Transcript THE CONTROL PANEL - Sandycove Computer Club

THE CONTROL PANEL
Some useful bits
The Control Panel is one of the areas that varies
most with different versions of Windows.
Illustrations in this presentation are taken from
Windows 8.1 unless otherwise specified. Some
visual and/or functional differences may occur
on your computer
introduction
• The Control Panel gives the user access to a
number of Utility programs
• These can be used, amongst other things, to
enhance security, personalize the computer
and fix problems
• Some of this functionality requires more
knowledge before it is used.
• We are going to look at some things you
SHOULD know how to use.
Accessing the control panel
Windows 7
Windows 8.1
A FIRST LOOK
SOME SECURITY ITEMS
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Windows Update
Windows Firewall
Windows Defender
Recovery
Backup & Restore
WINDOWS UPDATE
• Windows Update gives you:
– Changes to Windows for SECURITY reasons
– Enhancements to Windows
– Optional Updates to other software in your
computer
• It is recommended that Windows Update
should always be set to run automatically!
WINDOWS UPDATE
WINDOWS UPDATE
• Updates are grouped under three headings:
– IMPORTANT: Will be installed automatically when
Update runs
– RECOMMENDED: Will be installed automatically IF
Update is set to do so. If not, can be chosen
“manually”
– OPTIONAL: Must be chosen “manually” to install
WINDOWS UPDATE
WINDOWS UPDATE
WINDOWS UPDATE
• When updates are downloaded, immediate
updating MAY take place.
• In some cases, the updating MAY have to wait
for shut down – This means it is critical to
shut down in the proper manner
• Finally, some updating may have to wait for
the next start – booting may take longer than
usual
WINDOWS FIREWALL
• A Firewall is software or hardware that checks
information coming from the Internet or a network,
and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through
to your computer
• It is your first line of defence and should be ON
• A separate piece of hardware [e.g. Router] may have
a Firewall and this is OK
• Should have only one software Firewall to prevent
clashes. Be aware that some programs ask to install a
Firewall
WINDOWS FIREWALL
WINDOWS FIREWALL
• Unless you are knowledgeable, it is best to
make sure you are set to “ON” for both
private [home] and public/guest networks
and then use the default settings
• Customizing may create more problems than
it solves
Windows defender
• Windows Defender is present in all recent
versions of Windows
• Up to and including Windows 7, Defender is
basically anti-spyware software
• From Windows 8 on, it has had the anti-virus
capability of Microsoft Security Essentials
added to it [MSE not available for W8]
• REMEMBER: Only 1 anti-virus at a time!
Windows defender
Windows 7 & earlier
• Windows Defender by itself is better than
nothing – JUST!
• We recommend that you should install BOTH
anti-virus and an anti-malware programs. We
have always suggested Microsoft Security
Essentials & Malwarebytes for effectiveness
and economy
Windows defender
Windows 7 & earlier
• Once you install an anti-virus program, Defender
should be switched OFF. This may happen
automatically but must check!
• Defender could stay ON if only Malwarebytes but this
is NOT full protection
• Other anti-malware – check with manufacturer
• May need to set up “exclusions” – see “Keeping Your
Computer Safe” – Our Web Site
Windows defender
Windows 8 & 8.1
• Defender switches OFF when another antivirus is installed
• Uninstalling another anti-virus [e.g. trial
version with new machine] may NOT switch
Defender back on automatically. May need
help to uninstall some of these.
• Leave Defender ON if no other anti-virus and
Malwarebytes
Windows defender
recovery
• Recovery has a number of functions in some
Windows versions & some of these need more
knowledge before they are used
• The basic function can be used with a minimum of
knowledge& can solve some quite serious problems
• This function permits the computer to be “rolled
back” to a previous time - A RESTORE POINT –
before the problem occurred
• This does NOT affect any files YOU have created
recovery
• Restore Points are created automatically by
Windows Update & by some [but not all]
programs when they are installed
• Over time, there will be many Restore Points
• On the first screen, you may see an option to
display earlier ones
• Rolling back lets you get the computer
working again WHILE you solve the problem
Recovery
Illustrations from Windows 7
Windows 8/8.1 varies and requires initial set-up
recovery
recovery
recovery
recovery
• If the problem was caused by Windows
Update it will, in theory, occur again since it
will try the same update next time
• BUT Microsoft get enough feedback that it
usually gets changed quickly
recovery
• Before installing new software or making any
major change to the computer, it is a good
idea to create a Restore Point just in case it
causes problems
• The procedure for this varies according to
Windows version – the following is for
Windows 7
CREATING A RESTORE POINT
CREATING A RESTORE POINT
CREATING A
RESTORE POINT
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Before the final step as
shown, check that – in the
area indicated by the large
red arrow, Protection is “on”
for your drives
If it is not, it needs to be
switched on
Unless you are more
experienced, it is suggested
to ask for Home Help to do
this
BACKUP & RESTORE
• This function creates a copy of all or part of
your Hard Drive in case of “loss”
• This can be on a separate area of the Hard
Drive BUT if there is catastrophic failure, fire
or theft THIS IS USELESS!!!!
• This should be done on a removable medium
[External Hard Drive. DVD, Flash Drive] that
can be stored separately and securely
BACKUP & RESTORE
• This function is one that has changed the most with
each version of Windows
• XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
are all different
• These differences will be addressed fully in the
manual “Keeping Your Computer Safe” – on our
web site
• The following slides refer to Windows 7 - being the
most common for members currently
BACKUP & RESTORE
• Backup can be selective – usually all or part of
files you have created – or “Systems Image
• The choice of backup medium will depend on
what you plan to do and how much space it
requires – remember to allow for growth!
• Some external Hard Disk Drives are not
formatted for “System Image” – this can be
changed
WHAT IS “SYSTEM IMAGE”
• Microsoft describes “System Image” as
follows:
SETTING UP BACKUP
These slides MAY look slightly different during first time set-up
SETTING UP BACKUP
SETTING UP BACKUP
SETTING UP BACKUP
SETTING UP BACKUP
SETTING UP BACKUP
Commonly used FACILITIES
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Ease of Access Centre
Mouse & Keyboard
Display & Personalization
Programs & Features
Trouble Shooting
Devices & Printers
MAKING YOUR COMPUTER
EASIER TO USE
• Windows has a number of options that
change the way you interact with your
computer
• These can help those with various forms of
impairment or simply offer an approach that is
more comfortable
• The Primary tool is the “Ease of Access
Centre”
EASE OF ACCESS CENTRE
EASE OF ACCESS CENTRE
Time to Explore
MOUSE & KEYBOARD
• There are settings that are useful for those
with lesser manual dexterity
• Under Keyboard, you may see settings to
change your keyboard layout. If your keyboard
is OK – leave well alone!
• If you think you need to change the keyboard
layout, make a note of the “old” setting before
you start!!!!
USEFUL MOUSE
SETTINGS
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The Mouse can be set up for
left handed operation
Double click speed refers to
how long the Mouse waits to
interpret a second click as
“double” rather than two
individual clicks. Choose a
slower speed if more practical
ClickLock helps with
highlighting. When turned on,
just hold down the left button
at the start of desired text
[time can be adjusted under
“Settings”] then release and
click again at the end –Text is
highlighted between the two
clicks
Remember to “Apply”
USEFUL KEYBOARD
SETTINGS
• All “character” keys
plus Space & Enter are
“repeat” keys – that is,
if they are held down,
the character [or
action] is repeated until
release
• Repeat delay controls
how long you can hold
the key before
repeating starts
• Repeat rate controls the
speed of repetition.
Useful if you use often
• Remember to “Apply”
DISPLAY & PERSONALIZATION
DISPLAY
• Adjusting the size of all items is useful for
anyone with visual difficulty
• If you go to a large size, extra scrolling may be
necessary, especially on web pages
• 115% is a good compromise size – only go
larger if really neccessary
PERSONALIZATION
PROGRAMS & FEATURES
PROGRAMS & FEATURES
• This function permits you – in theory - to
Uninstall, Change or Repair any program
identified as being installed on the computer
• Some Malware “programs” manage to avoid
being listed
• Which options are available depends on the
individual program
PROGRAMS & FEATURES
Some programs will NOT uninstall here due to special
needs. They may have an uninstall function in the All
Programs menu or may need to download an uninstall
program from the manufacturer
PROGRAMS &
FEATURES
• Some pop-up “intrusions”
can be found and removed
here – usually of the
annoying variety
• Can also view – and
uninstall – updates by
clicking as shown
• Uninstalling Updates rolls
back to the previous
version.
• Updates can cause
problems. Uninstalling
them one at a time until
problem is resolved [sort
by date] may help
Devices & Printers
Devices & Printers
• In this area we can, in fact, look at and
personalize many features of our computer
• We can also solve some common problems
• The big secret is the RIGHT MOUSE CLICK
PRINTERS – REAL &
VIRTUAL
Real printers physically exist. Virtual printers - not
a good name - are usually a way of putting a
document in a different format for a specific
purpose
DEFAULT
PRINTER
• The CURRENT default
printer is identified
with a green tick
• This is the printer that
will be automatically
used by your programs
UNLESS you so specify
AT THE TIME OF
PRINTING
• You can change the
default ay any time
DEFAULT
PRINTER
• RIGHT click on the default
printer shows some
options
• These options are variable
– for example, if the
printer has stopped for
any reason, you will see a
“resume” option
• TROUBLESHOOT can solve
many common printer
issues
DEFAULT PRINTER
See “What's Printing” – click any document shown to
see options
Devices &
Printers
• A RIGHT click on the
Computer Icon provides
an alternative to the
general Control Panel
for many items most
commonly needed by
members
• Note especially
TROUBLESHOOT
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Troubleshooting runs diagnostics on the most
common types of problem in the indicated
areas.
• It can correct certain types of problem
• It can advise of others – e.g. apparent
disconnected cables.
• It can suggest “manual” steps for you to try