Maintaining Your Computer

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

    Use the following table to set up the best maintenance schedule.

Maintenance task Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed

Create an emergency diskette

X

Back up files

X

X

Scan hard drive

X

X

Defragment hard drive

X

X

Check for viruses

X

X

Manage hard drive space

X

Clean computer case

X

Clean keyboard

X

Clean screen

X

Clean mouse

X

Caring for your computer

    Here are ways 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 a carrying case.
Keep diskettes, modular disk drives, 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. 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.
Keep port covers closed (if available on your model) when you are not using them so that the connections remain clean and the pins do not get bent or broken.

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:

    1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

    2. Click/Double-click Add/Remove Programs. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box opens.

    3. Click the Startup Disk tab.

    1. Click Create Disk. A message tells you to label a new diskette and insert it into the diskette drive.

    2. Place a new, labeled diskette into the diskette drive.

    3. Click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette.

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

    5. If you want to write-protect the diskette, which will prevent the diskette from being erased or infected by viruses, slide the tab that is at the top of the diskette to the up position.
    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 program or data file on a computer and then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data, cause computers to malfunction, and display annoying or offensive messages. Some viruses can go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are activated on a certain date or time.

    Protect your computer from a virus by:

Using Norton® AntiVirus to check files and programs that are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet.
Getting all software from reputable sources and checking the software for viruses before installing it.
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.

    The Norton AntiVirus scanning program is located in the Start menu. If you need help using the program, select Help in the menu bar.

    Important

    You should periodically update Norton AntiVirus software to protect against the latest viruses.

    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.
        If the virus cannot be removed or has damaged your files, use Gateway GoBack (available on selected systems) to return your computer to its previous working condition. For more information, see the Gateway GoBack manual.

    Managing hard drive space

      Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive space and keep your hard drive running efficiently.

    Scanning the hard drive for errors

      The ScanDisk utility examines the hard drive for surface errors and file and folder problems. ScanDisk corrects these problems so that Windows and other programs run efficiently.

      If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run ScanDisk once a week. On the other hand, if you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use ScanDisk if you encounter hard drive problems.

    To run ScanDisk:

      1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

      2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.

      3. Click the Tools tab.

      1. Click Check Now. The ScanDisk dialog box opens.

      2. Select the options to use, then click Start. ScanDisk checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes.

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

      4. Click Close.

    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 hard drive to use a file, it must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows hard drive performance.

      The Disk Defragmenter utility organizes the data on the drive so that each file is stored as one unit rather than 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 utility is running, do not use your keyboard or mouse because using them may 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. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

      2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.

      3. Click the Tools tab.

      1. Click Defragment Now.

      2. If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Start or Defragment.
        Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk Defragmenter ask if you want to quit the utility.
      1. Click Yes.

    Using Disk Cleanup

      By deleting unnecessary files from the hard drive you free space. Use the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary Windows files, delete temporary Internet files, empty the Recycle Bin, and delete other files.

    To use Windows Disk Cleanup program:

      1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

      2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens at the General tab.

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

      2. Select 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.

      3. Click OK, then click Yes.

    Checking hard drive space

      In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive space.

    To check hard drive space:

      1. Double-click on the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

      2. Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then select Properties. Drive space information appears.

    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 diskettes, or a writable CD if you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Use diskettes or writable CDs to do partial backups of selected files or folders. Use a backup device such as a CD-R or CD-RW, Zip drive, or other high-capacity backup device 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.

      Gateway GoBack (available on selected models) also provides file recovery features for files that have been lost in the last few days. For more information about restoring files, see the Gateway GoBack manual.

    Using Maintenance Wizard

      The Maintenance Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and ScanDisk and deleting unnecessary files.

    To start the Maintenance Wizard:

      1. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Maintenance Wizard. The Maintenance Wizard dialog box opens.
      1. Select the Maintenance Wizard options that suit your preferences. Remember that your computer must be on during scheduled maintenance tasks.

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

    Cleaning the keyboard

      You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust and lint trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to blow dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension.

      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

      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

      An LCD screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based window cleaners.

      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 cable and modem line 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 your components.

          Your computer is cooled by air drawn in 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 mouse

          If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, then cleaning the mouse will likely improve the mouse accuracy.

        To clean your mouse:

          1. Turn the mouse upside down.

          2. Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise.
          1. Remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.

          1. Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.

          2. Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
          1. Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.