How NOT to Crash your Computer By: Taylor Helsper
Introduction Basic Computer Information Common Issues Conclusion Questions
What is this lecture? ◦ Part of a CSE 4000 Independent Study Course ◦ “Practical Issues in Software Engineering” What’s the point? ◦ To provide practical information to MSU students in computer topics Note: The products presented in this presentation are merely examples and there are many alternatives that would also work.
Introduction Basic Computer Information Common Issues Conclusion Questions
3 Main Parts ◦ Hard Drive ◦ Memory (RAM) ◦ Processor The ‘Motherboard’ links them all together
Hard Disk Drive ◦ “Long Term Memory” ◦ Where files are saved ◦ Programs are installed ◦ Measured in Gigabytes (GB) and Terabytes (TB)
Memory (RAM) ◦ “Short Term Memory” ◦ Stores files being used ◦ Measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB)
Processor ◦ “Brains” ◦ Performs all operations ◦ Speed measured in Hertz, mostly Gigahertz (GHz)
Introduction Basic Computer Information Common Issues Conclusion Questions
Virus Protection Defragment the Hard Disk Drive Add Memory
Prevents viruses Many Choices (Free) ◦ AVG ◦ Microsoft Security Essentials ◦ Sophos Stay up to date! content/uploads/2010/12/microsoft-security-essentials.jpg
Run Virus Scan ◦ Click on Tray Icon ◦ Click “Scan Now” content/uploads/2010/12/microsoft-security-essentials.jpg
Video Tutorials on How to ◦ Download ◦ Install ◦ Upgrade ◦
Defragging moves related files so they are close together Makes reading them faster
How to defragment ◦ Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter ◦ Choose your Hard Drive with Windows ( C: ) ◦ Click Defragment
Upgrades “Short Term Memory” Easy to install in a desktop, not on laptop Do research, get the correct type! 2+ GB Recommended
Any Brand ◦ ATI / AMD ◦ NVIDEA 256+ MB Memory Direct X 9.0+ Based on recommended settings for Photoshop / CAD Programs used
Issues? ◦ Update the driver No issues? ◦ Don’t break it
Move Files to External Hard Drive Uninstall Junk Stay Organized Run ‘Disk Cleanup’ Clipart
Same as a HUGE thumbdrive Inexpensive ($50 - $100) Connect with USB Search on newegg.com dels/img2/300/wdfElements_BAAU.jpg
Remove programs you do not use ◦ Search through start menu ◦ Uninstall Start -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a program ◦ You can sort by size AAAAAAAAAVs/VtT7cOkml3M/s1600/trash%2Bcan.jpg
Deletes ◦ Temporary Files ◦ Recycle Bin Files Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup Pick C: Drive …
There are many good alternatives Antivirus ◦ Sophos is supported by MSU ITS Spyware Removal ◦ Sophos ITS Website: Tutorials
Two Popular Brands ◦ AMD ◦ Intel Brand does not matter Pay attention to ◦ Speed (GHz) ◦ Number of Cores (1,2,4) Look at recommendations for your programs Note: AMD and Intel speeds are measures different, so you cannot compare between brands.
Short Answer ◦ No Long Answer ◦ Only if you are running extremely low on hard drive space
It’s hard to tell If you notice anything wrong ◦ Run a virus / spyware scan ◦ Defrag your Hard Drive Make schedules
Two possibilities ◦ Your have a regular virus Fix by updating your virus software or virus definitions Run a virus scan ◦ You have a virus that acts like virus software It asks you to buy and download their software to remove it DON’T DO IT! Update your real virus software and run a scan clipart
Most files are important Only delete your own files Remove programs by going to Start-> Control Panel-> Uninstall a program
Microsoft Internet Explorer There are many browser options. These are three popular choices.
Update your Operating System ◦ Windows ◦ Linux ◦ Mac Keep virus protection up to date
Keep them in one place ◦ My Documents ◦ Thumbdrive ◦ External Hard Drive Name folders well Make Backups! clipart
Example Using Microsoft Security Essentials ◦ Open Program (Click Tray Icon) ◦ Choose Custom Scan ◦ Click Scan Now ◦ Check the box next to your thumbdrive ◦ Click OK
See recommendations by MSU ITS Make sure to install updates If it runs Windows ◦ Use it apple.com/macbookpro
Delete Trash / SPAM Outlook ◦ Downloads s to your computer Compress Folders
It tells you what your computer is running Control + Alt + Delete -> Start Task Manager Check for processes that are running at a high percent
Get Information from Task Manager Restart Run Virus Scan Defrag
Hard Drives can crash! Keep your files backed up If you think your hard drive might be going bad, try this: ◦ ◦ Download and run the diagnostic program for the maker of your Hard Drive ◦ Or, ask someone for help content/uploads/2009/09/hard_drive_crash.jpg
Virus Protection Backup Files Ask for Help
Information came from my general knowledge due to experience and classes here at MSU. All images used have the appropriate links below them or came from Microsoft Clip Art.