maintaining your computer
DESCRIPTION
Maintaining Your Computer presentation given at Socastee, South Carolina public library by Jim White of WhiteHouseComputing. Covers cleaning, determining and fixing reasons for running slow, determining low memory (RAM) conditions, low (hard disk storage) memory conditions, freeing space on hard disk, adding RAM memory, determining maximum possible and practical RAM memory size and type for your specific computer, how to defrag hard drive, keeping fixes and patches up with Windows Update, and doing backup.TRANSCRIPT
Maintaining Your Maintaining Your PCPCThe slides for this presentation are available on the web. For
directions to get to them see the entry “Maintaining Your PC ” under “Previous Posts” on my blog at
http://WhiteHouseComputing.Blogspot.ComNote: Dark blue background has been removed for this version on Slideshare to fix some tech difficulties. If you download this presentation you can easily restore it using the standard dark blue template choice under “slide design”. All content and hyperlinks remain unchanged from the class.
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceKeep it Clean - Keep the Cool Air Keep it Clean - Keep the Cool Air
FlowingFlowing Dust every few monthsDust every few months
Cooling fans draw dust in. Dust Cooling fans draw dust in. Dust insulates, keeps heat in. Electronics fry.insulates, keeps heat in. Electronics fry.
Unplug, remove desktop computer Unplug, remove desktop computer cover, short bursts with can uprightcover, short bursts with can upright
Keep your computer coolKeep your computer cool Fans draw air through vents – give them Fans draw air through vents – give them
room to breathroom to breath NEVER operate a laptop with it resting NEVER operate a laptop with it resting
on something like a fluffy quilton something like a fluffy quilt Air vents will be blocked, electronics will fryAir vents will be blocked, electronics will fry
Canned compressed
Air
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceKeep it Clean - Keep the Cool Air Keep it Clean - Keep the Cool Air
FlowingFlowing
Clicking on the above e-book title will take you to an “e-book” presentation by that name on Slideshare. This is an external link to an independent document not written or maintained by the library.
“A Guide on cleaning your Computer Case, Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor”By Mike Hanson
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Clean your notebook; laptop – click here for a cNet demo from Youtube
Clean dust from the inside of your desktop PC
click here for a demo on Youtube
Physical MaintenancePhysical Maintenance
Unplugging PeripheralsUnplugging Peripherals Devices that plug into CPU Devices that plug into CPU
are know as peripheralsare know as peripherals USB plugs built to “hot plug”USB plugs built to “hot plug”
BUT check “safely remove BUT check “safely remove hardware” icon firsthardware” icon first
All other plug types, All other plug types, including PS/2, shut down including PS/2, shut down CPU firstCPU first
USB
plug
PS/2
plug
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceMemory – Does Your Computer Have Memory – Does Your Computer Have
Enough?Enough?
Have things slowed down?
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down? Need to know a little about how it Need to know a little about how it
worksworks MemoryMemory
Do you work a little slower as you get Do you work a little slower as you get older? Is some of that because you can’t older? Is some of that because you can’t remember where you put stuff? remember where you put stuff?
Computers have the same problem.Computers have the same problem.
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down? Need to know a little Need to know a little
about how it worksabout how it works MemoryMemory
Two kinds of computer Two kinds of computer memorymemory RAM (Random Access RAM (Random Access
Memory)Memory) No moving partsNo moving parts All electronicAll electronic Operates at the Operates at the
speed of lightspeed of light DiskDisk
Hard disk driveHard disk drive Electro/Electro/
mechanical devicemechanical device Thousands of Thousands of
times slowertimes slower
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
When there is not enough of this
This gets used instead
Memory
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory - RAM “But I didn’t take any RAM memory OUT! It didn’t used to be slow! Why is it slow now?”
Stuff YOU put in memory when you:
• Added a printer
• Added virus checking
• Added a firewall
• Added anything that needs to be running at all times
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory - RAM “But I didn’t take any RAM memory OUT! It didn’t used to be slow! Why is it slow now?”
Stuff you didn’t know was added:
• Spyware
• “a broad category of malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of that machine's owner or legitimate user.”
Wikipedia
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory - RAM “But I didn’t take any RAM memory OUT! It didn’t used to be slow! Why is it slow now?”
Stuff you didn’t know was added:
• Spyware
• when you downloaded that cute shopping helper
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory - RAM “But I didn’t take any RAM memory OUT! It didn’t used to be slow! Why is it slow now?”
Stuff you didn’t know was added:
• Spyware
• when you downloaded that music “sharing” program
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory - RAM
“But I didn’t take any RAM memory OUT! It didn’t used to be slow! Why is it slow now?”
Stuff you didn’t know was added:
• Spyware – Where can I find out more?
WWW.Wikipedia.Com
How can I get rid of it and protect against it?
September 2006 edition of Consumer Reports
Free AntiSpyware Trade named Ad-Aware From Lavasoft atWWW.Lavasoft.Com
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much is Enough?
• For Windows XP Microsoft recommends at least 128MB
• I recommend at least 512 MB
• For Windows Vista I recommend:
• Minimum of 1GB for Vista Basic
• Minimum of 2GB for Vista Premium
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
• For Windows 7 I recommend:
• Minimum of 2 GB for Windows 7 starter
• Minimum of 4 GB for any other Windows 7
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much and What Kind Can YOUR Computer Use?
XP - Software restrictions on usable RAM size
VersionVersion Limit in 32-bit Limit in 32-bit WindowsWindows
Limit in 64-bit Limit in 64-bit WindowsWindows
Windows XPWindows XP 4 GB4 GB 128 GB128 GB
Windows XP Windows XP Starter EditionStarter Edition 512 MB512 MB Not applicableNot applicable
Information SOURCE click hereSocastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much and What Kind Can YOUR Computer Use?
Vista - Software restrictions on usable RAM size
VersionVersion Limit in 32-bit Limit in 32-bit WindowsWindows
Limit in 64-bit Limit in 64-bit WindowsWindows
Windows Vista UltimateWindows Vista Ultimate 4 GB4 GB 128 GB128 GB
Windows Vista Windows Vista EnterpriseEnterprise 4 GB4 GB 128 GB128 GB
Windows Vista BusinessWindows Vista Business 4 GB4 GB 128 GB128 GB
Windows Vista Home Windows Vista Home PremiumPremium 4 GB4 GB 16 GB16 GB
Windows Vista Home Windows Vista Home BasicBasic 4 GB4 GB 8 GB8 GB
Windows Vista StarterWindows Vista Starter 1 GB1 GB Not applicableNot applicableInformation SOURCE click here
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much and What Kind Can YOUR Computer Use?
Windows 7 - Software restrictions on usable RAM size
VersionVersion Limit in 32-bit Limit in 32-bit WindowsWindows
Limit in 64-bit Limit in 64-bit WindowsWindows
Windows 7 UltimateWindows 7 Ultimate 4 GB4 GB 192 GB192 GB
Windows 7 EnterpriseWindows 7 Enterprise 4 GB4 GB 192 GB192 GB
Windows 7 ProfessionalWindows 7 Professional 4 GB4 GB 192 GB192 GB
Windows 7 Home Windows 7 Home PremiumPremium 4 GB4 GB 16 GB16 GB
Windows 7 Home BasicWindows 7 Home Basic 4 GB4 GB 8 GB8 GB
Windows 7 StarterWindows 7 Starter 2 GB2 GB 2 GB2 GBInformation SOURCE click here
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much and What Kind Can YOUR Computer Use?
• Even if your operating system can handle more, your specific make and model computer may not be able to “see” all of it. Any more, even if installed, will go unused.
• Different types and speeds of RAM have been manufactured over the years. Not all can be used in your computer
• Micron Technologies is a memory manufacturer. Crucial is one of their brands. On their web site they provide a service for determining what (generic) kind of memory and how much of it YOUR computer can use.
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
RAM – How Much and What Kind Can YOUR Computer Use?
Click image to go to Crucial & use this service
This option will install software on your computer. Use only if you are comfortable managing that process
This option is information only, no software will be installed on your system
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Adding RAM yourselfAdding RAM yourself Bring it to a pro if you’re nervous about Bring it to a pro if you’re nervous about
DIYDIY Computer and office supply stores can helpComputer and office supply stores can help
Laptop RAM installs sometimes just cost of partsLaptop RAM installs sometimes just cost of parts Desktops may be small add chargeDesktops may be small add charge Call and askCall and ask
Here is a link to a DIY video on Youtube:Here is a link to a DIY video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=vLPuhVR1X5Ev=vLPuhVR1X5E
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory – Hard Drive
• This kind of memory is usually called “storage”
• Your primary (usually your only) hard drive is your “C:” drive
• Too little available space on your C: drive will slow your computer
• Keep at least 10% of the hard drive space empty (free space)
• See next slide for how to tell
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory – Hard Drive
How Do I Tell How Much Available Space I Have on The C: Drive?
1. Left Click “Start”
2. Left Click “My Computer”
3. Right click “Local disk (C:)”
4. Left click “Properties”
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory – Hard Drive
How Do I Free Up Space on My Hard Drive?
1. Left click “Start”
2. All Programs
3. Accessories
4. System Tools
5. Left click on Disk Cleanup – will be a pause as drive is scanned
6. Check and Delete any or all as you think appropriate
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory – Hard Drive
Fragmented Files on Your Hard Drive
1. What are they?• Files stored in pieces
2. How do I “fix” them”• DeFragment the disk
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical MaintenanceWhy Has Your Computer Slowed Why Has Your Computer Slowed
Down?Down?
Memory – Hard Drive
Fragmented Files on Your Hard Drive
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Physical MaintenancePhysical Maintenance Fixing Fragmented Files on Your Fixing Fragmented Files on Your
Hard DriveHard Drive
Memory – Hard Drive Fixing Fragmented Files on Your Hard Drive
1. Click on “Start”
2. Programs
3. Accessories
4. System Tools
5. Disk DeFragmenter
Helpful Links:http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/defrag.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314848
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Software MaintenanceSoftware MaintenanceUninstalling Unused ProgramsUninstalling Unused Programs
StartStart Control PanelControl Panel Vista – Uninstall a ProgramVista – Uninstall a Program XP – Add or Remove ProgramsXP – Add or Remove Programs Click to highlight what you want to uninstall, then click Click to highlight what you want to uninstall, then click
uninstalluninstall
You may want to uninstall some unused programs to save space on your hard drive. For example, many new computers come with trial versions of software that you will decide never to use. Here is how you can get rid of it. DO NOT uninstall something if you do not know what it is and what it does.
Searches on Google and Wikipedia
can help you identify unfamiliar software.
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Software MaintenanceSoftware MaintenanceUninstalling Unused ProgramsUninstalling Unused Programs
““Startup” program removalStartup” program removal Some programs start automatically on boot upSome programs start automatically on boot up Boot up process slow as a resultBoot up process slow as a result Beginners process for taking programs out of autostart on Beginners process for taking programs out of autostart on
bootboot RIGHT click StartRIGHT click Start Click openClick open Double click ProgramsDouble click Programs Double click StartupDouble click Startup Delete shortcuts (if any) for programs you don’t want to start Delete shortcuts (if any) for programs you don’t want to start
automatically on boot upautomatically on boot up Experts startup removal informationExperts startup removal information
Good info, use at your own risk: Good info, use at your own risk: http://www.sysinfo.org/startupinfo.htmlhttp://www.sysinfo.org/startupinfo.html
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
Software MaintenanceSoftware MaintenanceWindows UpdateWindows Update
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT
Run Windows Update daily from the start menu or go daily to
Set Windows Update to run automatically once a day
• Set it to run in the middle of the night
• If you don’t have your computer on overnight it will run when you next boot up
• Windows update applies fixes to the Windows operating system. Some of the problems, if not fixed, allow Trojans, virus, and other malware to infiltrate your computer
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
OrBest Practice is as follows:
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
System MaintenanceSystem MaintenanceBackupBackup
YOUR C:\ DRIVE WILL DIE• All mechanical devices eventually fail
• Back up your data periodically
• My Documents is the most critical•Right click Documents (My Documents)
• Click properties. If size is less than about 650MB you can copy it all to a CD. If less than about 4GB you can copy it to a DVD.
• Both XP and Vista support drag-and-drop copy to a CD
• Vista supports drag-and-drop copy to DVD, XP requires additional software
See http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2322030,00.asp for excellent article
Socastee SC Library Computer Education
The EndThe End
Jim’s BlogJim’s Blog
http://WhiteHouseComputing.Blogspothttp://WhiteHouseComputing.Blogspot.Com.Com
Socastee SC Library Computer Education