Asus C2K07UAABA, C2K91UA#ABA Maintaining your computer, Improving performance, Handling drives

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8 Maintaining your computer

It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. This chapter provides information about improving the performance of your computer by running tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup and by replacing a hard drive or adding memory. It also provides information about updating your programs and drivers, instructions for cleaning your computer, and tips for travelling with your computer.

Improving performance

Everyone wants a fast computer and by performing regular maintenance tasks, using tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, you can drastically improve the performance of your computer. Also, as your computer gets older, you might consider installing larger drives and adding more memory.

Handling drives

Observe these precautions when handling drives:

●Before removing or installing a drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer is off or in the Sleep state, turn the computer on, and then shut it down through the operating system.

●Before handling a drive, discharge static electricity by touching the unpainted metal surface of the drive.

●Do not touch the connector pins on a removable drive or on the computer.

●Do not use excessive force when inserting a drive into a drive bay.

●When the battery is the only source of power, be sure that the battery is sufficiently charged before writing to media.

●If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble-pack mailer or other suitable protective packaging and label the package “FRAGILE.”

●Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belts and similar security devices that check carry-on baggage use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not damage drives.

●Remove media from a drive before removing the drive from the drive bay, or traveling with, shipping, or storing a drive.

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Contents User Guide Software terms Product noticeSafety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Connecting to a local area network LAN Managing and sharing information Input power Viii Operating environment Page Best practices Starting rightFun things to do More HP resources Resource ContentsFinding your hardware and software information Getting to know your computerComponent Description Right sideLeft side Display TouchPad TopHibernation on LightsButton, speakers, and subwoofer Fn key KeysBottom Component LabelsConnecting to a wireless network Connecting to a networkUsing a Wlan Using the wireless controlsUsing the wireless button Using operating system controlsSetting up a Wlan Using an Internet service providerConfiguring a wireless router Protecting your WlanConnecting to a Wlan Using Bluetooth wireless devicesConnecting to a local area network LAN Connecting to a wired networkMultimedia Features Enjoying entertainment featuresPorts, see Using a USB device on Using the webcamConnecting speakers Using audioConnecting headphones Connecting a microphoneUsing video Connecting an Hdmi TV or monitorChecking the sound Configuring audio settings with Hdmi TV Managing your audio and video files Page Using TouchPad gestures Using the TouchPadScrolling TappingRotating select models only Pinching/zoomingFinger click select models only Flicking select models onlyEdge swipes Top-edge swipe Right-edge swipeLeft-edge swipe Using ALT GR key combinations Using the keyboard and mouseUsing the keys Using the action keysUsing Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys Shortcut Key Description Using the hot keysFunction Hot key Description Beats Audio Control PanelManaging power Initiating Sleep and HibernationIntel Rapid Start Technology select models only Enabling and Exiting User-Initiated Hibernation Initiating and exiting SleepSetting password protection on wakeup Selecting a power plan Using the power meter and power settingsFactory-sealed battery Running on battery powerFinding battery information Conserving battery powerResolving a low battery level Running on external AC powerHP CoolSense select models only Troubleshooting an AC adapterShutting down turning off the computer Connecting a USB device Using a USB deviceManaging and sharing information Type DescriptionRemoving a USB device Connecting a powered USB deviceInserting and removing a digital storage card Select Open Network and Sharing Center Sharing data and drives and accessing softwareMaintaining your computer Improving performanceHandling drives Using Disk Defragmenter Using Disk CleanupUpdating programs and drivers Cleaning your computer Cleaning the display, sides, and coverCleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Traveling with or shipping your computer Using passwords Computer risk Security featureSecuring your computer and information Setting Windows passwords Setting Setup Utility Bios passwordsPassword Function Installing software updates Using Internet security softwareUsing antivirus software Using firewall softwareUsing an optional security cable lock Securing your wireless networkInstalling HP and third-party software updates Backing up your software applications and informationPage Starting Setup Utility Bios Using Setup Utility Bios and System DiagnosticsUpdating the Bios Determining the Bios versionDownloading a Bios update Using System Diagnostics Backing up, restoring, and recovering Creating HP Recovery media Creating recovery media and backupsWhat you need to know To create HP Recovery mediaRestore and recovery Remove everything and reinstall Windows Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recoveryRecovering using HP Recovery Manager Changing the computer boot order Using HP Recovery media to recoverRemoving the HP Recovery partition Specifications Input powerInput power Rating Operating environment Electrostatic Discharge Index Symbols/NumericsWlan