10 Tips on Keeping Your Windows System Healthy

To make Windows XP work well for us we need to maintain it to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips you can do to keep your Windows XP system healthy.

1. Be Cautious, Vigilant and Observant when using your Computer

Learn to practice these things:

• Scan E-mail attachments from Microsoft Outlook. It will be wise not to open email attachments that has a foreign extension to you such as .vbs, .exe, .bat Extensions are usually the three letter ending name of a file ex. Iloveyou.VBS. Common picture files normally have extensions such as of .JPG, .GIF, .BMP.
• Run a virus scan every time you download a file.
• Regularly delete cookies and temporary internet files. Then scan your computer for viruses.
• Take time to know what programs or processes are running behind your windows press control+alt+delete key on your keyboard to check on this via the Task Manager You can verify processes running if it is a valid process at: Windows Process Library or at www.processlibrary.com/directory/files

2. Get Regular Updates

• Update your Windows XP, this will keep your Windows secure from the latest security threats. Make sure that you have the latest security updates from Microsoft especially with your internet Explorer. You can find updates at their website at Microsoft Windows Update
• Update your Anti-virus program, Update your MS Office update all of your security programs.
• Update and upgrade Windows XP to Service Pack 2
• Microsoft has 10 reasons to upgrade to Service Pack 2

1. Protect your PC from harmful attachments
2. Improve your privacy when you’re on the Web.
3. Avoid potentially unsafe downloads.
4. Reduce annoying pop-ups.
5. Get firewall protection from startup to shutdown.
6. Take control of your security settings.
7. Get the latest updates easily.
8. Protect your e-mail address.
9. Take action against crashes caused by browser add-ons
10. Go wireless without the hassle.

3. System Configuration Utility

- To run the program click on your Start menu then click on RUN then on the box Open type in msconfig then click on OK.
Go to the Startup tab to check on the programs that run when windows starts

Uncheck all files that you feel are not needed to start up with windows.