Maintaining Your Computer; Improving Performance; Using Disk Cleanup; Updating Programs And Drivers - HP Laptop User Manual

8

Maintaining your computer

It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. This
chapter provides information about improving the performance of your computer by running tools
such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. It also provides information about updating your
programs and drivers, instructions for cleaning your computer, and tips for traveling with your
computer.

Improving performance

Everyone wants a fast computer and by performing regular maintenance tasks, using tools such as
Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, you can drastically improve the performance of your computer.
Also, as your computer gets older, you might consider installing larger drives and adding more
memory.

Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk
space and help the computer run more efficiently.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1. From the Start screen, type disk, select Settings, and then select Free up disk space by
deleting unnecessary files.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Updating programs and drivers

HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis to the latest versions.
Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer. Technology is
always changing, and updating programs and drivers allows your computer to run the latest
technology available. For example, older graphics components might not work well with the most
recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you would not be getting the most out of your
equipment.

Cleaning your computer

Cleaning products

Use the following products to safely clean your computer:
●
Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 0.3 percent maximum concentration (For example:
disposable wipes. These wipes come in a variety of brand names.)
●
Alcohol-free glass cleaning fluid
●
Water with mild soap solution
●
Dry microfiber cleaning cloth or a chamois (static-free cloth without oil)
●
Static-free cloth wipes
52 Chapter 8 Maintaining your computer