Chapter 2

Learning the Basics

This chapter gives some computing tips and provides important information about basic features.

Computing tips

❖

Save your work frequently.

Your work stays in the computer’s temporary memory until you save it to the internal storage drive. If the network you are using goes down and you must restart your computer to reconnect, or your battery runs out of charge while you are working, you will lose all work since you last saved.

See

“Saving your work” on page 96

for further information.

HINT: Some programs have an automatic save feature that can be activated. This feature saves your file to the internal storage drive at preset intervals. See your software documentation for details.

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90 Learning the Basics

Computing tips

❖

Back up your files to disks (or other removable media) on a regular basis. Label the backup copies clearly and store them in a safe place.

It is easy to put off backing up because it takes time. However, if your internal storage drive suddenly fails, you will lose all the data on it unless you have a separate backup copy. For more information, see

“Data and system configuration backup in the

Windows® operating system” on page 196

.

❖

Use Error-checking and Disk Defragmenter regularly to check and optimize disk space and improve performance.

❖

Scan all new files for viruses.

This precaution is especially important for files you receive via diskette, email, or download from the Internet.

❖

Take frequent breaks to avoid repetitive-motion injuries and eyestrain.

❖

Do not turn off the computer if a drive indicator light indicates a drive is active.

Turning off the computer while it is reading from or writing to a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both.

❖

Before turning off the computer, use the Shut Down command or Sleep command. See

“Using and configuring Sleep mode” on page 83 to learn more about Sleep.

NOTE The Windows ® operating system records information, such as your desktop setup, during its shutdown procedure. If you do not let the

Windows ® operating system shut down normally, details such as new icon positions may be lost.