Back Up:
It is extremely important to create a back up of your files, in case something happens to your computer such as a failed hard drive, a damaging virus, or your home experiences a power outage. External hard drives, DVDs or flash drives can be used; keep this media in a safe place. Online services such as Mozy.com or Windows Live SkyDrive provide free storage. Files are password protected and encrypted for your security and privacy, and can be accessed remotely.

It is important to back up daily if you are updating your files that often. Weekly will suffice if you periodically use your system. Back up documents, financial information, photos, videos and music files.

The process is easy and to alleviate time challenges or forgetfulness, we suggest you get the back up process set up to run automatically. Make sure to set the back up to run during the times you are not working on the system; for example, 1 a.m.

At Total PC, we’ve found that most backup schemes leave data vulnerable because they’re not well planned and maintained. We set up backup systems that are bullet-proof. They’re not expensive. They don’t have to be. They are just well planned.

Antivirus or Internet Security Software:
This software provides protection against viruses and spyware. Remember to allow the software to provide updates to maintain your protection against the latest threats.

Unfortunately no one antivirus software program can protect your system 100%. Virus programmers are out there in abundance and are continually searching for ways to infiltrate.

Total PC can recommend good quality Internet security software, and if and when something does get in, we have special tools and processes that are very effective in annihilating them. It’s important, though, to get help as soon as possible after an infection occurs to keep them from damaging Windows or other software programs on your computer.

Battery Backup System:
If power goes out in your home or office, a battery powered backup system protects your computer and the data on the computer. Best of all, you can continue working through the power outage.

Battery backup systems need to be sized appropriately for the system being protected because purchase prices go up dramatically with battery capacity. Total PC can calculate exactly what’s needed based on the equipment and battery run time needed.

Surge Protectors:
Power strips with built-in surge suppressors are also necessary to protect your computer equipment from power surges that may occur due to power interruptions or heavy power users in your area.

Cleaning:
Dust builds up on screens, air inlets, keyboards, and inside towers. Dust build up on keyboards makes the keys stick causing typing errors and re-typing. Dust build-up inside towers can cause your computer to overheat. It is a good idea to periodically clean the tower to prevent it from overheating. However, you must be careful not to touch anything inside because static electricity from your body can damage the sensitive electronic components. We at Total PC have tools and processes that assure we won’t damage anything. Also, CPU heatsinks many times need to be disassembled to clean them adequately, and we are experts at computer hardware assembly and disassembly.