Beezid
Showing posts with label computer-maintenance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label computer-maintenance. Show all posts

Saturday, September 28, 2013

How-To Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 8

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 1:19 PM

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner is going to over Disk Cleanup in Windows 8.

When you run this option Disk Cleanup you also are given an option to clear the Cache (Temporary internet files).

How-To Clean up with Disk Cleanup is an older article that explains what Disk Clean up is, and explains other details about this application.  The definitions are the same even though it speaks about older operating systems.

First we want to go to the Charms Bar on your start screen, and use the ‘Search’ Charm or option.
Windows have an ‘app’ or program now called, ‘cleanmgr’. 

Type in ‘clearnmgr’ (program name for disk cleanup) on the right side side under the search option pictured below.

On the left hand side of the screen under ‘apps’ you will see the program icon come up.  You click or tap that icon to open up the program ‘disk cleanup’ for Windows 8.
Cleanmgr Disk Cleanup Windows 8

The disk clean up screen for Windows 8 will open up, and you will have a pull down menu to pick the computer drive you want to ‘clean up’.
disk cleanup windows 8
Once you have picked the drive you want to clean up, you click OK.  The familiar options screen pops up to allow you to make choices as we have done in the past with other operating systems (Windows 7, Vista, XP, etc).
Disk-Cleanup Options Windows 8
If you click on the options a description box opens up below, and describes what it will delete or clean up.  In the above picture I have highlighted ‘Downloaded Program Files”.  If you look below that section you will see a description field.

Make sure you click (or tap) which fields you have chosen to clean up, and they will have a check mark in the box.  The ones left with NO check mark it will NOT delete or clean up.

Click or Tap “OK” and allow the computer to run the app or program.

That’s IT!  Your done!

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Disk Cleanup for Windows 8.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Get In and Get Out of Safe Mode

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:08 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going Start Safe mode, and learn how to get OUT of safe mode!

In a past article we spoke about what is safe mode.  Now we will learn how to get to safe mode, and we will then learn about the different safe mode options.

For now… Here are a list of questions we will cover today:
What is Booting to safe mode?
How to start windows in safe mode?
How to get safe mode?
How do i get to safe mode?
How to start in safe mode?
What is Restart in Safe Mode?
How-To get out of safe mode?
We will touch on all of these questions today!

What Is Safe Mode?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 10:32 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on what is Safe Mode?
Our Next Article will cover booting or starting your computer in Safe Mode.
Our First question is:

What is Safe Mode?

Microsoft’s Definition of Safe Mode is:
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words "Safe Mode" appear in the corners of the display to identify which Windows mode you are using. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.

To me safe mode is a trouble shooting mode when your computer is having problems. 
Examples of when you may see safe mode is:

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Safe Mode Windows Vista XP Seven 7

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:17 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 7, XP and Vista

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows Vista / Windows 7  / Windows XP operating system in safe mode

restart-computer

  • We will be restarting your computer so make sure you prepare your computer for that by removing disks, saving documents, and closing programs.

    Click on Start button and then click the arrow next to the Lock button and then click restart.  Allow the computer to completely shut down first.  Then…

Safe Mode Windows 2000

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:16 PM

Safe-Mode-Windows-2000Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 2000.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 2000 operating system in safe mode

Windows 2000 doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

Safe Mode Windows 98 Windows ME

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:14 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 98 or Windows ME.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a windows 98/ME  operating system in safe mode

windows-98-me-safe-mode

 

Method 1(Most commonly used):

Safe Mode Windows 95

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:12 PM

Safe-Mode-Windows-95Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 95.

 

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 95 operating system in safe mode

Windows 95 AGAIN doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

How-to Do a manual Windows Update

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 4:13 PM

We have now answered the questions:

What is windows update?

How do you set automatic windows updates for Vista, Windows 7, or automatic windows updates for XP

If you noticed in our What is Windows update lesson I showed you a pictured of the task bar that at times gives you a notification to check your windows updates.

windows-update-notification
In today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner we will cover

How-to Manually check a windows update

If you have set your computer up for the automatic updates as we did in the past lesson your computer could be:
  1. Telling you that you have some optional updates to look at.
  2. The updates became available recently, and your scheduled update has not occurred since the availably.
I would say those are most common.

We would want to double click on the icon in our task bar that appeared in your notification area – as pictured above.
change-settings-windows-update
In this example, I have both important updates and optional updates.

How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically in Windows XP

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 4:05 PM

In Windows XP you can configure your windows update to be done automatically.  In a past lesson we explained What is a Windows Update?

Today’s How-To Guide For the Computer Beginner we will learn:
How-To allow Windows XP Updates to run automatically.

Windows Updates For Windows XP

In Windows XP we want to click on our start button, and in the search box type in ‘windows update’. 
XP-Windows-start-windows-update
XP-Windows-Update-Selection
We are going to make sure your computer settings are set to do the windows updates automatically.
xp-windows-update-settings
Look to the left hand side of this new window, and we want to click on ‘settings’.
Once you open t

How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically in Vista or Windows 7

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 4:02 PM

In Windows Vista or Windows Seven (7) you can configure your windows update to be done automatically.  In a past lesson we explained What is a Windows Update?

Today’s How-To Guide For the Computer Beginner we will learn:
How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically.

Updates For Windows

In Windows Vista or Windows 7 we want to click on our start button, and in the search box type in ‘windows update’.  You will see at the top of the start menu the option for Windows update as seen below, and we want to click on windows update to open a new screen
find-windows-update
Once the new window appears it will note the windows updates that are available for your computer.  We are going to make sure your computer settings are set to do the windows updates automatically.
change-settings-windows-update
Look to the left hand side of this new window, and we want to click on ‘change settings’.
change-settings

What is a Windows Update?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 3:59 PM

With every version of Windows that I can remember you were always given messages about ‘windows updates’.  I was asked some rather conflicting questions about windows updates, and so as you might have guessed today’s

How To Guide for the computer beginner is

What is Windows Update?

Microsoft provides windows updates, and you normally see these on your right side of the task bar in the notification area.
windows-update-notification
If you hoover over the icon that the mouse pictures are showing it will give you a message that there is a windows update available.

There are different types of updates.  Updates are classified as Important, Recommended, Optional, and Featured.

Important Updates (or Critical updates) are updates that they ask you do download right away.  They are normally have security issues involved with them.  They are to help keep your privacy, security, and vulnerability to crooks a minimum.    It could be that Microsoft found a hole they want to patch up, or found that hackers found a way to penetrate the windows system. 

Recommended Updates are updates to various components of the operating system that should be installed for proper functionality.

Optional Updates, are new features, updates, or Ultimate Extras that are not necessary to install for proper functionality of the operating system or applications.  In the last windows update that I did for example, they mentioned my printer software had an update to download.

Featured you don’t really see anymore, but if you ever do they will give you a description of the update.  You will be able to decided if it is something that your computer will find beneficial.   In other words, its little extras if you want them.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Internet Explorer Delete Browsing History Menu

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 2:12 PM

Delete-Browsing-HistoryToday’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner we will go into more detail about Internet Explorer’s:

Delete Browsing History Tab.


Keep in mind at times people do shorten the name Internet Explorer. 

Most people will refer to this as IE. 

It is basically just the initials of
Internet Explorer.

If you come across IE9.  It means Internet Explorer Version 9.   The number represents the version of IE or Internet Explorer.

So Today’s lesson could also be termed as, “

IE delete browsing history’

tab.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Computer Recycle Bin: How do you delete files, folders, and icons?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 5:39 PM

Computer Recycle Bin
All windows computers come with what we call a ‘recycle bin’.  Some of the pictures of the icon almost remind me of a trash can.  When I got Vista it was different this time.  It almost reminds me of a glass doesn't it?

Think of the recycle bin on your computer LIKE a trash can, because we use it to get rid of icons, files or folders that have outlived their use for us.  It will be a basic computer operation for you in time!

Just like a trash can there are times in which you will empty the recycle bin on your computer, but that will be the next lesson.

Today I'm was looking at a recipe that I placed on my desktop for a Crunchy Chinese Chicken.  It was basically an shortcut I had placed on the computer desktop to remind me to make it one night for dinner. 

Now I have decided I really don't need that shortcut on the computer anymore, and I want to get rid of it.  I'm going to show you a couple of different ways I can get my file, folder or icon into the Recycle Bin on my computer.

Keep in mind you can't remove programs doing this.  You need to go remove programs section under your control panel for that.   YES you can delete the program icon, but the program will still be on the computer itself.

Select the Item
The first portion for any of the steps below starts with selecting the item to be sent to the recycle bin on my computer.  You do this by using your left click button on top of what you wish to send to the recycle bin on your computer.

As you can see from my picture my Crunchy Chinese Chicken recipe is highlighted.

At this point you have a couple of different options you can use to send it to the recycle bin.

1)  When I click to highlight the icon pictured I DON'T let go!  I click once to highlight and HOLDING down that click I then DRAG the icon over the icon picture of the recycle bin on the desktop.  Once you are OVER the icon picture of the recycle bin you let GO!  It should be gone!

2)  The second way is again highlight the item you wish to send to the recycle bin.  Then RIGHT click.  You then are given a couple of options like the picture I have supplied.  You want to click the word 'delete' in this case.



Right Click
As you can see you have a couple of different choices in this picture.

You can use your left click button again to click on 'delete'.

3)  The last option I find is the easiest.  You highlight the icon as I mentioned before, and then you look on your keyboard to find the 'delete' button.

Delete Key
Once you find that delete button you PUSH IT!

Like to so many other things we do on the computer you may get a message when attempting to send your item to the recycle bin.  It is basically asking us ARE YOU SURE you want to send it to the recycle bin?

Are you sure you want to delete

If you notice the right below the question it mentions the recipe I was trying to get rid of by 'FILE name'.  

Its a nice double check for ourselves.  I tend to go rather fast when I delete things, and on occasion I click the WRONG file, folder or icon.  I don't notice I picked the wrong item until this prompt comes up with the question, and of course the NAME of the file I'm getting rid of shows up.  I can say NO at that point if I made the mistake, but in this case I have chosen the correct item.  

I tell the computer YES I want to send this file to the recycle bin on my computer.

Computer File Folder
This is a picture of a computer FILE folder.  I use these at times to keep organized.  For example, in this file folder I keep shortcuts to websites I read on a regular basis.

You may have seen this type of icon, and it will hold videos, photos, and documents for some examples.

You can delete these files just like you have seen above for files and icons.  Just keep in mind that EVERYTHING inside that file will also deleted.  Its always a good idea to double click on the folder to make sure everything in the folder is something you want to get rid of.  You would then CLOSE the folder, and follow either step 1, 2 or 3 above.

I find at times a visual is better at explaining things.  I made a video showing the above examples regarding the computer recycle bin.

If you can't see the video Click HERE.

I hope this helps others, and you are now more comfortable with deleting files, icons, and folders with your computer recycle bin.

Don't forget to subscribe to future lessons below by typing in your email address.  Keep in mind its easy to stop the lessons in the future.  There is an unsubscribe link on each one you are receive.

Friday, March 27, 2009

How-To Uninstall Programs

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:04 PM

From time to time you need to uninstall a program on your computer.  I know in the past my father seemed to think if he deleted the desktop icon the program would be GONE!

 

Unfortunately, there is a bit more to learning how-to uninstall a program on your computer.

 

I will also recommend a free program at the end if you are having problems ‘uninstalling a program’ the traditional ways!

 

Why would you uninstall programs

 

  • You installed a program, and your computer is freezing, or just not acting the same.  A times programs don’t work well with your operating system, and it doesn’t matter if the box says it SHOULD!

 

  • In a past lesson I discussed programs like Java.  Java is a free program that is very useful on computers, and at times like most programs they come out with ‘updates’.  So you agree to have your computer update to the newest version of java, and you find sites that you use java on now don’t work. 

 

  • Other times you get update program messages, and you agree to the update.  The next thing you know they program updating states you must ‘uninstall all previous versions’ before you can use the new one.

 

  • I have run into issues with a program that I regularly use, and all of a sudden for NO rational reason at all it completely flops.  It just doesn’t work anymore.

  • Other times you notice you never did use that program that you felt you would like, and why not just get it off the computer completely.

 

Yes there are different reasons to uninstall programs.  Learning How-to Uninstall a program is a very useful skill for the computer beginner. 


If you are planning on reinstalling the program make sure you have the location online for the download, or your program near by.


Below I will show you how to uninstall programs first on the older operating systems, and then we will move on to the newer ones.


With older operating systems you need to hit your start button, settings, and go to your control panel.

Start Button, Settings, Control Panel

Start Button, Settings, Control Panel

 

Look for your Add or Remove Programs icon.

 
Control Panel Add Remove ProgramsLook in Control Panel for Add Remove Programs Icon

 

Make sure you look to the TOP of the add/remove program properties, and see the section that is named 'Install/Uninstall'.  See picture below that shows the three tabs.  Click on the install/uninstall tab - the first one!

 

add/remove programs properties
Find the Install/Uninstall Tab Far Left
 
 

You will have a list of programs, and you need to find the one you are looking for.   You can scroll down the list on your right until you find the title of the program you wish to uninstall.  The program titles are in the white box below.



Uninstall Program you are looking for

Click on the program you wish to uninstall, and click the 'add/remove' button (see picture above – it is greyed out)  you see at the bottom of the listing.  Then push the okay button.

Click YES to uninstall program

Chances are you will get a message similar to the one I have pictured.  Its basically a 'are you SURE you want to remove this program?' type of message.  Click YES!

 

Then the program will uninstall, and you will see something similar to the picture below.

 

 

Keep in mind sometimes when you are DONE your computer will ask you to restart the system.  Its is completely normal!

 

The newer systems like XP, Vista, Seven have a different procedure for add or remove programs

What is nice about the newer programs is that normally have a ‘how-to uninstall’ option that you can use.

 

You would click your start button, then hit all programs. 

This will bring all your programs that are installled in order for you to find the program that you wish to UNinstall!

 

If you look at my picture above I choose CCleaner.  I clicked the folder first, and the list below it appeared.

 

You would click the Uninstall CCleaner, and just follow the easy directions.

 

What if you don’t have an uninstall option like I pictured above?  We can use the traditional how-to uninstall a program through the control panel.

 

In newer operating systems such as XP or Vista push start button and then control panel.

 

See Green Start Button – then hit control Panel

 

XP systems do have the 'add and remove' programs icon.

 

Vista in the 'classic' mode calls it 'Programs and Features'.  The classic mode has their icons in alphabetic order so it makes it easier.

 

If you aren't using the classic check out the arrow below under the programs section, uninstall a program.

Control Panel Uninstall a program












Uninstall a Program – See Arrow

 

Once your in the programs area - either way you get there classic or otherwise:

 

Wait for all the programs to refresh in the programs and features section.

Click the program that you want to remove

 

Look to the top of the white section and you will see some options:  Install, Remove, Repair

 

Click Remove to uninstall program

 

Programs and Features





Look for Install, Repair, Remove from top of control panel after you found program from list

If you are prompted to confirm the removal of the program, click Yes

 

Keep in mind at times you get the option of 'repairing' the program. 

 

If you having problems with the program? I would use reinstall it anyway.  If the repair doesn't work?  You are going to have to uninstall it anyway.  To me?  It just saves a step.

 

There will be times in which you will have a program that is HARD to remove, or just refuses to remove itself from your computer.

 

I know many people for example have issue with Symantec Norton products.  There is a software product that I have heard good things about, and its called

 

Revo Uninstaller

 

They have a free version, and a paid version.  I have used this product to actually REMOVE a Symantec Norton product from a friend’s computer.  It worked WELL!  Make sure you pay attention when you download it.  Its not a virus or anything, but sometimes vendors tend to wish to add extras like toolbars, etc along with the software.  You will see the option to say NO thank YOU!

 

I hope I helped you learn how-to uninstall a program.  Being a computer beginning some of these items I know can be intimidating.  Once you learn to THINK like a machine?  (giggles) it does get easier!

 

Have any questions or comments please see the comment section below!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

What is Spyware? What do you because it can't be GOOD?!

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 5:57 AM


PC Vs Mac Spyware Commercial -


That commercial just tickles me! PC gave you an idea of what spyware is!

From From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the definition is:

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs. In an attempt to increase the understanding of spyware, a more formal classification of its included software types is captured under the term privacy-invasive software.

In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.


Major YUCK right???

Along with Spyware you have other types of infections!



Adware, Malware, Spyware all very hard on computers, and can cause all kinds of issues!

One thing I get asked alot is, "WHAT did we do to get it there in the first place?" The simplest answer is pretty much nothing! Its pretty much IS part of the Internet community, and for PC users (remember the commercial) its part of our reality online!

Another thing you need to remember is these infections are like an onion! You peel off the first layer, and you still have that next layer of skin!

We are going to use what I call the ONION peel method of taking care of these infections! KEY - remember ONION!

red onion Pictures, Images and Photos
When you run your programs to get rid of these infections you may have another layer of spyware ready to crop up! RUN the program until you get NOTHING left! Remove all the layers!

Another part of this is you need to layer your programs! There are alot of really NICE programs out there for these infections, and alot of them are free of charge! Even if you purchased one program, or may even HAVE a program on your computer ready to combat these little buggers you need layered protection! There isn't anything WRONG with these programs. I think its just the nature of the beast!


I realize there are alot of people that have older software systems, and some of these up to date programs will NOT work for you! In my blog roll I have two links for websites that have downloads for some nice programs for older systems.

The first program I use is Ad-Aware. I found a video that will give you good visual! The program has been updated since this video, but when you use it you will see most of the aspects are the same! The only thing he didn't mention was to RE RUN that program until its ALL gone!



The second program I like to use is Ewido. Ewido has an online scan, and it will ask you if you can download an application. I have also been using this for while, and I will tell you it takes a while to run. The older operating systems may not be able to use this program.

I'm sure your friends and family have other programs they like to use. Those are two I like to use. So GO and get that SPYWARE, ADWARE, MALWARE.........and DELETE DELETE DELETE!!

What programs do you use already?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

How to clean up with DISK CLEANUP!

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 9:20 PM

Disk CleanupOne of the basic computer operations is called Disk Cleanup.  Disk Cleanup is one of the computer maintenance options that is needed to keep you computer running smoothly.  One way of looking at Disk Cleanup is taking out the trash!

How-To Guide for the Computer Beginning will be on clean up with DISK cleanup!

(How-To run Disk Cleanup on Windows 8)

What are we cleaning up?

'Disk Cleanup' helps you cut the clutter on your Windows 95/98/Me/XP/Vista/Seven computer’s hard drive. The utility, which is built into Windows, finds unnecessary files in various categories such as Temporary Internet Files and Offline Files. You can then choose which categories to delete, often freeing up many megabytes or even gigabytes at one stroke.

You basically are taking out the trash, so you have more room for other things!

When you are asking for troubleshooting advice on your PC one of the first things you will hear them ask you to do is run Disk Clean up. They don't ask this because of its awesome qualities of fixing issues, but it does eliminate some variables in the troubleshooting process! It could be a corrupt file that is causing you issues for example, or just lack of disk space that you can free up using this process!

Disk Cleanup also doesn't detect duplicate files, such as multiple copies of space-eating songs and photos. Still, it's a useful tool with which every Windows users should be familiar.

The important issue here is Disk Cleanup frees disk space by cleaning up areas that gather unneeded files. Using Disk Cleanup regularly, along with using ScanDisk and DEFRAG and keeping your virus patterns up to date, will help keep your computer running smoothly.

For the older operating systems:

start programs accessories system tools disk cleanupClick the Start button, and select Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk Cleanup





Select-DriveSelect the drive on which you would like to free up disk space (usually your C: drive).  As you see from the picture you have a pull down menu you click to show you the options.  A Drive in older operating systems are normally your floppy drive.  We are looking for our Hard Drive.

For new operating systems the process is similar

start-button-computerStart Button
To Computer






right-click-to-properties
Generally, your C drive is your drive that you want to clean.

Right click on your C drive, and go to properties.




general-tab-disk-cleanup

We are looking for your General Tab that you see on the top, and then we will be clicking on ‘disk cleanup’.







Generally, in older operating systems you have less options than with newer operating systems as to what you wish your disk cleanup to WELL – CLEANUP!

As you can see from our picture clicking on the box next to the titles is part of the selection process.  For example, if you wish your recycle bin to be cleaned up?  You would make sure you have selected it, by making sure the X is in the box.  If you want to leave it alone? Disk-Cleanup-For Keep it empty.

As you may have already noticed when you click on each section a description box will pop up, and give you a description of each area of the disk cleanup.  If wish to double check something? 

Notice you have a ‘view files’ options as well.  Since the recycle bin is empty (0 kb) in this screen shot we can’t use the ‘view files’ option, because there is NOTHING to view!  You can if you wish view other options to see what you are going to be cleaning up.

Select from the four areas that Disk Cleanup will check and clean up:


Temporary Internet Files: These are files stored on your local drive to allow web pages to load more quickly.

Downloaded Program Files: This is a storage location for programs downloaded when you visit specific web sites that use ActiveX and Java applets.

Recycle Bin: These are files marked as deleted.

Temporary Files: These are items in the TEMP folder.

For more information on what is cleaned up when you select one of these options, highlight any of the options and read the expanded information in the "Description" text box. If you are not sure what the explanation means - google it for quick reference!

Unless you may have personal reason for wanting to leave stuff alone?  Most people select all of the above, and then hit OK to start the cleanup disk process.

disk-cleanup-files-to-delete
With Newer operating systems as you can see the screen is pretty similar. 

Again you can go down disk cleanup list to highlight each section, so you can read the description of what you are cleaning up.

As you place checks in the boxes for selection for the disk cleanup?  You will notice the computer will tell you how much space you are freeing up.  In the case of the screen shot I have is 611 kb.


disk-cleanup-more-options-to-deleteThere is a section tab called ‘more options’ for your disk cleanup.

The top part called, ‘programs and features’ brings you to a section on your control panel, so you can uninstall programs if you wish to free up even MORE space.

Unlike older operating systems you also have system restore copies.  You have the option of deleting those as well, and just leaving the last one available on the computer for emergencies.

Again once you are done selecting all you wish to clean up you will click the ok button.

disk-cleanup-options
At times you do get an additional option screen at this point with newer operating systems.

Hopefully, the message on the screen is self explanatory.  Some computers are setup to have more than one user.  The screen is asking you if you wish it to do disk cleanup on the entire computer (all users), or just do a disk cleanup on your files only.

For myself?  I always select, ‘files from all users on this computer’


are-you-sure-you-want-to-delete
As with most screens with new operating systems you always get the ‘are you sure’ screen!  Click Delete Files.



The next thing you know you are getting a little graphic of some sort telling you that the computer is doing your disk cleanup.
Disk-Cleanup-Progress
disk-cleanup-working
Keep in mind if it as been a while since you did a disk cleanup?  Be patient.  I have noticed at times even the screen flickering as it does it job.

What is nice about the newer operating systems is you can schedule this task automatically.  How-To Geeks have a good article on how you can accomplish scheduling your disk cleanup.

If you have any question please feel free to ask them in our comment section.

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I hope I helped you understand our ‘How-to Guide for Computer Beginners’ lesson on Disk Cleanup! 

Look for our future article on CCLeaner a free program that helps in the disk cleanup task as well.

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