OK, I have a new system with XP. I need some advice on what to do to keep it
running optimally.
Here is what I do:
I keep my Firewall updated (Zonealarm).
I keep my anti-virus program (AVG) updated and run it every week or so.
I run defrag about once a month.
What else should I be doing?
Should I be running Disk Cleanup?
Should I be using Options/Tools/Maintenance items from the IE 6.0 and OE
6.0?
I am on the internet a lot and I also do a lot of spreadsheet and word
processing stuff.
Mel
Many programs leave junk behind in the Temp folders. Disk Cleanup will
address that for you to a point. It removes all but the files from the last 14
days. If you want to delete those too, you must use another method.
Personally, I delete those files manually as needed. Often, right before
installing software since leftovers in these folders can cause problems with
new program installations.
Temporary Internet Files will maintain itself. The cache size can be
limited. Old files move out to make room for new. Only time it's
necessary to do delete these files manually would be when you suspect
that you have a bad cached copy of a web page and want to manually
reset the folder.
OE: There is a default setting that automatically compacts the message
store as necessary. Nice idea but it tends to corrupt the OE folders. Most
users disable this and manually run Tools> Options> Maintenance> Compact
manually on an occasional basis.
In addition to handling all of these things on a periodic basis, it would
be a good idea to do them right before running a full system backup.
No need to waste disk space on the backup media for these things.
One thing that I noticed missing in your list is a method for addressing
spyware that could get installed behind your back. Would suggest
keeping something like AdAware installed and updated. The program can
be configured to run in the background but I prefer to run it manually
every now and then. In addition or instead of installing a spyware
detection/removal program you could visit an online checkup site such
as:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.htm