Module 2.4 Computer management 1

Contents Initial maintenance Setting up accounts Configuring the desktop Security settings Ongoing maintenance Adding and removing software and hardwareAdding and removing software and hardware Other housekeeping tasks Glossary 2

Initial maintenance 3

Setting up accounts User account Users are assigned their own profiles:  what folders they have access to  what changes they can make to the settings of the computer. 4

Setting up accounts Administrator account allows the administrator to perform tasks that other users may not be able to do, such as change security settings and install software and hardware 5

Configuring the desktop The Control Panel provides us with a number of options to change desktop settings as well as the screen resolution. Right-click on the desktop - pop-up menu - options for customising the desktop. 6

Configuring the desktop 7 Windows will automatically try to set the best settings for you. The resolution of the monitor The resolution The refresh rate A refresh rate of at least 75 Hertz is recommended. The so-called colour depth which refers the number of different colours that a pixel can be set to.

Security settings Firewalls Software that allows you to control which programs can access the Internet – and tries to hide your computer from the others ‘out there’ NB: updated anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-adware software NB: updated anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-adware software 8

Ongoing maintenance Desktop management remove seldom-used icons and shortcuts File & folder management refine & maintain folder structure meaningful names delete files no longer needed empty the Recycle Bin Move seldom used files into compressed file Disk Cleanup removing temp files - Internet deleted files - Recycle Bin temp files – Windows components - Windows not used installed programs no longer /seldom used 9

Ongoing maintenance Backup copies of original installation disks general housekeeping activities done only backup files that were modified since last backup flash disks not used for backup Updates -why to add new featuresto fix ‘bugs’ to deal with new threats Updates – what Anti-virus and anti- spyware software Firewalls do not have to be updated Operating system – crucial updates 10

Adding and removing software and hardware Installing software You are guided through the process by an installation wizard Agreeing to the licence agreement Inputting a product key or activation code Choosing the folder where the program should be installed Choosing the type of installation you want Installing other extras Checking for updates Registering onlineAdding shortcuts Running the program, or taking an online ‘tour’ of the program 11

Adding and removing software and hardware Uninstalling software You cannot simply delete the folder in which the program is located. The uninstall utility program ensures that the program and its associated components are removed correctly 12

Adding and removing software and hardware Adding new hardware Plug-and-play Drivers the technology whereby devices that are added or connected to a PC are automatically ‘detected’ and the PC is configured to use them 13

Other housekeeping tasks Disk defragmentation A disk defragmenter is a tool that reorganises the parts of files and speeds your computer up again. 14 Defragmentation does not free up disk space. It simply re-arranges the files’ parts so they are quicker to load from the disk

Other housekeeping tasks Archiving Archiving refers to storing files that are static (not going to be changed), usually onto a secondary system or onto a DVD. 15

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Glossary Administrator account ArchivingDisk cleanup Disk defragmenta- tion Disk fragmentation Drivers Firewall Installation wizard Plug-and-play WinZip 17