Proper+Care+and+Maintenance+of+Laptops+Disk+Defragmenter

=Using the Disk Defragmenter Utility=


 * SETTING THE STAGE** //(To be reviewed before the session begins.)//

[|Disk Defragmenter.ppt]

[|Disk Defragmenter Handout.doc]

[|Disable Screensaver Handout.doc]

Proper care and maintenance is the best way to insure the HELPDESK will not have to pay you a visit. In this session, we will create basic steps to keep laptops working efficiently. What is the purpose of using the disk defragmenter? What are contiguous files? What are fragmented files? What are unmovable files? Why should you disable a screensaver? How do you disable a screensaver? How do you use the Disk Defragmenter? How can we assist others to independently use the Disk Defragmenter utility on their laptops?
 * Session Overview**
 * Focusing Questions**

The following materials are used in this session: -Laptops -Projector -Other
 * Materials**

N/A
 * Resources**

INSTRUCTION //(Typically lasts about 20% of session.)//

iSquaders, one of the common complaints that students have about their school’s technology, many times it does not work. Due to heavy usage everyday, laptops will begin to breakdown. Today, we are going learn one part of preventative maintenance on laptops. How do you use the Disk Defragmenter utility, and how to share that with other students.
 * Framing the Session**

You have a group of fellow students that have laptops. It is important that these laptops are operating properly. The only way that will happen is that basic steps are taken to maintain these laptops. Now you are only one person … you cannot maintain all of those laptops yourself. Therefore you will show your fellow students how to use Disk Defragmenter there own laptops. Let’s get started with some basic terms: Disk Defragmenter Fragmented Files Contiguous Files Unmovable Files
 * Teaching**

Disk Defragmenter is a utility that is used to organize all of the files inside the hard drive of the computer. Fragmented Files are files that are scattered through out the hard drive. When files are saved, they are not necessarily placed all together. There fore, they need to be organized. Contiguous Files are files that are together in one area. Unmovable Files are permanent files that cannot be changed.

Before you get started you should disengage the screensaver. Sometimes the screensaver can get in the way when you are performing maintenance on the computer; however, be sure to put it back on when you are finished. To disengage the screensaver (Give student handout): You are now ready to service your computer.
 * 1) Right click anywhere on the desktop and a window appear.
 * 2) Click on Properties
 * 3) Click on Screensaver
 * 4) Scroll to find “None” … click on it
 * 5) Click OK

Now let’s go to the Disk Defragmenter. When files are saved inside the hard drive there is no real order that they are put in. Defragmenting the hard drive will help organize and neaten up the space so there is more room inside the hard drive. Here is how you defragment a hard drive (Give students handout): 1. Click Start 2. Click All Programs 3. Click Accessories 4. Click System Tools 5. Click Disk Defragmenter 6. A new window will appear. 7. Click Defragment 8. Just like the Disk Cleanup … depending on the amount of files that need to be defragmented, will control the time that it takes to complete the process ( Normally expect approx. 5 minutes) 9. When completed … click OK. After you are finished engage the screensaver. Now that I have shown you how to use the Disk Defragmenter, it is your turn to try it. Perform each step slowly … think it through. (Faculty Advisor: Walk around the class … as the students are scanning for their school’s network. Ask them questions about the steps they are taking.) Have the students review each step and explain the importance of each step.
 * Guided Practice**


 * WORK TIME** //(Typically lasts about 60–70% of session.)//

It’s time to try it on your own. You will pair up with a partner and for the next 30 minutes practice showing others how to use the Disk Defragmenter so they can do it independently. When the 30 minutes are up, we will come back together and discuss what you learned.
 * Getting Started**

Step 1: Decide which partner will be the iSquader and the student. Step 2: The iSquader will ask the Student what they know about maintaining a computer. Step 3: The iSquader will explain the vocabulary terms to the Student. Step 4: The iSquader will explain to the Student the purpose of each of the procedures. Step 5: The iSquader will walk the Student through each step of each of the procedures. Step 6: When the activity is completed, the iSquader will have the Student review the steps of each procedure again. Step 7: Reverse Roles
 * Participant Activity**

While the participants are practicing, walk around the room to offer support and guidance. Notice, if there are any common problems participants are having that might need to be reviewed.
 * Facilitator Conferring**


 * SHARE** //(Typically lasts about 10–20% of session.)//

When conferring with the students, find examples of practices that iSquaders used that were successful when working with their student. When you bring the students together for the share, refer them to your lesson’s focusing questions and ask:
 * Share**

What is the purpose of using the disk defragmenter? Answer: “Disk Defragmenter is a utility that is used to organize all of the files inside the hard drive of the computer.”

What are contiguous files? Answer: “Contiguous Files are files that are together in one area.”

What are fragmented files? Answer: “Fragmented Files are files that are scattered through out the hard drive. When files are saved, they are not necessarily placed all together. Therefore, they need to be organized.”

What are unmovable files? Answer: “Unmovable Files are permanent files that cannot be changed.”

Why should the screensaver be disabled? Answer: When the screensaver goes engages, it can interrupt a utility when it is working.

What are the steps to disabling the screensaver? Answer: Right click anywhere on the desktop and a window appear. Click on Properties Click on Screensaver Scroll to find “None” … click on it Click OK

How do you use the Disk Defragmenter? Answer: Click Start Click All Programs Click Accessories Click System Tools Click Disk Defragmenter A new window will appear. Click Defragment Just like the Disk Cleanup … depending on the amount of files that need to be defragmented, will control the time that it takes to complete the process ( Normally expect approx. 5 minutes) When completed … click OK. After you are finished engage the screensaver.

How can we assist others to independently use the Disk Defragmenter utility? Answer: “Have students who had successful support strategies share their techniques with the class.”

Author:Edward A. Fitzgerald Sr. Email: EFitzge3@schools.nyc.gov School/Employer: Harvey Milk High School Title: Technology Specialist
 * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS**