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Technology Tip of the Week - May 22, 2007

Spring Cleaning - Part III

In our previous spring cleaning tips we looked at ways  to periodically tune up your browser to increase performance as well as sprucing up the components of your computer. This week we'll look at utilizing tools that are built into Windows to help keep your files neat, tidy and running smoothly.

Delete Unnecessary Data Files

Periodically it's a good idea to review all the data files you've created and delete any that are obsolete.  Just like cleaning your closet, all those files not only clutter up your hard drive, but also affect finding important files when you need them. Good tip: delete unnecessary files before doing any other PC maintenance in order to streamline the operation. The easiest way to delete files is to:

  1. Double-click on your My Documents folder to display your data files
  2. Right-click on an unwanted file to select it
  3. Left-click on Delete
  4. Click on Yes to confirm the deletion

Delete Temporary Files

Programs frequently create temporary files as they run which are supposed to be deleted as you exit the program. However, some programs don't clean up well after themselves and you can end up with many useless tmp files cluttering up your hard drive. Windows has a Disk Cleanup program that will sweep these all away. To use this little program:

  1. Click on the Start button
  2. Select All Programs
  3. Click on Accessories
  4. Click on System Tools
  5. Click on Disk Cleanup. Then just stand back and let it do its job.

Empty the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin in Windows is a folder that collects all the files you delete, just in case you change your mind and want them back. So even if you've deleted some files, they still hang around in the Recycle Bin for a period of time taking up space. In order to physically remove these files from your hard drive and free up this space, you need to empty the Recycle Bin (just like trash day!). To permanently remove deleted files from your PC:

  1. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to display a menu
  2. Click Empty Recycle Bin with your left mouse button

Wow! That was easy! Your PC is looking lighter healthier already!

Disk Defragmenter

When you save a file on your computer, the system will fill the first available section on the drive. If the file is larger than that section, Windows will then split up the file and store the next piece in the next available section, making a notation on where to find it so it can re-assemble the file later. Depending on the length of the file, this process can spread a document over many pieces of the drive. This process is called fragmentation and although it is meant to efficiently re-use space on the hard drive when files are deleted, it can slow down performance as the system searches all over the drive for all the pieces of a file. Windows has a disk defragmenter program that can reorganize the pieces of files so that they can be retrieved faster and more efficiently. Periodically, it's a good idea to run this program to neaten everything up and increase performance. Note that with the large hard drives of today, this process may take awhile so prepare to make yourself a snack while it's running.

  1. Double-click the My Computer icon
  2. Right-click the hard drive (C:) that you want to defragment, then select Properties. The System Properties dialogue box will open.
  3. Click the Tools tab
  4. Click Defragment Now
  5. The disk defragmenter should start automatically. If it doesn't, click on Start or Defragment.
  6. The disk defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When it is complete, you will get a dialogue box asking if you want to quit the utility and you would click on Yes.

So, your old files are gone, along with all those useless temp files. Your existing files have been reorganized so that they are easy to access and your system is now much more efficient. Don't you feel good!

Next week - Maintaining Critical Updates

For more help with these features, please contact one of the IT Instructional Support team (Norm Grant, Gene Grande or Linda Beith) or faculty mentors Tony Basilico or Kathy Beauchene.

Website of the Week

The Sloan Consortium Blended Learning Site

Have an interest in blended or hybrid learning? This new web site collects and shares resources for educators and administrators involved with blended and hybrid learning. Explore this free community of educators focused on blended learning at: http://www.blendedteaching.org/

Feel free to post your thoughts or opinions of this site in the Teaching Forum message board.

These tips are provided by the Department of Information Technology instructional support team. If you have any questions on these tips, or wish to offer your own, please feel free to contact Linda Beith at lbeith@ccri.edu. View an archive of past technology tips at http://it.ccri.edu/Training/Tips/tip_week.shtml.
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