COASTWEEK - - So how do you clean up a computer ?

I don't mean by cleaning it with soap and drying it out on the sun !

You clean old and useless files that accumulate during a period of time when you add or remove programs or files.

A review of the basics starts our full system cleanup sequence.

We'll take out the recycling and get rid of temporary files Windows doesn't need any more.

• Start Explorer

Start Windows Explorer and go to the top level of your main system disk.

If you have another local drive on your system, you can follow a cleanup sequence on it later.

You'll be able to skip some steps that are only necessary for the main system disk.

Right click on the top level of your main disk and choose Properties.

• Look at Properties

The properties screen appears, showing you the used space, free space, and total space on your disk.

But system cleanup is about more than just clearing out space on your disk.

It's also about rearranging a few things so Windows, and your programs, run faster.

• Look at Tools

Windows is famous for providing multiple ways to do things. Click the Tools tab and you'll see an example of this.

Later on I shall teach you how to error check with Scandisk, and using Disk Defragmenter.

All these can be started either from the System Tools menu or from this screen.

But don't be-lieve the state-ments about how many days ago you took these actions; they are often incorrect.

• Use disk cleanup

Return to the General tab and click the Disk Cleanup button.

The opening screen of the disk cleanup utility allows you to choose four kinds of files to clean.

Choose temporary files and temporary Internet files.

• Choose More Options

Click the More Options tab and you'll be offered the chance to remove unused Windows components or remove pro-grams.

I recommend leaving these options alone as removing Windows components don't make much space available.

• Choose Settings

Click the Settings tab.

If you want temporary files to be deleted auto-matically when your disk fills up, you may check this box.

This isn't necessary for most users.

After you know how to take care of your disk, you'll get rid of temporary files occasionally as part of a disk maintenance sequence.

• Start and confirm

When you're ready to delete the temporary files, click OK and confirm by clicking Yes.

Windows returns you to the Properties screen, but doesn't update it.

If you want to see the updated numbers, close the Properties screen and start it again.

Now remember to first go through all the screen I have mentioned above before clicking on ERROR [Argument is of the wrong type] in:<start> to get familiar with the all the options.

At the same time remember the golden rule ?

Save or backup your important files in floppies or if you have a CD writer burn (write) them on a cd.

I assure you your computer will run much faster after you regularly keep it clean from the above clutter.

Next week I shall show you how to run a Scandisk and defragmenter, which will further enhance your computer's performance.

• VIPUL PATEL is Sales and Marketing Executive with AfricaOnline Mombasa.