Maintaining Your Computer

    This chapter provides basic information about maintaining your computer hardware and software. Read this chapter to learn how to:

Care for your computer
Create an emergency startup diskette
Protect your computer from viruses
Manage hard drive space
Back up files
Clean your computer

Caring for your computer

    To extend the life of your system:

Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.
When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in the original packaging materials.
Keep diskettes and your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.
Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled onto computer components, almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms.

    Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.

Maintenance task Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed
See...

Create an emergency diskette

X

Check for viruses

X

X

Manage hard drive space

X

Clean up hard drives

X

X

Scan hard drive for errors

X

X

Defragment hard drive

X

X

Back up files

X

X

Clean computer case

X

Clean keyboard

X

Clean computer display

X

Clean mouse

X

Creating an emergency startup diskette

    An emergency startup diskette is a diskette that contains critical information that you need to start your computer if Windows fails to start. You should create a startup diskette as soon as you get your computer.

To create an emergency startup diskette in Windows XP:

    1. Insert a blank diskette labeled Startup into the diskette drive.

    2. Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.

    3. Right-click 3½ Floppy (A:), then click Format. The Format 3½ Floppy (A:) dialog box opens.

    1. Click to select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box, then click Start. A message warns you that any information on the diskette will be erased.

    2. When you see the warning message, click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette.

    3. When Windows finishes copying files, remove the diskette from the diskette drive.

    4. Slide the write-protect tab up to prevent the diskette from being erased or infected by viruses.
    1. Store your emergency startup diskette in a safe place with your other backup software media.

Protecting your computer from viruses

    A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because they are activated on a certain date.

    Protect your computer from a virus by:

Using the Norton® AntiVirus program to check files and programs that are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet.
Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.
Periodically updating the Norton AntiVirus program to protect against the latest viruses.

    Help and Support

    For more information about protecting your computer against viruses in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

    Type the keyword viruses in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

    To scan for viruses:

      1. Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click Norton AntiVirus 2003. Norton AntiVirus opens.
      1. Click Scan for Viruses.
      1. Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, then under Actions, click Scan.

    To remove a virus:

      1. If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions to remove the virus.

      2. Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.

      3. Turn on your computer and rescan for the virus.

    To update Norton AntiVirus:

      1. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.

      2. Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click
        LiveUpdate - Norton AntiVirus        . The LiveUpdate wizard opens.

      3. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus program with the latest virus protection files.

      4. When the program has finished, click Finish.

    Managing hard drive space

      Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive.

    Checking hard drive space

    To check hard drive space:

      1. In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.
        - OR -
        In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
      1. Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.

    Using Disk Cleanup

      Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary Windows files, to free hard drive space.

    To use the WindowsDisk Cleanup program:

      1. In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.
        - OR -
        In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
      1. Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, for example Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens at the General tab.

      1. Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.

      2. Make sure that the check box beside each file type you want to delete is selected. For more information about file types you can delete, read the descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.

      3. Click OK, then click Yes.

      Help and Support

      For more information about keeping the hard drive space free of unnecessary files in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

      Type the keyword disk cleanup in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

      Checking the hard drive for errors

        The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them.

        If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems.

      To check the hard drive for errors:

        1. In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.
          - OR -
          In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
        1. Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, for example Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.
        1. Click the Tools tab.

        1. Click Check Now.

        2. Click the options you want to use, then click Start. For help, press F1 . Windows checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes. After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found.

        3. Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions.

        4. Click OK.

        Help and Support

        For more information about checking the hard drive for errors in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

        Type the keyword checking for disk errors in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

        Defragmenting the hard drive

          When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.

          The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so each file is stored as one unit rather than as multiple pieces scattered across different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can improve hard drive performance.

          While the Disk Defragmenter program is running, do not use your keyboard or mouse because using them may continuously stop and restart the defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a network, log off before starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the defragmentation process and cause it to start over.

        To run Disk Defragmenter:

          1. In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.
            - OR -
            In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
          1. Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, for example Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.
          1. Click the Tools tab.

          1. Click Defragment Now.

          2. If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Defragment or Start.
            Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the computer display. When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
          1. Click Close or Yes, then click the X in the top-right corner to close the Disk Defragmenter window.

          Help and Support

          For more information about defragmenting the hard drive in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

          Type the keyword defragmenting in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

          Backing up files

            Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.

            You should back up your files regularly to a writable CD (if you have a recordable drive) or to diskettes. Use a backup device, such as a recordable drive or Zip drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. If you do not have a high-capacity backup device and you want to purchase one, you can contact Gateway's Add-on Sales department or visit the Accessories Store at accessories.gateway.com.

            Help and Support

            For more information about backing up files in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

            Type the keyword saving files in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

            Using the Scheduled Task Wizard

              The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.

            To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:

              1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Scheduled Tasks. The Scheduled Tasks window opens.

              2. Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. The Scheduled Task Wizard opens.
              1. Click Next, then click the task or program you want to schedule and follow the on-screen instructions to customize the task.

              Important

              Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your computer is off, scheduled tasks will not run.

                Help and Support

                For more information about using the Scheduled Tasks Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

                Type the keyword Scheduled Tasks Wizard in the HelpSpot Search box , then click the arrow.

                Cleaning your computer

                  Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your system performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put together a computer cleaning kit:

                A soft, lint-free cloth
                An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
                Isopropyl alcohol
                Cotton swabs
                A CD or DVD drive cleaning kit

                Cleaning the exterior

                  Warning

                  When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through your computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.

                    Always turn off your computer and other peripherals before cleaning any components.

                    Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and other parts of your system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on components.

                    Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With your computer turned off and unplugged, brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside your computer.

                  Cleaning the keyboard

                    You should clean the keyboard occasionally by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

                    If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.

                  Cleaning the computer display

                    Use a soft cloth and water to clean the computer display. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the display), and wipe the display with the cloth.

                    Warning

                    The computer display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners.

                    Cleaning the mouse

                      If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer display or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.

                      Clean your optical mouse by wiping the bottom of the mouse with a damp lint-free cloth.