This document provides an overview of common computer tasks, including adding hardware, downloading and installing software, managing Windows updates, defining and managing firewalls, and creating and changing user accounts. It describes how to add new USB devices or other hardware, what to do if the computer doesn't recognize a new device, and why device drivers are needed. It also explains how to safely download and install software from the internet, remove unwanted programs, and change settings for Windows updates and the Windows firewall. Finally, it discusses creating separate user accounts for each person using the computer.

1. Common Tasks
Jere Minich
Lake-Sumter Computer Society
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2. Overview:
– What you will Learn: How to…..
1. Add hardware,
2. Download S/W, Install S/W,
3. Remove S/W,
4. Manage Windows Updates
5. Define & manage a Firewall
6. Create & Change User Accounts,
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3. Adding Hardware
• When you plug in new USB devices:
a. portable devices
1. you may hear the computer beep (make a sound)
2. see a pop-up message
3. this is good, your PC is talking to you
b. Plugging in and turning on a device (camera, smart Phone, etc)
1. Connect first, then turn on the device..
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4. Sample Pop-up
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5. device isn't recognized by Windows
Reasons: When the computer resumes from standby or hibernation:
 there is a five-to-ten-second. The time delay depends on the following factors:
 Host controller hardware
 Attached hubs
 Attached devices
 USB driver versions
 Support for USB 2.0
• Answer: Unplug the USB device, and then plug the device back into the
computer or hub.
– 1. check website of the device manufacturer
– download drivers from the "Support" section of such sites
Watch your monitor when adding hardware
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6. a device driver or software driver is:
• a computer program allowing higher-level
computer programs to interact with a
hardware device.
• A driver typically communicates with the
device through the:
– computer bus or communications subsystem to
which the hardware connects. (USB Port, HDMI
Port, etc)
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7. Hardware requires ‘Driver’ software
1. can be in Windows itself = (plug & Play)
2. additional software may be required
a. it must be installed.
b. must follow the software installation instructions :
sometimes:
(1). hardware installed before the software,
(2). Software installed before Hardware.
3. After adding hardware devices, restart Windows.
a. Run POST. (Power On Startup Test) – Beeps = problems
If Windows fails to recognize the new hardware,
1. use ‘Devices and Printers’ in the Control Panel. (Add Hardware)
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8. Control Panel – Devices and Printers
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9. Download Software – from the Internet
• Overview- Download and install a program.
Go To: www.filehippo.com – Why?
Major Geeks
Select ‘Foxit Reader’ for download
Caution: ‘Beware of Advertisements’
• After you click the ‘right’ software download link, a dialog box will pop up, you
will be given the options to: (depends on Browser)
– Run
– Save – (choose this one….)
– Cancel
• the software for download.
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10. http://filehippo.com/
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11. http://majorgeeks.com/
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12. File Download Window
Always pick “Save”
Selections = Browser used.
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13. When ‘Run’ is selected
• An automatic two step process:
1. file is downloaded to your Computer
– A. It's normally placed in your browser's:
» "Temporary Internet Files",
» or Windows temporary file location.
– B. Piggyback software may also be included.
2. The file is automatically :
a. installed on your computer.
b. run on your computer.
You have lost control of your computer.
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14. When ‘Save’ is Selected
• in response to a software download:
– the browser will simply download the file.
• Usually a compressed file
– The file is copied to your hard disk,
• You can choose where to save.
– you install it.
– You select piggyback software to install or not..
You have control of your computer & Programs.
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15. Scan & Install the Software
• Scan the download for Virus. (if not already performed)
– Right click the download.
– Select ‘Scan for Viruses’.
• After Scan – Double click the “.exe” download icon.
– Read all the different options.
– Watch close for ‘Piggyback’ software.
• After Install – Open the Program & check it out.
– If it work right,
• Delete the downloaded software.
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16. Scan Downloads you have saved.
Right Click the software icon before install
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17. Remove Software
Choose what software to remove.
1. Google programs you do not use or know about
a. Find out what they are.
2. Only programs written for Windows will appear in
Programs and Features.
3. If you don't see the program listed:
1. check the information that came with your program,
2. go to the manufacturer's website.
4. Certain Windows programs can be controlled by
using “Program and Features” in Control Panel.
I use ‘Revouninstaller Free’ – Google it.
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18. Problems in removing apps
• If you do not see the program that you want to
remove:
– Google it to get the answer.
• Example: 'Remove Napster'
• Go to Google Search and Type in 'Remove Napster'
If you can not get rid of a program:
a. it is running in the Background.
b. it is a DRM.(Digital rights management) a protected file.
c. Google it…
Example: How to delete Napster
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19. Windows Updates - Overview
• There are different kinds of updates.
– Security updates or critical updates protect against
vulnerabilities to:
• malware
• security exploits.
– Other updates correct errors that aren't related to
security, or enhance functionality.
• Security updates are routinely provided on:
– the second Tuesday of each month, Patch Tuesday,
– but can be provided whenever:
• a new update is urgently required to prevent a newly
discovered or prevalent exploit targeting Windows users.
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20. Windows Update - download
• using Internet Explorer. (best for Windows Update)
• Automatic Updates - checks the Windows Update
servers once a day.
– 90% of all PC Users - use automatic updates
– 10% - using the Windows Update web site.
• some updates are:
– not needed
– just take up space.
– cause compatability with some business software,
• so it's important to know what you're downloading.
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21. Windows Update Display
Change Settings
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22. Change Setting Page –
default is ‘Automatic Updates’
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23. Has this Happen to you ?
• You start to shut down your computer and:
– Do not shut down Computer, Installing X of Y
Software Updates.
• You leave your computer for a few minutes
and:
– When you return your computer is restarting, or
doing something, and what you were doing is lost.
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24. Change Settings –Windows Update.
Multiple
Choices
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25. Sample Windows Update
‘Control Panel’ Page
Click here to see what they are.
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26. Sample ‘Select Updates to install’
Control Panel Page
Select this item
Get Explanation here
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27. Windows Update Process
• A dialog box will open to display the download and
installation progress.
– If you are prompted for any license agreements, you will
need to accept them.
• Wait for the updates to download and install.
– You CAN minimize Windows Update and perform other
tasks.
• Always RESTART your computer.
– repeat the process until you are sure there aren't any more
critical updates.
• Often, installing a major update like a Service Pack
makes a whole new set of important updates available.
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28. Firewall – What is it??
• Firewall – defined = software or hardware that checks
information coming from the Internet,
– either blocks or allows it to pass through to your computer,
– depending on your firewall settings.
• can help prevent hackers or malicious
• can also help stop your computer from sending malicious
software to other computers.
• implemented in either hardware (Router) or software,
• Or a combination of both.
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29. Windows Firewall
• Verify that a Firewall is enabled
– ‘Windows Firewall’ in control Panel.
– Run only 1 Firewall on your computer
– A second Firewall (hardware) in a Router is OK.
• What are some of the things that a firewall can't
prevent?
– E-mail viruses
– Phishing scams – get your personal info.
• Use a Firewall that checks incoming and outgoing
data.
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30. Create & Change User Accounts.
• Change User Accounts - create separate accounts for each person using the
computer.
1. each user to have their own:
a. document folders
b. settings such as the wallpaper,
c. Start menu
2. Two types of Accounts;
Administrator –
a. change security settings,
b. install software and hardware,
c. access all files on the computer.
d. make changes to other user accounts.
Limited –
a. prohibited from changing most computer settings
b. prohibited from deleting important files.
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31. Don't stay logged on as an
administrator
• Why use a standard user account instead of an
administrator account?
• When you are using programs that require
Internet access, such as:
– a web browser
– an e-mail program,
• we recommend that you log on as a standard
user rather than an administrator.
• That's because many viruses and worms can't be
stored and run on your computer unless you're
logged on as an administrator.
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32. Manage Accounts in Control Panel
Sign in each days as ‘Standard’ account, NOT as ‘Administrator’
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33. User Accounts
• Note: You can not delete the account for a user that is
currently logged on to the computer.
• The standard account can help protect your computer
• Always login using a Standard Account- never as
“Administrator”
– If you are hacked while on the internet:
• The hacker has limited capabilities..
– you can do almost anything that you can do with an
administrator account,
• Windows will ask you to provide a password for an
administrator account.
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34. Users at Home
• On Your Home Computer: ‘Security
Companies recommend’
– Create a password for all computers (Desktop or
Laptop).
– Create a Standard Account with Hard Password in
your name.
• Use that to Login every day.
– Have a Guest Account for Grandchildren & other
guests, with a simple password.
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35. Review
• How easy adding Hardware can be, Wizard.
• Risk in Downloading S/W.
• Remove unknown S/W using Google Search.
• Windows Update- How you control.
• What is a Firewall.
• The Best & worst of a Firewall.
• Everything about User Accounts.
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