Empty Recycle Bin
1) If you're sure you don't need any files located in your recycle bin, right click on it and choose Empty Recycle Bin (Bin is located on your desktop)
Clean Temporary Internet Files & Cookies
1) While in Internet Explorer, go to TOOLS...INTERNET OPTIONS.
2) Click on...Delete Cookies and then click OK. After this is complete, click on Delete Files and then click ok.
3) NOTE: Deleting Files may take a while. Your mouse pointer will become and hourglass until the process is completed. Do not try to use your PC while this is happening
Update Anti-Virus Definitions (Norton, McAfee, etc.)
1) While connected to the internet, make sure to update your antivirus software. Even though you buy and install anti-virus software, this doesn˙≠t mean you are protected from the latest viruses. New viruses come out every day, and your antivirus software company posts the latest virus definitions on their web site for download. In order to download these definitions, most anti-virus software packages have a download application which enables you to simply click a download button and receive the necessary updates
2) Norton Anti-virus (NAV): To download the latest updates for NAV, click on your Start Menu | Programs | Symantec, and look for and internet update icon. Click the icon and follow the directions.
3) McAfee & other software packages: There should be an update feature similar to that of NAV's (described above).
Run Windows Update
1) While connected to the internet, click on the Windows Update icon located off of your Start Menu. This will take you to Microsoft's Update web site
2) Click the Scan for Updates link (This will cross reference your PC˙≠s current status with Microsoft˙≠s list of known updates and inform you of the updates you need)
3) The updates will be based on three categories: (1) Critical updates; (2) Windows updates, and; (3) Driver updates (categories are highlighted in red in the below image on the left hand side).
-If critical updates are available, they will be pre-selected and installed after you choose Review and Install updates.
-If windows updates are available, you must scroll through the list and add each individual update (as shown below), then click the Review and Install updates start the download.
- If driver updates are available, DO NOT add or install them. Driver updates have the potential to change video and network settings, which can impair your computer operation.
Note: You can add both critical and windows updates at the same time by clicking on the categories listed on the left below before moving on to the Review and Install updates link.
Disk Defragmentation
Note: Perform all previous maintenance functions (above) before doing a disk defrag in order to optimize performance.
1) Double click on the My Computer icon on your desktop.
2) Right click on your C Drive and choose Properties
3) The following window will appear.
Click on the Tools tab located on at the top of the window and then click the Defragment Now button which will open a defrag utility.
4) Click on the Defragment button
5) Restart your computer
Note: You need to be an administrator of your computer in order to run this operation. If you own your home computer, chances are you have these rights already.
Note: Do not use your computer while this operation is being performed. Also, if you are running this for the first time or haven˙≠t run it in a while, it could take as long as 45 minutes or longer to finish. Your PC will perform extremely slow during this process.