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Maintaining your computer is the key to keeping it healthy and fully
working and of course, fast. Windows 95 has most of the tools for
maintaining your PC, but Windows 98 extends the possibilities and makes it
even less of a hassle. If you follow the list below and run the programs
listed frequently, you will be guaranteed to have a maintained computer at
no extra cost. There are, however, other programs in the market with
stronger engines, but then again, they're not free (stop smiling...)
Most of
these programs can be found under the Start, Programs,
Accessories, System Tools folder.
1. Disk
Defrag: It is advisable to run Defrag under Windows 95 once a month or
when you add/remove programs. However, under Windows 98, you can run it
every week if you want because it has a new engine, which means that the
more you run it, the faster your computer will get. What happens is that
your programs are placed on your hard disk in a way so that the ones you
use most often are easier for the hard disk to find and run. Make sure
that the 'make my programs run faster' is ticked in the 'Settings' window
in Defrag.
2.
Scandisk: Running a thorough check is good once a month in both
Windows 95 and 98. Run this once a month if you feel that your hard disk
takes a long time to load programs. A standard check is very fast and
checks for basic disk problems concerning files and folders and lost
fragments. It takes an average 2 minutes to complete so try running it
often.
3. Disk
cleanup: This one is good for seeing how much disk space is being used
up by unnecessary files that are in the recycle bin, temp folder, or in
temporary internet folders. You can then remove them!
4.
RegClean: A simple but effective piece of software this is. You can
download it for free from Microsoft's
web site. It is also available on many magazine cover disks. Reg Clean
takes about a minute to check the registry. Then it asks whether you want
to clean out redundant or orphan file. This usually helps the computer to
get rid of files that have been left behind by uninstalled programs.
5.
Windows update: It's a good idea to use Windows Update to make sure
your computer has all the latest fixes, patches and updates. You can do
so by clicking on its icon in the Start Menu under Windows 98.
6.
Tweak ALL: A very handy program that allows to change settings, which
cannot be changed using Windows alone!
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