Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Operating Systems.... SeniorNet Cambridge Inc... P O Box 763, Cambridge

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1 Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Operating Systems... SeniorNet Cambridge Inc.... P O Box 763, Cambridge Muriel Tooley 156 Lee Martin Rd, R D 1,Cambridge This manual is copyright, and may not be reproduced by any means, including electronic storage and retrieval, without the written permission of the author. V 4.2 September 2014

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS - Things you will learn. PART ONE - SECURITY - Page 4 1. Windows Updates 2. Understanding and Using Anti-Virus programs 3. Using an Anti-Spyware program PART TWO - HOUSEKEEPING: - Page Disk Cleanup 2. Error Checking 3. Defragging your Hard Drive 4. Deleting Temp. Files 5. Deleting Cookies 6. Deleting Internet Files 7. Clean up the My Documents folder 8. Cleaning out your program 9. Uninstalling unwanted Program Files 10. Emptying the Recycle Bin EXTRAS - Page Backing up important files 2. Shutting down your Computer correctly 3. Using System Restore 4. Information about Anti-Virus Programs ADDITIONAL NOTES - Page Checking attachments 2. Downloading and/or Installing Software Programs 3. Cleaning your Computer & Mouse 4. How to start in Safe Mode Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

3 Clean-up Schedule Weekly Tasks 1. Update your Anti-virus program if not done automatically - Pages Update your Anti-Spyware Programs. Page 8 3. Download Critical Updates from the Windows Update Site if your computer is not set to do this automatically - Pages Back-up important documents to a CD or Flash Drive Page 17 (It may be necessary to do this daily) 5. Empty the Recycle Bin - Page 16 Monthly Tasks 1. Delete Cookies using Internet Properties dialog box Pages 13,14 2. Delete Temporary Internet Files 13,14 3. Perform Disk Cleanup - Page Remove unwanted documents and image files - Page Remove unwanted s and clean out Sent Items folder, also empty Deleted Items folder - Page Empty Recycle Bin after these tasks - Page Check System Restore when needed. Pages Three-monthly or Twice a year. Error Checking - Check the Hard Disk Page 11 Defragment your Hard Drive. (if necessary) Pages 12 Occasionally check and/or remove old or unwanted Program Files using the correct method Pages 15 Extra Information: Shut down your Computer correctly - Page 17 How to check the sender of an - Page 21 Information on Anti-virus Programs - Page 20 Starting your Computer in Safe Mode - Page 23 Cleaning your Computer and Mouse - Page 22 Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

4 Computer Maintenance falls into two parts: 1. Security - Windows updates, Anti Virus, Web Security 2. Housekeeping. Keeping the Hard Drive clean and tidy. PART ONE - SECURITY TASK WINDOWS UPDATES Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 come with a program called Windows Updates, which will search for, notify you and/or download any updates for your OS. These are all the Security patches and improvements to the Operating System that have been made since your computer was purchased. Priority Updates safeguard you against errors and loopholes in Web Browsers (Internet Explorer) and Programs that allow access to your computer by hackers. You can access and set up this utility to suit your preferences using the following ways: The Microsoft Update Website is worth a look. There are a number of features including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and a list of your previous updates. If you have Microsoft Office on your computer this will be included in your normal Updates. UPDATES FOR THE VISTA AND WIN 7 OPERATING SYSTEMS 1. Click Start, click All Programs. 2. Locate and click on Windows Updates in the list of programs. If you have used Updates recently it will show in the Start Menu. 2 1 UPDATES FOR WINDOWS 8.1 On the Start Screen, click the small white arrow below the Tiles to access the All Apps screen and locate Windows Update. You can right-click it and choose to Pin to Start and it will be available on the Start Screen. Click the Windows Update Button. The Update window will look similar to that of Windows 7. (see next page) Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

5 3. To check or change Update settings: In the left panel, click Change Settings. This will display the usual 3 dialog box where you can choose how your updates will be dealt with. This includes a tick under Recommended Updates so that Important or Critical updates are downloaded. A tick under Update Service ensures that you will be offered Windows and other Microsoft Updates. Remember to confirm any changes by clicking OK. 4. In the Windows Update dialog box, on the left you can click on Check for Updates to see if there are any available. If you are online the computer will check for Updates The results will be shown, as well as an approximate size and time for the updates. Click View available updates and you will be shown updates for your computer. Priority updates will be ticked but if you want Optional updates, you need to tick the box Click Install and the updates will be downloaded and installed. Windows will create a Restore Point before installing the updates. When completed, you may be asked to Restart Now or Restart Later. Click your choice. 7. Click to View Update History and you will be shown a list of all previous updates including any that failed on previous sessions. 8. Vista/Windows 7 - Click Updates frequently asked questions Some of the help will be in your computer and some can be obtained Online. (see next page) Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

6 7 8 TASK VIRUS PROTECTION (Vista, Windows 7 and 8.1) Many new computers now come with Anti-Virus protection software such as Norton or McAfee already installed. Sometimes this may be only for 3 months and you will need to renew before the time runs out. Your Anti Virus program will normally be configured to scan Incoming . Most anti-virus programs will automatically scan for viruses when you turn on your computer, but unless they have the latest information files, they will NOT detect new infections. It's no good having anti-virus software unless you keep it updated. If you do not have an anti-virus program in your computer you are putting your computer and that of everyone you contact at considerable risk. To keep anti-virus software up to date, Anti Virus programs have an automatic update feature which allows the program to automatically check the Anti-virus Website and search for updates whenever you are online or at regular intervals. The website will contain updates that tell the virus scanning software which new viruses to stop, and the software is then in turn able to recognise them. You can also choose to do a Manual Update at any time when you are online. To do this use one of the following options. Double-click the shortcut icon to open your Anti-virus program and look for and click on the Update or Live Update button and follow instructions. OR - Visit the Website and search for the update. Remember you must be connected to the Internet (Online) to receive the Updates. The AV Program will automatically install the update so read and follow each set of instructions. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

7 Some Updates will require you to restart your computer. If this is necessary a message requesting a restart will appear on the screen click OK (or Yes) and the restart will occur automatically. Take the time to look at your own Anti-virus program and learn how it works. Check out the Options, Settings and read the Help Menu. Set up the Schedule to scan your computer on a regular basis. A Scan does not require you to be online. The Anti-virus program on the SeniorNet Computers is Microsoft Security Essentials, (MSE) but you may have another AV program such as Vet, PC-Cillin, or one of the free programs - AVG or Avast. MSE is also now free. Each Anti-virus program will have an icon on the Taskbar down by the clock. This shows the program is working and active. AVG can be set to automatically update at a set time and to scan your computer daily. Set the scan time when installing. To use AVG, double-click the Icon down by the clock. This opens the Dialog box. Click on Update Now to do an update. Double-click Update Manager to set a time for updates, and click to place a tick beside Start Automatic Updates. Avast will update when you go online, and a voice will tell you the update has occurred. There are FIVE key elements to protecting your computer from viruses: 1. Keep your Operating System updated - Windows Update 2. Have anti-virus software installed and running ALL the time (in the background. 3. Schedule your anti-virus software to regularly scan your computer. 4. Keep your virus definitions up to date you may have to pay for the service but it is well worthwhile. Set up Automatic Updates or manually check for updates every time you connect to the Internet or at least weekly. 5. Be Suspicious of any , especially with an attachment, that you are not expecting or that does not make sense to you, even if the came from a friend. Never install a program downloaded from the Web or open an attachment to unless you have checked them out first with your antivirus program. (See Pages 21 & 22) NOTE You may need to disable your Anti-virus protection before downloading and/or installing a new Application Program (software). If so, then have your AV program scan the software before installing it. (Right click on the software and choose Scan for viruses ) Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

8 TASK SECURITY ON THE INTERNET. Keeping your computer safe. Spyware, Malware and nuisance programs can be as big a threat to your computer security as a Virus. Therefore it is essential that you have a good Anti-spyware program on your machine. If you are running a suite of programs such as Norton Internet Security, there will be an anti-spyware program included. However, since none of the programs on the market are 100% effective it is necessary to have two programs on your computer. What is Spyware? Spyware is any application that tracks your online behaviour without your knowledge or consent, or installs programs without your consent or knowledge. Spyware infects 9 out of 10 PCs connected to the Internet and has eclipsed viruses as the #1 threat to online privacy. Spyware comes in many forms including adware, Trojans, system monitors, home page hijackers, keyloggers and more. Why do you need protection from spyware? The consequences of unidentified spyware can include identity theft, computer corruption, slower Internet access and computer productivity, and increased numbers of pop-up ads. Anti-virus software and firewalls do not address the full barrage of spyware attacking PCs today. Spyware can easily bypass anti-virus and firewall protection by piggybacking on legitimate downloads to stealthily install on your system without your knowledge. For most PC users, spyware programs are nearly impossible to remove manually because they intertwine with core system functions or programs you want to keep. Therefore you need a program designed to safely remove the spyware. There are a number of suitable programs available - some you pay for and others that are free. Microsoft Security Essentials, includes an Anti Spyware program but it would be advisable to have one other Anti Spyware program on your computer. Download from Microsoft.com The AVG free anti virus program now includes Anti Spyware. This can be downloaded from the Free Grisoft website. Two other good programs are Superantispyware and malwarebytes which are free. The free versions do not monitor your actions in real time, so in order to check your computer after a Web browsing session, you need to open the program, do an update and start a scan. The paid versions will do all these jobs automatically. Regardless of which program you use - THEY ALL NEED UPDATING REGULARLY Or they cannot be effective. Note: It is quite okay to run 2 anti spyware/malware programs on one computer but NEVER run more than one Anti Virus on the same computer. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

9 TASK SECURITY ON THE INTERNET. (Cont d) We will take a brief look at these programs - SUPERantispyware Freeware and Malwarebytes freeware These can be located by visiting the websites shown on page 20. Alternatively, do a search in Google. When you locate the website, look for the Free version. Download and Save the File to the Downloads folder on your computer or to a folder of your choice. Once downloaded, locate the saved file and double-click it to install, and then follow the prompts clicking Next at each step until the final one Install. To do an Update or a Scan Superantispyware - (Paid version can be $10 - $20 US, yearly depending on any specials offered. 1. Open the program by double-clicking on the icon. 2. In the Main Menu click Check for Updates. 3. If you are online, the program will search for updates and download them. If there are no updates a small dialog box will inform you. Note: The paid version will automatically search for updates when you are online. To Run a Scan 1. In the Main Menu click Scan your Computer. 2. Choose whether to perform a Quick Scan (up to 45 mins) or a Complete Scan (up to 2 hours) and click Next. 3. Wait for the Scan to be completed. At any time you can cancel the scan by clicking on the Cancel button. 4. When complete, The Scan Results window appears. Click Continue and a list of problem files will be displayed. Click the sign beside any of them to see what they are. Click Remove threats and OK in the next dialog box and finally click Finished to close the program. For Malwarebytes The paid version is about $30 nz, 1 year, 3 pc s. 1. Double-click the Icon to open the program. 2. Locate the Update button and click to update. 3. Once updated, click the Scan button and wait for the scan to complete. 4. Follow the prompts to remove any malware found by the scan and close the program. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

10 PART TWO - HARD DRIVE HOUSEKEEPING TASK SCAN THE HARD DRIVE Windows Vista, Win 7 and 8 have a utility called Disk Cleanup which helps free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches your drive and then shows you temp files, Internet cache files, (also known as Temporary Internet Files) and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files. The Options offered will depend on your Operating System (OS) 1. To run Disk Cleanup close all open programs, i.e. documents, files, folders etc. In Vista & Win 7: Double-click the Computer icon, or click Start - Computer to access the C-Drive. In Windows 8.1, click the File Explorer Icon on the Taskbar of the Desktop, and in the next window click This PC in the left pane. 2. Right-click the C-Drive Icon and choose Properties. In the System Properties dialog box click the Disk Cleanup button. 3. In Disk Cleanup Options, (Vista only) click to choose which Files to cleanup. The User Account control box may ask if you started the process. Click Continue. (all systems) The cleanup will start. 4. In the Disk Clean up dialog box accept the ticked files and click Delete Files. The next box will ask are you sure Click Delete Files. Click OK to close the dialog box. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

11 PART TWO - HARD DRIVE HOUSEKEEPING (Cont d) TASK ERROR CHECKING Windows Vista, Windows 7 and 8.1, have a tool called Error-Checking. Error Checking will analyse your hard drives for errors, bad sectors and problems and can be set to fix them To access Error-Checking in Windows Vista/Win7: 1. Go to Start My Computer or Double-click the My Computer icon on the Desktop. In Win 8.1 follow instructions for Disk Cleanup, This PC. 2. Locate the Hard Drive Drive C and click with the Right mouse button. 3. From the drop-down box choose Properties. 4. In the Local Disk (C) Properties dialog box click the Tools Tab. 5. Under Error Checking click the Check Now button. (Win 8.1-click Check) Note: Windows 8.1 will check the drive as you work and notify you of any problems. Nos apply to Vista and Win 7 only. 6. When the User Account Control box comes up asking for permission, click Continue. 7. In the Check Disk Dialog box click to place a tick in each option and click Start. 8. Vista/Win 7 -The Checking Disk C dialog box will inform you the disk check could not be performed and will offer you the option to schedule the task at the next Start-up. 9. In the next box on your own computer click Schedule Disk Check. At SeniorNet Click Cancel. 10. The next time you start or restart your computer, the Disk Check will perform the various checking procedures, which may take up to 20 minutes or more to complete and when finished, the computer will continue the Start-up as normal. Error-Checking, will help improve performance. Do this about once a year, depending on your usage. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

12 PART TWO - HARD DRIVE HOUSEKEEPING (Cont d) TASK DEFRAGMENT THE HARD DRIVE Disk defragmentation describes the process of consolidating fragmented files on your computer's hard disk. Your Computer stores files wherever it finds a space and often parts of the same file are stored in many different locations on the Hard Drive. Fragmentation happens to a hard disk over time as you save, change, or delete files. The changes that you save to a file are often stored at a location on the hard disk that's different from the original file. Additional changes are saved to even more locations. Over time, both the file and the hard disk itself become fragmented, and your computer slows down as it has to look in many different places to open a file. Disk Defragmenter is a tool that rearranges the data on your hard disk and reunites fragmented files so your computer can run more efficiently. Disk Defragmenter does not affect anything that you see on the screen, such as files in My Documents or Shortcuts on the Programs menu. DISK DEFRAGMENTATION IN VISTA, WINDOWS 7 AND Disk Defragmenter runs on a schedule (by default) so you don't have to remember to run it, although you can still run it manually or change the schedule it uses. If you are running Defragmenter on the Schedule, there is no need to complete the preparation process. 2. Vista & 7 -Double-click the Computer icon, or click Start Computer to access the C-Drive (Hard Drive) dialog box. In Win 8.1, locate as you did for Error Check. 3. Right-click the C-Drive icon and choose Properties from the drop down list. This will display the properties dialog box. 4. Click the Tools tab and click the Defragment button. Optimize in Windows If the User Account Control box comes up, click Continue. 6. In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box click Modify Schedule (Vista) (Configure Schedule in Win 7) or Change Settings in Windows 8.1 and set up a time to perform a regular Defrag. Remember to confirm by clicking OK. 7. If you wish to do a Defrag, click Defragment Now (or Optimize Win 8.1) Set a time for the Defrag and it will take place automatically. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

13 TASK ACCUMULATED FILES THAT CAN BE SAFELY DELETED. Your Computer collects a number of files that are not needed and over time can cause the system to run more slowly. Three types of these are as follows: Temp Files - The more TEMP directory files that Windows has to manage simultaneously, the slower it becomes. If you exit a program improperly, or restart your computer while some programs are still running, these temporary files will not be deleted. Files in the TEMP directory are not supposed to be permanent, so each program usually deletes them when they are no longer needed (when you save your document to the Hard disk). Examples of Temp Files. Temp Files are usually deleted when you run Disk Cleanup. Cookies - Cookies are information collectors in the form of Text files, which stick to you like glue when you visit websites. Cookies can track your movements within a site or group of sites and may gather information such as login or registration identification, user preferences, online "shopping cart" information, etc., and send it back to the Web server whenever the browser returns to the Web site. Most Example of Cookies websites will not let you visit if you disable cookies. Over time you can gather quite a lot of cookies in your computer. You can easily delete the Cookies on your computer using the Internet Options Dialog Box. (Page 15) Temporary Internet Files (Cache) These are files your computer stores when you visit a site, so that next time you visit the same site, the pages will load more quickly. For each page, picture or graphic you look at, your computer saves a copy. If you do a lot of Surfing the Web, eventually you will have many hundreds of these, so it is wise to clear them out periodically. It is important to clean out Cache, Cookies & History files after using a public Computer, To clear the Cache, Cookies and History in Internet Explorer Version 9 or 10 in Vista,Win7. (Note: You may wish to keep the History on your own Computer) a) On the Desktop double-click Internet Explorer icon (big blue E) to open Internet Explorer, and on the Menu Bar, click Tools, and choose Internet Options. b) If you do not have a Menu Bar showing, click Tools at the right-hand end of the toolbar and locate Toolbars and click to place a tick beside Menu, to allow the Menu bar to appear. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

14 In the Internet Properties dialog box of I.E c) On the General Tab under Browsing History click on the Settings button and you have the option to change the number of days History is kept. Do not change this setting on the SeniorNet Computers. d) Click the Delete button. This brings up the Delete Browsing History dialog box containing a number of options. e) Click to place a tick beside each of the options you wish to Delete. i.e. Temporary Internet files, Cookies, History, Form Data, Passwords etc. f) On a Public Computer you would tick all the options for deletion. g) Finally click the Delete button. The files will be deleted and the window will close. You will be back in the Internet Options dialog box. h) The Option to delete Temporary Internet files at the end of each browsing session is available. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click on the Advanced tab, scroll down to the Security section, click to place a tick in the box beside Empty Temporary Internet Files Folder when Browser is closed. i) Click OK in the Internet Properties dialog box to confirm all the changes you have made in both dialog boxes. TASK - THE MY DOCUMENTS/DOCUMENTS FOLDER All Operating Systems. Check your My Documents folder to find old files you no longer need and either Delete them or transfer them to a, Flash Drive or other form of storage. These files might include old data files (such as last month's sales report), letters, or pages saved from a Website that you simply don't need any more. If they are no longer needed then delete them. If they are important, back them up for safekeeping. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

15 TASK CLEANING OUT YOUR PROGRAMS All Operating Systems. Remember, that every time you send an , your program saves a copy in the Sent Folder. Over time you can accumulate many old s. To get rid of old messages, including messages in the Sent Items folder, you'll have to start your program and delete the s you no longer require. Click on the required folder, select the s and click Delete. Remember also, to empty the Deleted Items folder. To do this Click on the Deleted Items folder, click Edit on the Menu Bar and select Empty deleted items folder, - click Yes to confirm the delete. TASK - UNINSTALLING UNWANTED OLD PROGRAM FILES Win Vista/Win7 NEVER just delete old Program files you no longer want. Work through the following three methods and choose the appropriate one to Uninstall correctly. Sometimes you will be given the option to keep shared files always agree to this, or you may find some other programs do not work correctly. 1. Vista/Win 7 only -Click Start Programs and look for the Program name. Click on the Program and see if there is an Uninstall option in the menu under the program name. If so, click Uninstall and follow the instructions. OR 2. Click Start Control Panel. It may be necessary to click Classic View on the left of the Control Panel box to view the files as shown in the picture. In Win 8.1, locate the Control Panel (type Control Panel on the Start Screen), and then click on the Icon when it appears. 3. In the Control Panel dialog box, double click on Programs and Features Icon. 4. In the next dialog box click on the Program you wish to Uninstall or Repair, and then choose the option at the top of the box. 5. You may see some information about the program in the Details panel at the foot of the Window. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

16 Note: Be very careful when uninstalling programs. Once uninstalled, if you wish to reinstall it, you will need the original file or disk. NEVER just delete old Program files you no longer want. Work through the following methods and choose the appropriate one to Uninstall correctly. Sometimes you will be given the option to keep shared files always agree to this, or you may find some other programs do not work correctly. TASK EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN VISTA, WINDOWS 7 AND WINDOWS 8.1 Now you have done your cleanup, it is time to take out the trash. When you delete a file it's not really removed from the hard disk. Instead, it's moved to the Recycle Bin, where it stays until you empty the bin. That allows you to get files back if you later discover that you've deleted them accidentally. A full Recycle Bin uses up valuable disk space so clear it regularly as follows: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop and view the files in it before you delete them permanently by emptying the bin. In the Recycle Bin dialog box : If you see a file or folder you wish to keep click the file or folder to highlight it, then: Choose Restore this item from the toolbar. The files or folders will be moved from the Recycle Bin back to their original location. Having made sure the Recycle Bin doesn t contain anything you need to save; you can empty it by clicking: Empty the Recycle Bin. Click OK to confirm the delete. In the Vista and Windows 7 Recycle Bin, the tools to Empty the bin and Restore items are along the Tools bar. In Windows 8.1 click Manage under Recycle Bin Tools to locate the necessary tools. Click Empty Recycle Bin. Confirm the delete. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

17 EXTRAS - a. BACKUP YOUR FILES All Operating Systems. Back up all your important files. These might include word processing, spread-sheets, and contact addresses, financial information and other documents. Even the best maintained computer could have problems. In the worst possible scenario (AND IT CAN HAPPEN) you could lose ALL the data on your hard drive or some key files. Regularly back-up important information onto some form of disk storage e.g. CD s, USB Flash Drives or an External Hard Drive. But if you just want to store letters, s small spreadsheets and contact addresses Double-click the My Documents icon on the Desktop, or click Start My Documents Vista/Win 7 and navigate to the Folder or File you wish to Backup. In Windows 8.1 locate the Documents folder on the Desktop or on the All Apps Screen. For a Flash Drive (Removable Storage) Right-Click the File or Folder you want to Backup and choose Send to, Removable Storage (E: or F) Remember to remove the flash drive correctly when you have finished. To remove a Flash Drive, close any programs you were using with the device. Doubleclick the small Icon near the clock, in the dialog box click Stop, and in the next box click OK. Wait for the message say it is safe to remove the storage device In Win 7 & 8 right-click the FlashDrive Icon and click Eject. Backing up large files to a CD can be learned in the CD Burning Course. b. SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER CORRECTLY. Remember always close down the programs you have been using before you Shutdown your computer. Never just turn it off. If you wish to restart your computer, use the RESTART option under the Shutdown menu as this is a safe and controlled process. (This is known as a Warm Boot ) When you have a problem, eg. The computer is completely frozen (locked up) and nothing you do will free it up, try each of the following until the problem is solved. Click CTRL+ALT+DELETE and attempt to solve the problem using the Task Manager. The problem program will usually be highlighted - click End Now. You may need to do this twice. Be patient and allow the computer time to deal with the problem. Push the Reset button (if there is one) on the front of your computer. Any unsaved work will be lost. Using the RESET button can corrupt your files and is an emergency function only. Finally, if all else fails, push and hold the Start Up button on the front of the Tower, for 5-10 seconds. The computer will shut down. Any unsaved work will be lost. Do not restart the computer for at least 60 seconds this is very important. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

18 EXTRAS - C. SYSTEM RESTORE IN VISTA 1. Click Start, click All Programs 2. Slide the mouse pointer up and click on Maintenance, and from the options underneath, choose Back Up and Restore Centre. 3. In the Restore Centre dialog box, on the left click Create a restore point or change settings Select the Drive where you wish to have a Restore point created. Click Create. 5. In the next dialog box type a name for the restore point and click Create. 6. The Restore point will be created and a dialog box will confirm. Click OK 7. To repair using a Restore Point, click Repair Windows using System Restore 8. In the Permission box click Continue and in the System Restore dialog box accept the recommended restore or click to place a dot in Choose a different restore point, and click Next. 9. Using the Recommended point, click Finish and Windows will restore your computer to the chosen date. Carefully 4 read all instructions in the dialog box. 10. If choosing another Restore Point, select from the list and in the next box confirm your choice by clicking Finish. Windows will restore your computer to the chosen date. It may be necessary to restart your computer to take effect. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

19 SYSTEM RESTORE IN WINDOWS 7 & Windows 7. - Right-click the Computer icon on the Desktop OR Click Start and right-click Computer on the right of the Start Menu, and choose Properties. Windows Click the File Explorer Icon on the Taskbar of the Desktop and click on This PC on the left. Or double-click on This PC on the Desktop. Click Properties on the left hand end of the Ribbon. 2. On the left of the dialog box click System Protection to open the System Properties dialog box. 5. The list of restore points will show - click on the desired one and click Next. Follow instructions. 6. In the last dialog box click Finish. The computer may need to be restarted. To Create a System Restore Point: 7. Follow steps 1 & 2 above and in the System Properties dialogue box click Create. In the next dialog box type a name for the restore point and click Create. 3. On the System Protection Tab, to restore your system, click System Restore. A message will tell you System Restore is starting. 4. In the dialog box click Next. Select the recommended restore point and click Next OR click to place a tick in Show more Restore Points. 8. You can also click Configure in the System Properties dialog box, and delete all restore points or make changes such as Turn off System Restore 9. Remember to click OK to confirm any changes. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

20 D. Information on AntiVirus Programs To view information about Antivirus programs go to the Netguide site. and click on the Antivirus link on the left of the page. Also visit and type in Antivirus programs. This site will give you comments and opinions from different users of the programs. Software downloaded from this site will have been screened for viruses. If you think you have been infected by a virus or worm, visit the Norton website, and follow the links to have your computer checked out online. Other Antivirus Websites may also offer this service Be on the lookout for Virus Hoaxes check them out first before sending warnings to your friends. Sending them on only clogs up the Internet. They are a nuisance! Visit or or to learn about and check out hoaxes. Some of the better-known Anti Virus Programs and their Websites - Norton AntiVirus - Web Site: PC-Cillin - Publisher: Trend Micro - Web Site: This site will allow you to check and clean your PC online using Housecall VET Net Surfer - Publisher: Computer Associates - Web Site: McAfee VirusScan - Publisher: Network Associates - Web Site: AVG Free Edition - Publisher: Grisoft - Avast Home Edition Free Web Site: Anti Vir Free edition to home users. Web Site: Microsoft Security Essentials Microsoft.com or ask Google for any of the above programs. Important : Get to know your own Anti-virus program, check the Options and Settings, and set your own preferences. Two good antispyware programs are: Superantispyware: Malwarebytes. Both of these programs have a free and paid version. The paid version will automatically update and scan your computer and work in real time. The free versions need to be opened and updated manually, then run a manual scan every time you feel you may have picked up some unwanted nasties. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

21 ADDITIONAL SECURITY NOTES FOR ATTACHMENTS Never open an attachment unless you have first checked it for viruses. 1. Click the attachment once to highlight it. 2. On the Menu Bar click File Save Attachments. This will save a Copy only. 3. Choose where to save it. A useful place is the Desktop, and then you can easily find it. 4. Go to your Desktop, and click on the saved attachment. Now Right-click it and choose Scan for Viruses. Your computer may have a different option but it will involve your Anti Virus Program. 5. When the scan is finished, you will have a message that the file is clean or no viruses found. 6. It is now safe to open the file. You can also delete this file from your desktop and return to the program and open the one attached to your . Note: Remember the saved attachment is ONLY A COPY of the original. What happens if the Anti-virus program finds a virus in the attachment? 1. A message from your AV program will tell you it is a virus, possibly which virus it is, and suggest ways for it to be dealt with. 2. If the program can clean the file it will proceed to do so. Once cleaned, remember it is the Copy that is clean the original is still infected. 3. Go to your program and delete the offending and remember to also empty the Deleted Items Folder. 4. Alternatively the AV program will put it into Quarantine, which means it is totally unsafe to open this attachment. Therefore Delete the and again remember to empty the Deleted Items Folder. If you are sending an attachment to a friend or relative, make sure you mention the fact and perhaps a description of the content in the so they know you are sending it. Some viruses can attach themselves to an and go out to people in your address book, often with the words here is the file you wanted or something similar. Remember to remove (highlight and delete) all the addresses at the top of an when you click Forward or Reply. Viruses can make use of the information. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

22 Find out the sender and path of an as follows:- Right-click the Heading of the . From the drop-down box choose Properties. Click the Details Tab here you can read all the information about the Path the has taken. Check to see if the Sender is the same as that shown in the Heading of the Click the Message Source button and you will be able to read the contents of the . This will not be possible if the contains graphics or pictures. DOWNLOADING AND/OR INSTALLING SOFTWARE AND PROGRAMS Most Software downloaded from the Web comes as a zipped or compressed file, or a self-executable file. 1. Take note of the name of the file and where it is to be saved. Again, the Desktop is an easy place to find it again. 2. Find the file, click it once to highlight, then right-click the file. 3. Choose Scan for Viruses from the drop-down menu. 4. The Anti-Virus program will commence to clean the file and report when it is finished. 5. Now double-click the file and follow instructions for installation. If the Program is on a CD Rom - 1. Insert the Disc into the CD Drive. 2. Usually it will start automatically. If not, there will be instructions on the CD to manually run the CD. 3. Navigate to the program you wish to install. 4. Double-click the program, or click the Install button and follow instructions for the installation. Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September

23 CLEANING YOUR COMPUTER & MOUSE The Optical Mouse does not need cleaning except for a wipe with a damp cloth. As part of keeping your computer clean and running smoothly, you should also be careful not to restrict the airflow surrounding your computer. Your system will generate a tremendous amount of heat that is cooled by an internal fan. The internal fan can fail because of dust and dirt that gets sucked into them. To avoid this, Do not put your computer on the floor or in an area with a lot of dust and dirt. Do not stack books or other items on or around your computer. It is advisable to refrain from eating or drinking near your computer! It is possible to buy special cleaners for computers. Spray the cleaner onto a soft cloth then wipe your computer tower, parts of the keyboard, mouse, monitor etc. Do not use any cleaners on LCD screens, only use a soft damp cloth. You could also carefully vacuum over the keyboard at a time when the computer is not running. Or use a special brush. How to Start your Computer in Safe Mode. Windows - You have an option to press F8 as part of the start up process. As soon as the screen begins to load, keep pressing F8 until the Safe Mode options appears. Whatever your Operating System, you will need to use the Windows Flag Key, TO OPEN the Start Menu, and use the Arrow keys (left, right, up or down) to move through the Menus, and the Enter key on the keyboard to activate your choice from the Start Menu. It may be necessary to use Safe Mode to install a virus repair program. You can also use Safe Mode to Defragment. HAPPY COMPUTING Muriel Tooley Maintain Your P C - V 4.2 September