For Beginners
FAQ: Basic Computer Maintanece
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2006
Jun 10, 2006, 02:34

Your computer can quickly become overload with files that are no longer need such as cookies, temporary files, downloaded program files , windows components you don't use programs that you installed but never used or other file information.
All of these files can slow down your system and contribute to problems with your graphics program as it reduces the amount of memory resources available.
It is good practice to regulary use Disk Cleanup to keep your computer in good working order. How frequently you use it depends largely on your own computer usage. If you use the internet daily then you should run Clean up disk weekly if not more often. Less internet usage will decrease the need for maintenence. You can elect several clean up options
The Temporary Internet Files folder contains Web pages stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. Your personalized settings for Web pages will be left intact.
Downloaded Program Files are ActiveX controls and Java applets downloaded automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. They are temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on your hard disk.
The Recycle Bin contains files you have deleted from your computer. These files are not permanently removed until you empty the Recycle Bin.
Programs sometimes store temporary information in a TEMP folder. Before a program closes, it usually deletes this information.
The application debugging information file keeps track of which applications previously ran into critical problems on your system. It is for debugging information only. You can safely delete this file at any time.
You can safely delete temporary files that have not been modified in over a week.
Advanced Options allow you to delete files and programs. Be very cautious in using this option particulary if you plan to delete Windows components.
In most Windows operating systems you can access Disk Cleanup at Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Disk CleanUp. MAC Disk Clean Up tools are found in a similar location. For more information check your computers help files.

Scan Disk can repair file errors. If you are experiencing errors such as files failing to open then run Scan Disk.(For XP - in other OS systems check your help files)
Open My Computer, and then select the local disk you want to check.
On the File menu, click Properties.
On the Tools tab, under Error-checking, click Check Now.
Under Check disk options, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box.

Defragmentation compresses the information on your harddrive, preparing areas where deleted files once were to be overwritten. If you regulary burn to a back up location and delete files from your hard drive, running defrag will help improve your computers performance. Defrag should be run every other month or more if you are a heavy user.
Start> Program Files> Accessories> System Tools > Disk Defragmenter

Other factors affecting computer performance include RAM 256 is the recommended minimum for most graphics programs you really need at least 512 and 1Gb or more is ideal for smooth operation.
If you are using more than 2/3 or your physical space you will also find slowing so an external hard drive or removing some of your files to another source would be a great idea.
Another source to check is the quality of your graphics card. A dedicated graphics card rather than an intergrated card will improve performance.
Ensure you have up to date drivers for all of your hardware ( eg printer, scanner, graphics and video cards: you can do this by checking the manufacturers website)
Having your OS up to date will help too eg having SP2 installed for XP

Regular basic maintence will help your system run smoothly so you can enjoy scrapping!

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