Wednesday, December 3, 2008

6 Things You Should Never Do To Your Desktop Computer

By Ocar Hanratty

If you are fairly new to the crazy world of desktop computers or even laptop computers, it is a must to know the certain things you should not ever do to your system. Often times, there is nothing better than good old common sense. There is a somewhat of a steep learning curve when you first start using computers, but the good news is that after you go up that slope the first time, you will have a lot of the hardest stuff behind you already. Now let us take a look at a few things you should never do when operating your computer.

Do not run your computer in Safe Mode without good reason. The notion behind the Safe Mode is that it permits only Windows to run to allow you to figure out what is wrong with your computer. With only Windows running, you can then easily determine whether Windows is at fault. If your problem is solved when in Safe Mode, then you know it is something else. To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your PC.

Do not ever reinstall Windows. This is just about always a terrible idea as most problems can be fixed without taking this unnecessary step. And it is a step with a lot of risk involved as lots of things can go wrong. Only if your computer is totally ravaged by a catastrophe such as a virus should you ever reinstall an operating system.

Do not reformat your hard drive. You simply have no reason to reformat as this is never required or a routine part of owning a PC. As with reinstalling Windows, it should never be done unless you are experiencing real disaster.

Do not delete any files that you did not create. You just have to be ever cautious about what you delete. When you see that gray box pop up and ask you if you are sure that you want to delete that file, it most likely means that you do not. Do not ever make the mistake of assuming it is okay to delete something just because you do not know what it is. This will just about always get you into big trouble.

Do not let other people use your computer. Windows is designed to allow multiple people use system as long as they have their own accounts. Take advantage of this and give them their own accounts. Treat your computer as you would your bank account. You have to remember that all it takes if for one cousin or nephew to infect your computer with a horrible virus.

Do not use pirated software. This is a must. Stolen software is often the source of many computer viruses. You just never know what idiot put what virus on a disk. Remember that pirated games are the primary source of viruses.

None of these items are very difficult, most of them just take a little common sense along with the willingness to say no to some of your family and friends. You just have to remember that you invested quite a bit of money into your PC and all of the software you purchased. So be sure and take care of your investment so that it will last you for several years.

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