| A PC update is a good idea for computers that are | | | | system versions are often available, as are new |
| sluggish, error-ridden, or malfunctioning. Also, the | | | | versions of favorite programs. This may take a little |
| average user who simply wants to keep their | | | | more work, but usually the new software will |
| computer at peak performance will be interested in | | | | smoothly transfer old files into the new version of |
| learning to do a PC update. Here are a few | | | | the program. |
| suggestions and guidelines for doing this effectively | | | | Updating drivers for programs is a little more |
| and safely. | | | | complex. If this step is deemed necessary, make |
| Perform Basic Software Updates | | | | sure the drivers come from a trusted source (ideally, |
| There are many areas of the PC that benefit from | | | | the manufacturer), rather than a large database of |
| regular updates. The most important aspects of the | | | | "drivers," which may or may not be what they say |
| computer to update are the virus protection and | | | | they are. |
| spyware or malware protection programs. Often | | | | Update Safely |
| these programs come with automatic updates, but | | | | Updating a computer can lead to errors later on if the |
| they may need to be renewed yearly for a small fee. | | | | proper steps are not followed. When you |
| Microsoft offers updates for Windows and its | | | | completely uninstall programs, check the |
| software quite often and usually notifies the user | | | | manufacturer's website to see if they offer an |
| with a small dialogue box at the lower right-hand | | | | "uninstall kit" or something similar that will remove |
| corner of the screen. Do not ignore these, as | | | | hidden traces of the deleted program from the hard |
| tempting as it may be to put off the task. | | | | drive. This step is sometimes required when |
| Programmers are continually improving programs and | | | | updating to a new version of a program as well, |
| fixing bugs, so it is important to take advantage of | | | | especially if errors surface following the update. |
| these updates to keep the computer free of easily | | | | Consider running a registry cleaner after the PC |
| fixable errors. | | | | update to cover clean up on all fronts. It will |
| Advanced Computer Updates | | | | remove unnecessary entries in the registry that |
| If the computer and programs are getting along in | | | | pertain to old programs or versions of programs and |
| years (or months) and the user is aware of new | | | | prevent this extraneous data from causing errors in |
| editions of some components, it may be the time to | | | | the future. |
| update these things. New operating systems or | | | | |