Learning the Basics
Computing Tips
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
85
❖
Set up your computer to fit your tastes and needs.
You're the one that's going to be looking at the screen while you
work. If you don't like the colors or the fonts on the screen, go
ahead and change them by clicking a blank area of the desktop
with the secondary button, then clicking Properties. This causes
Windows 95 to open the Display Properties dialog box. The
Appearance tab of this dialog box allows you to choose the colors
you see on the screen.
❖
Scan all new files for viruses.
This precaution is especially important for files you receive from
your friends or download from the Internet. It’s unlikely, but pos-
sible, that even new programs you buy from your local computer
store may contain a computer virus. See “Viruses and How To
Cure Them” on page 271 for information about detecting and
removing computer viruses.
❖
Run Master Disk Creator or purchase master program diskettes.
At some point, you may need installation diskettes for the pro-
grams that came pre-installed on your computer’s hard disk. See
“Create Master Diskettes or Purchase the CD-ROM” on page 38
for more information.
Five Things You Should Never Do
❖
Don't spill a drink or other liquid into the computer’s keyboard.
If you do spill a drink that gets into the keyboard, turn the com-
puter off immediately and unplug it. Get as much liquid out of the
keyboard as possible. Leave the system off overnight to give the
computer time to dry out before you return to work.
❖
Don't format a disk that contains valuable information.
Formatting removes all the information that's currently on the
disk. If your files are important to you, always double-check a disk
before you format it.
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