Maintaining Your Computer

    This chapter provides basic information about maintaining your computer hardware and software.

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.
Never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.
Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The case can become very 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.
Set up a regular maintenance schedule following the table below to keep your computer running at its best.

Maintenance task Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed

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 screen

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. Place 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 Create an MS-DOS startup disk, then click Start. A message warns you that any information on the diskette will be erased.

    1. Click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette. A message tells you formatting is complete.

    2. Click OK, then remove the diskette from the diskette drive.

    3. To prevent the diskette from being erased or infected by viruses, you should write-protect it by sliding the write-protect tab up.
    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 your 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 your 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 2002. Norton AntiVirus opens.
      1. Click Scan for Viruses.
      1. Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan area, then under Actions, click Scan.

         

    To remove a virus:

      1. Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus.

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

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

         

    To update Norton AntiVirus:

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

      2. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus program with the latest virus protection files.
        An Internet connection is required.
      1. When the program has finished, click Finish.

         

    Managing hard drive space

    Checking hard drive space

    To check hard drive space:

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

         

      Help and Support

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

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

      Using Disk Cleanup

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

      To use the Windows Disk Cleanup program:

        1. In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer.
          - OR -
          In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon.
        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.

        1. Click the check box beside each file type you want to delete. For more information about file types you can delete, read the descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.

        2. 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 that 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.
            - OR -
            In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon.

          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.

          2. Click the Tools tab.

          1. Click Check Now.

          2. Click the options to use, then click Start. For help, press F1. Windows checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes.

          1. Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions. After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found.

          2. 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 the 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 that 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.
              - OR -
              In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon.

            1. Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, for example Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.

            2. Click the Tools tab.
            1. Click Defragment Now.
            1. If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Start or Defragment.
              Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
            1. Click Close or Yes.

               

            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 or DVD or to diskettes. Use a backup device, such as a recordable CD or DVD 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 our Web site at www.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 Add Scheduled Task. The Scheduled Task Wizard window opens.
                1. Click Next, then click the task you want to schedule and follow the on-screen instructions to customize the task.

                Important

                Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks.

                     

                  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
                  Window cleaner (not for use on flat panel displays)
                  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 the computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.

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

                      Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the 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 the 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 the 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 the computer and turn the unit 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 screen

                      If your computer screen is a flat panel display, use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.

                      Caution

                      A flat panel display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based window cleaners.

                        - OR -

                        If your computer screen is not a flat panel display, use a soft cloth and window cleaner to clean the monitor screen. Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.