Software Tips - Page 2

7/1/02 - JavaScript Debugging

A lot of you are starting on the JavaScript component of the course and there are several things that you need to keep in mind.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Then proofread more.
JavaScript is case sensitive, MyVar is different from myvar
Make sure that all variables are named the same throughout the entire script
Do not put a line break in the middle of a document.write statement (ie, don't press the enter key in the middle of the line so that your code matches the book)
{ are used in pairs, you shouldn't have an odd number of { in your code. Quotations marks " and single quotation marks ' are also used in pairs.

Helpful sites for debugging JavaScript

Common Pitfalls	Common Programming Mistakes
Code Colorizer	Help Troubleshooting Your Script
Netscape JavaScript Debugger	Microsoft Script Debugger
Debugging JavaScript	Koch's JavaScript Section - Check the Broswers section of the site
JavaScript Programming: Debugging	Debugging JavaScript

6/26/02 - System Maintenance

You should perform system maintenance on your computer on a regular basis to keep it running at peak performance. Here are a few things that you should due to your system on a weekly basis:

Run Windows Updates to check for Microsoft patches (fixes). Click here for more information on how to run windows update. Always be sure to reboot after each update. If your system does not work properly after applying the update you can remove it by going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. When the list displays of currently installed programs look scroll down until you see Windows installed items, select the item you want to uninstall and click Change/Remove. I usually use an Automatic uninstall and click yes to all the prompts.

Delete unnecessary files - Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup > Select the drive that you want to clean up and click OK. The utility will scan your hard drive and show a list of file types and the amount of wasted space they are using. Item that are checked will be deleted when you click OK.

Delete TMP (temporary files) - Many programs create temporary hard files on your hard drive. After the program is closed the files should be automatically deleted from your system, but sometimes they are not. To delete tmp files from your system go to Start > Search > For Files or Folders. In the Search for files or folders named box type *.tmp and click the Search Now button. When the computer is done searching click one the the tmp files in the list once and press CTRL+A to select all the files. Press DEL on your keyboard and answer yes at the prompt. You may get an error message saying that one of the files is in use, that's OK you can delete it later. I would recommend that you reboot and run your machine for a day or so to make sure that files you deleted were not critical to your system before you empty the Recycle Bin.

Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookies - Open Internet Explorer and click Tools > Internet Options. On the General tab click Delete Cookies and click OK, then click Delete Files and Click OK.

After you have deleted files you should run ScanDisk on your system (if you are running Windows 95 or 98). Be sure that you have exited any programs (it's always best to run ScanDisk and Defrag when no other applications are running). Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > ScanDisk Run a Thorough scan and check the box to automatically fix errors. After you have finished running ScanDisk Run Defrag, Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmentor > Defragment.

Installing Software

Before installing any programs always disable your virus protection first. To disable virus protection right click the virus programs' icon in the system tray (the area next to the clock and look for a disable option. For more information on virus protection, click here). When you install software it's better to do a custom install rather than a typical install. When you install using the typical setting many useful components may not be installed. When McAfee is installed using the typical method the E-mail Scan is not installed and we all know how important that is. When you select custom installation a window will display and you can select the components you want installed.

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