John Lorens shares his presentation about maintaining computer health. What do you need to know or do so that you can avoid bringing your computer into the shop.

1. Care & Feeding ofCare & Feeding of
Healthy ComputersHealthy Computers
John LorensJohn Lorens
Program / Project ManagerProgram / Project Manager
Computer Support EngineerComputer Support Engineer
johnlorens@gmail.comjohnlorens@gmail.com
847847--687687--13291329

2. TopicsTopics
Basic Computer componentsBasic Computer components
Operating SystemsOperating Systems
Surfing the WebSurfing the Web
ProtectionProtection
SoftwareSoftware
PeripheralsPeripherals
Networking home & businessNetworking home & business
Backups & UpgradesBackups & Upgrades
Best Practices to keep your Computer HealthyBest Practices to keep your Computer Healthy
Next PCNext PC
Q & AQ & A
22

3. 33
AboutAbout
John LorensJohn Lorens
Played with computers since 80’sPlayed with computers since 80’s
Build, repair, update PCs; setup small networksBuild, repair, update PCs; setup small networks
Strong PC (IBM clone) backgroundStrong PC (IBM clone) background –– somewhatsomewhat
with Apples, though thesewith Apples, though these BestBest PracticesPractices do applydo apply
to all computersto all computers
Professional Project & Program Manager for variousProfessional Project & Program Manager for various
global companies in Hardware, Software, & Buildingglobal companies in Hardware, Software, & Building
Automation system.Automation system.

4. 44
YYour computer isour computer is
not feeling wellnot feeling well
SymptomsSymptoms
Runs slower over timeRuns slower over time
Programs lock upPrograms lock up
PopPop--ups constantly while surfing the webups constantly while surfing the web
Computer runs very warmComputer runs very warm
Lots of error messagesLots of error messages

5. 55
Do you really need a new computerDo you really need a new computer
or does it just need some TLC ?or does it just need some TLC ?
Following Best PracticesFollowing Best Practices
you canyou can firefire youryour IT guyIT guy
Otherwise the new PC with
the same old habits will
soon run as poorly as the
old one.

6. Basic components of a computerBasic components of a computer
66
CPU (i3, i5, i7 or dual core processor)CPU (i3, i5, i7 or dual core processor)
MemoryMemory RAMRAM –– 4GB Win7, 1GB XP, 2GB Win104GB Win7, 1GB XP, 2GB Win10
Hard driveHard drive –– Storing documents & picturesStoring documents & pictures
(100+ GB), more for music, videos (500+ GB)(100+ GB), more for music, videos (500+ GB)
§§ Operating SystemOperating System
§§ Software ProgramsSoftware Programs
§§ AntiAnti--virus & antivirus & anti--spam protectionspam protection
§§ Peripherals (printer, scanner, camera)Peripherals (printer, scanner, camera)

7. 77
Balancing hardwareBalancing hardware
for performancefor performance
i.e. having the right amount of batter, bowl size, and mixingi.e. having the right amount of batter, bowl size, and mixing
power to make enough cookiespower to make enough cookies
Mixer
CPU
Mixing Bowl
RAM (memory)
Refrigerator
Hard Drive
Memory size
is key factor
to overall
performance

8. 88
DifferentDifferent
OperatingOperating
SystemsSystems
nn Win95, 98, 2000Win95, 98, 2000
nn MeMe
nn XP (Home, Pro) “still supported”XP (Home, Pro) “still supported”
nn VistaVista
nn Win 7(Starter, Home, Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate)Win 7(Starter, Home, Pro, Enterprise, Ultimate)
nn Win 8 (basic 8, Pro, RT) or 8.1 (hotfix for 8)Win 8 (basic 8, Pro, RT) or 8.1 (hotfix for 8)
nn Win 10Win 10 ThresholdThreshold

9. Windows over time…Windows over time…
99
Do you see a pattern ?
Bad
Very Bad Bad
Very Bad
Who knows ?

10. 1010
O/SO/S –– which is bestwhich is best for Reliability,for Reliability,
Ease, & with the least bugs?Ease, & with the least bugs?

11. 1111
O/SO/S –– which is bestwhich is best for Reliability,for Reliability,
Ease, and with least bugs?Ease, and with least bugs?

12. 1212
Internet BrowsersInternet Browsers
to surf the Webto surf the Web
nn Internet Explorer “I.E.” by MicrosoftInternet Explorer “I.E.” by Microsoft
nn Firefox by MozillaFirefox by Mozilla
nn Chrome by GoogleChrome by Google
nn Safari by AppleSafari by Apple
Which one is least secure ?Which one is least secure ?

13. 1313
Internet BrowsersInternet Browsers
to surf the Webto surf the Web
nn Internet Explorer “I.E.” by MicrosoftInternet Explorer “I.E.” by Microsoft
nn Firefox by MozillaFirefox by Mozilla
nn Chrome by GoogleChrome by Google
nn Safari by AppleSafari by Apple
Which one is least secure ?Which one is least secure ?
Internet Explorer

14. 1414
AddAdd--On’s & PlugOn’s & Plug--In’sIn’s
for Internet Browsersfor Internet Browsers
nn Applications that personalize your browserApplications that personalize your browser
WeatherWeather
BackgroundsBackgrounds
Search enginesSearch engines
nn Add Features with SW programsAdd Features with SW programs
JavaJava
ShockwaveShockwave
Adobe ReaderAdobe Reader
Adobe Flash PlayerAdobe Flash Player
Choose wiselyChoose wisely -- many will slow down your PCmany will slow down your PC
i.e., Weather Bug, Ask me, etc. run in the backgroundi.e., Weather Bug, Ask me, etc. run in the background

15. 1515
AntiAnti--virus & Antivirus & Anti--Spam programsSpam programs
nn Purchased versionsPurchased versions
McAfeeMcAfee
NortonNorton
KasperskyKaspersky
nn Free onesFree ones ––
MalwarebytesMalwarebytes
AvastAvast
AVGAVG
nn Which ones work bestWhich ones work best
depends on the security level you need at home or for adepends on the security level you need at home or for a
business applicationbusiness application

16. 1616
AntiAnti--virus & Antivirus & Anti--Spam programsSpam programs
Most effective ones areMost effective ones are
nn MalwarebytesMalwarebytes (thru www.cnet.com) = anti(thru www.cnet.com) = anti--spamspam
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyteshttp://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes--AntiAnti--MalwareMalware--Free/3000Free/3000--8022_48022_4--10804572.html10804572.html
qq AVAST = antiAVAST = anti--virusvirus
http://download.cnet.com/Avastdownload.cnet.com/Avast--FreeFree--AntivirusAntivirus--2016/30002016/3000--2239_42239_4--10019223.html10019223.html
nn AVG free EditionAVG free Edition (thru www.cnet.com) = anti(thru www.cnet.com) = anti--virusvirus
http://download.cnet.com/AVGhttp://download.cnet.com/AVG--AntiVirusAntiVirus--Free/3000Free/3000--2239_42239_4--10320142.html10320142.html
Keep the database currentKeep the database current ––
Update weekly if not automaticUpdate weekly if not automatic
Remain active if you purchased oneRemain active if you purchased one
When to scan your hard driveWhen to scan your hard drive
Set to run scan weekly if set automaticSet to run scan weekly if set automatic
Quick scan when you sense the computer slowing downQuick scan when you sense the computer slowing down

17. 1717
SoftwareSoftware
nn Office Suite 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 365Office Suite 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 & 365
nn VLCVLC –– video media player (free)video media player (free)
nn Adobe Reader (free)Adobe Reader (free)
nn Adobe Flash Player (free)Adobe Flash Player (free)
nn Java (free)Java (free)
nn FoxIt PDF (free)FoxIt PDF (free)
nn MusicMusic ––
iTunes (free)iTunes (free)
Windows Media Player (free)Windows Media Player (free)
WinAmp (free)WinAmp (free)
VLC media playerVLC media player
safe place to download freewaresafe place to download freeware -- www.CNET.comwww.CNET.com

18. 1818
PrintersPrinters
nn TypesTypes
Ink jetInk jet
LaserLaser
AllAll--inin--OneOne
nn BrandsBrands
HP, Brother, Canon, EpsonHP, Brother, Canon, Epson
nn Connection methodsConnection methods
USB, Wired (Ethernet), WirelessUSB, Wired (Ethernet), Wireless
nn Which are best based onWhich are best based on
maintenance costmaintenance cost –– ink replacements $$ink replacements $$
print qualityprint quality –– documents vs. photosdocuments vs. photos
most reliable connectionmost reliable connection –– USB & Ethernet wiredUSB & Ethernet wired

19. 1919
Printers to considerPrinters to consider
Brother laser B/W ~ $ 80Brother laser B/W ~ $ 80
http://www.amazon.com/Brotherhttp://www.amazon.com/Brother--HLHL--2270DW2270DW--CompactCompact--
WirelessWireless--
Networking/dp/B00450DVDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392011Networking/dp/B00450DVDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392011
599&sr=8599&sr=8--1&keywords=brother+hl1&keywords=brother+hl--2270dw2270dw
Brother color laser ~ $ 200Brother color laser ~ $ 200
http://www.amazon.com/Brotherhttp://www.amazon.com/Brother--PrinterPrinter--HL3140CWHL3140CW--WirelessWireless--
Networking/dp/B00BR3VZCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1Networking/dp/B00BR3VZCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1
392011773&sr=1392011773&sr=1--1&keywords=brother+color+laser+printer1&keywords=brother+color+laser+printer
Brothers are easy to install (and remove), do DuplexBrothers are easy to install (and remove), do Duplex
printing, and have excellent customer supportprinting, and have excellent customer support
And Laser printers have dropped in price and produceAnd Laser printers have dropped in price and produce
reams of paper per toner compared to ink jet printers.reams of paper per toner compared to ink jet printers.

20. 2020
Tools forTools for
OnOn--Line interviewsLine interviews
& conference calls& conference calls
nn WebcamsWebcams –– Logitech @ $35Logitech @ $35
http://www.logitech.com/enhttp://www.logitech.com/en--us/product/hdus/product/hd--webcamwebcam--c310c310
nn HeadsetsHeadsets –– Logitech @ $30Logitech @ $30
http://www.logitech.com/enhttp://www.logitech.com/en--us/product/stereous/product/stereo--headsetheadset--
h390?crid=36h390?crid=36
nn Conference programsConference programs
SkypeSkype –– free version onlyfree version only
Go to MeetingGo to Meeting –– 30 day trial basis30 day trial basis

21. 2121
Home Network setupHome Network setup
nn Wireless networksWireless networks
Don’t share with everyoneDon’t share with everyone
Keep secure with WEP, WPA passwordsKeep secure with WEP, WPA passwords
Wireless coverageWireless coverage ––
nn put the broadcaster at the highest point if possibleput the broadcaster at the highest point if possible
nn Wired Routers with Ethernet cablesWired Routers with Ethernet cables
nn Joining network in Win 7 or 8Joining network in Win 7 or 8
ChooseChoose WorkWork not Home or Publicnot Home or Public
nn Power surge protectorsPower surge protectors
Not the cheap onesNot the cheap ones –– they do nothing in power surges.they do nothing in power surges.
Whole house surge protects ($100) in the C/B Panel are bestWhole house surge protects ($100) in the C/B Panel are best

22. Basic NetworkBasic Network
setupsetup
2222

23. PasswordsPasswords
8 or more characters consist of8 or more characters consist of
nn lletters (small, capital)etters (small, capital)
nn digitsdigits
nn sspecial characters $%!pecial characters $%!
something you’ll remembersomething you’ll remember
don’t share with anyonedon’t share with anyone
write down somewherewrite down somewhere
llock box, onock box, on--line Dropboxline Dropbox
password protect your home wirelesspassword protect your home wireless
DDon’t give it out to visitorson’t give it out to visitors
Instead setup guest accountInstead setup guest account
2323

24. 2424
Networks on the goNetworks on the go
nn Hot Spots at café’s, hotels, publicHot Spots at café’s, hotels, public
gatherings are least secure placegatherings are least secure place
To stay protected in these public areas,To stay protected in these public areas,
join asjoin as PublicPublic in Win 7 networkin Win 7 network
nn Personal Hot Spots & AirCardsPersonal Hot Spots & AirCards

25. 2525
How do I setup my PCHow do I setup my PC
Organize your docs in My DocsOrganize your docs in My Docs
(Not on your Desktop screen)(Not on your Desktop screen)
nn DocumentsDocuments
nn PicturesPictures
nn MusicMusic
nn VideosVideos
nn FavoritesFavorites
Make it easy for BackupsMake it easy for Backups
One place to collect all your personal docs for your backup SW.One place to collect all your personal docs for your backup SW.
If you use some files often, create a desktop shortcut to themIf you use some files often, create a desktop shortcut to them

26. 2626
How do I keep it running well?How do I keep it running well?
Backing up your computerBacking up your computer
nn Personal files onlyPersonal files only
not operating system or programsnot operating system or programs
nn MethodsMethods
external hard drivesexternal hard drives
DVDsDVDs
flash “thumb” drivesflash “thumb” drives
onon--line services like Carboniteline services like Carbonite
üü most reliablemost reliable –– Ext drives & onExt drives & on--line servicesline services
nn How often does one backup personal filesHow often does one backup personal files
depends on the content & your usagedepends on the content & your usage
what are you willing to lose since the last backupwhat are you willing to lose since the last backup

27. 2727
Which Updates to accept or declineWhich Updates to accept or decline
AntiAnti--virus programs (accept database updates)virus programs (accept database updates)
No need to buy them unless you own a businessNo need to buy them unless you own a business
Adobe Reader & Flash Player (accept)Adobe Reader & Flash Player (accept)
careful of McAfee bundled in updatecareful of McAfee bundled in update –– uncheck ituncheck it
Java, iTunes, (accept)Java, iTunes, (accept)
Microsoft (accept?)Microsoft (accept?) ––
What’s in MS updates ??

28. 2828
Which Updates to accept or declineWhich Updates to accept or decline
AntiAnti--virus programs (accept database updates)virus programs (accept database updates)
No need to buy them unless you own a businessNo need to buy them unless you own a business
Adobe Reader & Flash Player (accept)Adobe Reader & Flash Player (accept)
careful of McAfee bundled in updatecareful of McAfee bundled in update –– uncheck ituncheck it
Java, iTunes, (accept)Java, iTunes, (accept)
Microsoft (accept?)Microsoft (accept?) ––
What’s in MS updates ??
Bug fixes to the O/S, not new features
Therefore accept MS updates except the
auto update migration to Windows 10.
Too Early to go with Win10

29. 2929
Restore PointsRestore Points
Benchmarks your O/S & Software beforeBenchmarks your O/S & Software before
major upgradesmajor upgrades
Name each Restore Point for easy lookupName each Restore Point for easy lookup
Allows to you to go “back in time” to a PointAllows to you to go “back in time” to a Point
with all was going wellwith all was going well
Does not affect your DocsDoes not affect your Docs

30. 3030
Keep it running wellKeep it running well
Defrag your hard driveDefrag your hard drive ––
nn Reorganizes files in orderly fashionReorganizes files in orderly fashion
nn Schedule weeklySchedule weekly
Limit how many programs are in StartupLimit how many programs are in Startup
nn not Skype, WeatherBug, chat, iTunes helper, etc.not Skype, WeatherBug, chat, iTunes helper, etc.
Cleaning out cookies left while surfingCleaning out cookies left while surfing
nn Internet Options, General, delete HistoryInternet Options, General, delete History
nn Programs like CCleaner (free) great for getting rid ofPrograms like CCleaner (free) great for getting rid of
cookies, temp files, broken links, missing filescookies, temp files, broken links, missing files
http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/

31. 3131
Keep it running wellKeep it running well
Control who uses your PCControl who uses your PC ––
nn it’s your tool for Banking, online buying, networkingit’s your tool for Banking, online buying, networking
nn not a toynot a toy for the familyfor the family
Download safe programs thruDownload safe programs thru www.CNET.comwww.CNET.com
GamesGames –– some risks with those free onessome risks with those free ones
EmailsEmails –– do you know this person?do you know this person?
If you are using Outlook, turn off the Preview PaneIf you are using Outlook, turn off the Preview Pane

32. Pirates onPirates on--lineline
How do they get inHow do they get in ––
•• Random phone callsRandom phone calls
“ I’m from Microsoft and I’m here to help you”“ I’m from Microsoft and I’m here to help you”
•• Unsolicited alerts from software you don’t ownUnsolicited alerts from software you don’t own
•• You invited them by sharing your wireless andYou invited them by sharing your wireless and
not keeping your PC clean of viruses & spamsnot keeping your PC clean of viruses & spams
•• Opening emails from people you don’t knowOpening emails from people you don’t know
BottomBottom--line >> Microsoft & no one else is monitoring yourline >> Microsoft & no one else is monitoring your
computer, offering to help youcomputer, offering to help you. It’s a SCAM. It’s a SCAM
3232

33. What you should doWhat you should do
§§ Don’t take theDon’t take the baitbait
§§ HangHang up on them (repeatedly)up on them (repeatedly)
§§ Don’t give them any information on your PCDon’t give them any information on your PC
§§ Run your antiRun your anti--virus, antivirus, anti--spam programs andspam programs and
delete, remove, or quarantine the bugs.delete, remove, or quarantine the bugs.
If you are hacked or your PC is compromisedIf you are hacked or your PC is compromised
üü notify your financial institutionsnotify your financial institutions -- ImmediatelyImmediately
üü change your Passwordschange your Passwords -- ImmediatelyImmediately
üü rrun your antiun your anti--virus & antivirus & anti--spam progspam programsrams
3333

34. 3434
Sharing your files with othersSharing your files with others SafelySafely
!!
DropboxDropbox
Google DocsGoogle Docs
CloudsClouds ––
nn external Serversexternal Servers
nn join by invitation & password protectionjoin by invitation & password protection
Tech Support only with a secure, remoteTech Support only with a secure, remote
secure connections i.e.,secure connections i.e., TeamViewer whichTeamViewer which
changes the ID & password each timechanges the ID & password each time

35. 3535
So if you still feelSo if you still feel
you need a new PCyou need a new PC
Brands to considerBrands to consider
ASUSASUS
DellDell
Lenovo (Thinkpads)Lenovo (Thinkpads)
ToshibaToshiba
SonySony
Choose O/SChoose O/S -- WindowsWindows 77 vs. 8 vs. 10vs. 8 vs. 10
StyleStyle -- Laptop / Tablet / DesktopLaptop / Tablet / Desktop

36. RecycleRecycle
the old PCthe old PC
Remove personal dataRemove personal data
nn Hard driveHard drive ––
eraseerase
reformatreformat
destroy the old hard drivedestroy the old hard drive
Donate the HardwareDonate the Hardware
nn Community recycling days for electronic unitsCommunity recycling days for electronic units
nn Motorola semiMotorola semi--annual dropannual drop--offsoffs
nn Lorens recyclingLorens recycling
nn Finding new users (students, Vets, lowFinding new users (students, Vets, low--income families)income families)
3636

37. 3737
Closing Tips
Be careful what
you let in
Be careful who
you let in

38. 3838
Thank YouThank You
John LorensJohn Lorens
Program / Project ManagerProgram / Project Manager
Computer EngineerComputer Engineer
johnlorens@gmail.comjohnlorens@gmail.com
847847--687687--13291329
www.lorenstechsolutions.comwww.lorenstechsolutions.com
www.linkedin.com/in/johnlorens/www.linkedin.com/in/johnlorens/

39. 3939
Questions ?Questions ?