Routine Computer Maintenance Tasks

Transcription

Routine ComputerMaintenance TasksMr. S Neebar

Why should I perform routinecomputer maintenance tasks?Over time, computers get slower becausefiles become disorganized and resources areconsumed by unnecessary software. Thereare routine maintenance tasks you can do onyour computer to help keep it runningefficiently. Most maintenance tasks take onlya few minutes and should be part of theroutine of computer usage.

Disc CleaningOver time, mostly in one week increments,the hard drive will accumulate "trash." Thisincludes temporary files, recycle bin files andcookies that clutter up your hard drive andslow down you computer. If you use InternetExplorer, for example, and don't clean outthe temporary files, it may seem like thebrowser is moving at a crawl. RunningDiskClean in Window's System Tools willhelp.

DefragmentationAs you use more and more files and add filesto the hard drive, they get split into fragmentsand are spread to different locations on thehard drive. Run Defrag, which is also located inSystem Tools. Defrag will pull those fragmentsinto one location, making it easier and quickerfor the computer to find the full file. Thisprocedure should be done about once amonth.

UpdatingKeeping computer software up-to-datefixes bugs and security holes as well asprovides the latest versions of softwarethat typically run better. Most softwareprograms allow you to set automaticupdating for certain times, which ensuresregular updating. This is particularlyrecommended for antivirus software.

Anti-VirusHopefully, you're running some kind of AntiVirus software on your computer and you'rekeeping it up to date. A lot of folks have atendency to install AV software and then ignoreit (assuming it's doing its job in thebackground). Don't make this mistake. Besure to open your software every week or twoand check for updates. After doing so, youshould also run a virus scan to make sure yourcomputer isn't infected.

BackupBacking up your computer, while not strictly amaintenance function, should be on yourmaintenance checklist. Using an external harddrive and backup software, you should run thesoftware at least once a week or set up theprogram to do it automatically. That way, ifyour computer crashes, you won't lose any datayou've saved on the computer's hard drive.

FormattingFormatting a computer involves erasing allof the data on the computer's hard drive,and then reinstalling the operating systemso that the computer is restored to factorydefaults. This can be useful if yourcomputer is malfunctioning, or you areplanning on selling or donating it.

Formatting ContinuedYou should only reformat a hard drive when youroperating system is so corrupt that it wont evenboot, even in safe mode. Or, if you would like a cleaninstall of windows and to get rid of all the crap youhave downloaded through the years to make your pcrun faster.Disk formatting is the process of preparing a datastorage device such as a hard disk drive, solid-statedrive, floppy disk or USB flash drive for initial use.

Physical MaintenanceIn addition to software maintenance, you shouldalso do regular physical cleaning. If you have adesktop computer, open up the case and blow outthe dust inside. For laptops, use canned air to blowin and around the keys to get rid of the dirt, dustand other debris that has accumulated there. Dustand debris can create heat, which can affect yourcomputer's motherboard performance. The morethat collects, the more of a chance your computercan overheat, requiring a shutdown.

These were additional notes toreinforce what was done in class.Remember to refer to your ITManual

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maintenance checklist. Using an external hard drive and backup software, you should run the software at least once a week or set up the program to do it automatically. That way, if your computer crashes, you won't lose any data you've saved on the computer's hard drive. Formatting Formatting a computer involves erasing all of the data on the computer's hard drive, and then reinstalling the .