This document provides guidance on performing preventative maintenance on a computer to improve performance and extend its lifespan. It recommends cleaning the external components like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse regularly, as dust can accumulate quickly. Internally, it suggests using the Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter tools periodically to free up hard drive space and optimize file placement. It also stresses the importance of installing operating system and software updates, scanning for viruses regularly, and backing up files in case of hardware failure or malware infection. Regular maintenance through cleaning, optimization, and backup is presented as an effective way to care for a computer over time.

1. Presented by Celia Bandelier

2. Preventative Maintenance
 Caring for and maintaining your computer is
much like getting an oil change or your tires
rotated on your car.
 This type of preventative maintenance helps
improve the performance of your computer
as well as extend the life.

3. How often should I perform
maintenance on my computer?
 There is no correct answer for this question.
 Maintenance will depend on how often your
computer is used and what functions your
computer is used for.

4. Scan for viruses
This is especially true when considering how
often you scan your computer for viruses.
If you or other members of your household use
the computer often for file transfers (music
downloads), online purchases, or online
banking, then it is a good idea to scan your
computer more often than someone who only
uses the computer to check their e-mail twice
per week.

5. External cleaning
 External cleaning will become obvious as
to when it should be performed.
 When there is dust and fingerprints
accumulating on the computer it is time to
clean.
 Also consider the location of the
computer….
 Someone who keeps their computer in a
basement or garage will need to clean
more often then someone using a
computer in a home office.

6. Internal Maintenance Guide—
Disk Clean up
 Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your
hard drive.
 Disk Cleanup searches your drive, and then
shows you temporary files (used by Internet
Explorer to cache or save pages on websites
visited by the user. This allows such websites
to load quicker the next time they are visited)
and unnecessary program files that you can
safely delete.
 You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or
all of those files.

7. Steps for Disk Cleanup
 1. Navigate to Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
 2. Select Drive (C:), then it will scan the drive
 3. Select the files you wish to delete.

8. Disk Defragmenter
 Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented
files and folders on your computer’s hard disk,
so that each occupies a single, contiguous
space on the volume.
 As a result your system can gain access to
your files and folders and save new one more
efficiently.
 By consolidating your file and folders, Disk
Defragmenter also consolidates the volume’s
free space, making it less likely that new files
will be fragmented.

9. Steps to Disk Defragmenter
 1. Navigate to: Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Disk
Defragmenter
 2. Click analyze
 3. If after the evaluation the computer suggests
defragmenting, click Defragment.

10. Windows Updates
 Window Update is a catalog of items such as
drivers, security fixes, critical patches, the latest
Help files, and Internet products that you can
download to keep your computer up-to date.
 Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Security
Center > Automatic Updates

11. Ways to configure Updates
 There are four different ways to configure updates
ranging from a one time setup to being very
involved:
 1. Have the updates automatically download and
install at a specified time daily and weekly.
 2. Have the updates download, but when you see
the alert you tell the computer to install
 3. Alert you to when to update, but you will have
to download and install them.
 4. Turn them off completely, download and install
of update manually at www.update.microsoft.com

12. Uninstalling Unnecessary
Updates
 Another way to free up space on your hard drive
is to delete applications that you may not need or
may not get used anymore. (Example: trial
software that came on the PC when you
purchased it, but has since expired)
 1. Navigate to : Start > Control Panel > Add /
Remove Programs
 2. Click on the application
 3. Click Remove
 4. Follow the on-screen instructions
 5. If you are unsure of what an application is,
leave it, it may be important.

13. Add /Remove Programs

14. Internet Predators and Protection
—Malware
 Type of malware (short for malicious
software)
Virus
Worm
Spyware

15. Virus
A file that attaches itself to another file or
program so that is can be sent from computer to
computer much like a human virus.
Can range from annoying to malicious.
Usually an .exe or executable , so it can only
infect a computer if a user opens the file
Usually transmitted through an e-mail.
Reason why they say not to open suspicious e-
mail could be a Trojan horse (looks legit, but can
destroy file among other things)

16. Worm
 File that has ability to travel and replicate
without the users help.
 In most cases it causes computers to stop
responding or lock up.
 Can be as severe as allowing users to
remotely control your computer.

17. Spyware
 Is a computer software that is installed secretly
on a personal computer to intercept or take
partial control over the user’s interaction with
the computer, without the user’s informed
consent.
 Most times spyware is utilized as a key-logger,
or via web history.
 Commonly how identity, credit card, social
security numbers are taken.

18. Ways to protect yourself
 Do windows updates regularly
 Firewall
 Antivirus
 Anti-Spyware

19. Firewall
 Helps monitor incoming and outgoing traffic
 Windows XP and later already has a firewall
installed on it, but it only protects your
computer from worms, not virus’s or
spyware.
 I suggest another firewall, often you can get
one bundled with Antivirus and Antispyware
for one purchase price.

20. Antivirus
 Install a name brand product
 Have it install updates regularly, whether
that be daily or weekly.
 Make sure it is running at all times on
your computer.

21. Anti - Spyware
 Often an anti-spyware program will come
bundled with your Antivirus but it wouldn’t
hurt to have another.
 A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-
spyware laws, which usually target any
software that is surreptitiously installed to
control a user's computer.

22. Backing up
 Back ups are important in case your
hard drive fails or is corrupted, if your
computer becomes infected with a virus,
or it you just want a duplicate set of
important information such as family
photos, business documents, etc.

23. Ways to backup-Backup Wizard
The most complex form of backup is using the
backup wizard. This backup is free and built
into windows, but you must have an external
hard drive, or flash drive to use it.
1. Insert Removable Media (external hard drive
or flash drive)
2. Navigate to : Start > All Programs >
Accessories > Backup
3. Select how much/ what you want backed up
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

24. Copy/Paste Method
 This method of backing up is useful if you
don’t have removable media needed for
Backup Wizard and only need small amounts
of specific files backed up. This is ideal if you
have a “CD Burner” on your computer and
need to backup photos or documents.
 1. Navigate to the files that you wish to
backup
 2.Begin selecting the files (click to select, the
shortcut Ctrl + A will select all files)
 3. Edit > Copy
 4. Insert a blank CD-R

25. Copy /Paste Cont’d
 5. Navigate to My Computer > CD Drive
and open
 6. Edit > Paste
 7. Along the left side select “Write these
Files to CD”
 8. Select a name for the Disk (the date
is selected by default)
 9. When the disk is done, select “Finish”
 10. Store the backup in a safe place.

26. System Restore Point
 You can use this back up assuming that you
can get into Windows when you are having
problems with your computer
 It allows you to revert to point in computer
without losing important documents or data,
although, anything that has been created or
changed since the last restore point will be lost.
 Your computer sets automatic restore points
periodically, such as when new software is
installed.
 It is a good idea to set a manual restore point
periodically.

27. To create a restore point
 1. Navigate to : Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Restore
 2. Select Create Restore Point
 3. Name the Point
 4. Click Create

28. To restore your computer
 1. Navigate to : Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Restore
 2. Select Restore my computer to an
earlier time
 3. Select a restore point (date in bold)

29. External Maintenance--Cleaning
Desktop Monitor
 1. turn off computer
 2. wipe monitor screen with monitor-cleaning
pre-moistened wipes or a terry cloth. NEVER
spray anything directly on the screen.
 3. when cleaning LCD (flat-panel) screens, use
special LCD cleaner wipes or soft terry cloth
that is safe for monitors. DO NOT use alcohol-
or ammonia-based products as they can
damage the surface
 4. Wipe monitor case and monitor cable with
cloth (not terry cloth) dampened with water.

30. Desktop “Ball” Mouse
 1. turn off computer
 2. turn mouse upside-down
 3. unscrew ball retaining ring and remove ball
 4 clean rollers with cloth dampened with water
 5. wipe down ball with cloth dampened with
water
 6. use compressed air to remove dust inside
mouse housing
 7. reassemble mouse
 8. wipe exterior of mouse and mouse cable with
cloth dampened with water.

31. Desktop/Laptop “Optical” Mouse
 1. turn off computer
 2. turn mouse upside-down
 3. use tweezers to remove debris from the
infrared sensor eyehole
 4. use cloth dampened with water to clean
the underside of the mouse and the “feet”
 TIP: Mouse pads are not necessary and
can actually interfere with the ability of the
infrared sensor to track properly.

32. Desktop keyboard
 1. turn off computer
 2. turn keyboard upside down
 3. spray compressed air between keys
to remove dust particles.
 4. wipe each key with a cloth slightly
dampened with water.

33. Desktop case or tower
 1. turn off computer
 2. wipe down with a cloth slightly dampened
with water
 3. be sure to also wipe down the back of the
case and get all the dust off.
 4. if necessary, carefully use compressed air
to help get all the dust off of the back of the
tower.
front back

34. Laptop monitor
 1. turn off computer
 2. when cleaning LCD (flat-panel)
screens, use special LCD cleaner wipes
or soft terry cloth.
 DO NOT use alcohol- or ammonia-
based products as they can damage the
surface.

35. Laptop Keyboard
 1. turn off computer
 2. turn keyboard upside down
 3. spray compressed air between keys
to remove dust particles
 4. wipe each key with a cloth slightly
dampened with water.

36. Laptop exterior (including touch
pad)
 1. turn off computer
 2. wipe with a cloth slightly
dampened with water

37. Electricity
 Surges, brownouts, and blackouts can
cause damage to internal equipment.
For this reason it is a good idea to use
surge suppressors or UPS
(uninterruptible power supple or battery)
Surge protector
UPS

38. Surge suppressor
 Protects by diverting or evening out voltage
 Will eventually wear out, and no longer
protect so be sure it has a protections
indicator light
 Good idea to get one with a jack for your
internet connection (phone line) as you can
have power surges through that line as
well.
 Range from about $6 to $80 depending on
how many outlets and the equipment
protection warranty provided

39. UPS
 Uninterruptible power supply, battery backup
 Allows computer to have 10 mins. – 3 hrs. to
end programs and safely shutdown
 Some come with software that will
automatically end programs and shutdown
when the UPS switches from electricity to
battery
 Cost varies from about $35 – up depending
on how many Volt-amps (more volts-mps are
needed for larger equipment), the software
included and how long the battery life is.

40. Troubleshooting
 1. check on the list of things we will go
through on the following slides
 2. check manual of the product
 3. is it under warranty? Call or email the
technical support
 4. run a virus scan
 5. try Windows Help and Support
 6. Navigate to: Start > Help and Support
> fixing a problem > select category

41. Troubleshooting hints
 Check off the following items before you consult
computer manuals or call a technician
 Remember to always look for the obvious first
 If you do call a technician, ensure the computer
is accessible for the phone conversation and
have a list of troubleshooting steps you have
already taken nearby.

42. Troubleshooting general tips
 Turn the computer off, count to 30. Turn the
computer back on. Did this solve the problem?
 Did you install new software? Uninstall it to see
if that clears up the problem.
 Did you change any settings? Change the
settings back to what they were.
 Did you attach any new hardware? If so,
disconnect the hardware and uninstall any
software drivers that were installed for the
hardware.
 Is the surge protector light on? If not, check to
see that it’s turned on and plugged in.

43. Troubleshooting sound
 Check the headphone cable connections.
Check that no cables have been broken or
damaged. Check the volume control on the
headphone cord.
 Is there a speaker icon next to the clock on
the taskbar? If so, right click the speaker
icon and select Open Volume Controls.
Uncheck any Mute boxes that are selected.
 Click Start, Settings, and Control Panel.
Double-click the Multimedia icon. Adjust the
volume settings on the Audio tab.

44. Troubleshooting peripherals
 Note: the keyboard is used as the example for
the following, but a peripheral could be anything
attached to the computer.
 Are all the cables connected? Power, Monitor,
Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones, internet cable?
 Is the keyboard or mouse acting erratically? It
might need to be cleaned.
 Is the keyboard not working? If so, plug it into
another computer. If it doesn’t work on the
other computer, there is likely something wrong
with the keyboard. If it does work on the other
computer, there is likely something wrong on
the computer.

45. Troubleshooting the printer
 Is the printer turned on? If not, turn the printer
on.
 Does the printer display say it’s offline? If so,
press the green button to put it online.
 Are all the cables connected to the printer?
 Is there paper in the printer? If not, replace the
paper.
 Is the toner cartridge empty? If so, replace the
cartridge.
 Is there a paper jam? If so remove the stuck
paper.

46. Troubleshooting the printer cont’d
 Does the printer print from some programs
and not from others? If so, it is most likely a
software issue.
 Does the printer not print from any programs?
Is so, use the print troubleshooter in the help
to diagnose the problem. Click Start and
select Help. Search for troubleshooting and
select printers. Follow the on-screen
instructions.

47. If your computer locks up
 Sometime no matter how great a computer
is, it will “lock up”. In other words, the mouse
pointer and keyboard stop responding to
your actions. Nothing happens and you can’t
get a program to close.
 When this happens there are a couple things
you can do to hopefully get things working
again.

48. Ctrl+Alt+Del
 Press Ctrl + Alt + Del on your keyboard. An
easy way to accomplish this is to press the
Ctrl and Alt keys with one hand and then
while they are pressed use your other hand
to press the Del key. This will bring up a
dialog box.

49. Task Manager
Click on the button labeled Task Manager. The
following box will appear.
If a program or task is “locked
up” the words Not Responding
will appear in this column.

50. Application tab
 If Task Manager is not already there, click
the Application tab.

51. Not Responding
 If there is a program that is having problems and
causing the system to “lock up”, the words Not
Responding will appear under the status column
to the right of the Program or Task.
 Left click on the Program or Task that is Not
Responding and then click the End Task button.

52. Close Task Manager
 Once the Task has closed, Left click the
X in the top right corner of the Windows
Task Manager dialog box to close the
Task Manager.

53. Start > Shut Down > Restart
 If the computer is still having problems,
reboot the computer by Left Clicking Start >
Shut Down > Restart.
 If the Start button will not activate, use Ctrl +
Alt + Del again and this time choose the
Shutdown button and then Restart.

54. The end
 Any Questions?
 Please fill out the questionnaire
 For more information, contact the Library at
260-672-2989 or director@roanoke.lib.in.us
or come in and talk to a librarian.