Computer Tips
Whether you are a home user in south Tulsa or running a small business near the IDL, good computer habits save you time, money, and frustration. Our certified technicians at Xpress Computer Solutions put together this guide based on the most common issues we see every day at our Tulsa shop. Follow these tips and you will get more out of your computer for longer.
Keep Your Computer Running Fast
1 Restart regularly
A simple restart clears memory and installs pending updates. Aim to restart at least once a week, especially if you're a heavy user.
2 Manage startup programs
Too many apps launching at startup slow your boot time significantly. On Windows, open Task Manager > Startup and disable programs you do not need immediately on login.
3 Keep your storage 15-20% free
Hard drives and SSDs slow down when nearly full. Uninstall unused software, empty the Recycle Bin, and move large media files to an external drive or cloud storage.
4 Upgrade to an SSD
If your computer still runs a traditional spinning hard drive, switching to an SSD upgrade is the fastest single improvement you can make. Boot times drop from minutes to seconds.
Protect Yourself Online
1 Use strong, unique passwords
A strong password is at least 12 characters and combines letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager so you never have to reuse passwords across sites.
2 Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step to your logins. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.
3 Keep Windows and macOS updated
Operating system updates patch known security holes. Enable automatic updates so your system stays protected without you having to think about it.
4 Install reputable antivirus software
Free built-in tools like Windows Defender are a good baseline, but a dedicated malware protection solution provides deeper real-time scanning coverage.
5 Be cautious with email attachments
Phishing emails are the number one way hackers get into personal and business computers. Never open attachments from unknown senders or click links in unexpected emails asking for login info.
6 Lock your screen when stepping away
Press Windows + L or Ctrl + Command + Q on Mac every time you leave your desk, even for a minute. An unlocked computer in a shared office, coffee shop, or home with kids is an open door to accidental changes or unauthorized access.
Back Up Your Data Before It Is Too Late
1 Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule
Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy stored offsite or in the cloud. This strategy protects you from hardware failure, theft, and disasters.
2 Use automatic cloud backup
Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Backblaze run in the background and continuously sync your files. You should not have to remember to back up manually.
3 Test your backups
A backup you have never tested is a backup you cannot trust. Restore a file from your backup periodically to make sure the process actually works.
4 Professional data recovery is still possible
If you have already lost data, do not panic. Our data recovery service in Tulsa can often retrieve files from failing drives, corrupted storage, and damaged devices.
Simple Maintenance That Extends Computer Life
1 Clean the vents and fans
Dust buildup inside your computer traps heat and causes components to throttle performance or fail early. Use compressed air to blow out vents every 6 months, more often if you have pets.
2 Do not block airflow
Never set a laptop on a pillow, blanket, or other soft surface that blocks the bottom vents. Chronic overheating is one of the most common causes of premature laptop failure.
3 Manage battery health on laptops
Avoid running your laptop battery all the way to zero regularly. Keeping charge between 20% and 80% significantly extends long-term battery capacity.
4 Schedule professional tune-ups
Just like a car, computers benefit from periodic professional maintenance. A computer tune-up from our Tulsa technicians clears junk files, checks hardware health, and catches problems before they become expensive.
Use Your Home Network Safely
1 Change your router default password
Most routers ship with well-known default admin passwords. Change yours immediately to prevent anyone on your network from accessing router settings.
2 Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption
Check your router settings to make sure your Wi-Fi uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Older WEP encryption can be cracked in minutes.
3 Create a guest network
Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors and smart home devices. This isolates them from your main computers and keeps sensitive data safer.
4 Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks
Never access your bank, email, or work accounts on open public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Our cybersecurity setup service can help configure a VPN for your home or business.
Monthly Computer Health Checklist
Run through this checklist once a month to stay ahead of most common computer problems.
- Restart or shut down completely
- Check for and install Windows/macOS updates
- Run a full antivirus scan
- Empty the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder
- Verify your backup completed successfully
- Check available storage space
- Review browser extensions - remove unused ones
- Check that your router firmware is up to date
- Review startup programs and disable anything new
- Wipe down the keyboard, screen, and vents