1 of 2 By observing the guidelines below and performing regular maintenance on your computer, you can help keep your computer safe and maintain optimum performance levels. When it’s time to upgrade your system, you can recycle your computer and pass it on to someone else. 1.Use Windows Update Get the latest updates for your computer operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and then provides you with a list of updates tailored to your system. Use Automatic Updates to make sure you receive critical updates automatically. To do this, go to Windows Update and click Turn on Automatic Updates. 2.Install IT updates promptly When corporate IT (Information Technology) sends notification about company-specific software updates, install the updates promptly. This ensures that your system runs at peak efficiency. If you don’t install updates, you expose the company to potential virus risks and other security issues. In some cases, not installing an IT update can result in inability to connect to the corporate network. 3.Use Disk Cleanup Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches your drive and shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that can be safely deleted. Disk Cleanup is available at Start>All Programs>Accessories> System Tools. IT recommends using Disk Cleanup if your computer is running slow. 4.Use Disk Defragmenter The Defragmenter consolidates used portions of your hard disk, eliminating “blank” sections that cannot be accessed. As a result, your system gains quicker access to files and folders and saves new ones more efficiently. Find Disk Defragmenter at Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools. IT recommends using Disk Defragmenter if your computer is running slow. 5.Repair disk errors Use the Windows error-checking tool to find and repair file system errors as well as to recover bad sectors on your hard disk. This procedure helps improve system performance. You can access the error-checker by selecting the disk you want to check (for example, your C: drive) and then going to File>Properties>Tools> Check Now. Microsoft IT recommends using the error-checker if your computer is running slow or if it is exhibiting unusual behavior. This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. © 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

2 of 2 7.Don’t download from untrusted sources Do not install programs from the Internet unless you are familiar with the source. This includes Freeware and Shareware, which are at high risk for containing vulnerable code. Installing software from untrusted sources can compromise your system and put other computers on the corporate network at risk. 8.Don’t install different software versions Don’t install versions of software at work that are not officially recommended. For instance, even if you are accustomed to a previous version of PowerPoint, don’t install it at work. With other employees using the latest version, the differences could interfere with the work flow. 10.Use System Restore to undo changes System Restore is a Windows tool that restores your computer to a previous state without losing personal data files (such as Word documents, browsing history, Internet Explorer favorites, or ). It automatically creates restore points for your computer in the event of system problems. Go to Start>All Programs>Accessories> System Tools. 11.Conserve power Use Windows Power Options to reduce the power consumption of your computer. By reducing power consumption, you can extend the life of your computer. Learn how to put your computer on standby, and review other power options, at Start>Control Panel> Power Options. Remember to use a screen saver with a password for when your system returns from standby. (See Best Practice #9.) Use a screen saver password Use a screen saver when you leave your computer, and set it up to require a password when you return. This protects data on your system when you are gone, and extends the life of your monitor. To activate this, go to Start>Control Panel> Display. After choosing a screen saver, select the On resume, password protect check box Don’t install unlicensed programs Make sure you or the company has a license to use any third-party software installed on your computer. It is illegal to use a software program without a license. Be careful about using private software bought for home use, which may not allow for use in the office. This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. © 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.