This document outlines 7 habits for maintaining a healthy computer: 1. Use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Enable the built-in Windows firewall. 2. Backup your files regularly using an online backup service or external storage since hard drives inevitably fail. Back up weekly. 3. Install Windows updates weekly to keep your system secure. Updates can be found through Windows Update or online. 4. Install antivirus software and update it weekly to remove and prevent viruses from slowing your computer down. 5. Use additional spyware removal software like Ad-Aware, updated weekly, to remove unwanted programs changing your computer's behavior. 6. Clean temporary files and settings weekly using

1. 7 Habits
Name: Naveen Sihag
Course:B.Tech

2. Common Problems
 Slow Performance
 Unable to Print
 Unable to Get Online
 Unable to Find/Launch Programs
 Unfamiliar Home Page/Search Engine
 Slow Startup/Shutdown
 I Can’t ________ Anymore

3. 7 Habits
1. Use a Firewall
2. Backup Your Files
3. Install Windows Updates
4. Remove/Prevent Viruses
5. Remove/Prevent Spyware
6. Keep Your Computer Clean
7. Defragment Your Hard Drive
8. Bonus: Secret 8th Habit

4. 1: Use a Firewall
 What
 Software that prevents unauthorized access to your
computer.
 Built into Windows.
 How
 Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > “On”
 Frequency
 Once
 (but check in on it)

5. 2: Backup Your Files
 What
 Hard Drives have 100% failure rate.
 Photos, photos, photos.
 How
 Online Backup – secure, safe, reliable, cheap
 carbonite.com, xdrive.com, allmydata.com, mozy.com
 Otherwise Copy to CD/DVD’s
 Avoid “Backup/Restore” programs – iffy at best.
 Frequency
 Install Once
 Check on it weekly

6. 3: Install Windows Updates
 What
 Windows requires updates to stay healthy
 Not always “Automatic”
 How
 Start > All Programs > Windows Update
 Or try www.update.microsoft.com
 Choose “Express”, wait for results
 Select everything, restart when prompted
 Repeat
 Frequency
 Weekly

7. 4: Remove/Prevent Viruses
 What
 Internet Connectivity + People = Slow Computer
 Internet Connectivity + Children = Very Slow Computer
 How
 Install Anti-Virus Program
 windowsonecare.com, symantec.com, mcafee.com
 Keep Anti-Virus Program Updated
 Only as good as latest “signature”
 Frequency
 Install Once
 Check for updates Weekly

8. 5: Remove/Prevent Spyware
 What
 Unwanted, invisible rogue software that
changes the behavior of your computer
 Symptoms:
 Unfamiliar homepages, slow performance, pop-ups,
strange browser toolbars
 How
 If not addressed by WindowsOneCare, Norton, etc.
 Install Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com)
 Download latest “definitions”
 Scan your system
 Remove what the scan finds
 Frequency
 Weekly

9. 6: Keep Your Computer Clean
 What
 Bits & Pieces of unused programs, websites, etc. that
remain on your computer and slow it down
 How
 Download CCLEANER
 www.ccleaner.com
 Install (de-select Yahoo toolbar)
 Cleaner, Issues, Tools
 Check what runs at System Startup
 Frequency
 Weekly (Check for updates)

10. 7: Defragment Your Hard Drive
 What
 Hard Drives – like all of us - are busy and become
fragmented (used & un-used space become entangled
over time)
 A Fragmented Drive Slows Performance
 How
 Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk
Defragmenter
 Choose “Defragment”
 Frequency
 Monthly (or more)

11. 8: Bonus Habit
 1. Update Your Computer’s Hardware
 What
 Your computer is a collection of parts that interact with each
other via “drivers”, “firmware”, “BIOS” etc.
 Display Drivers, Sound Cards, Printers, Monitor, etc.
 How
 dell.com, sony.com, hp.com, gateway.com, etc.
 Search for Downloads specific to your system
 Have the site determine your system # if unsure
 Compare dates of available downloads with your system –
download individually and check performance
 Frequency
 Monthly

12. Questions?

13. Thank You