49 search results for "reliability monitor"

Improving Wi-Fi Signal Strength (Oct 2024)

Don Trauger – Kennett

You may not even know you have a problem. You receive your email and browsing the Web is fine. Every so often your phone or computer disconnects from the Internet. Annoying, yes, but it reconnects after a few tries. That is a sign of a weak Wi-Fi signal. Check your Wi-Fi icon. On your PC computer, it can be found in the group of icons in the lower right corner of your screen on the Task bar. It may also be hidden. Click the little up arrow (caret) that is usually just to the left of the icons. This arrow hides even more program icons. The Wi-Fi icon is fan shaped. It represents the Wi-Fi signal starting from a very narrow shaped source (the bottom of the icon) spreading out at the top. It consists of 3-4 arcs from bottom to top. Count the arcs. 3-4 arcs mean good to excellent signal strength. You should have no problems. 1-2 arcs mean a very weak to a moderately weak Wi-fi signal. Cell phones usually don’t have the wireless sensitivity of a laptop. At my home, my cell phone shows 33% less download speed even though I’m connected on both devices to the modern 5G signal from the Verizon router. A design feature in all Wi-Fi devices is an automatic speed control to lower the download speed to maintain a stable connection to the Internet. No matter how old or how new your device is, they all have a built-in speed control. One of the negatives with Wi-Fi signal strength is that increases in download speed also increase connection and stability issues. Fortunately, speed control works well in maintaining download speed and connection reliability – to a point. It comes down to a balancing act of speed vs. connection stability. Connection stability always gets priority over download speed.

As you move further away from the Wi-Fi signal source (your router or wireless access point), you will encounter a variation of the above issue. Again, the speed will drop off to maintain the prioritized connection. Speed control will try to maintain a connection until it no longer can function and your device will no longer connect to the internet.

What can you do to remedy this situation? The answer is, purchase a Wi-Fi signal extender. This unique device works by capturing your router or wireless access point signal, then rebroadcasting it to extend the coverage area. For best coverage and reliable operation, the extender should be placed no less than 1 bar of signal strength away from the router or access point. This is a rough estimate so you may have to get closer to the router or access point to maintain a reliable connection. In any case, follow the instructions that come with the extender. As I write this Tech Tip, this TP-Link extender is available at Amazon. Here’s the link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wifi-Extender-Booster-Wireless-Repeater-dp-B08RHD97QY/dp/B08RHD97QY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

This TP-Link extender, model AC1200, is currently discounted for a limited time by 54% from $49.99 to $22.99. It has a 4.2 Amazon review rating and plugs directly into an existing wall outlet.

When to Install a Feature Update in Windows 10 (Jan 2022)

Technology Tips – Published January 2022 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

First, you need to check your version of Windows 10 to see if it is up to date or is several versions behind.  This can be important for feature security updates as well as new offerings. Windows Update will update your computer 3 times per month to keep your current installed version up to date. However, it doesn’t always offer the latest version update that may be available for your computer. In a way, that is a good thing. Installing the latest version update can come with bugs and there is no reason you must be a guinea pig. For example, if a new version is offered to you, I would wait 4-6 months before installing it. To check exactly what version is installed in your computer read the following.

Open settings by left clicking once the Start icon (lower left corner) of the Desktop screen. Move up to Settings and click it once. The Settings screen will open, then click the System icon. Scroll down to About then click it. Scroll down Windows specifications and note the version number. It will indicate what version you have installed. If you have an old version installed it will show the year and month it was released by Microsoft. An old version would be 2004 or older.  It means the year would be 2020 and the month of release would have been April. Microsoft has been unable to keep the release date accurate to the month, so they changed it to 6-month periods. An example of the new coding system would be 21H1, indicating the year as 2021 and indicating it is the first half of the year.

 

Version 21H2 has been released but I would recommend that you avoid it and update to version 21H1 if you can. Staying a version behind is the safest way to go for reliability with little to give up for security reasons.

 

Next, click Home at the top left of the System category window then click the Update & Security icon. First, look for Feature update to Windows 10 version 21H2. It will indicate the version that will be offered. If you don’t see it click Check for updates. If it is version 21H2 hold off installing it until February or March of 2022. The 2022 version should be available in the Spring of 2022 with a version number of 22H1. Don’t install it until August or September of 2022.

 

Keeping your computer one version behind is the safest and most reliable way to ensure that you don’t have to endure Microsoft’s mistakes.

 

    

Franklin Village Council Meeting 10/12/20

Meeting called to order at 5PM.  In Attendance:  Jack Keeley, Jay Harter, Dom Aleardi, Jay Harter, Michael Pincus, Judy Jurgan and Janet Burgess

Reading of the September minutes was waived but there was an addendum added.

MASTER ASSOCIATION

  • Addendum to September meeting notes: The Community Center renovation will include a fitness center
  • No outsiders are permitted to take part in any HM activities or events due to COVID.
  • They are completing the curbing work on Mill Road. They are repairing Mill Rd. and preparing to pave it.
  • The study done on fixing the sewer system cost $35K and repairs to eliminate the odor will cost $40K.
  • The Adelphia pipeline is on hold. They are not converting it to natural gas.
  • Landscaping is done in front of Giant at the Sunoco Pipeline site. The area in front of Wellington was only planted with grass.
  • The plans for the Community Center addition are moving along.  No one has seen the officials drawings yet. They are meeting with E. Goshen Twp. to see if there would be any issues if the plans are approved by the MA. They are also looking at geothermal and solar for heat and air conditioning to see how that works out.  They have to reconfigure the parking. They came up with some additional spots up by cutting additional parking spots out of the hill by Sullivan House to replace the ones lost by the addition.
  • They are cutting through the woods in Devonshire to provide an entrance to Cornwallis for emergency vehicles. Franklin Village is still being approached regarding the walking trail. Paoli Auxiliary has become involved.
  • It was suggested by a council member that if they want to put in a walking trail, it should put it on the other side of Chandler,
  • It would not affect the privacy of the homes since they are on a hill. It would cost $50K more but they have been improving a lot of other areas (roadwork, elevator in the CS, extending the Community Center, so this would be another improvement.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE

Financials:

  • We are still looking at a $10K surplus this year which will make up for tree removal costs. Several more trees came down but Jay advised there is $4K to $5K budgeted for snow and if there is no snow prior to 1/1/21, that money will cover the downed trees.
  • Jay hasn’t been informed of the auditor’s fee for next year.
  • We are scheduled for pest control next year. Janet will obtain their fee.
  • No power washing will be done next year.
  • Curt Varallo is doing garage repairs. The cost will be about $1500, some of which will be paid by residents if the damage was caused by them. CSK will pay the bill and send out letters to those who have to pay for their own repairs. The charge will go on their account and they can pay it when they submit their quarterly fee or separately if they wish.
  • Repairs to the pebble board have not started. Curt will take care of that on days when the weather is good and he has time. There isn’t much to be done.
  • Jay advised we are $4000 under budget on Maintenance for the year.

Architectural:

  • Janet Burgess advised that sometimes when there is a private sale in the village CSK doesn’t always find out about it. She said that when she receives a request for docs on a sale, she will notify Dom so violations can be resolved by the seller.
  • Curt has inspected the sagging of the pool deck. The supports on top of the footers are rotted.  He will inspect for safety. We will have to involve the township with any deck issues.

 Landscaping:

  •  Jack & Dom will do a drive-around after the final trimming by HLM. They will also look at grass areas damaged by the mowers during wet  cutting.  HML trimmed but they only did half and they need to do the Rhododendrons, which have grown above the windows. Jack emailed Mike and Cole but he hasn’t heard back from either.
  • Mike sent us something on the grassy areas he would like to fix and the cost is $1500, which we aren’t going to do. We will respond that we would like them to repair the areas where their tires are tearing up the grass, especially when they mow while the grass is wet.
  • HML contract increase is 1%.
  • Mike Pincus advised that there is a large tree branch hanging over the circle at the bottom of his cul-de-sac which needs to be trimmed because it hits the windshields of cars driving under it.

Pool Committee:

  •  The new cover is in. We are putting it into a garage until next year. The old cover has been taped up where needed and is on the pool.
  • 2 new pumps were installed by Dom and he will monitor chemicals in the water over the winter.
  • Fencing – We may look into replacement of the fence with a wrought iron one, similar to the one in Eaton Village.
  • Dom will contact the pool vendor to see if his fee is going up in 2021.
  • Our contract with CSK has been renewed for 3 years.

 Other Business:

  • The MA is trying to come up with something to cover the Mill with regard to power outages. They are not pursuing generators due to complexity of installing them in villages that don’t have gas. The requirements for generators cannot be met in Franklin. The generators have to be placed below a window on common ground and homeowners cannot exceed 18 inches from their units.

 The next council meeting is 11/9/20 on Zoom.  The village budget meeting will be on Zoom on 11/18/20 7PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55PM

Franklin Village Annual Meeting – May 25, 2022

Dom Aleardi thanked the Council members and Janet Burgess for their work.

Rejuvenation: Dom Aleardi reported the rejuvenation looks good except for the rhododendrons.
Dom explained that if they don’t come back they will be replaced. The biggest hurdle was
dealing with Hershey’s Mill Landscape. He noted that we have a contract with them but they
lack adequate supervision and communication.

Walking Trail: A two-year contract with the Master’s Association was negotiated for the plants
along the walking trail, starting November 2021. The contract includes watering plants.

New Shed: A shed has been installed by the pool to store our Village decorations, siding, social
committee supplies and pool furniture. The shed will be landscaped and have a flagstone
walkway from the street to the door.

Village Signs:
– The directional signs have been refurbished and have new numbers.
– Village signs have been repainted.
– Guidance posts will be replaced with pressure treated wood with vinyl sleeves and
reflective stripes.

Stucco and Pebble Board: Curt Varallo has repaired the pebble board and garage stucco and is
in the process of painting the stucco. If you notice any spots that have been missed, please notify
Council.

Road Seal: The roads are scheduled to be sealed in July, pending weather. Before this is done
two sink holes will be repaired, by 563 and 593, and 2 drains will be installed, by 530 and 556.

Finance Report:
– In 2021 the utility costs were high and we had more snow than normal. The check from
the Master’s Association for trees we had removed along the walking path the year before
helped with the higher costs.
– The 2022 fixed costs were within budget and there was little snow. Maintenance is a
little under budget as there aren’t typically many projects at the beginning of the year.
– There will be no assessment for landscaping.
– We have $710,000 in reserves.
– Roofs – We have roofers looking at our roofs and repairs are made when needed.
– Franklin Village is 5th lowest out of 27 villages for quarterly fees.

Internet Demo – Margaret Callahan demonstrated how to get to the Franklin Village site and
what it contains.

Pool Committee: Bill Shipley reported that the pool is ready for the opening this Saturday. He
thanked the pool volunteers.

Communications: Bill Shipley asked the group to think about whether they wanted a spread
sheet format or PDF for the residents’ list. There are still 5 residents who get information hand
delivered to them.

Rules and Regulations:
– Mike Pincus reported that three years ago a committee was set up to review all Village
rules. He thanked the committee and noted that the rules will continue to be monitored.
He also thanked Margaret Callahan and Bill Shipley for creating the ability to be
transparent with the rules and regulations.
– Mike noted that CSK provides a paper trail that is very valuable. When a resident
contacts CSK an email is sent to Council members and the topic is discussed at the next
Council meeting.
– Mike thanked Dom and the Council for their work and transparency.

Landscape and Architecture Committee: Sandy Ogletree reported that there really wasn’t
anything to report but reminded the group to use request forms when planning any work outside
the home. Any questions should be addressed to your zone leader.

Maintenance Committee: Dom reminded the group how important volunteers are and how a
maintenance committee could save the Village money.

Welcome Committee: Louise Harter reported that Patti George had retired and the committee is
up to date on welcoming new residents. She introduced new residents Linda and Spencer
Videon at 556 and Lisa and Mike Psenicska at 574.

Social Committee: Jacki Welle shared that the committee’s purpose was to welcome new
people, provide a family atmosphere and have fun doing things we enjoy. Future activities
include a hoagie party in July, ice cream social in September, Halloween party with covered dish
dinner and Christmas party at HMGC. The next event will be a cocktail party on June 9th. Jacki
thanked the committee.

Bocce: Carolynn Hincken explained that the goal is to make Franklin Village the friendliest and
most active Village with bocce. You don’t have to know how to play bocce, it is an easy game
to learn, and you can attend just to be social. Bocce is usually the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the
month.

Decoration Committee: Michelle Cohen expressed she is grateful for the new shed and thanked
the group for volunteering and their financial support. She asked for suggestions to be directed
to her.

Council Vote Results: The following were elected for two-year positions: Margaret Callahan,
Jay Harter and Bill Shipley. Bob Gottschall was elected for the one-year position. Officers are
President-Mike Pincus, Vice President-Margaret Callahan, Treasurer-Jay Harter, Secretary-Bill
Shipley and Council at Large-Bob Gottschall.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Telephone Scams about Your Computer

An Concern for Your Security by Don Trauger

Have you received an unsolicited phone call from a person identifying themselves as either a Windows or Microsoft tech who will help repair all the errors on your PC? Many HM residents have received such a call.

Certain types of Malware running on your computer allow scammers to monitor your computer and they’re not doing it to provide free tech support. In fact, they don’t want you to know that they’re watching you.

Unless they’re returning your call, legitimate tech people don’t call you. Microsoft never does and there is no valid “Windows” support company. Think about the last time you called tech support. You were probably on hold for an uncomfortable amount of time. Do you really think they’re going to call you and offer support you didn’t know you needed?

So if you get this type of call, consider it a scam. It almost certainly is.

Quite often, the people calling claim to be from Microsoft or another legitimate company. They may try to convince you to download their “repair program,” which is actually Malware. They’ll try to trick you into giving them remote access to your PC, allowing them to look for passwords and other sensitive information. Remote access also lets them change settings and lower your PC’s protections.

And, of course, since they’re providing you with a “desperately needed service,” they expect to be paid for their trouble. Your credit card number is a valuable asset for a criminal.

So what should you do when you get a call of this nature?

First and foremost, don’t do anything they ask. Don’t install their software. Don’t give them remote access to your PC. And don’t give them any useful information.

But play along long enough to get some information on them. If you have caller ID, note their number. If you don’t, ask for their phone number and promise to call them back.

Then, as soon as you’re off the phone, call the East Goshen Police at 610-692-5100 and report the incident. They are interested in hearing from you.

If you have or think you have Malware running on your computer, you should run an anti-malware program. Malwarebytes is free and the best one to choose. An anti-virus program will not necessarily detect or remove many types of malware because it’s not engineered to be a Malware removal program. Malwarebytes can be downloaded from http://www.malwarebytes.org/

In addition, make sure you have a basic understanding of your PC’s security software to be sure you are getting daily updates. Also doing a scan of your computer on a frequent basis will result in good protection for you. My recommendations are, along with Malwarebytes, the free Bitdefender anti-virus program. That can be downloaded from Bitdefender at http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html. Bitdefender updates and scans automatically so there is little to do on your part. Malwarebytes needs to be updated manually but come to the PC Club Meeting on July 8th, 2014 at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Community Center to learn how to do it.

Bitdefender Free Antivirus (Sept 2017)

 

Technology Tips – Published September 2017 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

It’s been since December 2013 that I’ve written about Bitdefender Free Antivirus. A lot has changed in this venerable free program. It sports a new interface and it’s updated from the cloud. It’s now compatible with Windows 10 according to their web site information. This has been debated by me and others who have run the older version on Windows 10 without any problems.

 

The new version features on-demand and on-access scanning with powerful scan engines that ensure detection and removal of all malware from viruses, worms and Trojans to ransomware, zero-day exploits, rootkits and spyware.

The “Advanced Threat Detection” uses an innovative technique called behavioral detection to closely monitor your active apps. When it detects anything suspicious, it takes instant action. Bitdefender Free has an “Anti-Phishing” component that blocks websites that masquerade as trustworthy in order to steal financial data such as passwords or credit card numbers. The “Anti-Fraud” module uses an advanced filtering system that warns you whenever you visit websites that may try to scam you such as casinos, porn sites, money loan schemes and others. All this adds up for you to consider replacing your present version (1.0.21.1109) if you have it, and downloading and installing this newest version. You can get it here: https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html.

Remember to uninstall any other antivirus program before installing Bitdefender Free. To uninstall, click the Start button (lower left corner of the screen) click Settings (2 icons above the Start button) click Apps then click your anti virus program followed by Uninstall. If you don’t see Apps you have an earlier version of Windows 10. Instead, right click the Start button and click Control Panel and click “Uninstall a program” under Programs or Programs and Features. Locate your old anti virus program and uninstall it. NOTE: Bitdefender will uninstall previous versions of Bitdefender Free during the installation of the new version.

After downloadiing, the file will be found in your Downloads folder. Click File Explorer (the yellow folder on the Task Bar at bottom of screen) then open the Downloads folder. Double click “Bitdefender_online.exe” to start the installation. Follow any screen prompts and restart the computer when shown. After the restart, note the Bitdefender icon on the Task Bar that shows a form to log-in to your previous Bitdefender account or create a new one for first time users. You must complete the form to make Bitdefender work properly. Also, after the restart, there should be another Bitdefender icon on the Task Bar. Click to open it and click the Install button. After completing the installation, click the sign-in button. Previous users will be signed in automatically. New users must check their email for an email from Bitdefender that will need to be confirmed for the new account.

Finally, Bitdefender updates automatically but does not scan automatically. You must open the program to do a manual scan. There’s only one other setting to change. Open Bitdefender, click the gear (settings) at the top, click “Account Info” and turn off “Display notifications with special offers”.

We will discuss Bitdefender at our PC Club meeting on September 19 at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center. There also will be time for any Windows questions too.

HMSG-Horseshoes

Welcome to our HorseShoes Group

Horseshoes

Horseshoes

Whether it be horseshoes or quoits, everyone has tossed one at some time in their life. A horseshoe is exactly what it says and a quoit is a closed circle. The Horseshoes stake is approximately 12 inches high. The quoit stake is only high enough to fit four quoits on top of each other (3 “+/-).

How to Schedule Court time

It is important to realize that any resident can use any of the Sports facilities whether or not they have registered for HMSG and/or one or more Sports groups.

In other words, simply stopping down and using a sports facility is fine if it has not already been scheduled by anyone.

To ensure that you don’t run into conflicts, it makes sense to simply schedule the resource that you would like to utilize ahead of time.

[In such a case, the group who made the reservation would have the right to the court]

We Use SKEDDA to maintain our reservations!

  1. You do need to do a “1” time request of SKEDDA Access if you plan on using it to schedule time for one of the Sports facilities.
  2. With or Without SKEDDA access, anyone may view the schedule by clicking on the link.

If you would like to stay informed of HMSG plans and events, make sure you join HMSG if you have not already done so. You will be added to that mailing list.

Likewise, if you want to know what’s going on in particular sport groups, let them know so they can add you to their unique mailing list.

Click SKEDDA image below to open SKEDDA tab..

Anyone can view the SKEDDA schedule but you need prior authorization for creating reservations. This is a “1” time process. For more information, please press the “More SKEDDA” button to the right!

Learn all about SKEDDA..

SKEDDA pronounced /sked-dah/ 

is a web based software system used by Hershey’s Mill for scheduling court time. Being web based means that you can schedule future playing time from any browser on any device you have. Court time can be scheduled for the following Sports Groups:

  • Billiards
  • Bocce
  • Horseshoes
  • Pickleball
  • Platform Tennis
  • Shuffleboard
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
More SKEDDA

Come and give Horseshoes a try !

We have Two Class “A” courts.

Two or 4 Players make a match.

 

Scoring Can Be 11,15 OR 21 Points (OR EQUIVALENT NUMBER OF THROWS).

Stakes Are 40 AND 30 Feet Apart.

  • 40’ For Younger
  • 30’ FOR Women And Older Guys

Open Play

TBD...

TBD...

So you haven't played yet?

Watch Video but you can ignore any setup instruction. We did it for you !

How to play Horseshoes!

How to score in Horseshoes!

Previous
Next

Have a Request for the HMSC ? 

Please download a HMSC Request form on the right.

Fill it out and submit it to Jack Bradley (or any other member of the HMSC).

 

You can download it in PDF form and simply use a pen/pencil to fill it out

  • Have Sport Leader sign 

    • Scan and email completed form or simply drop paper copy in their mailbox

If you prefer and are comfortable with Microsofts Word program, download a blank form in .Docx format.

    • fill out on your computer replacing place-holder X’s with your text.

    • Have Sport Leader sign

      • Scan and email completed form or simply drop paper copy in their mailbox

Download Form (PDF)
PDF will be opened in a new Browser Window
Download Form (Word)
Word Document will be found in your Browsers Download Folder

Horseshoes Feedback form

If you have any questions, concerns or issues that you would like to bring to the attention of the Horseshoes Team, please give us as much detail as possible…

If you would like to join the email distribution list, please fill in name, email and street address (used to validate HM residency).

Horseshoes day to day operation is run by Dave Matthews.

Thank you!

Facilities

A multitude of events occur in Hershey’s Mill, a community for active adults.

 

HM Facility

Photograph

 Read about it too

Community Center

 Completely renovated in 2012, the Community Center boasts a large great room with stone fireplace, a library, billiards, game rooms, as well as places to hold meetings.
Link to HM Community Center Calendar.

Library

 Inside the Community Center is a well-stocked library for the use of residents. The library has its own website where you can find hours and browse the library catalog online.
Go to Hershey’s Mill Library website

Sullivan House

 A restored mansion sits on a hill as part of the 800 acres in Hershey’s Mill.
The mansion is available for private parties and village functions. A model rail road group uses three rooms on the top floor.
Go to Friends of Sullivan House in Activities.

HM Golf Club

 The Hershey’s Mill Golf Club is a championship 18 hole private golf club (par 71/6742 yds) offering various levels along with a practice facility. Both Golf and House memberships are available. The Club offers casual and formal dining areas as well as banquet facilities.
Link to HM Golf Club web site.

HMCTV

 TV20bldg-leaves Hershey’s Mill has its own independent community access TV Station – channels 970 & 971. Channel 970 features our original programming, movies, and the TV bulletin board when the previous two are not being shown. Channel 971 shows only the TV bulletin board. Both channels operate 24 hours/day 365 days/year. The station boasts a taping studio, and broadcasts movies, trip schedules and many other informative programs on a variety of topics.
Link to HM Community Television (HMCTV) on this website.

HM Security

 Hershey’s Mill is a gated community with a 24/7 manned main gate.  Most residences include central monitoring for fire, smoke and medical emergency.  A marked security vehicle traverses the community at various times 24 hours a day.
Link to HM Security options.

HM Wood Shop

 Residents can restore furniture or create wood objects.  A stand-alone, fully equipped wood shop is available.
Link to HM Wood Shop in activities.

HM Courts

 Courts for Tennis, pickleball and winter paddle can help you keep in shape all year round. “The Hershey’s Mill Sports Group” is very active in planning local and interclub events for players of all levels. Shuffle Board, bocce, and horseshoes round out the Sports Group venues.

Link to HM Sports Group.

HM Pool

 During the summer a pool with life guards, temperature control, locker room, diving board, lap lanes, free-action section, shallow wading, simple entry, Mermaid Cove  for residents snacking. Aquacise is available six days a week. Often pool parties are held, some include music, food or water volleyball. Guests are permitted for a small fee.
Link to HM Pool pages on this website.

HM trails

 Nature sets the stage for walking, nature and various trails throughout Hershey’s Mill.

HM Gardens

 Next to the Lake sits the garden area with parcels available for residents who wish to plant vegetables and flowers for harvesting and enjoying. Gardening tools and mulch are provided as well as access to water.
For more information see HM Gardens in activities.

HM Model Railroad

 photo HM Railroad A model railroad group includes tracks, railroad cars, and scenery spanning three rooms in the third floor of the Sullivan House.
Link to HM Model Railroaders in activities.

HM Wastewater Treatment

 We have our own sewage treatment plant located right here in Hershey’s Mill. Having the Plant here in Hershey’s Mill saves residents on township sewage fees and provides water for the golf course. Knowledgeable HM residents and others make up the Board that runs the plant.

The Water Treatment Process. Read about how our plant purifies wastewater using naturally occurring microbes.

East Goshen information on the Township’s sanitary sewer system..

Historical information on ties between our Golf Course and our sewage plant..
HM place    Photo Text detail

Maintain & Clean up Your Windows (Apr 2018)

Technology Tips – Published April 2018 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

                             Maintain & Clean up Your Windows 7, 8 & 10 PC                                                                                    

 

I’ve written various articles about how to clean up unneeded, junk or temporary files that have been used and left discarded on the hard drive of your computer. This article updates the previous one from June 2017.

 

After months of  build up, neglecting cleanup chores will make the computer unstable and run more slowly. I often wonder how many people buy a new computer because theirs is running poorly. Had they done the required maintenance maybe they wouldn’t have needed a new one. As a side note, installing and configuring a new computer already qualifies it for a cleanup. That’s because there are many hundreds of files used only once to get the new computer up and running.

 

Generally I recommend that you do the maintenance once a month. I recommend that you download the free CCleaner program from https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download.  You’ll find it in your Downloads folder as ccsetupxxx.exe (x any number). Double click the download file to install CCleaner. Uncheck any optional software offers then click Install. Close the next window that says Run CCleaner and also the window that pops up redirecting you back to Piriform. The installation will place an icon on your Desktop screen. Double click it to open CCleaner and click the Run Cleaner button. After cleaning is complete click the Registry button, then click the Scan for Issues button. After this completes click the Fix selected issues button. This free download program provides a fast, easy and safe way to clean your computer.There is a built-in monitor in CCleaner that pops up a reminder window when the computer has accumulated too much junk. Very handy. However, there’s more about cleaning up your computer so read on and if you have a laptop be sure it’s plugged into your battery charger before starting the cleaning and defragging.

 

Windows includes a built-in disk file cleaner that also removes unneeded files. The trouble is it just doesn’t clean as well as CCleaner. Let’s look at Windows 7 first. Click the orb in the lower left corner of the Desktop screen, then click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The program should start by calculating how much space it can free. After it completes, a new window will open showing many items that can be cleaned. Click the empty box next to an item so it appears with a check. Do this for all items scrolling down as needed. Make sure all items are checked. This is a safe procedure as nothing that is needed or wanted will be deleted. At the top of the window click the More Options tab. Under System Restore and Shadow Copies, click Clean up. In the pop-up window click the Delete button. Click the OK button in the Disk Cleanup window then click Delete Files in the pop-up window. Remember all this is safe to do! This may take awhile. After the window disappears (there is no formal notification) the tool has done its job. Next, repeat the procedure for navigating to Disk Cleanup but this time click Disk Defragmenter. When the Disk Defragmenter window opens click the Defragment disk button. Under the Progress column you will see Pass 1,2,3 etc. After it stops click the Defragment disk button again for another go around. Ideally most computers will stop at pass 5 when fully defragmented. Plus or minus a pass (6 or 4) is fine too.

 

Next is the procedure for Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10. Type the letters “co” (no quotes) in the Search field next to the 4 pane window icon in the lower left corner then click Control Panel at the top. When the Control Panel opens, click Administrative Tools. If you don’t see it, click Category view in the upper right and change it to Large icons. When Administrative Tools opens click Disk Cleanup. Click OK in the pop-up window. As in Windows 7, check all items then click Clean up system files. Click OK again. Next, in the pop-up window, make sure all items are checked then click the More Options tab. Click the Clean up button under System Restore and Shadow Copies and click Delete in the pop-up window. Click OK and click Delete Files in the pop-up window. Finish by clicking OK then click Delete Files. If you can’t find Disk Cleanup after opening it, look for it on the Task bar at the bottom of the Desktop window. Click it to make the window visible. As in Windows 7 this procedure is safe for Windows 8 and 10 too. It may also take awhile. To Defrag a Windows 8 and 10 computer click on Defragment and Optimize Drives in Administrative Tools. When the window opens, click the Optimize button. Again about 5  passes is the norm so repeat as necessary.

 

To help you with questions about this or any subject, we meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

Using the Control Panel

            The Control Panel of the computer can be found by clicking the Start button or round orb on Windows 7 in the lower left corner of the screen, then clicking Control Panel which is on the right side of the pop-up Start menu. Why is this important you may ask?

            The Control Panel gives you access to various areas of your computer to view, enhance, or change its operation. You may never need to do this but knowing that it is there may give you a better idea of how to proceed should you wish to make changes in the computer’s operation. Click the Control Panel then, if necessary, Windows 7 users should click large icons and Windows XP users should click Switch to Classic View. Although there are nearly 50 icons in Windows 7 and 35 in Windows XP, not all need to be utilized by the user.

            Administrative Tools holds several interesting tools. The event viewer logs list errors logged by the computer for applications, security, and system. This can be a handy way to gain further insight into a computer’s problem. Computer Management lets you view the scheduled tasks, which usually run on a schedule, and Device Manager which shows if the software driver has been properly loaded for each device. There’s even a memory diagnostic listed for Windows 7.

            Devices and Printers (Windows 7) or Printers & Faxes (XP) list your installed printers. By right clicking the installed printer icon and clicking Printer Properties (Windows 7) or Properties for XP users, you can send a test page to the printer.

            Internet Options is probably the most popular one in the group. Here you can reset the home page for Internet Explorer. Sometimes unwanted programs will change your home page. If you open Internet Explorer, type in your desired address for your home page, then open Internet Options and click Use Current, you will reset your unwanted home page to your desired home page. Click the OK button and you are done. When you reopen Internet Explorer it should show the new home page.

            The Mouse allows you adjust the feel of your mouse as you click it or move the arrow across the screen. Here you can speed up or slow down the arrow to your liking.

            Network & Sharing (Windows 7) helps you set up the networking of additional computers but more importantly it assists in troubleshooting connection problems to the Internet. Clicking the red “X” that appears when there is a problem will start a diagnostic to help find the cause of the problem and suggest possible solutions.

            Performance Information and Tools (Windows 7) can give your Windows 7 computer a health check. When the window opens click Advanced Tools and click Generate a system health report.

            Power Options can adjust when the monitor goes to sleep as well as turning off the hard disk when not being used. It also can be used to adjust screen brightness on Windows 7 laptops.

            Programs & Features (Windows 7) or Add Remove Programs (XP) allows you to uninstall unneeded programs.

            The Security Center (Windows XP) will show you if your computer is properly protected. For Windows 7 users you can click the flag icon near the clock and open the Action Center to check your security.

            The System icon allows you to see hardware parameters that are set up for your computer. Unless you have experience it’s best to not to make any changes in this area.

            Although there are many more categories to explore, I’ve touched on a few of more popular ones. Be sure to attend the PC Computer Club meetings to get better acquainted with the Control Panel workings. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

Don Trauger – Kennett