WINDOWS UTILITIES

Computer Maintenance

Disk Cleanup The Disk Cleanup tool

helps you free up space on your hard disk by searching your disk for files that you can safely delete.

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

Disk Defragmenter The Disk Defragmenter

tool optimizes the performance of your computer by reorganizing the files on your hard disk into contiguous blocks.

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

System Restore Restores your system to

a workable state without you having to reinstall the operating system and lose your data files in the process.

Restore Points Click Start, point to All

Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.

Error-Checking Right-click drive and

click on properties CHKDSK to get

started Checks drives for

problems Tries to repairs

errors it finds

Backup Makes copies of

your data and system state

Manually backup with Windows Explorer

How often depends on data

Format Used to erase

everything off a storage drive.

Used to resolve issues.

Command Prompt Non-graphical

interface that allows you to interact with your operating system.

CMD to open Used to

troubleshoot. Check network

connectivity.

Task Manager Press

Ctrl+Alt+Delete to access

Allows you to ends frozen applications

Show all processes running on PC

Shows PC performance

MSCONFIG Help in finding problems with the OS configuration Configure startup programs

Registry Stores configuration

settings and options for the OS.

Click on Start > Run, type Regedit and press OK

Be Careful (no save or undo)

WARNING!

Windows Updates

Patches vs. Service Packs Help protect your PC from vulnerabilities Set to Automatic

Firewall Security measure

against unauthorized access.

Windows Defender Defense against

spyware and adware.

Scans quickly. Must have a

genuine copy of Windows.

Free from Microsoft.

Security Essentials Provides real-time

protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Free Automatic Updates