Backup And General Maintenance - Alienware Aurora mALX User Manual

Backup and General Maintenance

• Always backup your important data, and keep copies of your OS and programs
safe, but close to hand. Don't forget to note the serial numbers if you are storing
them out of their original cases, e.g. in a CD wallet.
• Run maintenance programs on your hard disk and OS as often as you can.
You may schedule these programs to run at times when you are not using your
computer. You can use those that are provided free with your OS, or buy the
more powerful dedicated programs to do so.
• Write down your passwords and keep them safe (away from your computer).
This is especially important if you choose to use a Boot password for the SCU
(see "Security Menu" on page 5 - 10).
• Keep copies of vital settings files such as network, dialup settings, mail
settings etc. (even if just brief notes).
Viruses
• Install an Anti-Virus program and keep the definitions file (the file which tells
your program which viruses to look for) up to date. New computer viruses are
discovered daily, and some of them may seriously harm your computer and
cause you to lose data. Anti-Virus programs are commercially available and
the definitions file updates are usually downloadable directly from
the internet.
• Be careful when opening e-mail from sources you don't know. Viruses are
often triggered from within email attachments so take care when opening any
attached file. You can configure most Anti-Virus programs to check all e-mail
attachments. Note: You should also beware of files from people you know as
the virus may have infected an address book and been automatically
forwarded without the person's knowledge.
• Keep a "Boot Floppy Disk" or "Bootable CD-ROM" (this disk provides basic
information which allows you to startup your computer) handy. You
may refer to your OS's documentation for instructions on
how to make one, and many Anti-Virus programs will also provide such a disk
(or at least instructions on how to make one).
Alienware Aurora mALX Technical Reference