PC Maintenance and Security

I thought I knew quite a bit about computer maintenance and security. There were many Atomic Learning tutorials that I was familiar with, but there was a few things I didn't know about.
MSConfig
I always wondered why my computer kept getting longer and longer to start up. I heard it was because it would have to turn on more programs as I added more to my computer, but I didn't know I could turn them off so easily. I learned that I can use Selective Setup to turn off programs that I don't need all the time. Atomic Learning also taught me that I can go to a site (Startup Programs and Executables Listing) to find out if all of those cryptic codes are needed. This is something I will definitely be doing soon to both of my computers and suggest it to others (especially my father-in-law, who is always frustrated by the fact his computer starts so slowly). I was surprised at how easy it is to do.

Running Disk Defragmenter
One thing that I learned from this tutorial is how often this should be done. I usually do this once every six months -- or longer. Atomic Learning suggests it be done every month. I know this takes a long time, but it will be worth it. I knew that files get put into different parts of memory, but I was surprised to learn that all the extra work your computer puts in to find all of those parts actually creates wear and tear on the computer. Defragmenting can add to the life of your computer. I don't think many people know about this tool. And those that do, usually don't know about how often it needs to be done. This is worth sharing.

Setting Up Content Advisors
As a parent, this is something everyone should know about. Right now, my kids only use PBSkids.org on the laptop when one of the parents is around. But someday, there will be a time when they can use the computer on their own. I will definitely be setting up the content advisor. I can customize the content. It is not an all-or-nothing type of option (unless that is what I want). As my kids get older, I could gradually move up the level of content allowed. If there is a site I reviewed, I can create an exception. This would be worth sharing to other parents, other members of my family, and even to parents of my students who are concerned with the content that might be viewed. No big surprises here since I knew this was available on our school computers and controlled by our administrators. We can let them know if there is something we want to use, and the administrators can open it up.