The Windows Operating System of course was written by Microsoft. Please refer to their manual for answers to questions about how to use Windows. (Start Button > Help)
Here are some useful ideas for getting the most from Windows and our software:
Vista is a huge program and requires a lot of memory. Even with some Windows features turned off (Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off), memory requirements are still great. If your computer runs slowly, increase RAM memory to 2 gigs.
For 32-bit: Log onto your computer as Administrator, or go to Start, Programs, BCSS. Right click on BCSS and select 'Run as Administrator'.
For 64-bit: Go to Start, Programs, BCSS. Right
click on BCSS then Properties. Click Compatibility and set to run for XP and as Administrator.
Vista and XP include Windows Defender for protection against spyware. security threats. and pop ups. It does not provide protection against viruses and other malware ('badware'). Don't connect a computer to the Internet without an anti-virus program (like PC-Cillin) or AVG Anti-Virus (which is free but not as comprehensive). Microsoft provides Windows OneCare.
If your computer has been connected to the Inet, run a free Free Online Virus and Spyware Scan. Any malware will be removed.
Use Microsoft's free Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It removes specific malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month.
Use your business computer for business. It should not be used for downloading music and playing games. Keep as much free space on the hard drive as possible (by removing unnecessary files like .tmp files and temporary Internet files. (Look under Tools in Internet Explorer (Internet Options > Delete) or in Firefox under Tools > Clear Private Data. Better yet, use a free program called ATF Cleaner. Request the installation file from BCSS Support.
Run Disk Cleanup - Start Button > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
Once unnecessary files have been removed, run Defrag (short for 'fragmentation') - Start Button > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Defrag. (Some computers show 'dfrgui' for 'defrag'.) As files are added to the hard drive, they become scattered or 'fragmented', causing the computer to have to go to different locations on the hard drive to find all the 'pieces' of the file and put them together to present the file to you. Defrag rearranges data bits on the hard drive to make data files congruent again.
Set Windows to update automatically. Control Panel > Windows Update > Change settings > Install updates automatically. Set for daily at time when the update won't compete with your for use of the computer, if possible.
