What windows tool enables you to return the system to a previous state?

Removing Software

Each installed application program takes up space on your computer's hard drive, and programs that you no longer need waste space that could be used for other purposes. Removing unnecessary programs can be an important piece of optimization.

You remove a program from a Windows PC in much the same manner as you install it.That is,you use the application's own uninstall program, when possible. You normally find the uninstall program listed in the application's folder in the All Programs section of the Start menu, as shown in Figure 15-16. If an uninstall program is not available, use the Programs and Features applet to remove the software (see Figure 15-17).You select the program you want to remove and click the Uninstall/Change button or Change/Remove button. Windows displays a message warning you that the program will be permanently removed from your PC. If you're certain you want to continue, click Yes. NOTE The Uninstall/Change and Change/Remove buttons change depending on the program.Not all programs can be changed.

You may then see a message telling you that a shared file that appears to no longer be in use is about to be deleted, and asking your approval. Generally speaking, it's safe to delete such files. If you do not delete them, they will likely be orphaned and remain unused on

your hard disk forever_ In some cases, clicking the Uninstall/Change or Change/Remove button starts the application's install program (the one you couldn't find before) so you can modify the installed features_ This is a function of the program you're attempting to remove_ The end result should be the removal of the application and all of its pieces and parts, including files and Registry entries. Uninstalling applications in Mac OS X varies based on how they were installed. Mac Store apps are removed very similarly to apps on a cell phone. First, open the Launchpad app from the Dock or Applications folder (it looks like a rocket ship), then click and hold on any app icon until all the icons start to wiggle. An x in a circle will appear on the upper left of any app that can be removed (see Figure 15-18)- Click the x to remove the app. If you accidentally remove an app you wanted, you can re-download it from the Mac App Store_

For all other Mac OS X apps, removing them comes down to two options. Drag the app to the Trash or run the uninstaller if the app came with one. Of the two, the first option of just deleting the app is the most common, with a dedicated uninstaller only being available for some of the larger (and often cross-platform) apps like Photoshop- Be aware that deleting an app can leave behind various files on the system, most often a few user preference files and other customizations in the user's Library folder. Removing software in mainstream Linux distros is just as easy as installing it. Open the software manager, find the app, and then click Remove (see Figure 15-19). The underlying package manager, which we'll work with directly in Chapter 16, "Working with the Command-line Interface," will handle all the deleting and cleanup for you. Adding or RemovingWindows Components/Features

When you installed Windows, it included certain features by default_ It installed Note pad, network support, and games on your computer_ You can remove these Windows components from your system if you like, and add other components as well.

Open the Programs and Features applet in the Control Panel, and then click the Turn Windows features on or off option on the Tasks list. Click Continue if prompted by UAC and you will be presented with the Windows Features dialog box (see Figure 15-20). To toggle a feature on or off, simply click its checkbox.

Installing/Optimizing a Device

The processes for optimizing hardware in Windows are absolutely identical between the versions, even down to the troubleshooting utilities, and are very similar to the steps for installing a new device_ The installation process is covered in every chapter of this book that deals with one type of device or another. You should also recall the optimization and troubleshooting processes you read about specifically way back in Chapter 7- (Refer to that chapter to refresh your memory if any of the following steps don't seem crystal clear.) So, these are the important steps/action items:

• Update the drivers, usually from the manufacturer's Web site. • Verify that the device works properly.

• If the drivers prove buggy, use the driver rollback feature to restore the older drivers.

• Never run beta drivers.

The textbook version of this book has a classroom feature called a "Cross Check'' where students examine older sections of the book in light of the current section. This completely applies right now in this book too! Check Chapter 7, "Motherboards," and make sure you can answer these questions: What's the update process? Does Windows provide any assistance? Where can you verify a working device? What do you need to select to roll back a driver? Enquiring minds want to know!

Updating Drivers in Mac OS X

Mac OS X will notify you about available system updates that contain driver updates for built-in components . Make a quick trip to the App Store to get updates installed (see Figure 15-21). If the system has third-party devices, like a Wacom tablet, you will need to manually check and update any drivers for those devices.

Updating Drivers in Linux

Most Linux distros regularly check for updates and will signal any new updates_ Download and install the updates using the Software Updater_

Device Manager

You've worked with Device Manager in other chapters when installing and troubleshooting devices; it's also the tool to use when optimizing device drivers_ Right-dick on a device in Device Manager to display the context menu_ From here you can update or uninstall the driver, disable the device, scan for hardware changes, or display the Properties dialog box. When you open the Properties dialog box, you'll see several tabs that vary according to the specific device. Most have General, Driver, Details, and Resources_ The tab that matters most for optimization is the Driver tab.

The Driver tab has buttons labeled Driver Details, Update Driver, Roll Back Driver, Uninstall, and Disable_ Most of these you'll recall from Chapter 7. Driver Details lists the driver files and their locations on disk

Adding a New Device

Windows should automatically detect any new device you install in your system_ If Widows does not detect a newly connected device, use Windows Vista's Add Hardware wizard, which you can find in the Add Hardware applet, or the Add a device option in the Devices and Printers applet in Windows 7/8/8_1/10 to get the device recognized and drivers installed (see Figure 15-22)_ Windows almost completely automates the Add Hardware/Add a device wizards_ The wizards present you with a list of detected hardware_

Performance Options

One optimization you can perform on all Windows versions is setting Performance Options. Performance Options are used to configure CPU, RAM, and virtual memory (page file) settings. To access these options right-dick Computer or This PC and select Properties, and then click the Advanced system settings link in the Tasks list. On the Advanced tab, click the Settings button in the Performance section.

The Performance Options dialog box has three tabs: Visual Effects, Advanced, and Data Execution Prevention (see Figure 15-23). The Visual Effects tab enables you to adjust visual effects that impact performance, such as animations, thumbnails, and transparencies.Try clicking the top three choices in turn and watch the list of settings. Notice the tiny difference between the first two choices (Let Windows choose what's best for my computer and Adjust for best appearance). The third choice, Adjust for best performance, turns off all visual effects, and the fourth option is an invitation to make your own adjustments.

If you're on a computer that barely supports Windows, turning off visual effects can make a huge difference in the responsiveness of the computer. For the most part, though just leave these settings alone.

The Advanced tab, shown in Figure 15-24, has two sections: Processor scheduling and Virtual memory. Under the Processor scheduling section, you can choose to adjust for best performance of either Programs or Background services. The Virtual memory section of this tab enables you to modify the size and location of the page file.

Data Execution Prevention (DEP) works in the background to stop viruses and other malware from taking over programs loaded in system memory. It doesn't prevent viruses from being installed on your computer, but makes them less effective_ By default, DEP is only enabled for critical operating system files in RAM, but the Data Execution Prevention tab enables you to have DEP turned on for all running programs_ It works, but you might take a performance hit or find that some applications crash with it enabled for all programs. Like other options in Performance Options, leaving the default DEP settings is the best option most of the time.

Preparing for Problems

Techs need to prepare for problems. You must have critical system files and data backed up and tools in place for the inevitable glitches. Every modern operating system has options for backing up data and, as you might imagine, they all offer different features. Windows offers System Restore to recover from problems, too_ Let's take a look. Backing Up Personal Data

The most important data on your computer is the personal data: your documents, e-mail messages and contacts, Web favorites, photographs,and other files. To handle backing up

personal data, every version of Windows comes with some form of backup utility. Mac OS X and Linux of course have backup tools as well.

Backup and Restore Center for Windows Vista/7

Microsoft includes the automated and simple Backup and Restore Center (Windows Vista) and Backup and Restore (Windows 7) Control Panel applets. In Windows Vista, you can either back up files or back up your computer (see Figure 15-25). Both choices will first ask you where you want to store the backup (see Figure 15-26).

As the name implies, the Back up computer option backs up your entire computer to a system image. All you need to do is pick a destination for the image (optical drive, hard drive, or network location) and Windows takes care of the rest. Choosing the Back up files option is another matter entirely. Clicking this button reveals the screen shown in Figure 15-27.

The Back up files option in Vista only enables you to back up personal information for all users. If you want to back up any installed applications, or even Windows itself, don't bother using the Back up files option that comes with Vista. EXAM TIP Windows will not back up content stored on non-NTFS volumes.

Windows Ts Backup and Restore utility includes a number of noteworthy improvements over Windows Vista's. First of all, Microsoft changed the look of the main screen (see Figure 15-28).

Clicking the Set up backup link in Windows 7 opens a dialog box asking you to choose your backup location very similar to Vista's backup. After selecting your backup location and dicking Next, you then see the screen shown in Figure 15-29.

If you select Let Windows choose (recommended) , you'll get a backup similar to the Vista backup, but with one very important difference. You'll back up each user's personal data, but Windows 7 doesn't stop there.Assuming you have enough space in your backup location, Windows 7 will automatically add a system image that includes the entire Windows operating system, every installed program, all device drivers, and even the Registry. Selecting Let me choose is equally interesting_ Unlike Vista's selection, Windows 7 enables you to pick individual users' files to back up (see Figure 15-30)_ By selecting a user, you can choose libraries or the user's personal folders to back up, as shown in Figure 15-31. Also note the checkbox that gives you the option to make a system image, just as if you selected the Let Windows choose (recommended) option.

Once you complete the wizard, Windows starts backing up your files. While the backup runs, you can monitor its status with an exciting and handy progress bar (see Figure 15-32). If you can't handle that much excitement, you can close the backup window while the OS backs up files.The process can take a long time, many hours with a modern system with a large hard drive. NOTE You can also choose to create just a system image in Windows 7. From the Backup and Restore applet, select Create a system image. It works like the system image function in Windows Vista.

File History inWindows 8/8.1/10

Microsoft introduced the robust File History Control Panel applet in Windows 8 that enables aggressive backup of personal files and folders (see Figure 15-33)- File History requires a second drive and is not enabled by default_ You can use any type of HOD or SSD as the second drive, internal or external_ (You could choose to back up to a second partition on the same drive, I suppose, but what would be the point?) Enable File History and start backing up your Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites right now_

Note that File History won't back up all your personal files unless you either add them to the default Libraries or create custom Libraries. Also, File History does not replace full system backups at all. To back up your system, select the System Image Backup option (lower left option in File History) to open the Windows 7-era Backup and Restore tool. Create a full backup to another (larger) drive.

Time Machine in Mac OS X

Mac OS X provides the excellent Time Machine to create full system backups (see Figure 15-34).These backups are called local snapshots. Time Machine enables you to recover some or all files in the event of a crash; it also enables you to restore deleted files and recover previous versions of files.Time Machine requires an external HDD or SSD, or you can use a shared network drive. Find Time Machine in System Preferences.

Backups in Linux

Different Linux distros offer different tools for backing up files, folders, and drives_ Ubuntu Linux uses Deja Dup, although it goes by the name Backups in System Settings (see Figure 15-35). Dej a Dup will happily back up your files to wherever you tell it, such as an external drive, network share, or even a folder on your main hard drive (not recommended if you care about your files!). Deja Dup backs up a user's Home folder by default; that's where most users store all personal documents_ Deja Dup will store files and versions of files permanently, as long as the storage location has sufficient space. System Restore in Windows

Every technician has war stories about the user who likes to add the latest gadget and cool software to his computer. Then he's amazed when things go very, very wrong: the system locks up, refuses to boot, or simply acts weird.This guy also can't remember what he added or when. All he knows is that you should be able to fix it fast.

The System Restore tool enables you to create a restore point, a snapshot of your com puter's configuration at a specific point in time. If you later crash or have a corrupted OS,

you can restore the system to its previous state.

System Restore makes a number of restore points automatically.To make your own restore point, right-dick Computer or This PC and select Properties, and then click the System protection link in the Tasks list. On the System Protection tab, click the Create button to open the dialog box shown in Figure 15-36. Name your restore point appropriately and then click Create.

If you click the System Restore button on the System Protection tab, you might be surprised at how many system restore points have already been made for you automatically (see Figure 15-37) -

The System Restore tool creates some of the restore points automatically, including every time you install new software. Thus, if installation of a program causes your computer to malfunction, simply restore the system to a time point prior to that installation, and the computer should work again.

During the restore process, only settings and programs are changed. No data is lost. Your computer includes all programs and settings as of the restore date. This feature is absolutely invaluable for overworked techs. A simple restore fixes many user-generated problems.

To restore to a previous time point, start the System Restore Wizard in System Tools. You don't have to count on the automatic creation of restore points. You can open System Restore at any time and simply select Create a restore point. Consider doing this before making changes that might not trigger an automatic restore point, such as directly editing the Registry.

System Restore is turned on by default and uses some of your disk space to save information on restore points. To turn System Restore off or change the disk space usage, right-dick Computer or This PC and select Properties, and then click the System protection link in the Tasks list. On the System Protection tab, click the Configure button to

Chapter Review

Questions

1. What tool enables you to modify which programs start when Windows 7 starts?

A. msstartup

B. msinfo32

C. msconfig

D. ipconfig

2. What tool enables you to modify which programs start when Windows 8-1 starts?

A. msstartup

B. msinfo32

C. msconfig

D. Task Manager

3. What does System Information do?

A. Provides you with a report about the hardware resources, components, and software environment in your computer

B. Enables you to select which programs and services start when Windows boots up

C. Enables you to schedule hard drive defragmentation, chkdsk scans, and other computer tasks

D. Enables you to perform automatic custom backups of your files and settings 4.What tool enables you to correct a corrupted Windows operating system by

reverting your computer to a previous state?

A. Windows Restore

B. Restore State Manager

C. Time Machine

D. System Restore

5. What is Data Execution Prevention (DEP)?

A. A technology that prevents viruses from taking over programs loaded in system memory

B. A technology that enables you to set permissions for different users on your computer

C. A technology that prevents programs from being installed on your computer

D. A technology that prevents files from being written to your hard drive

6.

If you install a driver on your system and it causes problems, which tool can you use to roll back to a previous driver?

A. Driver Manager

B. msconfig

C. Device Manager

D. System Info

7.

When performing automatic updates, Windows 7 uses which feature to download additional updates for other Microsoft products?

A. Software notifications

B. msinfo32

C. Microsoft Update

D. Registry

8. Joan recently bought a new gamepad and used the Add a Device wizard to install it, but it still won't work. What should she do next? (Select two.)

A. Check the manufacturer's Web site for updated drivers B. Run the Automated System Recovery tool to return the PC to a functioning state

C. Use a restore point in System Restore to return the PC to a functioning state

D. Run Windows Update to search for new drivers

9.

What tool is used in Mac OS X to perform full system backups?

A. AppleBack

B. Users and Groups

C. Time Machine

D. System Preferences Backup

10. What feature included in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 allows you to regularly back up your important files and folders?

A. System Configuration

B. Backup and Restore

C. AutoPlay

D. File History

Answers

1. C. msconfig enables you to select the programs and services that start with Windows Vista or Windows 7.

2. D. Task Manager enables you to modify the applications and services that start with Windows 8 and later.

3. A. System Information gives you a wide variety of information about your system_

4. D. Using System Restore, you can restore your computer to a previous restore point.

5. A. Data Execution Prevention prevents viruses from taking control of programs loaded into memory.

6. C. The Roll Back Driver option in Device Manager is a great tool for fixing driver problems.

7. C. Windows uses the Microsoft Update feature to download additional updates for other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Office.

8. A, D. Joan should check both the manufacturer's Web site and Windows Update for the latest drivers_ 9. C. Mac OS X uses Time Machine to perform full system backups-

10. D. File History is an awesome backup tool included with Windows 8, 8_1,

and 10. It enables you to perform backups of important files and folders regularly.