New Mexico Broadband Program Selecting and Maintaining a Computer

1. New Mexico Broadband ProgramSelecting and Maintaining a Computer Module 3 Using and updating security software Updating the operating system Cleaning your files Backing up your computer

2. Learning Outcomes Know how to install and use anti-virus software Know how to update operating and security software Know how to maintain clean file systems

3. Maintaining your computer Like anything else, your computer needs upkeep and care in order to be able to keep operating at peak capacity.

4. Your computer can also be compromised by threats to which it is exposed when it is connected to the Internet.

5. Computer viruses are the most common threat. They can destroy all your files and damage your operating system.

6. In order to keep your computer safe from viruses and other hazards, your will need to install anti-virus software.

7. Anti-virus programs detect threats coming in to your computer, isolate them, and prevent them from damaging your computer files or programs.

8. Anti-virus software Microsoft offers a free antivirus program called Security Essentials. Read a review: http://download.cnet.com/Microsoft-Security-Essentials/3000-2239_4-10969260.html Download: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

9. To access this program on your computer, open the castle icon on the right side of your taskbar. This icon may be green or red, and will have a flag on the top. Other security software may have a flag or a shield as an icon.

10. Opening the security program will take you to the Security Status home tab similar to this page from Security Essentials.

11. One of the most important elements to notice about your security program is whether on not it is up to date.

12. If you don’t have a computer with Microsoft Security Essentials already installed, you can find out what system is on your computer and update it. Access this through the Control Panel on the Start button.

13. One of the groups of settings shown will be “System and Security.”

14. Opening this group of settings will allow you to explore and update whatever security system is on your computer.

15. Programs like Microsoft Security Essentials protect against computer viruses and other types of threats known as spyware.

16. In addition to anti-virus and anti-spyware software, you will need to protect against other threats called malware. One of the best anti-malware programs available is Malwarebytes.

17. You can download a free version of Malwarebytes by going to www.malwarebytes.org and clicking on the “Download Free Version” button. You can also read a review and watch a video about this software at cnet reviews: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

18. Updating the systems on your computer is also an essential part of keeping the system running efficiently and making sure you receive all the newest protection. Updating should always include updates to your operating system, Windows.

19. To update Windows, you must first open Internet Explorer. Select this program from your taskbar or from the Start menu.

20. When IE opens, find the “Safety” or “Tools” tab on the right hand side of the top toolbar.

21. In one of these tabs, you will find a link for “Windows Update.” Click on this link to go to the update screen.

22. The updates screen will show you whether you need to update Windows.

23. Installing anti-virus software and keeping this and your operating system updated is still not enough to keep your computer running well.

24. Computer systems get “dirty” from the many remnants of the work they do, the tools they use, the files they create, and the sites they open.

25. Keeping your computer clean will also help make it run efficiently and smoothly.

26. To begin the cleaning process, open Internet Explorer, click on the “Tools” tab in the top toolbar, and scroll down to “Internet Options.”

27. Under the “General” tab, the second option allows you to “Delete” Browsing History. Click on the “Delete” button.

28. The “Delete Browsing History” menu offers several choices of items to delete.

29. Checking everything will delete unnecessary files and copies of websites stored on your computer.

30. “Backing up” means creating a duplicate copy of the files on your computer.

31. Backup documents and files that you have generated. Those files can represent your work, your photos, your music, or your budget.

32. Decide how often you wish to perform a backup and create a schedule.

33. After you have performed a backup, you should store the backup file in a safe place.

34. Review • Using and updating Security software • Updating the operating system • Cleaning out extra files and websites • Backing up your computer

35. We appreciate the time you spent with us.We hope to see you at the next training! These materials were created collaboratively by the New Mexico Department of Information Technology, Fast Forward New Mexico, and the New Mexico State Library, under grants provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. These materials are not to be used for profit. Connecting you to a world of opportunities