ICTSAS309 Computer Software Maintenance Checklist

• Prepared by (Your name)

• Site details

  Select
• Location of device
  Address

• Device number

• Device owner

• Use this checklist to undertake simple software maintenance of a device.

• Identify the operating system installed

  Windows OS

  macOS

  Linux

  Other

• Provide details of installed operating system

  Yes

  No

• You must check that the operating system is the current version. If out of date please upgrade

• Enter version number of installed operating system

• Use this checklist to optimise installed software

Configure start-up programs

• Startup programs are programs which run automatically when a system is booted. If you have too many startup programs it can slow down the boot process. This has a negative effect especially on systems with less processing power. In a Windows environment do this via Settings > Apps > Startup

• Disable start-up programs.

  Completed

  Not required

• Enable start-up programs

  Completed

  Not required

Uninstall un-used programs

• Uninstalling unused or unwanted programs can help free up disc space. In a Windows environment navigate to the Control panel > Programs > Programs & features

• Unused programs uninstalled

  Completed

  Not required

Empty recycle bin

• Whenever a Windows 10 PC user deletes a file on their computer, it isn't technically gone per se. Sure, the data is no longer in its original location, but it still exists in the recycle bin, taking up storage space on the storage device. In a Windows environment right click the recycle bin and select 'empty recycle bin'

• Recycle bin emptied

Run disc clean-up

• Removing unnecessary files, including temporary files, helps speed up and improve the performance of the hard drive and computer. In a Windows environment start by searching "Disk Cleanup" in the Search Bar and clicking the resulting program. Select the drive you wish to clean up

• Disc clean-up performed

Delete browser cache

• When you browse through the internet and visit different sites, your browser saves several contents and data in temporary storage. This temporary storage is called "cache". To get rid of the fluff you should clear the cache from time to time. How you clear your cache depends on the browser you are using.

• Browser cache cleared

• Use this checklist to complete a simple check of protection against malware. Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware. Windows Security is built-in to Windows and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Open the Windows Security app by searching the start menu for Security, and then selecting Windows Security.

• Locate Microsoft Defender.

• Run a quick scan

• If Windows finds malware during the scan, you can click the “Start actions” button to begin the process of removing the virus(es) from your computer.

• Was any malware detected. Is so note this, run a full scan and notify your supervisor.

  Yes

  No

• Finish your software maintenance by running a storage defrag . Defragmentation organises storage on your computer by consolidating files and other data saved on your hard drive.

Defragging

• Defragmenting storage devices can pay huge dividends if done regularly. When working in ICT support you may need to do this for clients to resolve any performance issues, such as a slow device. SSD do not need defragging. In a Windows environment you can defragment your drives typing "Defragment and Optimise Drives" into your search bar and selecting the resulting program.

• Record type of storage device installed.

  HDD

  SDD

• Defrag any HDD installed

• Record amount of storage available. If less than 85% add an 'Action' note.

Reboot system

• Restart the computer to apply any necessary updates or configurations. As well as finalising any updates or software changes, this will also provide hard evidence as to the effects of your maintenance efforts.

• Listen to reboot and note time for reboot. Were any issues detected. If so add an 'Action' note.

  Yes

  No

• Have your client verify the functioning of the device by running a few applications and completing some basic tasks such as exploring the internet or creating a new document.

  Yes

  No

• Record any observations made by yourself or your client.

• Your name

• Your Signature

  Sign

• Date of this software maintenance

  Date

• Recommended date for next preventative maintenance

  Date

• What recommendations (if any) would you make about future maintenance of this device.