PC Maintenance

Keep Your PC Functioning

Copyright 2012 Cyberspace Virtual Services
http://www.virtualservices.com.au

Hardware

Basic PC
Maintenance

Software
and
Security


Dust

Enemies
HEAT


"Your computer could fry if you
don't keep it clean,"
says Jonathon Millman, Chief Technology
Officer for Hooplah Interactive.


Keep Your PC Squeaky Clean

You will need:
can of compressed air (available from
computer dealers or office-supply stores);
cotton pads (do not use a cotton ball);
paper towels or anti-static cloths;
rubbing alcohol;
screwdriver, and lastly
clean water.


Always…
turn your computer off before you set
off and unplug all the connectors.


Cleaning Steps
Step 1: Within the box
Step 2: Outside the box
Step 3: Keyboard
Spills
 For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain
water may cause severe damage. Never, ever, try to
dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or
conventional oven.
 Step 4: Mouse
Step 5: Monitor

HEAT


Software and Security


Software
Preventive Maintenance Plan


Software

Schedule


Software
Hard Disk


Software

Windows Tools
Check Disk;

Disk Cleanup, and

Disk Defragmenter


Software

Run Frequency
Check Disk — Weekly;

Disk Cleanup — Weekly, and

Disk Defragmenter — Monthly


Check Disk

Check Disk won’t be available in the scroll-down list of
programs that you can select from in the Task
Scheduler; you will need to select it manually
• Click Browse
• Navigate to windows system32 chkdsk.exe.
• Select chkdsk.exe.
• Click Open.


Check Disk
and Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler, will enable you to schedule Check Disk
to run automatically at weekly intervals, at times to suit
your PC use.
Windows XP
• Click Start All Programs;
• Point to Accessories; point to System Tools, click
Scheduled Tasks, and
• Follow the instructions in the Scheduled Task Wizard.


Check Disk
and Task Scheduler
Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools
Task Scheduler;
• Click Create Basic Task;
• Type the task name and click Next;
• Click Daily Next, and specify the schedule you want to use. Click
Next;
• To schedule Check Disk to start automatically, click Start a
program, and then click Next;
• Click Browse to find Check Disk, click Next, and
• Click Finish.


Disk Cleanup

Over time, a large number of temporary files, from
several sources, can be collected. The World Wide Web
is a principal offender, and the cumulative effect is to
slow down the operation of your PC.

Use the Task Scheduler to run Disk Cleanup on a weekly basis.
The program you will need to add to your schedule is “cleanmgr.exe”.


Disk Defragmenter
Files can become too large to store in a single position on your hard
disk, so your PC will split it into fragments.
These fragmented files build up on your hard disk, and degrade your
computer performance.
The built in program Disk Fragmenter will rearrange these file
fragments for quicker access.
Use the Task Scheduler to schedule the Disk Fragmenter program
to run monthly. The program to be scheduled is Defrag.exe.


NASTIES


Malware

“Nasties”can be lumped together under the heading
“malware”, which is short for “malicious software”.
They are:
• Spyware;
• Trojan Horses;
• Viruses, and
• Worms.

Destroy Malware

Don’t take any chances with malware.
Check for, and repair, any damage NOW.
A useful tool is:
Microsoft’s “Malicious Software Removal Tool”.
You can download this from:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx


Use a Firewall

A firewall is a hardware or software device that will protect
your PC by not allowing unauthorized users to gain access
from either the Internet or a network.

Running one of the Windows Firewalls will not do any harm but I
have a preference instead for the free PC Tools Firewall from
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/ .


Spyware

Spyware collects information about you or your business without you
being aware of its existence. It can weigh down your system and even
shut down services.
You should always use an anti-spyware program to scan for and
remove any spyware from your PC.
A couple of good ones to use, that are free, are:
“Microsoft Security Essentials”,
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5201 , and
“Spybot Search & Destroy”,
http://www.safer-networking.org/ .

Trojan Horse

A Trojan Horse is a program that appears to be a
useful application.
However, instead, it will compromise your security
and cause wide ranging damage.


Virus

A virus takes the form of a piece of computer code that
attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from
computer to computer, infecting as it travels.
Viruses can damage your software, your hardware, and
your files.
It is critical that the virus protection definition
files on your computer stay updated.

Worms

(They infect PCs too)

A worm spreads without user action and
distributes complete copies of itself (sometimes
modified), across networks.
A worm can consume memory or network
bandwidth, causing a computer to stop
responding.

Microsoft Update

Microsoft regularly issues updates (patches) to fix
bugs and plug security holes in Windows.
These 'security holes' can be used by worms,
viruses and hackers to compromise your
system, so it is vital to keep Windows up-to-date.
• How long does it take, and
• How often do I do it?

Microsoft Update

The first time you carry out this procedure, it may
take a “long time”.
It is so IMPORTANT not to be put off.
Even after you have updated your Windows you
MUST repeat the update procedure at least
once per month.
These 'monthly' updates will be quick and easy.


Schedule Microsoft Update

To configure a schedule for Automatic Updates:
1.Click the “Start button”;
Click “Control Panel”; click “System and Security”, and
then, four items down, click “Windows Update” and
then in the left pane click “Change settings”.


Schedule Microsoft Update (2)


SUMMARY
1. Routine Maintenance — Physical
a) Internal, and
b) External
2. Installation and regular updating of effective anti-virus
and –malware software.
3. Regular updating of operating system and all installed
applications.
4. Be careful of what you download and where you
download it from.
5. Don’t click on links in e-mail messages from unknown
sources.


?

Any questions?


PC Maintenance

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