HOW TO: Updating, Optimizing, and Cleaning computer and operating system

Updating, Optimizing, and Cleaning computer and operating system

INSTALL WINDOWS UPDATES

Microsoft releases critical updates on a monthly basis. If your system hasn’t been online in a while, it’s likely that you are missing a few. This is the easiest way to fall victim to a virus attack so make sure you don’t skip this step.

CHECK FOR UPDATES

  1. Launch Internet Explorer (Must use this browser).
  2. Go to Tools -> Windows Updates.
  3. Choose Express for the simplest install.
  4. Install ALL critical and High-priority updates.
  5. Reboot system if prompted at end of install (important).

SCAN YOUR SYSTEM FOR VIRUSES

Worst way to start a semester is with a virus...so make sure that’s not the case! If you don’t have Trend-Micro or you have an Anti-Virus that isn’t updating, see our Solution Guide for instructions on installing Trend-Micro.

SCAN YOUR SYSTEM

  1. Right click on the blue globe in the bottom right corner of your task tray.
  2. Choose OfficeScan Console.
  3. Click on All Fixed Drives.
  4. Click on Scan
  5. If a virus is detected, let it do the default action requested.

SCAN YOUR SYSTEM FOR SPYWARE

It is also good to complement with some alternative Anti-Spyware products such as:

CLEAN UP INTERNET CACHE

Temporary Internet Files can consists of malicious files that pose a danger to your system. It’s good practice to clean browser cache out on a regular basis to avoid possible problems. Here’s the steps to do that in IE and Firefox:

Clean Up Internet Explorer

  1. Go to Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup.
  2. Make sure Temporary Internet Files is checked.
  3. You can optionally select other items such as Recycyle Bin if you like.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Answer Yes to question to confirm deletion.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Launch Firefox.
  2. Go to Tools -> Options.
  3. Click on Privacy.
  4. Click on Clear Cache Now.

 

 


Article ID: 452
Created: September 13, 2016
Last Updated: May 16, 2023
Author: Christopher Nixon

Online URL: https://hdkb.clemson.edu/phpkb/article.php?id=452