Computers, even new ones right out of the box, require some basic maintenance before they are safe to surf the Internet--and so you're protected from data loss.
These steps can make using your computer safer and more worry free.
Virus Protection
Install Antivirus software (Norton (Symantec) or McAfee). Once you have it installed, make sure it is updated with definitions no older than one week. Norton Antivirus is available for sale in Dalean's office or you can buy either over the Web at http://www.symantec.com/ or http://www.mcafee.com/ .
Windows Updates
Install all Critical Updates and Service Packs from the Microsoft Windows update website. Go to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp/ and click on Scan for updates.
Back Up Your Files
Back up your files. Better yet, back up your entire computer. For backing up files, use your CD-RW or invest in a memory key. You may have to take the time to learn how to burn a CD, but you will understand the value of doing so if it saves you from losing some of your data.
Windows XP Professional includes a free backup utility that's (usually) automatically installed. To use it, log into XP Professional with administrator privileges and select Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-Backup. Follow all the steps in the dialog boxes and when you get the 'What to Back Up' dialog box, choose the All Information on this computer option if you have not done a backup before. This option will create a floppy that you can use to boot your PC and to restore the backup after a crash.
XP Home users have to install the backup utility from their installation disk. On the install CD in VALUEADD-MSFT-NTBACKUP, double-click the Ntbackup.msi to start the wizard that installs the backup utility.
For further instruction on using the backup utility please follow link http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto and then search by title ID for 320820.
Cleanup--Getting Back Some Disk Space
Clean out unneeded files. This does not mean you should delete any file that looks strange or files you do not recognize. Windows XP has a utility called Disk Cleanup that will safely remove old and excess files. Click Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-Disk Cleanup, and select the drive you want to clean. Checkmark the boxes next to the categories you want to discard.
Spyware Removal and Prevention
Check for and delete spyware. You can download Spybot Search & Destroy, a free program, by going to Public folders-All Public Folders-School of Law-Computing. A word of advice is to think twice before you download Kaaza, Hotbar, Precision Time and other such programs. These programs contain spyware which can greatly increase the number of popups you receive, negatively impact your computer's performance, and potentially slow down the entire network.
Find and Fix Hard Drive Errors
Check your hard drive for errors. An occasional check of your hard drive for errors is prudent part of good computer maintenance. Go to Start-My Computer and right-click the icon for your C: drive, and choose Properties. Then choose the Tools tab and click the Check Now button. Place a check mark in each of the boxes as in diagram below and click Start.
If your hard drive is partitioned you will need to repeat this step for each of your other drives. Applications and files need to be closed in order for error checking to fix problems. Disk Check will run the next time you restart your computer. The time required for this process depends on the size of your hard drive and the quantity of data stored on it.
Defragment
Defragment hard drives. Adding and removing files and programs can fragment your hard drive. This program organizes your hard drive and improves access speed to your files. You'll need to be logged in as the Administrator to run XP's Disk Defragmenter. First select Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-Disk Defragmenter. Highlight the drive that you want to check and press the Analyze button. XP tells you whether the drive needs to be defragmented. If defragmentation is recommended, click the Defragmentation button.
Back Up Again--and Again
Once you are done performing maintenance and your computer is running well, back up again. Make a complete backup of your system, or at least set a restore point. Refer to the specific instructions for your operating system in the Back Up section above for using the backup utility.
Both XP Professional and XP Home allow you to set up system restore points. To set a system restore point go to Start- All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore, click on Create a Restore Point, and follow the instructions on the screen. The value in setting restore points is that you can go back to a working configuration, barring major problems that will not allow you to boot up and get to Windows in the first place.
For example, suppose you download some free software that looked oh so nice, but it made your system act weird. You uninstall the program but the computer no longer works or is still not behaving correctly. (This is when you need to use System Restore to go back to an earlier restore point. Setting restore points will help, but it does not hold a flame to a good back-up.
Happy computing.
