Basic Computer Care

How to keep your computer safe and running smoothly
Class Teacher – [nevan]



Students –

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Lessons-

Lesson 1- Disk Cleanup
Lesson 2- Disk Defragmenter
Lesson 3 - Virus Protection and Basic PC safety

(Please note that this guide is written for computers operating on Windows XP, though the basics should be compatible with other systems)



Lesson 1

Disk Cleanup. This function should come with every computer as part of its basic programs. It is a very useful tool to keep your computer running smoothly and quickly.
Disk cleanup deletes old and unwanted files off your hard drive. Although it only scratches the surface of cleaning up your old files, it can help to free up some space on your hard drive, especially if it is close to being full. When you run disk cleanup, it will automatically delete and/or re-arrange–
• Temporary Windows files
• Temporary Internet files
• Temporary program files
• Downloaded program files
• Recycle Bin
• Setup log files
When disk cleanup deletes files, it will delete them for good (Not just dump them in your recycle bin as is often the case when deleting files) so be sure that the files it means to delete are files you want to get rid of.
To run disk cleanup -
1. Choose Start --> Go to All Programs --> Go to Accessories -->Go to System Tools -->Click Disk Cleanup.
2. Select the hard drive you wish to clean and click ‘Ok’
3. Select and check the box of the files you wish to delete (running your curser over the selections tell you what each one is) Pay attention to how much space each takes up on your hard drive (shown on the right hand side of the list)
4. When you are satisfied with the choices, click ‘Ok’. You will then be asked if you want to continue. Click ‘Yes’. Depending on how often you run disk cleanup and how many files you require it to delete, it can take up to a few minutes to complete.



Lesson 2

Disk Defragmenter. This function should also come as part of your computers basic programming. Disk Defrag re-arranges files on your hard drive so that they are easier to reach when you want to access them (Windows does not automatically order the files it saves)
To run Disk Defragmenter, click start --> Click All programs --> Click Accessories --> Click on Service tools --> Disk defragmenter.
Click on ‘Analyse’ then click ‘Defragment’. The Defragmenter can run in the background whilst you do other things and can take from a few minutes to all evening to complete, depending on how long it has been since your computer was last defragmented and how many files are stored on your computer. It is advisable to run the disk defragmenter at least once a month, especially if your computer becomes slow and takes a long time to find files. Those that use their computer a lot and store a lot of files may want to use the disk defragmenter weekly rather than monthly.



Lesson 3

Virus Protection and Basic PC safety is a must for computers these days. Without Virus protection, Firewalls and the like, your computer is at risk from hackers, suspicious scripts and viruses. Companies like ‘McAfee’ and ‘Norton’ sell products that can help protect your computer. Buying and installing them is normally pretty simple, and guides should be provided with the product. Look for virus protection packages that include the below for up most safety:

• Spyware Protection
• Email scanning
• Automatic live update
• Auto protect
• Antispam
• Ad Blocking
• Popup blocking
• Personal Firewall
• Privacy control
• Intrusion Prevention
• Antivirus
• Outbreak Alert
• Security
• Parental controls

Full system scans should come as part of all virus protection, unless otherwise mentioned. 
Virus protection systems will normally alert you when you need to run a virus scan.

As well as getting virus protection packages, you can also do several other simple things to help protect your computer and online saftey. Protect your computer with paswords to prevent other people logging into your account. Beware of free downloadable software or frivolous downloads and avoid them as much as possible. Use parental controls to prevent children accessing dangerous or unwholesome sites.



Go or return to:
-IT Department
-EPC Departmental Staff
-Elfpack College