Temporary files are created through normal use, and can fill up your hard drive. Install and run CCleaner to clean up your hard drive by deleting temporary files.
Through normal use, folders can become cross-linked, file names can contain invalid or unknown characters, become damaged, or become disassociated with their files. ScanDisk can fix these and other problems for you. It's a good idea to run ScanDisk on a regular basis.
Windows: Open My Computer (called Computer in Windows 7/8), right click on C:\, select Properties > Tools, and click Check Now. Leave both boxes unchecked.
Through normal use, files and applications on your computer's hard disk drive are not always stored together as one unit, but are often divided into smaller units and scattered around the hard disk.
On a fragmented hard disk, a computer has to work harder to gather all of the small units to perform the commands you give it; this slows down its ability to access files and run applications. Running Disk Defragmenter helps by putting all like files and applications into contiguous groups so the computer can access them quickly.
If you use your computer a lot, it's a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter on a regular basis. It's also a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter after you install a lot of applications to enable them to run at top speed.
Windows: Open My Computer (called Computer on windows 7/8), right click on C:\, select Properties > Tools, and click Defragment Now.
The Analyze button will determine if the volume requires defragging. Windows does not always make good recommendations about whether or not to defrag. If there are many instances of red on the Analysis, consider running the Defrag whether or not it is “recommended”.
Clicking the Defragment button will begin defragmenting your drive.
Windows: You should run Windows Update once a week to make sure you have the latest patches and service packs for Windows.
Updates are usually released once a week, but may come out at any time.
Your computer should automatically run Windows Update, but you may need to acknowledge a dialog button or there may be some other reason an update might not run.
Some updates are exclusive items and need to be installed individually with a restart after install.
Note that on-campus workstations run Windows Updates every week on Tuesday at 5pm.
Mac Os X: To update a Mac computer, bring your mouse up to the very top left of your screen. There should be a black apple icon located there. Left click and select "Software update" let it run and install updates if you wish.
The anti-virus icon will be in the systray, on the lower right of screen. Right-click the icon to open and check the Virus Definition file version. It should report the current date.
For more information, see http://west.wwu.edu/atus/helpdesk/virus.shtml.
If you need any assistance, please contact the ATUS Help Desk at (360) 650-3333.
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2013 Western Washington University : page updated
12.16.2009
