Nov 09 2008
Take Care of Your Writing Tools
Yes, this is a writing blog, but this morning I’m spending time doing computer maintenance… and I’m going to share a few tips and links to help you when you decide to do the same. I lost some of my writing to a virus years ago (before I started using what I’m going to tell you about), and I also lost an entire screenplay that I wrote… but that’s a different sob story. Take care of your writing tools, and they will take care of you.
This isn’t going to be difficult or technical, so take these suggestions at your own risk! I’m not a computer guru. I’m just telling you what I do.
Problem: My paid anti-virus software is about to expire, and my budget is awfully tight.
Answer: Writers don’t often make a lot from writing fiction, so I save some money and keep my computer protected by using one of the following. I’ve used both, and they’ve both worked well for me.
1. AVG Anti-Virus -Remember, CNet download.com isn’t perfect, but it can be a good friend. They have some great downloads, as well as some truly awful ones. This is the #1 download under the heading “Antivirus software”.
Problem: My computer is slowing down.
Answer: I try a couple of easy fixes before I drive myself crazy and spend a fortune.
1. I go into my control panel and find my add/deleted programs list. I go through and delete anything that I’m not using.
2. After that, I open my internet browser and clear out my temporary internet files, cache, and whatnot.
3. I run a “Disk defrag” through my Accessories > System Tools… and woefully miss the days when defragging was worth actually watching. Reading a book and glancing at the computer screen while it moved all those colored squares around until the screen was all clean and tidy was strangely soothing. Or maybe that’s just me.
Problem: I’m falling behind on my NaNoWriMo word count!
Answer: Then why are you still here? 
Stumble It!
