Keeping Older Computers Running Smooth and Safe

In an ideal world we would have a class with a laptop or tablet PC for every child, and we could update them every three or four years to keep current. Unfortunately in the real world we are fighting with trying to keep older computers patched together and running, so that our kids have at least some access to technology. In this and a few of the following articles I will discuss some of the ways we can keep these older machines running smooth.

The first concern is security. If you are not connected to the internet then this is really not an issue, but if you are there are some concerns that should be addressed.

• First keep your operating system up to date. Windows 98 is no longer supported by Microsoft, so this is one situation where updating to a more recent version is necessary. As of now Windows 2000 is still supported, and can be put on donated pc's for free through the fresh start program from Microsoft. Microsoft Fresh Start
  
• Mac computers support cycle is much shorter than Microsoft's, but because fewer people use macs they have not been a target for hackers. You are likely to be safe using a mac even if security updates are not being provided.
• Use an antivirus. AVG still offers a free version of their antivirus, and it is more than capable of meeting your needs.
  

More to come...