PC MAINTENANCE

1.  To perform maintenance,

a.  Click on the Start button and select /All Programs/Accessories/ System Tools

i.  Disk Cleanup – used to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space and help your computer run faster.

1.  It removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need.


ii.  Disk Defragmenter – Can be scheduled to run automatically on a regular basis.

1.  Click on the “Configure schedule…” button.

a.  Select Frequency, the Day, Time, and Disks.

b.  Select which drives you wish to Defrag.

iii. Scan Disk – Similar to Verify Disk in Mac’s Disk Utility program.

1.  Error codes can be found in Windows Help and Support start menu.

2.  Right-click the “C:” drive and select “Properties.

3.  Click the “Check now…” button.

4.  Check the disk options and click the

“Start button.

iv. The System Control Panel – Similar to “About this Mac” in Apple Computers. This Control Panel gives you all the information about your System.

1.  Provides Operating System Info.

2.  Provides Hardware Info.

3.  Provides Computer Name and Domain.

v.  Backup and Restore –

1.  Backup – similar to Time Machine in Apple Computer

a.  Allows you to back up your files in case of hardware failure.

b.  It is recommended that you don't back up your files to the same hard disk that Windows is installed on.

c.  Always store media used for backups (external hard disks, DVDs, or CDs) in a secure place to prevent unauthorized people from having access to your files—we recommend a fireproof location separate from your computer.

2.  Restore is similar to Apple’s Restore Partition.

a.  You can restore backed-up versions of files that are lost, damaged, or changed accidentally.

b.  You also restore individual files, groups of files, or all of the files that you've backed up.

c.  You may also notice that prior to installing an update or software application that a “Restore Point” might be created in case of issues that may occur as a result of installing the application.