Gateway Desktops, User Manual

Page: 138 / 198

CHAPTER 12: Maintaining Your Computer
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Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new
files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information
if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
Help and Support
For more information about Windows
Update, click Start, then click Help and
Support . Type the keyword saving files
in the Search box, then click the arrow.
You should back up your files regularly to a writable CD or DVD (if you have a
recordable drive) or to diskettes (if you have a diskette drive). Use a backup
device, such as a recordable drive or Zip drive, to do a complete hard drive
backup. For more information, see
“Using advanced multimedia features” on
page 84 .
Scheduling maintenance tasks
Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
Maintenance task Monthly When needed See...
Check for viruses X X page 112
Update Windows XP X X page 116
Manage hard drive space X page 124
Clean up hard drives X X page 127
Scan hard drive for errors X X page 128
Defragment hard drive X X page 129
Back up files X X page 130
Clean computer case and peripheral devices X page 124
8511629.book Page 130 Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:38 AM