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Monthly Tip
Not too crazy about the latest version of your favorite freeware program?
For those who may think newer isn’t always better, OldVersion.com (www.oldversion.com) offers old versions of nearly 200 programs, including communication, graphics, multimedia and utilities, among others. Downloads are free.
Need Help?
If you need any help applying the tips in the newsletter, or have any questions about them, please feel free to e-mail or call us. We are always happy to help out!
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Good Maintenance Practices
Just like your car, your computer also needs some preventive maintenance to keep it running smoothly. By doing a few things regularly, your computer will run faster and you will have a lower risk of a system crash. Some steps to take:
- Keep your antivirus software updated and run a scan at least weekly.
- Make sure you are doing some type of regular backup, preferably an automated system, so you don’t need to worry about it.
- Use a system cleanup utility, like CCleaner (www.ccleaner.com) to remove temporary files, etc. at least twice a month.
- Run the disk defrag utility once every 1-2 months to keep your hard drive performing at its peak.
- If you have a desktop computer, once a year, shut it down, unplug it, open it up and remove accumulated dust using a can of compressed air
Purchasing a Business PC
As the fiscal year winds down for some in the next few weeks, it may be time to purchase a new PC. As I am often asked about what is the best PC to buy, I thought I would offer a few words of wisdom about how to purchase a new PC to use in your business.
- Make sure you buy a PC designed for business use. Many home PCs will not allow you to connect it to a typical business network due to limitations in the operating system. This can be a very costly mistake to make.
- Don’t purchase a retail PC. While retail may be the easiest way to get a PC, you are almost guaranteed to get a computer bogged down with trial software that will run slowly from Day 1. Instead, order direct or purchase from a business reseller who can sell you a computer without the added bloat.
- When trying to cut costs, consider refurbished equipment. Many leading manufacturers (like HP and Dell) sell refurbished computers at very competitive prices and include a warranty.
- Don’t forget about Office! Many people purchase a computer assuming it will come with Microsoft Office. This is not a correct assumption- unless it is listed in that computer’s specifications, it is not included. Typically, if you order it with a new PC, the cost will be lower than purchasing it by itself.
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