Routine maintenance (both software and hardware) can help extend the life of your PC. (NAPSA)—These days, Ameri- cans are spending an increasing amount of time online—and on their computers in general—searching for deals on last-minute weekend getaways, keeping in touch with friends and even working from home. Nowis the time to safeguard against any technical issues and have your computer tuned up to avoid potential problems. A computer is a significant investment, which is why it’s important to keep it running smoothly. Muchlike a car going in for routine tune-ups, your computer needs ongoing maintenance as well. Following a few simple steps can save a great deal of moneyin the long run. Staples’ EasyTech service, the second-largest national technology service, has a few simple tips on keeping your PC running smoothly: Have an Internet Security/Anti-Virus Solution: You can’t protect your computer from viruses simply by avoiding e-mail attachments and exchangingfiles. Avoid unknowingly getting viruses from an infected Web site by making sure your security and anti-virus software is up to date. Tidy Up and Tune Up:For a quick fix, Windows Disk Cleanup is a handy utility that will safely remove any temporary files from your hard drive, helping you increase your hard disk space and improve your computer’s performance. For a more thorough computer screening, take advantage of Staples’ EasyTech services. Give Your Computer Room to Breathe: Heat is a computer’s worst enemy. Be sure to use a com- pressed air canister to clean out any dust or dirt that has accumulated inside your computer. Store your PC in a well-ventilated place to prolong its life span and reduce the risk of hardwarefailures. Defragment Your Hard Drive: Using the Windows Disk Defragmenterutility on a regular basis keepsfiles on your hard drive organized and accessible to help improve performance and speed. Don’t Ignore Windows Update: Make sure that you periodically visit Windows Update to download security patches and drivers. Most Microsoft-released security updates for Windowswill automatically be downloaded and installed on the second Tuesday of every month. Always Have a Backup Plan: Keep digital files, music and photos safe and always on hand with an external hard drive. This can save you time, money and frustration should your computer’s internal drive develop an issue. For more information on EasyTech services, drop by any Staples location or visit www.staples.com/techservices.
