Spyware

Spyware - one of the most common and annoying efficiency killers is spyware. To combat it there are several good low or no cost tools available. Spybot Search and Destroy has a free version and is easy to use.

For Spybot Search and Destroy go to http://www.download.com/ and type in "Spybot Search and Destroy". Follow the instructions.

Often spyware removal programs cannot be run together but should be run at least once a week. If you are a frequent user of the internet, it may be advisable to run them more often. Make sure you update them with each use. They can usually be scheduled to run at a desired time so you do not have to fuss with them all the time. (Just make sure the computer is on at the designated time)

A list of diagnostic tools are available on your computer. To get to the list,

1. Click "Start" (usually at the bottom left of the screen)
2. Choose "help and support" on the right side of the menu, this will open the Help and Support window.
3. Look under the "Pick A Task" category in the right column and select "Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems".

Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup will find unused files and offer to compress or delete them for you. Be carful not to delete anything you may want later.

Disk Defragmenter

Disk Defragmenter moves fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk together saving you space. This utility can also be reached by:

1. Click on the "Start" button
2. Click on Programs
3. Click on Accessories
4. Click on System Tools
5. Click on Disk Defragmenter
6. Select the Drive to Be Defragmented
7. Click on OK

System Restore

System Restore - this will restore to the computer to earlier settings and hopefully get rid of any problems that have recently occurred. It will not cause you to loose recent work. (You might want to check and see that it has been enabled to it is creating a "checkpoint" every day otherwise if something happens you cannot use this tool.)

Chkdsk

Chkdsk will check your hard drive for errors and will tell you if there are any major problems on the hard drive. To run:

1. Click "Start"
2. Click "All Programs"
3. Click "Accessories"
4. Click " Command Prompt"
5. Now type "chkdsk" at the prompt. The computer will do the rest.
6. If there are errors (and it is a campus machine) Call the Helpdesk

There are also other utilities depending on your needs.