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Tune Up Your Windows Computer

Info:

  • Level: Beginner
  • Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
  • Length: 25 Minute

Tracks:

Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with the Windows Operating System

Purpose of Class:

This class teaches students the concepts behind tuning up their Windows computers.

Topics Covered:

  • Uninstalling crapware
  • Cleaning up start up programs
  • Updating your software
  • Defragmenting your hard drive
  • Cleaning out dust and dirt from your computer

Class Notes:

  1. Introduction
    1. Mac’s don’t need tune-ups
    2. If in doubt don’t do it!
    3. If you know you have a virus just reinstall the system.
  2. Uninstall Crapware
    1. Crapware – the random software that gets installed on your computer that you have no use for.
    2. Uninstall Toolbars
  3. Clean Out Startup Files
    1. CCleaner – is a great tool to use to help clean up your computer (www.CCleaner.com)
    2. Startup Folder – delete files in the startup folder
    3. Registry – contains settings that start programs when the computer starts up
    4. Don’t Delete Printer or Antivirus Software
    5. Clean Registry –Use CCleaner to clean the registry
    6. Windows Registry has no inbuilt way to clean itself.
  4. Updates
    1. Install Microsoft Update – Microsoft Update allows you to update other Microsoft Programs
    2. Run Windows Update
  5. Run Other Updates
    1. Adobe
    2. Word Perfect / Office Suites
  6. Install Malware Software
    1. Microsoft Defender
    2. Free Antimalware software is better than pay for versions
  7. Install Antivirus Software
    1. Make sure other antivirus software is uninstalled first.
    2. Free AVG or AVAST
    3. Don’t use other free products
  8. Defragment Hard Drive
    1. Defraggler – Use Defraggler to defragment you hard drive (www.Defraggler.com)
  9. Hardware Minimum
    1. Windows XP 1 GB
    2. Windows Vista 2 GB RAM
    3. Windows 7 2 GB RAM


Eli the Computer Guy (437 Posts)

Eli the Computer Guy has 16 years experience in technology being the guy to fix "it". From the Army, to building out new satellite offices for the enterprise, to running his own shop with 9 full time employees Eli has real world experience with almost all systems that technicians will be working with. Eli has 1600 hours of formal technical beyond his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice on technologies ranging from Avaya PBX/ Audix to Microsoft, Red Hat Linux, MySQL, Cisco and much more.


  • http://ThanksforEVERYMANIT charlene

    I use System mechanics to fix problems on my computer, just wanted your opinion of this program…My use Norton 2010, System Mechanic, updated… and SuperSpyware.Can you have too much protection on your computer? I was going to add Microsoft malware, as u can tell I think Im a software junkie, LOL Im just fasinated with this stuff, enjoy your free classes , thank you

  • Kendra

    this was really helpful i really understood everything you were talking about….but i have 2 questions …. how can i tell or where do i look up how much RAM is left on my pc…..and when cleaning the tower are there any percautions i should take to not have static eletricity harm my pc. ok maybe 3 questions will you be offering more saturday classes next year ?

    thanks in advance
    Kendra H

  • Eli the Computer Guy

    You can have too much security software on your computer! If you install 2 pieces of antivirus software on the same computer they may end up thinking that the other one is a virus and end up killing the whole box. (I’ve had clients do this to their own systems). I generally recommend 1 piece of antivirus software, 1 piece of antispyware software and a system cleaner. Currently I like Microsoft Security Essentials, Spybot Search and Destroy and CCleaner. They’re all free and keep systems pretty well protected. I personally hate Norton with a passion. I’ve gotten paid a lot of money fixing problems Norton has created. But some people swear by it…

    Glad you like the site.
    Cheers,
    Eli

  • Eli the Computer Guy

    To see how much RAM you have in your computer:
    -Right Click “My Computer” or “Computer” icon on either your Desktop or in the Start Menu
    -Then Select Properties and the page that shows up will tell you the installed RAM.

    To see how much RAM you ar currently using:
    - Right Click the Task Bar at the Bottom of the screen and Select “Task Manager”
    -Click the “Performance” Tab and there will be a little graph that shows you how much RAM you are using.

    To see how much RAM your computer supports just go to the manufacturers website and they should tell you there.

    As far as Static Electricity goes… the “Don’t Sue Me” answer is that you should use an anti-static wristband that is properly grounded and you should work on an anti-static mat. Personally I just crack cases open whenever and wherever I feel like it and don’t worry about static. Just make sure that the power cord is unplugged and the battery is out if it is a laptop. After you do this push in the power button to dissipate any electricity that has built up in the capacitors, and then you should be good to go.

    And finally… we will be holding more weekend and night classes as the year progresses.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Eli

  • Cheri

    Hi!
    I think your website is amazing!! Due to family illness, working several jobs, etc. I have not yet had much time to devote to your classes. But, things seem to be slowing down now so…watch out ’cause here I come. LOL! I am worse than a kid when it comes to questions but I love to learn and seem always to need something explained or answered to do well.
    I do have a quick (hopefully) couple of questions now, please.
    #1. I am using a laptop that seems to like to highlight everything all the time (except when I want it to…hehe). Is there some way to stop this from happening?
    #2. I seem to have a lot of trouble using the touch-pad….for some reason my fingers don’t seem to work well on it. I have had others try it and they have no problem with the touch-pad at all…in fact, they are surprised when I show them how it will not usually work for me. Is this unusual? Do I need to wear gloves or something? Perhaps there is something that can be adjusted?
    Thank you in advance for any help you can give to me. Looking so forward to taking all of your classes! (Hopefully, that is, because you have so many!) Are there any you would suggest to start with in particular?
    Thank you so very much for all your hard work putting this site together and keeping it so updated for everyone. You are truly an amazing and generous person!
    Tootles…
    Cheri

  • Eli the Computer Guy

    I just use a USB mouse with my laptop. I find it makes my life easier for trying to navigate around.

    Your problems sound like classic problems some people have. You just have to get used to the touch pad, or use a mouse. A $20 USB mouse will do you well.

    Cheers,
    Eli

  • waheed gul

    this is the best website for learners

  • Cody Gauthier

    For fixing the computer when it has a virus is to back up the programs, format the computer, and restore the programs, but if you make a back up of the programs won’t you also back up the virus too?

  • Dharmaraj

    very useful to everyone name of the website already indicate it



















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