The most important step in maintaining your computer's performance is keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date and frequently scanning your computer for viruses. We recommend updating your anti-virus software at least once a week to help ensure the safety of your computer.
We also recommend that you install, frequently update, and regularly run malware protection software.* Two popular applications are Anti-Malware and Spybot - Search & Destroy.
Windows users can install critical updates by opening Internet Explorer and then choosing Tools and Windows Update from the menu. Although Macintosh computers are less susceptible to viruses, their operating systems should also be updated regularly. Macintosh users can install updates by clicking on the Apple menu and choosing Software Update.
The maintenance we suggest performing approximately once a month is to clear the cache (memory) in your Internet browser(s). We recommend clearing it more often if you are a frequent Internet user. This reduces the amount of hard disk space your cookies and temporary Internet files use. Follow these steps to clear the cache in your browser(s).
- Open your browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc...). For Safari, see Step 6.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete. This will open the cache settings window for your browser.
- Carefully review the options presented and select the settings you wish to clear.
Note: In Internet Explorer, make sure to uncheck "Preserve Favorites website data". - After clearing the cache, close all browser windows to ensure that the changes take effect.
- Repeat these steps for other browsers as needed.
- To clear the cache using Safari: Open Safari. In the upper left corner, click on Safari and choose empty Cache. Close all Safari windows to ensure that the changes take effect.
