Automatic Scheduling and Deletion of Data

In this blog I will be showing you how to set up anti-virus to automatically schedule a scan throughout the computer and how to edit the settings to delete unwanted data:

Step 1

Open your anti-virus software and select the option to 'scan'.

Step 2

Once 'scan' is selected you need to choose the button which says 'settings'.

Step 3

On the third screen you then need to look for a button that say's 'scheduling' and select it.

Step 4

Once you have selected 'scheduling' you can then set how often and what type of scan you would like to commence. You can also give the anti-virus software permission to delete data that you are not using which will help keep your computer free from unused files, data or applications.

Back-Up Procedures

In this blog post I shall being explaining how you can back-up your folders and files with the use of offline and online tools.

Step 1 

You first of all need to select control panel which can be located on the start menu. Once in control panel choose the option which says 'Save back-up copies of files with file history'

Step 2

After the completion of step 1 you will then see a screen similar to the one below. You then need to select 'System image back-up' which is located in the bottom left of the pop-up box.

Step 3

The third stage is selecting where you would like to save the files, in this case I have saved it to a different hard drive on the computer however to make sure you have properly backed-up files I would recommend saving them to an external drive such as a flash drive or CD.

Step 4

Once a location has been chosen to save the files you need to select what folders or files you want to back-up, in this case I have chosen my C:/ Drive.

Step 5

You will then be shown what and where you are backing files up to, if you are happy with the files/folders you are backing up as well as where they are being backed-up to then select 'start backup'.

Step 6

After stage 5 the back-up will commence, once completed it will state the back-up is completed.

Organisation and Naming of Files

In this blog post I shall explain a way to organize your files and folders as well as how to name them and order them.

Step 1

As you can see when I select 'My documents' I have a number of folders. All files and folders are named with clear titles so I know what files will be in them for example 'My Pictures' will have the pictures I have saved from my computer on them. I will be concentrating on the folder named 'ICT' throughout this blog post.

Step 2

After I have clicked on the 'ICT' folder there are a number of other folders which are the various Unit's of ICT that I need to complete. This is a good way of keeping track of what unit's you have in a course as well as being a good overview of how many unit's you are involved in.

Step 3

After step 2 I have then went into a further folder named 'Unit 3' which as you can see below has the various assignments within that particular unit. This is a very good way of organizing as you now know the various sections to the overall unit and what you will need to complete to complete the whole unit.

Step 4

After step 3 I have then decided to click into one of the 'Assignment' folders which has then led me to files that I will need in order for me to complete that assignment or the files are completed work. You can rename a file or folder by simply right clicking the selected folder or file you want to rename and select 'Rename' which will then allow you to type a new name for the file or folder which could help you better understand what is within the file or folder.

How to Test Functionality

In this blog post I shall be showing you a variety of ways on how to test your computers functionality including how to check if the correct device drivers are installed, checking and change default folder settings, correct data and time is set and numerous other functionality tests.

That Software applications open and work as Intended (Test 1) 
& Desktop shortcuts go the correct places (Test 2)

Step 1 - Test 1

The first step I took was to open and create the following table in Microsoft Office Word to ensure that this software program works correctly. I also opened all other Microsoft Office programs to ensure they all opened correctly.

Test number	What is being tested	How I've tested it	Result
1	Microsoft Office opens and works as intended	By creating this table within Microsoft Office Word	Works correctly.
2	Shortcuts take me to the correct place and show the correct files	By opening shortcuts	Works correctly.

Here is Microsoft Office Word open with the table I created to show that this software is working as intended:

The second part of this heading involves making sure the desktop shortcuts I have work properly, I shall show you how to check this with the help of images.

Step 1 - Test 2

Here you can see two desktop shortcuts on my desktop, one is Microsoft office word file and the other is a file saved in my drop-box.

Step 2

In the image below you can see me right clicking the shortcut icon and then selecting 'open'. I carried out the same process for the other desktop shortcut beside it.

Step 3

As you can see the shortcut worked and the file has opened correctly.

Ensuring Correct Date and Time - Test 3

Within this section of my blog post I shall be showing you how to ensure that you have set the correct data and time and that the correct data and time is showing on your computer.

Step 1

You need to first right click on the Date and Time in the bottom right hand side of your computer monitor. When you do this the image below should appear (or something similar). Select the 'Adjust data/time' action.

Step 2

Once you have completed 'Step 1' you should receive a pop-up box with three tabs along the top of it. You need to select the tab that says 'Internet Time'. You then need to select 'Change data and time'.

Step 3

After the completion of step 2 you will then receive a pop-up box similar to the one below, you need to left click on the 'Change Settings' option

Step 4

In this final step you can the change the data and time, you can change the server that the computer needs to be synchronized to although it is usually on the correct one. Once you are happy with the server the computer is synchronized to you can click 'Update now' and the data and time will be updated or changed if needed.

Ensuring Default Folder Settings are Correct - Test 4

In this test I shall be ensuring and checking that the default folder settings are correct on a Microsoft Office Word file and if they are not how I will be changing them.

Step 1

You first need to open a word document, then click on 'File' at the top left of your computer monitor which will give you various options to choose from. You need to select the button called 'Option'.

Step 2

After you have selected 'Option' in the file tab of Microsoft Office Word you be given a pop-up box with other options to select. You need to select 'Save' which is located on the left hand side of the pop-up box.

Step 3

Once you are in the 'Save' options you can change the settings of where and how to save the file. In this case we need to ensure that the default folder settings are correct. As you can see from the above image I have not selected a default folder. To choose a default folder I need to click on the 'Browse' button next the text that says 'Default file location'. This will leave you with a screen like the below image. You can then select the default folder you would like.

Step 4

As you can see I have selected my default folder to be 'ICT'. I then saved this file of which saved into the correct folder.

Ensuring Correct Device Drivers are Installed - Test 5

In this final test of functionality I shall be ensuring that the correct device drivers installed.

Step 1

You need to first access 'Control Panel' and select 'Hardware and Sound' and the finally select 'Device manager'. You should see an image similar to the one below this step and text.

Step 2

To check if you have the most up to date device driver you simply need to choose a device that you want to update or see if it needs updates. In the image below it is my 'Network Adapter' I simply need to right click the icon/text where it says 'Network Adapter' and select 'Update Driver software' from the drop down menu after you have right clicked it.

Step 3

You will then get a pop-up box, if you have a physical update on a USB stick or CD then select the bottom option which is 'Browse' and select the update, this will then update and install automatically. If you do not have an update on a USB / CD then select 'search automatically.

Step 4

If you select 'Search automatically' the computer will search the internet for updates and if there are updates it will automatically start to update the driver and install the update.

Step 5

If you have the latest driver you will see something similar to the image below. You can update each device driver in the same way if you need to.

Test table

Test number	What is being tested	How I’ve tested it	Result
1	Microsoft Office opens and works as intended	By creating this table within Microsoft Office Word	Works correctly.
2	Shortcuts take me to the correct place and show the correct files	By opening shortcuts	Works correctly.
3	Ensuring correct Date and Time	By synchronizing the date and time with the internet	Works correctly.
4	Ensuring Default folder settings are correct	By looking into what the default folder settings are and changing them if necessary	Works correctly.
5	Ensuring correct device drivers are installed	Checking ‘Device Manager’ for any updates	Works correctly.

The Creation and Reconfiguration of Application Toolbars

Within this blog I will show you how to create and reconfigure application toolbars in Libra Office:

Step 1

You first need to open a blank Libra Office Document.

Step 2

Then click on the 'View' option at the top of the blank office document and select 'Toolbar's' on the drop down menu.

Step 3

Once stage 2 is completed you receive a pop-up box listing all available toolbar's as well as the toolbar's you are already using. Here you can deselect and select various toolbar's that will then be added on either to the top of the document options or on to the side.

Setting up File sharing and Permissions

Sharing files over a network can be extremely useful when communicating with other users especially in a business or school environment. In this blog I shall show you how to file share:

Step 1

You first need to decide on what file or folder you want to share, once decide you need to right click this icon and select 'Properties'

Step 2

Once the 'Properties' option has been selected you will receive another pop-up which gives numerous options and information about the selected folder or file, the option you need to select is the 'Sharing' option.

Step 3

Once the step 2 has been completed you should be given a different pop-up with an option to select 'Advanced Sharing' you need to choose this rather than just simply 'Sharing' the file as you receive the option to create permissions when sharing the file or folder.

Step 4

The fourth stage involves another pop-up box after stage 3 is completed, this fourth stage is very simple you just to need to ensure that the 'Share this File/Folder' option is selected.

Stage 5

The fifth and final stage involves the setting up of permissions when you are sharing this file/folder with other users over a network. You first need to select the 'Permissions' tab, this will give you another pop-up box. You should then choose who you want to share your file/folder with from the network, there is an option to select everyone on the network. Once you have selected suitable users to share you files with you can then set restrictions to the files either enabling them to access and edit the folder giving them full control or you can restrict them and allow them to only read the files.

Creation of start-up options for a user with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

RSI is a common problem for many people using a computer on a daily basis for long periods of time, in this blog I shall explain how you can set up your computer to help prevent the affects of RSI as well some other measures on how to prevent RSI. The first way of preventing RSI is to set the computer so that the user only needs to click once to select something rather than double clicking all the time, this will half the amount of clicks a person needs to use:

Step 1

First of all you need to select 'Start' at the bottom left hand side of your computer and choose 'Control Panel'

Step 2

Once the control panel is selected you should see a screen like this, if you do not then you should change your display settings on the icons to 'Small Icons' this option is in the top right hand corner of the pop-up. That is not a necessary step however it may help you follow the next stages. You need to then select the 'Mouse settings' options.

Step 3

Once the 'Mouse settings' option is selected another pop-up should appear like the one below this text. You then will have the option to turn on 'Click Lock' on, turn click lock on. Once you have selected this press 'OK' and the changes will have been made. This allows the user to click only once to select files, tabs, etc rather than clicking twice.

Other ways to prevent RSI is to ensure that the chairs are supporting the posture of the user as well as having monitors at the correct angle as this can cause strain the neck and back.

Editing Anti-Virus Configuration

Within this blog I shall be explaining how to edit your anti-virus software as well as configuring the settings. I shall be using 'Avast' anti-viral security which is a very common anti-virus software used by millions of people. If you do not use this type of anti-virus software the steps you should take will be extremely similar.

Step 1

The first step of editing is anti-virus software is very simple which is to open the software. Usually the software creates a shortcut to be inserted on your desktop or it is placed in the bottom right hand side of your screen.

Step 2

The second step is to the 'Settings' tab which can be located on the left hand side of the tab that is opened when the anti-virus software is opened. After the 'Settings' option is selected another pop-up will appear giving you options to change the settings of the anti-virus software, these changes are very basic such as auto-cleanup's, when to schedule an virus check, temporary files and backing up settings.

Step 3

The third step is to select the 'Active Protection' tab, this gives you information on what is protecting you and what is not. Once on this screen you have the option to turn on and off certain protections enabling you to enhance your protection or loosen it.

Step 4

The final step is to give you even more options to edit and change your anti-virus settings this will enable you strength the anti-virus software even further. These options are particularly could to have when allowing new users to use the system to help protect the computer even further.

Editing a Desktop

Within this blog I shall show you how to quickly edit your desktop.

Step 1

Step 1 is the stage after the computer is fully loaded. You need to simply right click on your mouse to give yourself options to 'Personalize'.












Step 2

Once you select 'Personalize' from the drop down menu after you have clicked the right side of your mouse you are given options to change the background of your desktop from a pop-up as seen on step 2. You are also given more options to modify the desktop if you select the 'Display' button from the pop-up. The other options consist of such as icon size for short sighted people, text size and a variety of other options.

Editing a BIOS

In this blog post I will be showing you how to edit a password on a BIOS. This is to prevent other users from accessing it.

Step 1

When turning on your computer ensure that you press the button that allows you to access your BIOS before the operating system loads.









Step 2

To set a BIOS password access the 'Security' section of the BIOS. You then need to select the option which says 'Set Supervisor Password'.











Step 3

Press enter once you are over the selection of 'Set Supervisor Password' too give the option to set a password appears.










Step 4

Once you have selected a password and then retyped it correctly the BIOS will notify you have set the password correctly.










Step 5

Everytime the BIOS is then loaded it will ask for the password you have set. Unless you decided to change or get rid of the password.