Datasheet

Tweaking Windows
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4. Delete all the files in the Tem p folder (just do it).
5. Did you know that AutoCAD is tied to Internet Explorer? Yes, AutoCAD has many
Internet features like hyperlink, Communication Center, and even Help that borrow
from IE. So, you should clean out these temporary files as well. Click Start menu
➔
Settings
➔ Control Panel ➔ Internet Options.
6. Click Delete Files in the Temporary Internet Files area to clean out the browser cache. Click
OK in the confirmation dialog, and that’s it.
Perform Basic Maintenance
It’s surprising how many self-identified “power users” neglect basic computer maintenance.
If it sounds like you may be one of these folks, it’s time you start taking these things more
ser iously — be cause it’s no joke.
Clean Up Your Hard Drive
We hate to say it, but clean up your hard drive, will you? Uninstall unused applications, and
archive ancient data. This task can become a nightmare if you’ve put it off for years. Spend a
few days, if that’s what it takes; and while you’re at it, organize your file system. Pick an orga-
nizational scheme, and stick to it. A great portion of human productivity is wasted trying to
find the right files. It doesn’t have to be that way!
Back Up Religiously
Blessed are those who back up regularly, for their files will not be scattered to the winds. Be
proactive and perhaps a bit cynical: Expect corruption — of the digital sort. Perhaps it’s a bit
harsh to say this, but if you don’t have a backup, then ultimately you’re wasting your time.
Never before in history has so much human effort been stored in so ephemeral a medium as
magnetism on spinning metallic disks.
If you’re concerned about a single machine, then a portable hard drive that matches the
size of your system disk is a great backup solution. If you need to back up a local area network
(LAN), then consider a tape solution or redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID). Backup
systems pay for themselves many times over; it’s a false economy to think that backup systems
are too expensive.
Windows XP has a built-in backup program: Click Start menu
➔ Run, and type
ntbackup.exe to launch the Backup or Restore Wizard. Backups should also be scheduled
regularly, but that should go without saying.
Practice Safe Computing
Gone are the days when the Internet was a safe network for a few academics and geeks. Now
you need protection from malicious adversaries who are into stirring up trouble.
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