The Technical Support of the web site receives updates on a semi-regular basis. This web page and updates contained on it, address computer maintenance and administrative functions pertinent to front line workers.

The goal is to reduce computer failures and performance issues so that the end user is not affected adversely by these on a regular basis. The computers acting as platform for the Ka:nen Client Manager are now reaching the end of the expected life cycle and upgrades are pending.

If your system is not working as it should we ask that you review the page for a solution or contact the MIS office directly. It is recommended that you visit this page regularly for updated information regarding computer maintenance and security.

Please review the PC Tune-Up Calendar below to ensure that you are keeping up with computer maintenance tasks.

Virus Scanning: Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses roam the internet, intent on destroying your data. Update your Antivirus software to ensure that you have the most recent virus database and run a system scan. Kaspersky Antivirus is the antivirus that is contained on most of the systems across the province. Kaspersky updates itself regularly every two hours, so you will not need to run a Kaspersky update. However, you may want to ensure that you have Kaspersky doing a full system scan monthly, as well as a critical scan weekly. You can set up these scans in Kaspersky. Follow this link to setup automatic scanning.

Backup: A rewritable CD drive is ideal for daily, automatic backups. DVD's large capacity makes it a worthy backup buddy for behemoth hard drives, and its thin discs are easy to store. To view how to back up your system using Windows XP Backup go to this link: Windows XP Backup.

Automatic Hard-Drive Scanning for Viruses: Enable your real-time antivirus protection and allow your program to check for virus signature updates as often as possible. But real-time protection is a slimmed-down measure in comparison with a comprehensive drive scan. Schedule a scan once a week to catch any viruses that may have slipped through.

Windows/Microsoft Update: This is an Internet tool--run it by clicking Start, All Programs, near the top of the menu click either “Windows Update” or “Microsoft Update”—this will enable Microsoft to scan your PC and recommend updated drivers, system files, security applets, and other updates. To choose the files you want to download, mark the appropriate check boxes; then ignore the rest.

Disk Cleanup: This Windows utility removes temporary Internet files, clears the Recycle Bin, and dumps other disk trash. Find it at Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools. Disk Cleanup is useful for smaller (20GB to 40GB) hard drives that are running low on free space. Go to the Disk Cleanup page for instruction on how to run this program.

Scheduled Tasks: With this Windows tool you can automate housekeeping chores such as Backup and Disk Cleanup. The Scheduled Task Wizard makes it easy to run maintenance utilities daily, weekly, or monthly--or even at boot time. Once a month, you should review your scheduled tasks to see if they're still appropriate. For instance, it doesn't make sense to set Disk Cleanup for the first of the month at 7 a.m. if your PC is turned off at that time. To find the Scheduled Tasks wizard go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Scheduled Tasks.

Disk Defragmenter: Located on Windows' System Tools submenu--and willfully ignored by many users--Defrag can maintain optimum hard-disk performance and stability by putting each file's sectors in the proper sequence, permitting more-efficient access. One caveat: Be sure to keep at least 15 percent of your disk space free so that Disk Defragmenter (and your system) can perform at maximum efficiency. Go to the Disk Defragmenter page for instruction on how to run this program.

PC Cleaning: Carefully remove dust from inside your PC. Use a soft brush attachment on a home vacuum or a minivacuum. Use canned compressed air (with the straw) to clear dust in tight spots. But don't blast air into floppy, CD-ROM, or other removable-media drives; the heads and other internal components are easier to damage than you might think. When cleaning out the inside of your computer with compressed are, please be careful not to make the fans for the CPU etc, turn faster than they are supposed to. Instead, hold the fan while blowing out the different components in the computer. This type of cleaning should not be done in your office, it is best to bring your system outside (make sure the weather is conducive) and blow the system out there.

NOTE: Compressed air has been used by older children and teens to induce a high; please ensure that these items are locked away and cannot be accessed by anyone other than you. The fumes are harmful so take care to use the product in a well ventilated area. Read the warnings on the can.