Windows XP Intermediate

SECTION 2

System Tools Sub-menu

The System Tools sub-menu contains a range of tools to optimize and maintain your computer. Some of the most popular tools include:

The Disk Cleanup Utility will popup automatically when your hard disk nears its capacity, prompting you with options to help free space.

The Disk Defragmenter allows the files on your hard drive to be in a contiguous order to allow for faster file access. (You should run the Disk Defragmenter once a month if your computer is frequently used.)

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is commonly used when moving a user profile from one location to another, but does not include the applications or programs you may have additionally installed.

Scheduled tasks and the Security Centre are both maintenance related applications to ensure the future security of your computer.

System Information is helpful in troubleshooting areas as it lists needed information on your computers hardware and software components.

System Restore is a life-saver (some people will say), as it allows you to “restore” your computer to a previous date. This is very helpful when your computer does not respond properly after installing or uninstalling any software components (programs, drivers, applications, etc.).

Below is a brief description of the uses for each program.

Backup	Also called ntbackup, this wizard will help you create a copy of the information on your hard disk. This allows you to restore your data in the event of a system failure.
Character Map	Provides additional characters for different types of fonts. Some examples would be trademark symbols, special mathematical characters, or character sets from another language.
Disk Cleanup	Used to free up space on your hard disk by removing temporary Internet files, removing installed components, emptying the recycle bin, and other options. (Additional options may be listed for removal depending on what programs you have installed.) You may also remove unwanted Windows components, installed programs, and system restore points.
Disk Defragmenter	Used to consolidate fragmented files and folders on your computer’s hard disk, so that each occupies a single, contiguous space on the volume of the hard disk. It will also consolidate the free space on your hard disk. This decreases the time it takes to find and access files and folders.
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard	Also referred to as the USMT (user state migration tool). Used to transfer settings from one computer to another computer. The settings that you can transfer include your personalized settings for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, desktop settings, and display settings.
Scheduled Tasks	Allows you to schedule any script, program, or document to run at a time that is most convenient for you. They can be scheduled to run daily, weekly, monthly, or at certain times (such as start-up).
Security Centre	Included with Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. The Windows Security Centre checks the status of your computer for three essential security components: firewalls, virus protection software, and automatic updates. Additional features are also included in the security centre, which will be covered in a later lesson.
System Information	Displays your system configuration information. This can be used by a support technician to troubleshoot your computer to resolve an issue.
System Restore	Allows you to restore your computer to a previous state. This can be used if a problem occurs without losing your personal data files.