Tips: 13-20
PC usage tipsThere are certain things your users should know when working with delicate PC components. Make sure your users are following these three tips.
1. Use the open/close button when using the CD-ROM drive
Putting a CD into the CD-ROM tray and pushing the tray closed may be easier than pushing the open/close button, but you risk breaking the drive. Although it is a little more work to find the open/close button, you will ensure that the mechanical parts that control the drive tray are not damaged by accidentally pushing the drive tray too hard. In addition, keep the CD-ROM drive closed when not in use. A quick twist of the chair is all it takes for a user to bump the drive tray and render it worthless.
2. Power cycle the computer only when necessary
The computer's power supply is a surprisingly fragile unit, and excessive power cycling can lead to a failed power supply. To keep power supplies working properly, tell your users to refrain from turning the computer off and on as though it were a light switch. Since the computer uses very little power when it is running, it will be much better if they simply leave it on all day long.
3. Shut down Windows before powering off the computer
For those of us who work with computers on a daily basis, it's common knowledge that you should shut down Windows before turning off your computer. However, many users simply turn the power off when they're finished using the computer without shutting down Windows. Let users know that the only time they should turn the power off with Windows still running is when the system is locked up and they have no other choice.
Hard disk maintenance
1. Run ScanDisk often
Users need to know that ScanDisk is not just a utility that automatically runs when a user improperly shuts down Windows. ScanDisk also repairs file system errors, cross-linked files, and other Windows-related problems. In addition, users can use ScanDisk to scan the surface of the hard disk to determine if there are any bad clusters on the disk. If it does find a bad cluster, ScanDisk will mark the cluster and prevent data from being written to it, eliminating problems before they occur.
To ensure the Windows file system is running in top shape, users should run ScanDisk at least once per week on Windows 9x systems. Running the utility will take only a few moments, unless users do the optional surface scan, which can take an hour or more. Users can get to ScanDisk by simply double-clicking My Computer, right-clicking the drive to be scanned, and selecting Properties. From there, they should choose the Tools tab and click the Check Now button.
2. Run Disk Defragmenter at least once per week
Disk Defragmenter will arrange the files on the disk so that they are all stored in contiguous clusters, making file access and system performance much faster. Depending on the size of the disk, defragmenting a drive can take quite a while. However, if you schedule Disk Defragmenter to run when users aren't using their systems, such as at 2:00 or 3:00 A.M., they won't have to wait for the utility to finish.
Internet connection tips
Try these tips to keep hackers out of your network.
1. Use a current antivirus package on the computer
Install a virus-prevention software package such as McAfee VirusScan or Norton AntiVirus. These programs will root out viruses on a system, preventing them from doing any damage. However, installing the antivirus software is only half the battle. You should update the definition files at least once per week. For broadband connections, you can schedule the updates to occur automatically. Other connection types will require user intervention. Regardless of the method used, antivirus software is only as good as the virus-definition files.
2. Protect computers on a small network with a firewall package
For small networks, use a firewall software package such as ZoneAlarm to prevent intruders from accessing your computers. ZoneAlarm is an easy-to-use program that will close many of the doors to systems that broadband connections open up. After installing the software, you can easily configure the program to the level of security that you desire, protecting users from all but the most determined hackers.
3. Unplug the network connection when hacked
If you think a hacker is accessing your computers, the easiest and most secure step you can take is to simply unplug the network connection. No matter how skilled the hacker, unplugging the connection will prevent them from doing anything to your computers.
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Useless and pointless article, heres why;
1) Static straps. What use are they when the average helpdesk guy doesnt know the diff between posidrive and phillips head
2) Surge protectors. How many desktops in the average corporate site?
3) And who is going to give up part of their weekend to go into the office and unplug all computers if a storm develops?
4) Only the newer cases (Lian-Li etc) are designed with airflow in mind. Older systems you are better off removing all covers.
5) Dust on fans. Always happens, always will. The main thing you have to worry about is the fan motor bearings going bung. Nothing will stop this.
6) Power supply fans. Havent felt the back of your PC lately have you? The PSU fan blow hot air OUT. Thermal dynamics and all that. Ever wondered why the PSU was at the top of the machine if its supposed top be drawing in cool air?? Clean the vents on the PSU rather than cleaning the fan.
7) Keyboards. Havent you noticed the large amounts of people who eat at their desks? Its not dust, but food/drink scraps that cause the problem.
8) See above. Not to mention cleaning agents like alcohol tend to remove the lettering from keyboards, which confuses lots of users.
9) Monitors. Again, users. How many of them run their fingers across the monitor top show people things on thge screen. Cleaning would be a daily occurance.
10) Mice. Users use their mousemats as coasters. Sticky drink residue and crumbs are the major culprits.
11) Cleaning PC's. Once again, how many PC's in a corp environment? How amny staff would be required just to keep up with the 3 monthly cleaning?
12) You dont know a lot about CD's either do you?
Never ever use circular motions whilst cleaning a cd, this will cause read errors. Work from inside out, in straight lines, like the spokes on a wheel. Metho does not damage disks, is better than water, and the data is stored on the underside of the layer you phyically write on. This is the side you must not scratch.
13) CD-Rom open close button. Easy to say, hard to do. Bit hard to push the button on the drive when its mounted in a tower, under the desk, and the button is concealed by the drive tray itself.
Try passing this on to the manufacturers.
14) Power cycling. I agree with you but with one exception. What if they are at work when a storm comes into their home area? Do you want them to leave their computer switched on to save the PSU, or have it switched off for when a storm comes in? Not to mention that power cycling is the nly way to get rid of a lot of pesky windows problems. Warm boots dont work.
15) Shutting down windows. Dont know a lot about hardware or software do you? If you did then you would know that Win9x, Win2K and XP all hook into the ATX PSU. Hitting the power button will shut down windows prior to power off (default config for windows). NT4 is an exception.
16) Scandisk. Should only be run weekly if you power off before shutting down (see above) or if you have serious disk errors. Otherwise, once every 3-4 weeks is sufficient.
17) Defrag is only needed when you have been doing a lot of reading/writing/deleting/modifying. If you have only been playing games, surfing the net, or writing your resume, then every 3-4 weeks after a scandisk is all you need.
18) Anti-virus may be essential, but common sense is vital. If you were walking along the street, and a stranger handed you a pill, would you take it? Then why would you open an attachment from someone you dont know?
19) Firewalls are good, but correct configuration is even better.
20) What would cause someone to suspect they were being hacked? Slow network responses? Gee, Windows can do that. Missing files? Windows again. Loss of hard drive space? Windows bloat.
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What a shame that this article was intended for corporations, yet only contains ideas for Joe the home user.