McCombs School of Business
Tech Prep

 

 

MPA Technology@McCombs 


Folio 3

Approximate Time: 10-15 minutes
There are 3 sections to this folio.
 

Before Continuing

1. It is recommended you use a high-speed internet connection to view these videos.  Otherwise, please be patient as they load.

2. It is recommended that you turn on your computer speakers or plug in earphones to listen to the videos.

 

Action Items

1. Schedule regular appointments on your calendar for performing computer maintenance.  These are best done when you will not work on your computer.

2. Schedule regular appointments on your calendar for backing up important files.  Or consider saving your important files in the cloud.

 

 

1. Maintaining Your Laptop

These videos cover practices and tools for maintaining your computer.

 
1. Best Practices for Computer Maintenance  

 

For Windows 7 and Windows Vista

2. Disk Cleanup Utility
(for Windows 7 and Windows Vista)		 3. Disk Defragmenter Utility
(for Windows 7 and Windows Vista)

 

For Windows XP

2. Disk Cleanup Utility
(for Windows XP)		 3. Disk Defragmenter Utility
(for Windows XP)


Getting to Disk Cleanup

  • In Windows 7 and Windows Vista : Go to the Windows Button, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Cleanup
  • In Windows XP : Go to the Start menu, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Cleanup


Getting to Disk Defragmenter

  • In Windows 7 and Windows Vista : Go to the Windows Button, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter
  • In Windows XP : Go to the Start menu, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter

 

2. Backing Up Files

Backing up is an important practice to perform on a regular basis.  Below is a video giving an overview of backing up, a list of tools that may be helpful in automating some of the process, and a summary of different locations where you can back up.

Overview of
Backing Up

 

Tools to Help Automate Backing Up

  1. Microsoft's SyncToy - This free tool from Microsoft is helpful for those backing up to a USB thumb drive or external hard drive.

  2. List of 5 Helpful Back Up Tools - Some of these may be for sale while others are free to use.  Check each tools' website for more information.

 

Note: UT's WebSpace will be available after you register for classes, and McCombs MySite will be available after the semester begins.  If you try to login prior to those times, you may receive an error.

Summary of Back Up Locations

Location
& Size		 Advantages Disadvantages Other Uses
McCombs MySite

100 MB
  • Free
  • In the cloud
  • Small
  • Requires internet connection
  • Sharing files between McCombs classmates
UT's WebSpace

1 GB
  • Free
  • In the cloud

 
  • Requires internet connection
  • Create a public facing website
  • Can share files with others outside McCombs and UT
Other Online File Storage Sites
  • In the cloud
  • Can buy as much space as needed
  • Requires internet connection
  • May have to pay
 Examples include Google Docs and Dropbox.com
Write to a CD

700 MB
  • Inexpensive
  • Widely Available
  • Can scratch or corrupt easily
  • Must go through writing process
  • Cannot delete on CD-R disks
  • Distribute files to others cheaply
Write to a DVD

4 GB
  • Inexpensive
  • Widely available
  • Must have a DVD burning capacity
  • Can scratch easily
  • Must go through writing process
  
USB Flash Drive

512 MB - 32 GB
  • Convenient drag & drop
  • Can delete & edit existing files
  • Portable
  • Easy to lose or misplace
  • Easy and quick way to move files from one computer to another
External Hard Drive

120 GB -
2 TB
  • Abundant space
  • Usually drag & drop capability
  • Many come with own backup utility
  • Relatively costly
  • For true backing up, must take it off site

 
  • Full back up of computer
  • Good for storing music and movies

 

 

3. Securing Your Computer

Securing your computer, both physically and electronically, protects it from being stolen by thieves or being attacked by hackers.  Below are videos to help explain some of these concepts and provide you with tools to help protect your computer.

Audio Only: Securing Your Notebook Computer  (MP3 Format)

1. Windows Update 2. Anti-virus Software
3. Windows Defender 4. The Windows XP Firewall

 

Links from videos

 

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