Note: This information refers to Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. For help with other operating systems, refer to your system documentation or Help files.

Remember…. A-B-C-D

A - Antivirus / Antispyware
B - Backup
C - Clean Up
D - Defragment

Antivirus/Antispyware Software

• Install and run one reliable antivirus program. You can get integrated security packages which also include antispyware features.
• Uninstall your old antivirus software if you are installing another.
• Keep your virus/spyware definitions up to date.
• If you don't have an antivirus, use Sophos as a UQ current student.

Backup Your Data

• Always save copies of your important files to more than one location, for example, to one or more USB devices or to your UQ student data storage space (H:\ drive) when you are working at a UQ library.
• Your free student data storage space (H:\ drive on UQ library workstations) can be accessed off campus through the myFiles link on the left-hand side of your my.UQ homepage.
• For more information on backing up your data and saving files, refer to Computing Tips.

Clean Up

Clean out temporary Internet files and cookies

Clean out temporary Internet files and cookies on a regular basis to free up valuable hard drive space on your computer. This can be achieved in a couple of ways, but the easiest way is through your browser:

• Internet Explorer
  • On your menu, click Tools, select Internet Options from the drop-down menu, then click the General tab.
  • Click on the "Delete" button in the section "Browsing History" (shown below).
    
  • In the Browsing History window, choose individual options or, if you wish, select the "Delete all" button (shown below).
    
    
• Mozilla Firefox
  • On your menu, click Tools, then select Clear Private Data, tick some or all of the check boxes, and press "Clear Private Data Now" button (shown below).
    

Clean up your hard disk drive using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard drive. Disk Cleanup searches your drive, and then shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files.

To open Disk Cleanup, click Start, point to Programs - Accessories - System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup.

Defragment Your Hard Drive

Disk Defragmenter

Fragmentation refers to the scattering of parts of the same disk file over different areas of the disk. Fragmentation occurs as files on a disk are deleted and new files are added. Fragmentation slows disk access, thus the more fragmented the volume is, the poorer your computer's performance will be.

Disk Defragmenter is a system utility for analyzing local volumes and locating and consolidating fragmented files and folders. As a result, your system can access files and folders and save new ones more efficiently.

Perform Disk Defragmentation as the LAST step of your PC maintenance routine

Disk Defragmenter can be accessed in several ways, including:

• Start Menu - Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter (shown below).
  
• Computer Management console - Right-click on My Computer, select Manage to open the console, then choose Disk Defragmenter in the Storage category (shown below).
  

Select the Disk Drive that you wish to defragment, then click "Defragment".

How Often?

Depending how often you use your computer, it's wise to back up, clean up, and defragment every couple of weeks, as well as update your antispyware software definitions. Normally when you install an antivirus program, it is configured to automatically download new definitions when you connect to the Internet.

Contact your friendly Ask I.T. Help Desk officer if you have any questions about looking after your computer.