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Resolved Question

I would like to keep my computer up to date

Dec 25, 2011 9:40PM PST

Hello,
I would like to keep my computer up to date and running correctly.
Could somone give me detailed steps on what I should be doing?
Like where to go for updates or what maintenance I need to do?
I have windows vista
Thank you

Discussion is locked

smonty48 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I tend to agree
Dec 27, 2011 8:35PM PST

Keeping a computer Up To Date is an all inclusive phrase and it could mean updating hardware. On a system that works well, there is no need to do that.

On the other hand, keeping Windows up to date is much simpler. Make sure Windows Update is set to notify you when updates are available, (in the Control Panel). You can also set WU to download and install updates automatically, or you can set it to just notify you so you choose when to allow the updates to install.

Maintenance is involved, and one aspect many don't think about is physical maintenance, such as removing dust bunnies from around the fans and vents inside the computer. Dust will build up and that can cause overheating.

Other maintenance, software based, includes keeping your anti-virus definitions up to date and ensuring a full scan is performed once a week. In addition, since anti-virus scanners don't find all malware, download and install a couple of malware scanners so you can perform 'manual' scans once a week or so, to keep the pests out.

We often recommend the free versions of Malwarebytes Anti-malware and SUPERAntiSpyware.

No need to update drivers on a good working machine, but one thing you very muchly, (sorry, a unique English word), should do, is BACKUP your personal files to some external media, and then make two more backups of the same files, 3 backups in total, all on different external media. That way, if your system does fail, you don't lose all those documents, photos, music and videos you might have.

Hope that helps.

Mark

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(NT) This is all you need to know and do
Dec 30, 2011 3:09AM PST
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I'd add...
Jan 7, 2012 12:39AM PST

I'd add one more thing: keep one of the backups away from the computer, preferably not even at home. I keep a backup on an external hard drive in my safe, and another on DVDs I gave to my brother 50 miles away. That should make them safe against burglars and fires.

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Answer
You should do nothing.
Dec 26, 2011 1:04AM PST

"If it's not broke, don't fix it."

Yes you can let your antivirus update and turn on Windows Update but beyond that, there are a bunch of folk ready to SCREW UP YOUR MACHINE with apps to update apps and drivers in the name and idea of keeping the machine current.

Ask a more seasoned user next.
Bob

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Answer
Flash Player, Java, etc.
Jan 3, 2012 10:49PM PST