Your Investment

Maintaining Your Investment

1. Microsoft Updates

Register your operating system and download all the relevant updates for your operating system to make it more efficient. This can be done in two ways:

i) Click Start->All Programs->Windows Update.
ii) Double click on Internet Explorer and go to Tools->Windows Update.

Either way your computer logs on to the Microsoft website and then you click on Scan for updates and follow the prompts. Download the critical updates. There are also options for other updates which you may choose depending on their relevance to your computer usage.

2. Update the Anti-virus Software

Make sure your Antivirus software is installed and configured to obtain regular automatic updates. This is very important as the repairs for virus infected computers are not covered under warranty.

3. Internet Downloads

Please make sure you read all the instructions before downloading anything from the internet. If you are at all suspicious do not download the contents and consult expert opinion.

4. Drivers

When installing peripherals (printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc) on your computer, always double check the compatibility of the drivers with your existing operating system. It may be of benefit to install the latest drivers for your printers, modem, sound card, video card and other devices.

For example to get the drivers from the Epson web site

i. Open Internet explorer and type www.epson.com.au
ii. Click on Technical support
iii. Click downloads and updates (This takes you to Support services page)
iv. Click on 'Downloads and Updates' again
v. Click 'continue'
vi. Choose your peripheral from the options (eg. Inkjet printers)
vii. Choose the type of printer and Operating system from the pull down menu (eg. Stylus colour 680, Windows XP)
viii. Click on search
ix. Download the file on to your hard disk and install the file once it is downloaded
x. Your printer should work fine with the correct driver

5. Games

Please read instructions carefully before installing games onto your new system, there may be some incompatibilities. If a problem arises after new installation, check the web site of the game manufacturer for any patches that may be available to rectify the problem.

6. Empty the Recycle Bin

Check and empty your recycle bin periodically. Please be aware that once files are deleted from the Recycle Bin they cannot be recovered.

7. Delete .tmp files

Before running Scandisk and Defragmenter, delete all *.tmp files that have been created prior to the current day.

8. Delete files that begin with a tilde

When cleaning the system of garbage files check for any files beginning with a tilde (~). Make sure that all your application programs, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs, are closed first since sometimes the temporary file you are currently viewing uses a tilde. Once you have ensured that the application programs are closed, the tilde files can be deleted.

9. ScanDisk and Defragmentation

Run scandisk and disk defragmenter of your drive once a fortnight or at least once every 30 days depending on the computer usage. You will find these options by clicking Start->All Programs->Accessories->System tools->Disk Defragmenter. Tip: Run the disk defragmenter in the Safe Mode to run it quickly.

10. Adware

Adware is a form of spyware that collects information about the user in order to display advertisements in the Web browser based on the information it collects from the user's browsing patterns. There are programs to prevent and remove adware. We recommend:

# Spybot Search & Destroy ' http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html
# Ad-aware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
We suggest that you download these programs and run them at least every week to remove any adware material that has been downloaded. Update the programs regularly as new adware is released every day. Spyware removal and associated problems are not covered under warranty.

11. Confirm that backups are being done

Do you have a network solution for automatically backing up your files to a server? If not make sure you back up important data either to floppy disks, cds or dvd discs.

12. Check the printers

Print a test page and make sure the printers are producing clean copies. From time to time run the print-head cleaning program to ensure you get the best quality print out. Also print out something at least every month so that the ink does not dry out and block your heads. Make sure to include color and black on your print outs.

13. Reboot the system

If workstations are left on all the time, occasionally reboot the system to force a memory reset and to reduce the possibility of problems.

14. Clean the keyboard

With the power off, tip or turn the keyboard upside down and carefully use the palm of your hand to gently strike the keyboard several times. This will clear dust out of the keyboard.

15. Check the power sources

It is well worthwhile to buy a good surge protector for your system. You should make sure systems are plugged into surge-protected outlets or power strips, if not uninterruptible power supplies. The modem plug will also need a protector to reduce the possibility of lightening damage to your computer.

16. Check the connections

Make sure all the plugs are snug in their connections.