Internet Explorer:
Launch IE, select Tools > Internet Options. Under Browsing history you have the option of deleting temporary files, history, cookies, saved passwords and web form information. You will want to delete the temporary files at least.
Go to C:\windows\temp or C:\winnt\temp. Windows uses this directory as a temporary working space. Typically it is ok to delete all files. Verify that all applications are closed first.
Another temp location that can be cleaned up is under the local settings directory for each users profile at C:\Document and Settings\username\local settings\temp. This is a hidden directory, so you may have to turn on “show hidden files.” It is ok to delete all files in this directory. Once again, verify that all applications are closed first.
If you do not feel comfortable performing these steps, please contact ATUS Help Desk @ x3333 and a consultant can assist.
Through normal use of your computer your hard disk drive can become cluttered and a bit messy. Folders can become cross-linked, file names can contain invalid or unknown characters or become damaged, or can become disassociated with their files. ScanDisk can fix these and other problems for you. It's also a good idea to run ScanDisk on a regular basis.
Right click My Computer, select Explore, Right click on C:\, select Properties > Tools, and click Check Now. Leave both boxes unchecked. Contact the ATUS Help Desk @ x3333 if ScanDisk discovers errors.
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. This is caused by normal use.
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.
Right click My Computer, select Explore, 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.
You should run Windows Update once a week to make sure you have the latest patches and service packs for Windows. Updates usually are released once a week, but may come out at any time. Your computer should automatically run Windows Update, but you may need a dialog button acknowledged or for some other reason an update may not run. Also, Some updates are exclusive items and need to be installed individually with a restart after install.
Click on Start and select Windows Update or Microsoft Update, or launch IE and go to http://www.windowsupdate.com. Windows update will only run on IE.
Most computers are set to run Windows Updates automatically. To verify that they are on, or to manually set updates on a periodic schedule, right click My Computer, Properties, Automatic Updates, set up date and time.
Go to the Control Panel (Start > Settings) and open the Windows Firewall icon. Ensure that the firewall is on. The firewall will turn off unnecessary ports to prevent hackers and viruses from attacking your PC.
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.
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 Western Washington University : page updated
05.11.2009
