Home/Office PC Upkeep is a 3-hr course designed to give the student the basics for keeping their computer system operating faster and at peak efficiency and minimizing downtime. Prerequisite for this course is Intro to Computers and Windows Level I or equivalent computer knowledge.

Course Content:

• Remove unwanted files and programs-safely: empty recycle bin, e-mail trash folder, any "Downloads" folders, "Temp" or "Temporary Internet" or "Cache" folders. Perform all of these tasks sagely using the Disk Cleanup utility.

• Increase room on the hard drive.

• Check disk for errors and isolate bad sections using scan disk.

• Optimize disk, using Disk Defragmenter, to make programs run faster, files load easier and computer more efficient.

• Schedule Disk Cleanup, Scan Disk and Disk Defragmenter to run automatically using the Task Scheduler.

• Learn how to handle error messages when they occur.

• Discuss the need to keep viruses out and keep virus programs updated regularly and automatically.

• Discuss the importance of backing up of important files in case of problems. Discuss the use of surge protectors and battery backup systems.