Computer Health Checklist

Overview

We offer a regular Computer Health Checklist service that includes the services listed below. This service can be monthly, quarterly, or any interval you wish. We can also train you to do this yourself. This list is mostly focused on Windows computers. A subset of this list can be used on Apple Mac computers.

You can be at your computer while the work is done or schedule a convenient time for unattended remote maintenance. Running updates after hours saves time and downloads are faster during off-business hours when Internet speeds are sometimes faster with lower demand.

Most of the list below applies to Apple and Windows computers, but some is for Windows only. The following list presumes the computer has already been setup according to the Windows Computer Setup Checklist.

Note: Many of the items below need not be checked repeatedly after being setup for the first time.

Account Safety

Ensure account safety as follows:

• Set the Primary user account to be a limited account for daily use to reduce the impact of any malware or viruses.
• Setup a Visitor user account with limited access if one doesn’t already exist. This account should be used by family and friends rather than the primary user’s account.
• Setup a Maintenance user account with admin rights for system updates and maintenance.

Antivirus Check

Ensure antivirus prevention is in place. We recommend Avast and MalwareBytes Internet security software. However, we’ll work with whatever you currently have.

• Make sure antivirus software is up-to-date and working.
• Run a full system scan.
• For offices using Avast, check the group account to make sure everything is reported as running smoothly on all systems. If this isn’t setup already, a group account will be setup.

Malware Scan

• Scan with MalwareBytes
• Scan with Spybot Search and Destroy
• Check for browser hijacks, malicious plugins, or bad add-ons

Software Updates

• Adobe Reader
• Adobe Flash
• Java
• Firefox
• Chrome
• Use the Avast software version check to ensure no other programs need updating.
• Update remote support software client as needed.

System Health

• Check available free drive space.
• Run Windows updates
• Run Microsoft updates
• Check recently installed programs for suspicious items
• Remove any unnecessary software
• Use Clean My PC if needed to remove stubborn programs.
• Use CCleaner to remove old files and settings no longer used.

System Hardware Performance

• Run a performance test using the Windows System Assessment Tool or similar utility
• Check current memory installed
• Check the maximum memory upgrade possible
• Check current system configuration (processor, RAM, and other hardware)
• Check current BIOS and upgrade if new version exists

System Backup

• Check backup to make sure it’s running
• Note free / used space on back up drive
• Note how far back the back up files go
• Attempt to recover a few files from the backup to ensure the system is working.

Internet Speed

• Test Internet speed to make sure the service being paid for is being delivered.
• There can be a perception of slow Internet speed if the browser cache hasn’t been emptied in quite a while. So, emptying the cache every month can be helpful.

Network Security

• Run a network security check.

Supply Levels

• Check printer ink levels