Computer Management & Storage

Helpful pages about how to manage, backup, and store data on your device. Also information about checking your computers performance.

Computer Setup & Data Management

Below are the steps you should take to purchase, setup, and manage a new workstation.

 


Purchasing Computers & Hardware:

When purchasing any computer hardware with SJSU, SJSURF, or Lab-specific funds, we recommend contacting the IT Group by submitting an IT Helpdesk Ticket, so IT can help you find the best hardware to fit your specific needs.

Recommended Configurations

Browse the workstation configurations available and recommended by IT through the SJSU Workstation Refresh program.

 

High Performance Configurations

 

Storage Devices

 

Hardware Upgrades

 


Operating System (OS) & Software Configuration:

Software Installation

To see what services and technologies you have access to at MLML, check out our Service Level Agreements.

 


Security:

All State-Owned computers will need to meet certain security requirements set by SJSU that IT will install (e.g., Spirion), but a password manager will also need to be setup by you and is required.

Password Management

Information Security

 


Data Management:

Computer Backup

There are two methods you may use to backup a computer:
1) Backup User Files to Hard Drive
2) Create a Disk Image

 

Storage Management

    • To keep your workstation working properly it is important to properly manage the files and data on the computer

    • Backups should be routinely scheduled - can automatically set this up in the backup computer settings (see Backup section above and follow link)

 

File Migration

To successfully migrate folders and files from an old device to a new device, visit the File Migration Page.

 

Computer Performance

This is a copy of the Computer Performance page located in the Software book under Operating Systems.


macOS


macOS is Apple’s operating system for all Mac devices. For more information about macOS visit the macOS Apple Page.

About This Mac

  • This dialog shows you basic information about the manufacture date and hardware of your Mac.
  • Click the Apple icon at the top left of the screen on the menu bar.
  • Click About This Mac.
  • The dialog window with basic system information will pop up

  •  Click the System Report button for more detailed information for the advanced user.

image-1550604298812.png

Activity Monitor

  • Similar to Task Manager for PC, Activity Monitor displays every program running on your Mac. You can manage these running programs and identify how they are affecting your Mac’s performance.
  • For more information visit Activity Monitor Support.

image-1550604468855.png

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

  • One simple way to clear disk space and keep your computer running smoothly is to uninstall applications you don’t need or aren’t using.
  • NOTE: Make sure you know what the application function is before you delete it, some applications are key to keeping your computer functioning properly.
  • Find the list of applications: Open Finder → Applications (left side panel)
  • How to Uninstall Applications on Mac

 

Windows


Windows is Microsoft’s operating system for PCs. For more information about Windows visit the Microsoft Windows Page.

System Information

WinSysInfo.png

  • For more detailed and advanced info, download a third-party system info utility program like CPU-Z.

Task Manager

  • Similar to Activity Monitor for Mac, Task Manager displays every program running on your computer. You can manage these open programs and identify how they are affecting your computer’s performance.
  • You can access the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete (press all three keys at once). Once the screen changes color and a menu pops up, click Task Manager.
  • For more information visit About Task Manager.

Resource Monitor

  • The Resource (and Performance) Monitor in Windows allows the user to monitor CPU and memory usage, and disk and network activity in real time. It’s a great resource if your computer or your software is running slow and you’d like to see what program is causing the slowdown.
  • You can access the Resource Monitor by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete (press all three keys at once). Once the screen changes color and a menu pops up, click Task Manager. The Resource Monitor is a tab, Performance, within the Task Manager window.

image-1550604755764.png

  • There is a more detailed Resource Monitor within the Performance tab. At the bottom of the dialog window, there is a button Open Resource Monitor, with a speedometer icon. Click on this for a resource monitor where you can find details on which programs are eating up resources.
  • For more information visit PC World Resource Monitor.

image-1550604776478.png

Event Viewer

  • Log files such as security changes, administrative files, application files, etc. are all compiled for viewing in the Event Viewer. It can be very helpful in locating a source of a problem if your computer starts to have issues.
  • For more information visit How to Use Event Viewer.
  • To use Event Viewer to detect problems in your PC visit Microsoft Support - Event Viewer.

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

  • One simple way to clear disk space and keep your computer running smoothly is to uninstall applications you don’t need/use.
  • NOTE: Make sure you know what the application function is before you delete it, some applications are key to keeping your computer functioning properly.
  • Find the list of applications by following these instructions.
  • How to Uninstall Windows Applications

 

3rd Party Tools


See the list of 3rd party tools below, or visit these websites:

Mac OS
Windows