Getting the Gunk out: Intermediate PC Maintenance

2015

PRESENTED BY:

Rita Gavelis Technology Trainer / Consultant www.LibraryAssist.com [email protected] Maintenance

Physical Housekeeping

Checklist:

Full PC Cleaning - Take the system apart and have a canister of canned air available. Remove all dust and clean the external and internal surfaces of the computer to get rid of dust and any other particles. Don't neglect the power supply and CPU fan, which are especially prone to accumulating dust. If you do not have an electronics cleaning product, you can make a simple solution of 1:1 rubbing alcohol and water for external surfaces. Be sure to unplug the electronic components when introducing a solution and allow it to dry fully. As always, when working inside the case, make sure you dissipate static electricity.

Keyboard and Mouse - Use a dust vacuum and the alcohol/water solution to clean these dust- and dirt-collecting components. The keyboard can become very unsightly and even send erroneous keystrokes if foreign particles become lodged between keys.

Drives - CD-ROM/DVD drives can be cleaned with special kits and/or discs. This is especially useful if you are in a dusty environment. A good blast of air can remove dust collections inside floppy drives. Use covers/panels if your systems provide them to help keep dust out of the drives.

Monitors - Use a cleaner on the surface of the display unit to remove fingerprints, dust, and/or other imperfections on the screen. Always spray the cleaner on a cloth to clean a monitor rather then spraying cleaner directly on the screen. If you're cleaning an LCD, use a product designed for that purpose and don't press too hard on the screen. It's also a good idea to take the canned air to the vents on the top of monitor cases to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt.

Internal Housekeeping:

Basic Degunking:

Icons - Minimizing the number of icons on your desktop not only helps you find files more easily, it also frees up memory.

Web Favorites / Bookmarks - A staff computer may have a long list of Web Favorites that is cumbersome to navigate. You can use your browser's "Organize Bookmark's" tool to help you organize them.

!1 Spyware - these are programs that, once installed, essentially track information on your Web surfing habits or help bombard you with pop-up ads and other advertising. Spyware has also become synonymous with installed programs that don't show up in your installed programs directory. This makes them hard to find, and therefore, hard to uninstall. Though some spyware is harmless, these programs can still eat up memory and slow down your machine. They can also conflict with other programs and keep them from running properly or make your PC crash. Therefore, you might want to get rid of them. By using programs like Ad-aware and Spybot, hunting down and deleting the unwanted spyware can be easy.

Cookies - these are tiny pieces of data Websites place in a special directory on your PC. Sites like Baker & Taylor might place a small cookie on your machine that it uses to recognize your computer. Unless you log in to B&T, that data doesn't serve any purpose. it is used only to recognize you when you visit their site. Overall, Cookies are fairly harmless, if you do a lot of surfing, however, these cookies can add up.

Temporary Files - Windows creates temporary files all the time. When you open an attachment from an email, your computer stores a copy of the file in a temporary directory in your operating system. If you don't re-save the file in your “My Documents” or other designated document folder, the document will remain in the temporary directory. Windows supplies utilities that locate and delete your temporary files –“Disk Cleanup” is one of them, but it does not clean out everything. You may have to do some house-cleaning to get rid of all of the temporary files you don't need on your hard drive.

Knowing where temporary files are located in your computer is a big step in eliminating the gunk.

Temporary Internet Files for Internet Explorer (IE) can be deleted by:

• Opening “internet Options” in the settings. On the General Tab, select “Delete Browsing History”, click “Delete”. • Select the types of files you wish to delete, then click “Delete”.

Temporary files from Windows XP: • Go to the c drive, Windows or WINNT folder. • Look for the temp folder and delete the items found.

Temporary files from Vista, & Windows 7:

• Click on Start, type the following command in the search box, and then hit Enter. • %temp% • This command will open the Temporary folder. Everything in this folder is safe to delete. • Select the folders you wish to remove then hit “Delete” on your keyboard. You can also click the Organize Button in the Toolbar Menu.

!2 • If you are asked to confirm the deletion, click OK. • Note: If you're prompted there are hidden files in this folder, click on OK. If you wish to delete the hidden files click the Delete key or click the Organize button on the toolbar menu, then click Delete. • You may be prompted again to confirm that you wish to Delete Multiple Items. Click on Yes to confirm. • After all of the files have been deleted you can close the folder window and empty your Recycle Bin, permanently removing the files from your PC.

Temporary Files from Windows 8.1:

•For Windows 8, click on the Magnifying glass, select Settings” from the drop-down menu, and enter: %temp% in the search field.

• From the next menu, select “Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files”. • Select the “c” drive and click “OK”. • The PC will scan the system files for what can be deleted. This may take a few minutes. From the menu that appears, select which files you wish to dump (all files that appear in the list are safe to delete) and click “OK”. This may take a few minutes.

For more instructions on removing temporary files from Windows PCs, try the following sites: http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/UploadFile/6cde20/delete-temporary-files-in-windows-8/ http://www.askvg.com/where-does-windows-store-temporary-files-and-how-to-change- temp-folder-location/

!3 Intermediate Maintenance and Degunking

Files on the hard drive

Files can be stored in many different places in a computer, from the desktop or a folder in the Hard Drive. When creating a document, you might quickly save it but forget where you placed it. You might try to find the file again, but not remember where you filed it, so you copy, create, or download the file a second time. You now have duplicates scattered all over your computer.

Knowing what your default settings are for programs like Word or Excel, your browser preferences for storing downloaded programs, and where your email stores attachments, will limit the number of duplicate files in your computer's hard drive.

Installing Too Many Programs

Many times we find ourselves downloading free or trial software. After taking the program for a test drive, we usually end up keeping the program on the computer, but never using it again. This not only takes up valuable memory, but also could cause harm to your operating system. Many times your computer will come with sample or trial software pre-installed, such as AOL, Earthlink, or other Internet software. Also, when installing a printer or scanner's software, these programs usually have optional software included.

When you have a multitude of programs installed in your computer, you have more chance of incompatible programs conflicting with one another. Uninstall the programs that are not necessary or not used.

To keep from installing unwanted, optional software, always use the "custom" install option and deselect the extra "gift" software.

Segmented Hard Drive

Files and Programs are stored on your computers hard drive. When you install and uninstall programs or create and delete files, bits and pieces of those files are left behind. Also, the unused memory in your computer is not in one contiguous stretch, but broken into gaps. When you install a program, it might not fit into one of the gaps, so it is broken apart to fit into available space in the hard drive. As a result, the reader on your hard drive has to physically move back and forth multiple times to read the data in one file. This slows down the hard drive and causes more wear and tear on it. By running your PC's defragmenter, you reorganize the drive so the hard drive reader does not have to work as hard. Defragging can also help your anti-virus software, speeding up scans up to 60%.

!4 Advanced Maintenance and Degunking

NOTE: Before doing any advanced maintenance: • Backup all important files • Close all applications that may be running • Have the system recovery disk that came with your computer handy

The Startup Menu

As you add and remove programs, they each tend to add program icons to your Start menu. Eventually, given enough time and lack of upkeep, you'll end up with tons of separate folder entries on the Start, making it unmanageable. You can make Windows load faster and ease its use by cleaning up the Start menu.

You can use Microsoft's Autorun, as well as other programs, to assist in limiting the programs that automatically startup when you turn on your computer.

Programs Running on Startup

When you turn on your computer, multiple programs immediately start to run. Unfortunately, it's not just the pertinent ones. Many times other programs are running in the background, from unwanted spyware to Microsoft Office. It's these startup items that can keep a brand new computer running like molasses.

Stopping programs from running at start-up is especially difficult because there is no single place you can go to halt them all. These startup items can be found: • in the Startup folder • in the Scheduled Tasks Folder • in Registry settings.

Start by either going directly to a specific program (like Microsoft Word), and deselect “Run at Startup” in the program’s settings, or by cleaning out your computer’s Startup folder.

For Windows XP: You can find the startup menu in C:\Documents and Settings\(t/ser/7a/77eAStart Menu \Programs\Startup. "Username"\s the logon you used to access the computer. Delete the shortcuts of any programs you don't want to run on start-up. You can also clear out the start-up items by going to Start > Programs > Startup, then right-clicking items you want to remove.

Another place you need to look for startup items is in the Scheduled Tasks Folder. Go to C: \Windows\Tasks. Delete any of the program shortcuts you don't want to run automatically on a schedule. You can bypass all the programs in your Startup folder on an as-needed

!5 basis. To stop XP from loading any programs in the Startup folder, hold down the Shift key during boot-up. No programs in the Startup folder will run, but the items will still remain there so that they will start up as they would normally the next time you boot.

For Vista: Open the Control Panel. Type "startup" in the search box. The link for "Stop a program from running at startup" appears. You can manage all programs running at Startup from this window.

For Windows 7-8:

For a Win 7 computer without multiple user logins: Click on the “Start” Button. Click on “All Programs”, right click on the “Startup” folder, and then click “Open” or “Explore”. Note: You can also type “shell:startup” in the Start menu search field, and then hit “Enter”. From there, you right-click on the program you wish to stop running on startup and click on “Delete”.

For a Win 7 computer with multiple user logins: Click on the “Start” Button. Click on “All Programs”, right click on the “Startup” folder, and then click “Open All Users” or “Explore All Users”. From there, you right-click on the program you wish to stop running on startup and click on “Delete”.

For Windows 8, instead of the “start” button, Type “msconfig” in the search field on your start screen and click the line that states: “System Configuration”.

Disable Programs via “System Configuration”:

One of the best tools for disabling programs that run on start-up is the “System Configuration Utility”. First, close any programs you have open. Click "start", open the "Run" box, type “msconfig” and press "OK". For Windows 7, just type “msconfig” in the search box and hit enter.

!6 From the “System Configuration Menu”, you can restart your computer with different settings, see what services are running, choose which programs run on startup, and use some other troubleshooting tools.

To stop programs that automatically run when you turn your computer on, click on the ”Startup Tab”. Uncheck any program you do not wish to run. Hit "OK", and then restart your computer.

NOTE: When stopping programs from running at start-up, it's best to stop them one at a time rather than in groups. Test it by restarting your PC. If it runs fine, then stop another and restart. Continue doing this until you've cleared all the programs you don't want to run automatically.

Each time you uncheck a box and restart your PC, you'll get a warning that you've used the System Configuration Utility to disable a program from starting automatically. If you don't want to see that warning, disable it by checking the box in the dialog itself.

Many times when you install a program, read the menus that popup. Many times there are options that enable the program to run at startup. Make sure to de-select these options.

Startup Services

Similar to startup programs that run when you turn on the computer, Windows also comes with services that also eat up processor power. These services range from Automatic updates to Wireless configuration services. You can disable services at start-up by using the system configuration utility, similar to the way that you halt programs from running at start-up, except that you use the Services tab instead of the Startup tab.

NOTE: Before disabling a service through the system configuration utility, be sure to know what it does, so you do not disable something you actually need.

Another method to end startup services is the Services computer-management console. Run it by typing “services.msc” at the command prompt or in the search field in the start menu. The console includes a description of all services so that you can know ahead of time whether a particular service is one you want to turn off. It also lets you pause the service so that you can test your machine and see whether that service is needed.

When you find a service you want to disable, right-click it and choose Properties. In the Properties dialog box that appears, choose Manual from the Startup Type drop-down list. The service won't start automatically from now on, but you can start it manually via the console. If you want the service disabled so that it can't be run, choose Disabled. To test the results, turn off any services that you don't want to run by clicking Stop The Service in the left pane, or by right-clicking the service and choosing Stop.

!7 Repairing a PC There are some basic ways to fix a crashed PC. Usually a PC crashes after you installed some software or it has been infected with a virus. Here are four tools to assist in the repair:

F8 - safe mode To start the PC in safe mode, hold the F8 key down while starting the PC. Keep the F8 key pressed before the Windows logo appears. If the logo appears, you will have to try again. Some times it takes a number of tries. You will hear some beeps and the computer will start with only the necessary functions running. You will not see wallpaper or any other perks. What starting your computer in safe mode allows you to do is get into the control panel and uninstall software that may have caused the problem.

Reinstalling the Operating system If your computer has been infected with a virus, it may be beyond repair. Reinstalling the operating system is sometimes the fastest and easiest way to "fix" your computer. The reinstallation will wipe the hard drive clean. Unfortunately this usually means you lose all your documents that weren't backed up and you also must reinstall all the software on your computer. The other problem with this method of repair is that your OS may come with junk or demo programs that you will have to then uninstall.

Google If you are troubleshooting an error message or symptom on your computer, use a search engine to fine a solution. Copy and paste the exact error message in the search engine. For diagnosing a problem with no error message, type keywords specific to the issue: for example, if Firefox 17 crashes and you are using windows 7, enter the keywords or phrases: “firefox 17” “Windows 7” “crashes”.

Forums Forums are some of the best sites to go to for solutions. There are so many out there, whether it is for a specific operating system or program. You have plenty to choose form. If you are a Windows 7 user, http://www.sevenforums.com/ is a great resource. For Mac users, try MacRumors http://forums.macrumors.com/.

Maintaining the now Pristine PC

Now that your PC has been degunked, you want to keep it that way.

• Improving preferences and settings will allow you to maintain your computer more easily. Once you've cleaned up your machine, you'll want to set preferences to improve the chances files go where they should.

• When installing software, be sure to uncheck any options you do not want installed or running on your computer.

!8 • If you download software onto your PC, remember to delete the download package after you have installed the software.

• Perform regular defragmentation of your computer. This can increase the performance of your anti-virus software by up to 60%.

Free Utilities for Managing and Recovering Files Here is a list of different software you can use to help keep track of programs running on your computer.

Autorun is a Microsoft tool that allows you to remove or stop programs from running on start-up. Be very careful using this tool, as you might accidentally leave your computer inoperable. To download Autorun, go to: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

CCleaner is another program similar to Autorun. It is freeware that helps remove unused files and clean up temporary Internet files. To download Ccleaner, go to: http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Recuva (pronounced "recover") is another free tool. It enables you to recover files that have accidentally been deleted from your computer, camera, and MP3 player. You can also recover files lost through bugs, crashes, and viruses. To download Recuva, go to: http://www.piriform.com/recuva

Useful Websites

“5 Apps for Crapware Cleanup”: Justin James for TechRepublic: http:// www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-apps-for-crapware-cleanup/

“5 free Windows Registry Cleaners to Keep Your System Running Smoothly”: Jack Wallen for TechRepublic: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-free-windows- registry-cleaners-to-keep-your-system-running-smoothly/

“5 Uninstallers to Degunk your Computer”: Brien Posey for TechRepublic: http:// www.techrepublic.com/pictures/five-uninstallers-to-degunk-your-computer/1/

Help2go.com: This site has easy to use tutorials for many Windows tasks. The link to the Disabling Programs Running at Startup is: http://www.help2go.com/Tutorials/Windows/Disable_Programs_Running_at_Startup.html

SevenForums: This forum is all about troubleshooting issues in Windows 7. http://www.sevenforums.com

!9 Windows7Forums: This is another forum all about Windows 7. http://windows7forums.com/

Tech-Recipes: This is a site that's "Your cookbook of tech-tutorials". http://www.tech-recipes.com

Windows Secrets: This is a great site containing numerous Windows tips. You can also subscribe to receive their free newsletter. https://windowssecrets.com/

Apps for managing updates: Comment spam tools:

Update Checker Akismet http://download.cnet.com/Update- http://akismet.com/ Checker/3000-2094_4-11464527.html Wordpress Anti Comment Spam Codex Antivirus / Anti-Spyware http://codex.wordpress.org/ Combating_Comment_Spam software: Tech News: Avast: https://www.avast.com/en-us/index Cnet.com http://ww.cnet.com AVG: http://www.avg.com/us-en/homepage eWeek Technology News http://www.eweek.com/ ClamWin http://www.clamwin.com Mashable.com http://mashable.com ClamXav https://www.clamxav.com

Emsisoft http://www.emsisoft.com/en/

Sophos http://www.sophos.com/en-us/ products.aspx

Spybot search & destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/

Spamassassin http://spamassassin.apache.org/

Superantispyware http://superantispyware.com

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