HARAMAYA

UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Hardware and Maintenance Assignment-I

Name: ID:
1. Adisalem Asefa …………………….1526/10
2. Dawit Huka …………………...1539/10
3. Dawit Dereje…………………...1397/11
4. Naima Mohammed…………………1574/10

Submitted to: - Mr. Baher .H

#1) Discuss the following basic computer maintenance topics:

a. Installing Current Operating System Updates

b. Clearing the Cache in your Internet Browser(s)
c. Maintaining Current Anti-Virus Software
d. Maintaining Current Malware Protection Software
e. Running Disk Cleanup (Windows)

a. Installing Current Operating System Updates.

If you’re looking for basic computer maintenance, keeping your operating system up to date is
one of the easiest solutions. Regardless of whether you’re a Windows, Mac, or Linux loyalist
(user), updating your PC when new patches are available ensures your PC stays at the cutting-
edge of performance power.
Windows 10 is known for keeping users in-tune with once-a-day update checks. This automated
scan occurs in the background and always notifies you if there are any important software or
operating system patches that need to be made. The end goal is to optimize your PC
performance, so when Windows suggests you update, you should do it.
Installing current operating system update is an important factor in keeping your computer
performance its best, as well as maintaining latest security updates is to keep

To check for updates: -

1. click on Start,
2. select All Programs,
3. and then select Windows Update.
If there are any outstanding updates, click Install Updates button.
This may require a restart after updates are finished installing.
To check settings for Windows updates, you can click on Start, select All Programs, then
select Windows Update. On the left-hand side select Change Settings and the option currently
selected for installing Windows updates is listed under Important Updates.

b. Clearing the cache in your internet browser(s)

Most browsers store information about the websites you visit and the information that you
provide, like your name and address. While it can be helpful to have these details stored on
your PC, there are times when you might want to delete some or all of them, for example,
when you're using a public PC and don't want to leave personal info behind.
It is recommended doing this about every two weeks or so, for 2 reasons:

Clear cookies to fix

o Sign-in problems (not being able to sign-in, not being able to stay signed-in
to Blackboard)
o Error messages about setting user cookies
Clear cache to fix
o Pages that freeze or don't finish loading
o Outdated pages with old content
o Online applications that don't respond

There are a number of browsers with different methods to clear cache and cookies.

i) Chrome

1. In the browser bar, enter:

chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

2. At the top of the "Clear browsing data" window, click Advanced.

3. Select the following:
o Browsing history
o Download history
o Cookies and other site data
o Cached images and files

From the "Time range" drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which
you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select All time.

4. Click CLEAR DATA.

5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

ii) Firefox

1. From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.

If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.

2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your
entire cache, select Everything.
3. Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear;
to clear your entire cache, select all items.
4. Click Clear Now.
 5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

iii) Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge Legacy support ended on March 9, 2021. If you still have Edge Legacy, UITS recommends
installing the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge by running Windows Update .

1. In the top right, click the Hub icon (looks like star with three horizontal lines).
2. Click the History icon (looks like a clock), and then select Clear all history.
3. Select Browsing history, then Cookies and saved website data, and then Cached data and
files. Click Clear.
4. After the "All Clear!" message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the
browser.

iv) Opera

1. From the Opera menu, select Settings, then Privacy & Security, and then Clear browsing
data....
2. In the dialog box that opens, from the "Obliterate the following items from:" drop-down
menu, select the beginning of time.
3. Select the following:
o Browsing history
o Download history
o Cookies and other site data
o Cached images and files
4. Click Clear browsing data.
5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

v) Safari 8 and later

1. From the Safari menu, select Clear History... or Clear History and Website Data....
2. Select the desired time range, and then click Clear History.
3. Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.

C. Maintaining Current Anti-Virus Software

One of the most important steps in maintaining your computer's performance and security
is keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date and frequently scanning your computer for
viruses. Scans and updates are scheduled to run automatically.

Malware attacks can sneak up on you at any given moment, and in the event one does, having a
savvy antivirus living on your PC will protect you against the damage viruses bring. Weekly
antivirus scans ensure your computer is always clear of malicious software infections. A basic
scan will examine your computer for any glaring dangers or outstanding activity.
For those who are frequent web-users and download programs and files regularly, consider
running a virus scan twice a week. It’s always better to err on the side of safety, especially when
your personal data could be at risk.
Depending on the type of malware installed on your system, a virus could also:

 Slow web browser speeds

 Disrupt network connections

 Freeze or crash your system

 Alter computer settings

 Allow unauthorized access to system resources

By running regular antivirus scans you can rest assured that nothing slips by. Be sure to choose
an antivirus scan servicer that also scans all of your downloads, too.

Whenever an antivirus software update is available, you should run it that day to remove
malware. These updates introduce new software features or make improvements on current
ones. Generally, you can set your system up for automatic updates, but if you ever receive a
notification from your current antivirus software, you should complete the update as soon
as possible.

d. Maintaining Current Malware Protection Software

Malware is usually installed on your computer without your knowledge. These programs are
often embedded in Web sites and are installed when your browser loads the page. They are
also bundled and installed with many freeware programs. The cheapest and most effective way
of preventing malware is to follow these safe “surfing” guidelines:

i) Never click pop-ups (even clicking “No” or “Cancel” is bad) -

Many Web sites disguise their pop-ups to look like normal
Windows dialog boxes. For example, clicking on a pop-up that
states “Your computer is not running at optimal speed, click
Yes to enhance its performance,” will direct you to another
Web site, and it is likely that malware will be installed on your
computer. To close a suspect window, click the “X” in the
upper right corner of the window. The pop-up can also be
closed by right-clicking on its icon in the taskbar at the bottom
of your screen and selecting “Close.”
ii) Never download files unless you fully understand what is
included and know and trust the sender – Some Web sites
 will insist that you download necessary files before you can
view them. Use extreme caution when downloading these
files, especially if the publisher is unknown. Also, be wary of e-
mails from unknown senders, and never click on a link or
download an attachment from someone you don’t know.
iii) Increase your browser security – This can be done by
selecting Tools, Internet Options in Internet Explorer. On the
Security tab, make sure the security level is at least Medium or
higher. Please note that changing the security level may affect
the ability to access some ASU systems. Therefore, we
recommend writing down your existing security settings
before making any changes so you can change them back if
you experience problems.
iv) Read the EULA (End User License Agreement) – When you
download any program from the Internet, be sure to read the
EULA before you accept it. Many times, the EULA will tell you
that adware will be installed on your computer. Malware may
be bundled with these types of “free” software to help recoup
development costs.

Use an antimalware app - Installing an antimalware app and keeping it up to date can help
defend your PC against viruses and other malware (malicious software). Antimalware apps scan
for viruses, spyware, and other malware trying to get into your email, operating system, or
files. New threats can appear daily, so check the antimalware manufacturer's website
frequently for updates.

Microsoft Defender is free antimalware software included with Windows, and you can update
it automatically through Windows Update. There are also 3rd party antivirus products that you
can choose from.

It is recommended to run software updates and scan your computer for malware at least once
a week to make sure your computer is free of any known malware.

e. Running Disk Cleanup (Windows)

You can free up disk space on your hard drive by running a disk cleanup. This will clean
out temporary files and extra language files as well as delete big attachments and more. 

Even after you've cleaned up your computer, a messy desktop can still confuse you and make it
harder to work efficiently. Many people use their desktop as a temporary storage space, leading
to all sorts of files getting scattered across it.
You should try "resetting" your desktop to a clean state to make it neater. Start by moving all the
files from your desktop to another location. Next, you can create shortcuts to files you need all
the time on your desktop.

You can use Disk Cleanup to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your drives, which can
help your PC run faster. It can delete temporary files and system files, empty the Recycle Bin,
and remove a variety of other items that you might no longer need. ITS recommends to run
Disk Cleanup about twice a month.

The following procedure deletes files associated with your user account. You can also use Disk
Cleanup to delete system files on your PC.

1. To open Disk Cleanup from the desktop, Click Start, point to All

Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then Click Disk Cleanup.
2. The Disk Cleanup dialog box should appear. It may take a while to detect which files can
be deleted.
3. In the Disk Cleanup dialog, select the checkboxes for the file types that you want to
delete, Click OK, and then Click Delete files.
4. The process may take a while to complete.

#2) Discuss the most common computer problems

Here are lists of some of the most computer problems: -
1.Computer is Slow
If your computer is slower than normal, you can often fix the problem simply by cleaning the
hard disk of unwanted files. You can also install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware tools,
and schedule regular registry scans. External hard drives are great storage solutions for
overtaxed CPUs, and will help your computer run faster.

2.The Computer Won’t Start

A computer that suddenly shuts off or has difficulty starting up could have a failing power
supply. Check that the computer is plugged into the power point properly and, if that doesn’t
work, test the power point with another working device to confirm whether or not there is
adequate power.

3. Windows Won’t Boot

If you are having troubles booting Windows, then you may have to reinstall it with the Windows
recovery disk.

4.The Screen is Blank

If the computer is on but the screen is blank, there may be an issue with the connection
between the computer and the screen. First, check to see if the monitor is plugged into a power
point and that the connection between the monitor and computer hard drive is secure. If the
problem is on a laptop, then you may need to get a professional to fix it as some of the internal
wires may be worn.

5.The Screen is Frozen

When your computer freezes, you may have no other option than to reboot and risk losing any
unsaved work. Freezes can be a sign of insufficient ram, registry conflicts, corrupt or missing
files, or spyware. Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then restart it
and get to work cleaning up the system so that it doesn’t freeze again.

6. Strange Noises
A lot of noise coming from your computer is generally a sign of either hardware malfunction or
a noisy fan. Hard drives often make noise just before they fail, so you may want to back up
information just in case, and fans are very easy to replace.

7. Overheating
If a computer case lacks a sufficient cooling system, then the computer’s components may start
to generate excess heat during operation. To avoid your computer burning itself out, turn it off
and let it rest if it’s getting hot. Additionally, you can check the fan to make sure it’s working
properly.

8. Dropped Internet Connections

Dropped Internet connections can be very frustrating. Often the problem is simple and may be
caused by a bad cable or phone line, which is easy to fix. More serious problems include viruses,
a bad network card or modem, or a problem with the driver.