responsiblecompuse

= = =Responsible Computer Use= (back to 2.1.1. System Fundamentals)

//File Organisation//
People use file folders in which to organise their paper documents into meaningful collections. These file documents could be e.g. financial papers, receipts etc. In the same way, computer files can be organized into folders. You are able to create folders, give them names and store documents and other files within them. So when you open a folder, all its contents are revealed. Folders can be organized hierarchically, which means that a folder can contain other folders. If you still couldn’t find a document, operating systems such as Search or Find can help you find them.

//File compression//
File compression is the process of reducing the size of a file so that you can fit more files into the same amount of disk space. File compression can be thought of as squeezing, making space for more files.

File compression can be performed by using an application, an operating system, or another type of software program. E.g. Adobe Photoshop, which can save a digital photograph by using GIF or JPEG.

**BACK UPS**
Back-ups should be updated regularly, in case of misplacement of files or folders. These usually come from hard disk failure, a software bug, or a computer virus that destroyed data files.

It is a good idea to use a backup copy (e.g. a CD) to hold backup files and save computer storage space. To save time, you should also back up hard disks by using removable hard drives.

Check out this generic (sample) backup policy that could be adapted for organisations: [|Backup policy]

**VIRUS CHECKING**
Firstly, you need a good virus protection program. You can either purchase it, or download it from the internet. Fee should be included. When installing, set program to automatically scan all files.

To safely keep computer free of viruses, you should be constantly up- dating anti-virus software, just to be safe, and insure that no viruses will breach your computer.

Check out this site which is a free virus protection program that we advise Patana students to use: [|AVG - a free virus checker]