7 Habits

Name: Naveen SihagCourse:B.Tech

Common Problems

Slow Performance Unable to Print Unable to Get Online Unable to Find/Launch Programs Unfamiliar Home Page/Search Engine Slow Startup/Shutdown I Can’t ________ Anymore

7 Habits

1. Use a Firewall2. Backup Your Files3. Install Windows Updates4. Remove/Prevent Viruses5. Remove/Prevent Spyware6. Keep Your Computer Clean7. Defragment Your Hard Drive8. Bonus: Secret 8th Habit

1: Use a Firewall What

Software that prevents unauthorized access to your computer.

Built into Windows. How

Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > “On”

Frequency Once

(but check in on it)

2: Backup Your Files What

Hard Drives have 100% failure rate. Photos, photos, photos.

How Online Backup – secure, safe, reliable, cheap

carbonite.com, xdrive.com, allmydata.com, mozy.com

Otherwise Copy to CD/DVD’s Avoid “Backup/Restore” programs – iffy at best.

Frequency Install Once

Check on it weekly

3: Install Windows Updates What Windows requires updates to stay healthy Not always “Automatic”

How Start > All Programs > Windows Update

Or try www.update.microsoft.com Choose “Express”, wait for results Select everything, restart when prompted Repeat

Frequency Weekly

4: Remove/Prevent Viruses What

Internet Connectivity + People = Slow Computer Internet Connectivity + Children = Very Slow

Computer How

Install Anti-Virus Program windowsonecare.com, symantec.com, mcafee.com

Keep Anti-Virus Program Updated Only as good as latest “signature”

Frequency Install Once

Check for updates Weekly

5: Remove/Prevent Spyware What

Unwanted, invisible rogue software that changes the behavior of your computer

Symptoms: Unfamiliar homepages, slow performance, pop-

ups, strange browser toolbars How

If not addressed by WindowsOneCare, Norton, etc. Install Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com) Download latest “definitions” Scan your system Remove what the scan finds

Frequency Weekly

6: Keep Your Computer Clean What

Bits & Pieces of unused programs, websites, etc. that remain on your computer and slow it down

How Download CCLEANER

www.ccleaner.com Install (de-select Yahoo toolbar) Cleaner, Issues, Tools Check what runs at System Startup

Frequency Weekly (Check for updates)

7: Defragment Your Hard Drive What

Hard Drives – like all of us - are busy and become fragmented (used & un-used space become entangled over time)

A Fragmented Drive Slows Performance How

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

Choose “Defragment”

Frequency Monthly (or more)

8: Bonus Habit 1. Update Your Computer’s Hardware

What Your computer is a collection of parts that interact

with each other via “drivers”, “firmware”, “BIOS” etc.

Display Drivers, Sound Cards, Printers, Monitor, etc. How

dell.com, sony.com, hp.com, gateway.com, etc. Search for Downloads specific to your system

Have the site determine your system # if unsure Compare dates of available downloads with your

system – download individually and check performance

Frequency Monthly

Questions?

Thank You