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Computer Management & Security Grade 10
Keeping a computer running well and securely requires regular maintenance tasks and an understanding of common threats.
General Housekeeping Tasks
| Task | Purpose |
|---|
| Disk Clean-up | Removes temporary files to free up storage space |
| Defragmentation | Reorganises fragmented files on HDD for faster access (not needed for SSD) |
| Task Scheduler | Automates tasks like backups and updates at set times |
| File compression | Reduces file size using mathematical algorithms (.zip) |
| Archiving | Moves inactive data to separate storage (long-term, not duplicated) |
| Backup | Creates copies of data on a different device for disaster recovery |
Types of Backup
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Full backup | Complete copy of all files. Slowest but easiest to restore. |
| Incremental backup | Only backs up files changed since last backup (any type). Fast, but restoring needs all increments. |
| Differential backup | Backs up files changed since last full backup. Compromise between full and incremental. |
Backup Locations
- Local — external hard drive kept at same location
- Off-site — physical device kept at a different location
- Cloud/online — e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive — automatic, accessible anywhere
Common Malware Threats
| Threat | Description |
|---|
| Virus | Replicates and spreads; performs harmful actions |
| Worm | Spreads across networks without user action |
| Trojan | Disguised as useful software; gives attackers back-door access |
| Ransomware | Encrypts your data; demands payment for the key |
| Spyware | Secretly tracks your activity |
| Adware | Displays unwanted advertisements (pop-ups) |
Security Measures
| Measure | Purpose |
|---|
| Antivirus | Detects, prevents and removes malware |
| Firewall | Monitors network traffic; blocks unauthorised connections |
| Strong password | 8+ chars, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters |
| Access rights | Users only access files they are authorised for |
| UPS | Uninterruptible Power Supply — keeps computer running during power failure |
| Encryption | Scrambles data so only authorised parties can read it |
Organising Files & Folders
A file is a collection of data stored as a single unit (a document, image, song, program). A folder (directory) is a container used to group related files. Organising files means storing them in a logical, meaningful way so they are easy to find later.
Anatomy of a File Path
A path describes exactly where a file lives on a storage device — the drive, the folders, the file name and its extension.
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|
| Drive | C: | The storage device the file is on |
| Path (folders) | \Users\Mari\Documents\IT\ | The chain of folders leading to the file |
| File name | report | The name you gave the file |
| Extension | .docx | Tells the computer what type of file it is |
Put together: C:\Users\Mari\Documents\IT\report.docx
Common File Extensions
The extension (the letters after the dot) tells the operating system which program should open the file.
| Extension | File Type | Example |
|---|
.txt | Plain text file | notes.txt |
.docx | Microsoft Word document | report.docx |
.xlsx | Microsoft Excel spreadsheet | budget.xlsx |
.pdf | Portable Document Format | manual.pdf |
.jpg / .png | Image files | photo.jpg |
.mp3 / .mp4 | Audio / Video | song.mp3 |
.exe | Executable program | setup.exe |
.accdb | Microsoft Access database | students.accdb |
Why Use a Good File Structure?
- Makes files easier and faster to find
- Reduces duplication — you don't save the same file in many places
- Improves organisation and reduces clutter
- Makes backing up specific folders simpler
A File Manager (e.g. Windows File Explorer) is the software used to view, move, copy, rename and delete files and folders.
Save As vs Export
| Save As | Export |
|---|
| Purpose | Save the file under a new name, location, or a different version/format of the same kind | Create a new output file in a different format for use elsewhere |
| Example | Save a .docx as an older Word version | Export a Word document to .pdf |
| Original | Replaced or copied | Stays open and unchanged |
File Naming Best Practices
- Use meaningful file names:
2025_Term1_IT_Project.docx ✓, untitled2.docx ✗
- Organise files into logical folder structures
- Avoid special characters in file names:
\ / : * ? " < > |
- Use underscores or dashes instead of spaces
- Back up regularly — at least weekly