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Computer Help for Seniors (and Other Newbies)
Housekeeping
How to Keep Your Computer Cleaned Up On a Regular Basis
This information is provided for the beginning computer user to become more familiar with the operations of the computer and make use of the utilities provided with Windows.
The areas to be described include:
- Recycle bin
- Cookies
- Temporary Internet files
- Cache
- Scandisk
- Defrag
- Creating the desktop folder to put shortcuts to these items
First I will describe each area, what it is, why and how it should be cleaned and where to find it.
Second, I will describe in detail how to create a folder on the desktop to provide quick access to these areas and act as a reminder to do these cleanups on a regular basis.
Preliminary: You should understand a little about files, folders and file management using My Computer or Windows Explorer. If you are unfamiliar with these areas, check out the instruction sections dealing with these subjects.
How to Keep Your Computer Cleaned Up On a Regular Basis
Sometimes It is Difficult to Run Disk Defragmenter Normally
Run Disk Defragmenter In Windows "Safe" Mode
Restart your computer.
While your computer restarts, press and hold the F8 key until the Windows Startup menu is displayed (Some people just press F8 repeatedly instead of press and hold).
Select the Safe Mode menu option, and then press the Enter key.
Windows will start in Safe mode and only load programs critical for the system's operating.
Simply run the Disk Defragmenter as you would normally and all should go well.
If this does not result in Windows opening in "Safe" Mode, press CTRL instead of the F8 key on boot up.
Delete Unused Programs
1. Click Start>>Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs - the list of installed programs will populate.
2. Scroll through the list and click a program you don't use. The entry will expand.
3. Click Change/Remove - follow the prompts to remove the program.
4. Repeat for each program you want to delete - you may need to reboot your computer.
If you cannot find some programs in the list download MyUninstaller
MyUninstaller is an alternative utility to the standard Add/Remove applet of Windows operating system. It displays the list of all installed application, and allows you to uninstall an application, delete an uninstall entry, and save the list of all installed applications into a text file or HTML file.
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool
It removes unused files from your system. It also deletes unused programs like the above. Click on the logo below.
Create New Folders On The Menu.
- In My Computer, go to C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu Programs.
- Create a new folder by right-clicking in an empty area of the window.
- Select New>>Folder. Name the folder.
- Use the new folder to group programs together
- Drag and drop programs into the new folder (these are only shortcuts, moving them won’t affect the program.
- Backup
- Disk cleanup
- Disk defragmenter
- Add or remove programs
- System configuration tool
Restore Your computer's Performance With Windows XP
Windows XP includes tools to clean your computer and restore its performance. This article from Microsoft covers:
Click on the logo below.
Backup The Valuable Files on Your Computer - FREE! - With a Detailed Tutorial
Windows XP Backup Made Easy
The Best Computer Tips and Tricks: 142 Great Shortcuts to Speed Up Your PC
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