How To: Keep your Computer Updated

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Disk Cleanup

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Go to the Start button and search for Disk Cleanup.

Select Clean up System Files.

When this dialog box appears.

Check all Boxes.

Click "OK."

 

Wait for the cleanup to finish, and it will close automatically.

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Clear Browser Data

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Google Chrome

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 Launch Google Chrome.

On a Windows PC press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing history window.

On a Mac press Command + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing history window. 

1. Select the Basic tab. 
2. Make sure the Time Range is set to All Time.
3. Leave all the boxes checked.
4. Then click Clear Data.

 

Another thorough option to remove cache and cookies is to select "Advanced" tab and check each individual box. 

You may exclude passwords for most troubleshooting.

 

 

Once the dialog box disappears, please close Chrome completely to allow the cache and cookie clear to take effect.
You may then reopen Chrome and are now free to browse the web.

 

If the above steps do not work, do the following steps.

1. Go to the three-dot symbol in the top right corner.
2. Click the "Settings" link.

 

Select Reset settings.

Click the Restore settings to their original defaults button.

You will be prompted with a confirmation box:

1. Please select Reset Settings if you would like to proceed.
2. You may decide if you want to provide Chrome with your computer settings by selecting the checkbox on the bottom left of the window. 
   Note: Providing Chrome with your settings is not a required step.

 

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Mozilla Firefox

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Launch Firefox

On a Windows PC press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing history window.

On a Mac press Command + Shift + Delete to open the clear browsing history window.  

1. Next to When, select Everything.
2. Click the “Clear” or “Clear Now” button at the bottom of the dialogue box. 

Once the dialog box disappears, you are free to browse the web.

If the above does not work: Reset Firefox by following the instructions on this page: Reset Firefox Settings.

 

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Safari

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Launch Safari

1. On the Top Menu bar, go to History.
2. Select Clear History at the bottom.

 Select All History from the drop-down menu.

Next, press the Clear History button.

 

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Install Antivirus

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Windows

1. Uninstall old/expired antivirus programs.

2. The following are suggested Antivirus/Malware Remover:

   • Malwarebytes

   • Windows Security

Mac

1. Uninstall old/expired antivirus programs

2. Download a Malware Remover; we suggest Malwarebytes

3. Malwarebytes installation file will download automatically

4. Open and follow the onscreen installation instructions.

 

Windows Security

1.  Please ensure that all other antivirus programs are turned off and uninstalled before activating.

2. Search for Windows Security.

3. Click settings and ensure Real-Time Protection is selected.

4. Then click save changes.

5. Check for updates and then run Full Scan on your computer.

6. It may take some time to do a full system scan.

 

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Update Software

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Windows

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Go to the Start button and navigate to Settings.

Go to Update & Security.

 

Then click on Windows Update.

Click the Check for Updates button and wait for it to finish finding the latest updates.

If there are updates, click the Install Now button, or If there are no updates, close the window.

 

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macOS

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Visit the Apple support guide  Keep your Mac up to date for step-by-step instructions. 

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Remove Unused Apps

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Windows

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Go to the Start button and search for Apps & Features.

 

1. On the list of applications, select one that you would like to uninstall. 
2. Click the Uninstall button.

On the small window that will appear, click  Uninstall again

 

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Mac OSX

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Go to Finder.

 

Select unused Applications and malware/old applications. ⇒ Examples: MacKeeper, MacCleaner, and MacDefender.

Select all the applications and press Command + Delete.

Enter the admin username and password to move files to the trash.

Go to Downloads in the sidebar.

Delete any disk image or package files.

Delete any other malware or suspicious files.

Click the Trash can icon.

In the top bar: 

1. Hit the Gear icon.
2. Select the Empty Trash button.

 

 

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