Windows Maintenance
The following are some basic steps in order to keep your Windows computer tuned and running problem-free. If you encounter a problem with your Windows computer that you cannot fix, feel free to call the IT Help Desk at 617.824x8080 and we'll do our best to help you out! Maintenance steps are also available for Macintosh machines.
Run Windows Update and Microsoft Office Update
The first step for any computer is to update the operating system. For Windows, Microsoft uses a web site in order to analyze your computer, select which updates you require, download, and install the updates. Once you click the link below, select 'Yes' to the Windows Update software, click 'Scan for Updates', then follow the rest of the steps on the site.
You should install Critical Updates as well as the optional Custom Updates. Installing Custom Updates can help keep your applications up-to-date and fully functional.
If you use applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, then you should definitely update these applications as well. When you visit the Windows Updates page and notice a giant red circle that reads, "New!" and asks you to "Try Microsoft Updates today," go ahead and click on start.
You must use Internet Explorer to use this service.
You may need to revisit the site multiple times after rebooting your computer.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
If your computer is running Windows, it is very important to make sure you activate Automatic Updates. After doing so, Windows will automatically download all Critical Updates for you. Once they’re ready, a small yellow shield with an exclamation point will appear in your task bar. All you have to do is double-click on the shield and install the updates.
To activate Automatic Updates, go to your Start Menu, open Control Panel and double-click the Automatic Updates icon. Click the circle next to "Automatic" and specify what time of day you would like Windows to download your updates from the web. Again, you can then install them whenever is convenient for you, but remember, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible, and often.
http://rx.emerson.edu
You can remove these files manually but, fortunately, there is a freeware program called CCleaner that does it for you. In case you’re interested in removing them manually, these folders are located in your user profile within "Documents and Settings." Your Cookies are housed in "Documents and Settings"; the temp and temporary Internet files are stored in "Local Settings," which is typically a hidden folder. If the folder is visible, double-click on it to access the files. If not, just add it into the address bar (for example, it will look something like C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings). You can now highlight and delete whatever you want. Obviously, we suggest CCleaner!
http://www.ccleaner.com
You can make this madness stop! Check out the Avoiding and Removing Spyware section!
Run Windows Update and Microsoft Office Update
The first step for any computer is to update the operating system. For Windows, Microsoft uses a web site in order to analyze your computer, select which updates you require, download, and install the updates. Once you click the link below, select 'Yes' to the Windows Update software, click 'Scan for Updates', then follow the rest of the steps on the site.You should install Critical Updates as well as the optional Custom Updates. Installing Custom Updates can help keep your applications up-to-date and fully functional.
If you use applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, then you should definitely update these applications as well. When you visit the Windows Updates page and notice a giant red circle that reads, "New!" and asks you to "Try Microsoft Updates today," go ahead and click on start.
You must use Internet Explorer to use this service.
You may need to revisit the site multiple times after rebooting your computer.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Activate Automatic Updates
To activate Automatic Updates, go to your Start Menu, open Control Panel and double-click the Automatic Updates icon. Click the circle next to "Automatic" and specify what time of day you would like Windows to download your updates from the web. Again, you can then install them whenever is convenient for you, but remember, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible, and often.
Install Norton Anti-Virus
If you live or work on-campus with your computer and have a valid ECnet account, you can install a free copy of Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition. If the computer you are using right now is connected to the Emerson College Network (ECmobile included), visit the RX site to install Norton. Please uninstall any old anti-virus software before installing Norton. Multiple anti-virus programs often conflict and can damage your system. You must use Internet Explorer to install Norton Anti-Virus on a Windows machine. You also may need to restart your computer after the installation is complete.http://rx.emerson.edu
Delete Cookies, Temp, and Temporary Internet Files
While casually surfing the web, you will accumulate a wealth of cookies, temp files, and temporary Internet files. These files are not necessarily dangerous to your system, but can ultimately slow down the functionality of your computer if you let them pile up. Also, it is important to keep in mind that spyware and adware, even viruses, like to hang out in these folders, so it’s a good idea to clear them out as frequently as you can.You can remove these files manually but, fortunately, there is a freeware program called CCleaner that does it for you. In case you’re interested in removing them manually, these folders are located in your user profile within "Documents and Settings." Your Cookies are housed in "Documents and Settings"; the temp and temporary Internet files are stored in "Local Settings," which is typically a hidden folder. If the folder is visible, double-click on it to access the files. If not, just add it into the address bar (for example, it will look something like C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings). You can now highlight and delete whatever you want. Obviously, we suggest CCleaner!
http://www.ccleaner.com
Spyware Removal
Has your computer been running slower than usual? Pop-up windows clutter your screen with no end in sight? You may have what is referred to as "Spyware" or "Adware". These are programs that hijack your computer and do many activities like force advertisements, hijack your computer's processing power for commercial profit, and send information about you such as personal information, Internet usage, and credit card information to the highest bidder.You can make this madness stop! Check out the Avoiding and Removing Spyware section!
