Graphic Design 101: Week 2 - Computer Maintenance
Learn Graphic Design with Instructor Shannon McNamara
Today, most designs are created using computers, so as a designer, it's essential to become comfortable with both using and maintaining your computer. In this discussion, we’ll focus on the latter—how to care for your computer. This is crucial for your design career because your computer is your primary creative tool. Keeping it organized and well-maintained ensures it runs efficiently, helping you meet deadlines and keep clients satisfied.
Table of Contents:
A computer consists of two main components: hardware and software, together forming the computer system. Understanding these two elements will help you properly maintain your computer.
Hardware and Software Explained
Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer, including the screen, keyboard, mouse, and hard drive. Software, on the other hand, consists of the programs or data the computer reads and follows. It instructs the computer on what tasks to perform. Software runs on hardware, which provides the physical structure for the system. Regular maintenance and backups of both hardware and software are key to ensuring your computer operates smoothly and efficiently.
Strategic System Maintenance
System-level maintenance is equally important and should be conducted at least once a month. This includes checking for and installing necessary system and software updates, which help optimize speed and performance. Removing unused software, such as old music files, videos, or fonts, can free up valuable disk space. Organizing files into designated folders within the Documents directory instead of cluttering the desktop can enhance system performance. Additionally, regularly emptying the recycle bin ensures that unnecessary files do not take up memory space.
System backups are a key practice in preventing data loss. It is recommended to conduct weekly backups using cloud storage or an external hard drive. Automated backup software can help maintain consistency, and storing multiple backup copies in different locations adds an extra layer of security.
Discussion Assignment!
Ready to talk about this topic?
Discuss, research and share best practices for system backups and computer maintenance. Reflect on any poor maintenance habits you may have and consider how these could impact designers. Identify effective strategies that designers can adopt to keep their computers running efficiently.
I had talked about different types of storage when I taught online and I wanted to share a video from a few years ago, that still holds true for how I keep my information safe today:
