Optimization Countdown

Optimization Countdown

Optimizing with Deep Freeze

Complete these steps in order, from first to last, ensuring that none are left out.

If you have Deep Freeze, then the first and last steps also apply to your system.

Disable the Deep Freeze Program

This is the first step in the countdown
Keep in mind that many restarts will be required in order to properly configure and register system changes in the computer's memory.
You must disable Deep Freeze fully in order to have the time to complete the list.

Make additions to the computer

Devices
Memory chips
New boards

Spyware Detection and Removal anywhere on the system

After detecting and cleaning spyware, repeat the procedure again with the utility after restarting the computer
- Some spyware will be detected again in a different location and require additional cleaning
- Antispyware may also detect and remove some viruses.

Perform complete Virus Detection and Removal

ENABLE virus removal

Autoclean
Disinfection

Include all volumes and drive letters accessed by the computer, whether protected by Deep Freeze or not

Compact discs that you rely on
All magnetic media that you use

Floppy disk
Portable memory storage devices
Zip disk

Manually browse and delete any unnecessary strays
- Files
- Folders
- Unwanted
Perform a disk cleanup of all volumes protected by Deep Freeze

Use Add/Remove Programs tool to remove undesired programs and content.
DELETE unnecessary password list and profile configuation files that could be compromised.
(Manually search and destroy by browsing and using Find command)
DELETE TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES

Any temporary internet files created after this step are expected to remain on the computer

Faster and more stable web browsing
More stable memory usage and computer configuration
Prevents accidental deletions of data you require to remain on the system

Delete cookies
Delete History
Delete any file backup and configuration files that Deep Freeze will make unnecessary
Empty Trash - Recycle Bin

Install the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader version that your operating system will support

Version 4.0 is now obselete
Many US Government web sites will not download documents (.PDF files) to a client computer with earlier versions.

Install the latest Macromedia Web Players

Authorware
Flash
Shockwave

Gaming
Online courseware
Proper display of web content

Update Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser

Do this before attempting other Windows Updates. An updated browser will more easily process the updates
This step is for security of the Internet connection as well as for the operating system
You must perform this step on any Microsoft operating system, whether or not the MSIE web browser will be the primary web browser in use
Organize browser favorites

Desired Folders
Desired Links
Remove unwanted data

Install latest codecs for media players

You or your guests will be looking for new codecs anyway

Install latest system software

Microsoft Virtual Machine

Will eventually be replaced by the Sun Java code

Sun Java
DirectX
Some may be found in Windows Update

Install Microsoft Windows Updates

Windows Updates now include some virus scanning by Microsoft
Critical Updates

Critical Updates now include some virus removal by Microsoft

Recommended Updates
Remember to update MS Internet Explorer even if it is not to be the primary browser in use

Install and configure Microsoft Office Suite

TURN ON "ADD SOLVER," "GOAL SEEK," AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED ADD-INS to MS EXCEL
PERFORM MICROSOFT OFFICE UPDATES AND ADD THEM IN
REVIEW AND DECIDE WHETHER TO TURN OFF THE CHECK BLOCK FOR TOOLBARS SHARING ONE ROW IN MICROSOFT EXCEL | TOOLS | CUSTOMIZE | OPTIONS | PERSONALIZED MENUS AND TOOLBARS

Enable Antivirus Software

Fully configure resident antivirus software NOW while you can, and restart the computer if reqested
Download the latest updates (antivirus information data files) from the host for your software

Disable WINDOWS AUTOMATIC UPDATE NOTIFIER AND SEEKER FUNCTIONS

These features drive users nuts when Deep Freeze is enabled
Double check on the Task Scheduler or Maintenance tasks to be sure no updates or defragmentations are attempted or prompted while Deep Freeze is enabled - these tasks will not be permitted to complete and will waste time.

Go to each web site listed in Favorites and fully display each web page

Let each web page load completely into the web browser
This will place each favorite site into the Temporary Internet Files for faster display

RUN File Optimizer OTUNEUP.EXE

This program is in Microsoft Office 2000 and possibly later
Run it NOW and configure it so that it will not return to pester users with Deep Freeze enabled

VERIFY AUTORUNS AND STARTUP PROGRAMS

This is a last and final check on spyware, viruses, and wasteful processes.
Check for candidates to delete.

StartUp Menu Items can de deleted easily
Some unwanted system tray items may need to be "exited" or "disabled"
There may be old or unwanted DOS entries in AUTOEXEC.BAT and / or in CONFIG.SYS files.

Use a process utility that can verify autoruns and autostart configurations.
You can also verify registry and other startup configuration settings using a utility or local system information tool.
You can also manually configure some programs to not startup automatically. For example, you may not wish to have your dialup Internet connection to run automatically when you boot your PC.

EMPTY TRASH - RECYCLE BIN

Why permanently keep trash and waste memory space?
Any private or personal files left in the trash - recycle bin will be viewable by anyone
Trash or recycle bin contents WILL be noticed and browsed and viewed by computer users

DEFRAGMENT ALL VOLUMES PROTECTED BY DEEP FREEZE

Include the hard disk where Deep Freeze resides
Be sure to defragment any and all volumes on your computer that Deep Freeze will reside or protect

Permanently enable Deep Freeze

Final step
Congratulations! You have created a baseline configuration that meets your needs.
This should result in fewer problems or memory conflicts.