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Scandisk
-
A utility that finds
different types of
errors on your hard
disk and is able to
correct some of
them. Run at least
once weekly or
anytime you have an
improper shutdown or
lockup. |
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Click on Start, then
Programs, then
Accessories, then
System Tools, then
Scandisk. Select
the Standard option,
click the box
Automatically fix
errors, then Scan. |
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Disk Defragmenter
- A utility that
defragments (sorts)
the files in your
hard drive so that
your hard drive can
access them more
quickly. |
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Click on Start, then
Programs, then
Accessories, then
System Tools, then
Disk Defragmenter.
Ignore any messages
that say your drive
is x% fragmented and
does not need to be
defragmented. Any
fragmentation of the
disk decreases
performance. |
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Anti-Virus Program
- We recommend and
support McAfee
Anti-Virus.
Purchase an
anti-virus program
and keep it
updated. Check at
least monthly for
updates to the virus
definition files and
install them. If
you are a heavy
internet user or
e-mailer, check
weekly. |
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Other Tips |
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1. Be aware of what
versions of software
you have and upgrade
them, if possible,
whenever new
versions are final
products. |
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2. Never install
Beta software on
your computer unless
you are an expert
computer user. |
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3. Do not open file
attachments in
e-mail messages
unless you are
certain of where it
came from. "Cute"
little programs
sometimes contain
viruses or damaging
computer programs. |
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4. Avoid "tweaking"
your internet
software based on a
friend's
recommendation
unless you have
checked with us. |
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5. If you do not
know what it does,
leave it alone until
you read or get
technical advice and
assistance. This is
especially true when
it comes to deleting
files from your
computer or
adding/configuring
software. |
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6. If you want to
remove a program use
the Uninstall
utility or remove it
by going to Start,
then Settings, then
Control Panel, then
Add/Remove Program. |
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7. Check your
wiring to your
computer about once
a month. Phone
line, power cords,
keyboard, mouse,
etc. |
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8. Protect your
investment. Hook
your computer up to
a surge protector
that includes both
AC power line
protection as well
as phone line
protection.
Lightning and
thunderstorms are
more likely to ruin
a modem than
something else in
your computer
without this
protection. |
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9. If your computer
came with an
"Emergency Repair
CD" user it as a
last resort only.
These disks will
return your computer
to the way it came
out of the box. You
will lose all data
you have created and
saved as well as all
software we have
installed and
configured. We
recommend you get
help from
professionals before
running these types
of disks. |
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10. Windows 95/98
is very sensitive to
"improper"
shutdowns. Whenever
possible, which
should be always
unless there is a
power outage, choose
Start, then
Shutdown, then the
Shutdown the
computer option.
Wait for the "It is
safe to turn off
your computer"
screen to appear
before turning off
the power. If the
computer shuts off
automatically before
this screen appears,
it is probably okay. |
