Envisioning healthy congregations
engaged in effective

Christian Ministry
locally AND globally.

Computer Management / Utilities

80% of computer problems are caused by software problems.

You can lessen the chance of major problems arising if you are disciplined in your maintenance of your computer(s). Again, see if there area persons in the church who are qualified and can help out. Build your own "tech" team.

• Install and keep up-to-date your security software: anti-virus, firewall, spyware.

• Regularly use software that has come with your computer's Operating System (and/or programs that you or another has installed).

What You Can Do Daily

Keep at 20% of your computer's hard drive empty. Your computer needs this "breathing space" to run routines that allow you to process data more quickly and to run its own maintenance.

• Regularly clean out the Recycle Bin (The "disk cleanup" routine will help you in this process. Find this routine by going to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup

• Delete files that you no longer need.

• Offload to CD/DVD/or external hard drive files that you need to keep, but do not need to keep on the computer's main hard drive.

• Uninstall programs that you do not use. This includes those that were pre-installed on your computer before you purchased it.

What You Must Do At Least Once a Week

• Run the anti-virus updater (if not automatically done behind the scenes)

• Run the anti-virus scan

• Run the spyware updater

• Run the spyware scan

• Run your firewall updater (if you use one other than the one that came installed on your computer as part of the Operating System).

• Then, "defrag" the machine. (Find this by going to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter) Running this will help organize the hard drive(s) for faster performance and lessens the number of gliches you may experience.

• Make copies of your most important data on CDs, DVDs, or an external hard drive. ("Backing Up" your Computer)

Third Party Software that Can Help

The software that comes installed with your Operating System should be enough; however, you may want to consider some of the following software to help you occasionally do a "deep clean/maintenance" of your machine. Set aside several hours for this. Unless otherwise noted, each of the following runs on pcs (not Apple).

Note: The following programs are Preventative Maintenance! Though some may have abilities to help out in emergencies, waiting to use them until disaster strikes minimizes their ability to serve your needs.

Symantec System Works

• Blocks spyware, viruses, and worms
• Repairs and maintains PC health
• Reverses failed software installations
• Removes unneeded Internet clutter

Iolo System Mechanic

• Optimize your PC for peak performance.
• Repair problems and errors, and prevent them from re-occurring.
• Clean up system clutter.
• Remove spyware and fix security vulnerability flaws.
• Maintain reliability and speed.

PC Tools

• registry cleaning
• system monitoring
• privacy protection.

Tiger Cache Cleaner (Apple)

For more options, go to C-Net.com. Click on downloads. Enter "system maintenance" in the search window.

© 2008, American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region | Privacy Policy | Site Map