The Gouvernor Times Covers RESCUECOM's Top 5 Computer Tips

SYRACUSE, NY - (PRNewswire) - Without proper PC maintenance, computers' performance slows down and may even grind to a complete stop. And in these tough economic times, buying a new computer to restore efficiency or trying to rescue data from a dead machine can be painfully expensive.

Proper and regular computer maintenance can save you time, money and stress, according to Josh Kaplan, president of RESCUECOM, the nation's premier information technology services company. Whether users opt for RESCUECOM products and services or find their own resources, desktops and laptops can be kept running fast and efficiently through the following five strategies.

1) Protect Your Computer

Every computer is vulnerable to viruses, spyware and spam, which take up precious memory, and in the case of viruses, can damage your operating system and data files. "Comprehensive protection and daily scans will keep your computer protected, avoiding costly PC repair," said Kaplan. "There are many reliable products available, including the RESCUECOM Internet Security Suite."

2) Clean Up Your PC

To enhance system performance, users should clean out temporary files clogging up memory space and perform disk defragmentation, which ensures that files are neatly organized on the hard drive. Computer users should also perform regular PC maintenance by installing all critical updates to their operating system and other software to patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall function.

"If you don't know how to do this, have a certified technician do the work to avoid potential errors, but no matter what don't skip on these updates!" advised Kaplan. "RESCUECOM offers both one-time and ongoing services to clean your PC; whichever you choose, remember that maintenance is always cheaper than having to have your computer repaired."

3) Back Up Your Data

Computers users should back up all their work on a formal schedule so they have updated copies of all their files when disaster strikes and they lose data. These back-up files can be stored on another computer, an external hard drive, CDs, DVDs, flash drives or offsite back-up solutions like the RESCUECOM Remote Backup.

4) Use Parental Controls

Preventing access to online file-sharing sites and other Web sites with high incidences of infections can also prevent the need for PC repair. "Setting parental controls can be done through Internet protection software such as our security suite and also by setting the appropriate Windows and Mac security settings," said Kaplan.

5) Upgrade to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Users' workloads generally outgrow computers' capacity over time. "Upgrade the memory (Ram) to speed up the overall PC, or put in a larger hard drive for more storage and faster access to files," suggested Kaplan. "These are both relatively inexpensive upgrades that can make a big difference and prolong the useful life of your computer."

For information on products, services, and PC repair, visit (http://www.rescuecom.com) or call (703) 986-3233.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides homes and businesses with 24/7 computer repair and support. RESCUECOM meets every tech support need, including data recovery, virus removal, wired and wireless networking, and support for all brands of hardware and software. "When it comes to your technology, we hook you up!"