Windows Best Practices

Does your Windows computer work as well as it did when it was new? If not, here are some things you can do to get it running smoothly and securely again:

Update Windows and Office

  1. Go to the Start menu and choose All Programs.
  2. Select Windows Update or Microsoft Update from the Tools menu.
  3. Follow the instructions on the Windows Update web site.

 

Archive and Delete Files


Make more room on your hard drive by routinely archiving files you don’t need now but may wish to access in the future. Burn them to a CD or DVD, or copy them to an external drive (firewire, USB, etc.). Before you delete the files from your hard drive, view them in the new location to make sure they transferred okay.
 

Remove Unnecessary Applications


Applications you don’t use waste valuable space on your hard drive and can slow performance. Some software comes with un-installers. Follow the vendor’s advice on removal. You can also remove programs through the Add/Remove Programs control panel.

 

Reduce Spam E-mail


Are advertisements and solicitations cluttering up your Inbox? You can significantly reduce annoying (and sometimes
malicious) spam mail by setting your e-mail program’s spam filter to block unwanted messages. To avoid attracting more spam in the future, do not enter your e-mail address when filling out a form unless the form specifically states you will not be sent e-mails. And be sure to decline invitations to receive promotional offers.

 

Defragment the Hard Drive


Programs on Windows machines tend to become fragmented. That is, parts are stored in different places throughout the hard drive. Routinely running your computer’s disk defragmenting utility helps keep the different parts of each file together so the computer can access data faster. Machines with Windows Vista automatically run the defragmentation process at a time when your computer is not likely to be in use. You can modify the default schedule if you wish. All other Windows users should defragment their hard drives manually. You will find instructions on the ITS Help Desk web site.

 

Delete Temporary Web Browser Files


Your web browser stores many temporary files while you are using the Internet. These can build up and cause problems, such as the inability to access certain secure sites. You can help prevent this buildup by regularly deleting your browser’s
cookies and temporary Internet files. You will find instructions on the ITS Help Desk Support web site.

 

Upgrade the Memory


Adding random access memory (RAM) and/or a faster hard drive can improve system performance and usually costs less than buying a new machine.

 

Practice Safe Computing


Protect your system with antivirus software that you keep updated to catch new or evolving threats. Also, routinely scan your hard drive for malware (spyware and adware) with malware removal tools, and keep these updated as well. For more information on safe computing, visit the ITS Help Desk Security web site: http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/security/

 

Reduce Background Applications


Many new computers come loaded with extra applications that start up automatically and run in the background. Some examples are help applications, messaging tools, search tools, and add-on features for hardware (cameras, scanners, printers, etc.). In Windows XP or Vista, run msconfig, click the Startup tab, and uncheck the boxes for the programs you don’t want to run on startup.

 

Still Having Problems?


If you have tried the suggestions listed here and your computer is still not running as smoothly as you would like, your hard drive may need to be reformatted, or the hard drive or a memory module may be failing, or your system may be incompatible with some new software you have installed. ITS Help Desk staff can work with you to isolate the source of your problem. We also offer a free reformatting service at 2800 University Capitol Centre.


Where to Go for Help


For how-to’s and troubleshooting information, go to the Microsoft support web page: http://support.microsoft.com/ Select a product, search the Knowledge Base, or visit one of the Solution Centers.

For a listing of local computer service providers, along with more best practices and other useful information, visit the ITS Help Desk Support site:  http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/support/

For help with troubleshooting, call the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-HELP (4357), send e-mail to its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu,
or visit us on the web: http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/

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