Helpdesk -
27
H
E L P D E S K
S
AFE
C
OMPUTING
To make the most of your new computer and ensure it runs smoothly for a long time, you should use the programs below and
regularly perform the actions described in this guide.
Maintenance
Recommended maintenance tasks
There are several tasks you should perform periodically (about once per month) to ensure your computer stays in good
health:
Error Checking
Using the
Check Disk
tool regularly prevents your system from getting unreliable and information getting lost. It checks and
repairs two types of errors:
✓
file system errors, such as fragmented files that were not deleted and files with invalid sizes or dates;
✓
physical errors, which may occur on your hard disk as it wears out over time.
1. Click on
Start
>
Computer
. Right-click on the
OS
icon and select
Properties
.
2. Click on
Tools
and
Check Now
in the
Error-checking
field.
3. Tick
Automatically fix file system errors
in the options area. If you tick
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad
sectors
, your computer will carry out the physical error checking when you next restart your computer. Click on
Start
to
proceed.
Disk Cleanup
The
Disk Cleanup
Wizard helps free up space on your disk drive. It searches your
drive and displays unused files, such as temporary Internet files, files in the
Recycle Bin and other temporary files that you may safely delete.
1. Click on
Start
>
Computer
. Right-click on the
OS
icon and select
Properties
.
2. Select the
General
tab and click on the
Disk Cleanup
button (next to the
diagram of the disk drive.
3. Tick each category in the
Files to delete
area you wish to delete and click on
OK
.
Disk Defragmenter
With the creation and deletion of files over time, scattering occurs all over the hard disk area and affects performance. The
Disk Defragmenter
helps you rearrange the items stored on your hard drive to make your computer run faster and more
efficiently.
Running the
Disk Defragmenter
once a month (depending on computer usage) will decrease wear and tear on your hard drive
and thus decrease the chance of a fault developing at a later date.
