, to do this??

[Disk_Contented]

Windows itself can do the basics. Go to Start/All programs/Accessories/System Tools/Scheduled tasks. A wizard will start and you can set the options there (defrag, disk cleanup etc).
For more in depth tools, registry maintainance and such, a program such as the Norton Utilities is excellent, and has the one button checkup feature to do the lot in one go.

[x-dia-x]

If you want to maintain your computer properly, there are TONS of things you have to keep in mind. The below presented things are just examples of the most significant ones:

File-related
1. Clean the TEMP folder after program installations.
2. Remember to clean out cookies and other internet objects that are not necessary.
3. Try not to install and\or get rid of any unneeded background tasks.
4. Clean out your registry often.
5. Try to defragment as often as possible, if cannot do this, only defragment after major installations and\or major file relocations.
6. Empty Recycle Bin often.
7. Get rid of any Windows components that you do not need\use.
8. Disable any services that slow down your machine and\or are just innecessary (Win2000 and WinXP).
9. Delete all of you System Restore points, but the last one (Win XP and Win2000).
10. Uninstall any applications that you do not use.

Security-related
1. Use a firewall.
2. Use an antivirus.
3. Try to update your windows as often as possible.
4. Try to update you antivirus\firewall software as often as possible.

Hardware-related
1. Clean your computer fans.
2. Clean the microchips inside your computer.
3. Try to oil your CD-Rom tray at least once a year.
4. Try to keep the air temperature around and\or inside the computer as cool as possible.

**Should you need any additional information on how to do any of the above mentioned tasks\techniques, feel free to tell me so in this thread and i will get more in-depth about anything you might need help with. Dont forget to specify exactly which ones were unclear.

[x-dia-x]

I just realized something important. I was rude enough to skip Disk_Contented's reply and went straight to answering your question. SoRrY. You can use the utilities mentioned in his reply to perform about 80% of the tasks i have mentioned. Sorry again.