How to Prepare Your Computer For Your Online Business
1.
Update your hardware - The incidence of computer problems start rising after the computer is 24 to 36 months old.
Hardware grows tired and can start to malfunction, though some computers are known to last for 5 years! However, it is recommended that you replace your computer every three years or so to avoid the costly repairs that will inevitably come (especially if you're not a do-it-yourself techie!).
The price of a new computer has decreased significantly over the years, so it's worth planning for a new one every few years knowing that one major repair on your older computer could not only cost more monetarily, but an unrecoverable system crash could cost you your business if it takes all your data with it.
2.
Keep your hard-drive clean - Over time, the installation and removal of software programs can leave residual files parked around your hard-drive.
This can slow down your system and cause other problems as well.
Keep your hard-drive clean with a cleaner such as System Mechanic.
I recommend this program for its ease-of-use and a thorough-job-well-done.
It cleans up your system's clutter, maximizes memory usage, and optimizes performance! My computer ran smoother and faster after the very first clean-up.
It's also extremely affordable and offers a free 30-day trial.
3.
Protect yourself from viruses and spyware - Did you know that about 80 percent of all computer downtime can be blamed on spyware, malware, and viruses? There are hackers all over, using the internet for unlawful purposes such as identity theft.
A solid anti-virus program such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee will keep your computer and your information protected at all times.
(Many computers come with one of these programs already installed.
) These also come with the necessary firewall protection you need to keep hackers and malicious programs from accessing the valuable information and files you keep on your computer.
In addition, make sure you are always up-to-date with security patches from Microsoft or Apple.
By going to their websites, you can set up your computer to automatically apprise you of (and even install) necessary updates for your computer.
4.
Know your computer - It is SO worth it to become trained on the workings of your computer! Go to your local community college and take a class! Using the internet, becoming better versed in a software program you own a license to, or even computer maintenance, all of these would only make you more efficient in running your online business, and the value in your increase in productivity would far outweigh the cost of the class.
5.
Back-up your data - I know I'm being redundant, but regular back-up of your system is so important! As you build your online business, the accumulation of more and more files is rapid.
If you try to tackle building your own website, your edits and changes will be frequent and should be backed-up just as often.
See my article: "5 Things You Must Do Before Starting an Online Business" for more information on backing-up your system.
If you'll be getting a new computer, the HP Pavilion Elite has its own Easy Backup button right on the monitor that instantly duplicates your saved files onto a disk.
Talk about easy! 6.
Protect it from power surges - Power surges can cause data loss and can reduce the lifespan of your computer components.
Did you also know that power surge protectors have a lifespan of their own? You should replace yours every 2-3 years, and make sure you invest in a surge protector that offers phone/fax and coaxial protection, automatic shutdown, EMI/RFI filtration and a connected-equipment warranty.
It will be worth the extra few dollars you will spend for it.
Here's one more tip: Did you know that turning off your printer via the power surge protector switch or any indirect power shutdown can cause irreparable damage? Sudden electrical surges (caused by indirect power shutdown), repetitively, and over time, can destroy or seriously damage the sensitive electrical components of your computer equipment or peripherals.
Use only the power buttons on the equipment itself to shut them off.
Following these steps will get you off to a confident start in building your online business.
You will know that your data is protected, your computer equipment is protected, and your business - at least on the computer end of things - will be operating smoothly and effectively.
:)
Update your hardware - The incidence of computer problems start rising after the computer is 24 to 36 months old.
Hardware grows tired and can start to malfunction, though some computers are known to last for 5 years! However, it is recommended that you replace your computer every three years or so to avoid the costly repairs that will inevitably come (especially if you're not a do-it-yourself techie!).
The price of a new computer has decreased significantly over the years, so it's worth planning for a new one every few years knowing that one major repair on your older computer could not only cost more monetarily, but an unrecoverable system crash could cost you your business if it takes all your data with it.
2.
Keep your hard-drive clean - Over time, the installation and removal of software programs can leave residual files parked around your hard-drive.
This can slow down your system and cause other problems as well.
Keep your hard-drive clean with a cleaner such as System Mechanic.
I recommend this program for its ease-of-use and a thorough-job-well-done.
It cleans up your system's clutter, maximizes memory usage, and optimizes performance! My computer ran smoother and faster after the very first clean-up.
It's also extremely affordable and offers a free 30-day trial.
3.
Protect yourself from viruses and spyware - Did you know that about 80 percent of all computer downtime can be blamed on spyware, malware, and viruses? There are hackers all over, using the internet for unlawful purposes such as identity theft.
A solid anti-virus program such as Norton Internet Security or McAfee will keep your computer and your information protected at all times.
(Many computers come with one of these programs already installed.
) These also come with the necessary firewall protection you need to keep hackers and malicious programs from accessing the valuable information and files you keep on your computer.
In addition, make sure you are always up-to-date with security patches from Microsoft or Apple.
By going to their websites, you can set up your computer to automatically apprise you of (and even install) necessary updates for your computer.
4.
Know your computer - It is SO worth it to become trained on the workings of your computer! Go to your local community college and take a class! Using the internet, becoming better versed in a software program you own a license to, or even computer maintenance, all of these would only make you more efficient in running your online business, and the value in your increase in productivity would far outweigh the cost of the class.
5.
Back-up your data - I know I'm being redundant, but regular back-up of your system is so important! As you build your online business, the accumulation of more and more files is rapid.
If you try to tackle building your own website, your edits and changes will be frequent and should be backed-up just as often.
See my article: "5 Things You Must Do Before Starting an Online Business" for more information on backing-up your system.
If you'll be getting a new computer, the HP Pavilion Elite has its own Easy Backup button right on the monitor that instantly duplicates your saved files onto a disk.
Talk about easy! 6.
Protect it from power surges - Power surges can cause data loss and can reduce the lifespan of your computer components.
Did you also know that power surge protectors have a lifespan of their own? You should replace yours every 2-3 years, and make sure you invest in a surge protector that offers phone/fax and coaxial protection, automatic shutdown, EMI/RFI filtration and a connected-equipment warranty.
It will be worth the extra few dollars you will spend for it.
Here's one more tip: Did you know that turning off your printer via the power surge protector switch or any indirect power shutdown can cause irreparable damage? Sudden electrical surges (caused by indirect power shutdown), repetitively, and over time, can destroy or seriously damage the sensitive electrical components of your computer equipment or peripherals.
Use only the power buttons on the equipment itself to shut them off.
Following these steps will get you off to a confident start in building your online business.
You will know that your data is protected, your computer equipment is protected, and your business - at least on the computer end of things - will be operating smoothly and effectively.
:)
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