Tips for a less problematic
computer
PC Tips Guide
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To keep your system healthy and problem free
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Do regular backups of your important files
Do not execute or install files/applications from unknown sources
Do not install applications that you do not need
Defrag the hard disk regularly
Ensure your antivirus software is updated
Do a regular virus scan
Apply the recommended security patches
Check for Spywares
For more details, read on.
Disk CleanUp
Delete files that you no longer need. The Disk Cleanup program can free up space.
How to do Disk Cleanup?
1. Click on "Start" -> "All Programs" -> "Accessories" -> "System Tools" -> "Disk Cleanup".
2. Select the items you want to cleanup. Then click ok.
Tip:
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Backup important data, preferably to an external source like external hard disk,
CDs, thumb drives, etc. This ensures you do not lose data should your computer
unfortunately crash one day.
Backup your data regularly. For important data that change frequently, you will
need to back it up more regularly.
Disk cleanup should be done on a monthly basis.
Disk Defragmenter
Files and directories get fragmented with constant modification/deletion and the hard disk will take a
longer time to retrieve them. Disk defragmenter can arrange the files together so that access time is
faster.
Note:
Depending on your hard disk space, defragmentation may take some time to complete. Try
running it when you are not using your system, e.g. when you are out for lunch. When
defragmentation is running, you can still choose to Pause/Stop it. You may re-run it again
later.
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How to Run Disk Defragmenter?
1. Click on "Start" -> "All Programs" -> "Accessories" -> "System Tools" -> "Disk Defragmenter".
2. Select the drive you want (e.g. Drive C), Click on the "Analyze" button.
3. After the Analyzing is done, click on "Defragment".
Tip:
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Disk Defragmenter should be done on a monthly basis.
Run Defragmenter after you clean up the disk
Temporary Internet Files
Internet Explorer will log the websites you visited and temporary files are created for these pages.
Over time, if you do not clear them, starting your internet explorer will take a longer time.
How to clear Internet Explorer’s temporary internet files and history
1. Launch Internet explorer.
2. Click on “Tools” -> “internet options”.
3. Click on “Delete Files” and click “ok”.
Note:
If you frequently revisit the websites you visited, you should not choose “Clear history”
Tip:
Reduce the number of days to keep the pages in history. The larger the number, the more
data would be stored and this will slow down your internet explorer.
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Remove Unused Programs
Each application program you install will take up system resources (e.g. memory/hard disk space).
Over time, this might make your system run slower. For programs that you do not use often, you
might consider de-installing them. While surfing websites, sometimes you might also inadvertently
install software that you do not need or know of.
How to remove unknown/old programs
1. Click “Start” -> “Control Panel” -> “Add/remove programs”.
2. Look through the list and remove any programs that you no longer use.
3. Remove programs that you are sure you did not install as well.
Tip:
Exercise caution and do not install applications from unknown sources or senders.
Sometimes such applications might contain virus or make your system unstable, especially
pop-up applications which often are spyware programs.
Anti-virus Software
Install an Anti-virus Software to protect your system. Symptoms like programs hanging up for no
apparent reasons, slow performance, unusual system behavior, etc could possibly be signs of virus
infection.
1. You should only have one anti-virus software installed. Multiple antivirus software might conflict
with one another and slow your system down.
2. The NUS standard anti-virus software is Trendmicro OfficeScan. Please use this supported
software.
3. Check your anti-virus help for steps on how to schedule a weekly scan for the computer.
Tip:
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Ensure your antivirus is updated. Check at least once a week to ensure the signature
date is current.
Ensure you have a strong password for your local administrator account as some
viruses and hackers break in to systems with weak passwords. Refer:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/itcare/guides/Tips/password/strong_password.htm
For more information, refer:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/antivirus/
http://www.trendmicro.com/home/default.asp
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Spywares
Check for Spywares. Spywares are programs that might interfere with internet explorer – e.g. popups that redirect you to unfamiliar websites, new toolbars in your browser, slower internet access,
application problems, etc. To scan and clean spywares, you can run popular tools like Ad-Aware,
Spybot or Microsoft Antispyware. These are freeware available for downloads but note that they
usually come with limited or no product support.
For more information, refer:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/itcare/cleaningcentre.htm
http://www.download.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/
Security Patches
Install the recommended security patches to protect your system. Microsoft regularly release
operating system (e.g. for Windows) and application patches (e.g. for Office) that fix program bugs
and security vulnerability (possible attacks from hackers, viruses, etc). Follow their guidelines and
recommendations and install the patches accordingly to ensure your system is properly protected.
For more information, refer:
http://www.microsoft.com/
http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/services/pcsecurity.htm
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