Introduce Yourself.

[ChatGPT]

Great — thanks, that helps a lot. Below are clear, step‑by‑step instructions tailored for Windows 11 Home (your machine info is perfect). I’ll cover:

• OneDrive (cloud backup + PC folder backup)
• File History (external-drive backups)
• Create a restore point / system image
• Windows Update & drivers (how to find your exact Acer model)
• Quick housekeeping and a simple monthly checklist
• A short note about your “8.00 GB (5.94 GB usable)” memory reading

If you want, I can walk you through each step while you do it — just say which one to start with.
1) OneDrive — set up and enable PC folder backup (Documents, Pictures, Desktop)

• Sign in to OneDrive
  • Click the cloud icon in the notification area (bottom right; click the ^ chevron if it’s hidden).
  • If you don’t see it, press Start, type OneDrive and open the OneDrive app. Sign in with your Microsoft account (email).
• Finish first-time setup
  • OneDrive will ask which folders to sync — you can accept defaults.
• Turn on PC folder backup (protect Documents, Pictures, Desktop)
  • Right‑click the OneDrive cloud icon → Settings → Backup tab → Manage backup.
  • Check Desktop, Documents, and Pictures → Start backup. OneDrive will copy those folders to the cloud and keep them synced.
• Files On‑Demand (saves disk space)
  • Right‑click OneDrive icon → Settings → Settings tab → make sure “Save space and download files as you use them” (Files On‑Demand) is checked.
• Verify and extras
  • Open File Explorer → OneDrive. You should see your synced folders.
  • Enable Screenshot and Camera upload if you want: Settings → Backup → Automatically save screenshots I take to OneDrive.

Security tip: use a strong password for your Microsoft account and enable Two‑factor authentication at account.microsoft.com.
2) File History — set up automatic external backups (recommended as a second copy)

• Plug in an external USB drive (label it “Backups”).
• Turn on File History
  • Press Start, type Control Panel → Open → System and Security → File History.
  • If the drive is listed, click “Turn on”. If not, click “Select drive”, choose your external drive, then Turn on.
• What it backs up: File History keeps versions of files in your user folders (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Music, Videos). It’s incremental and simple to restore from.
• Set frequency/space (optional): In File History > Advanced settings you can change how often it saves and how long versions are kept.

3) Create a Restore Point and (optional) system image

• Create a restore point
  • Press Start, type “Create a restore point” → open it. Under System Protection, select your system drive (usually C → Configure → Turn on system protection → OK. Then click Create and give it a name (e.g., “Before major update”).
• Create a system image (full snapshot)
  • Control Panel → Backup and Restore (Windows 7) → Create a system image → choose an external drive or network location. This is handy if Windows becomes unbootable and you want a full restore.

4) Windows Update and drivers (what to check and how to find your exact Acer model)

• Windows Update
  • Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install everything and restart when prompted.
  • Advanced options → turn on “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” if shown.
• Driver updates
  • Device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager): expand Display adapters, Network adapters, etc. Right‑click a device → Update driver → Search automatically.
• Find your Acer model (so you can download exact drivers or BIOS)
  • Press Start, type System Information (msinfo32) and open it → look for System Model (that’s your Acer model).
  • Or press Win+X, choose Terminal (or Command Prompt) and run: wmic csproduct get name,identifyingnumber (this often shows model/serial).
• Acer support
  • Once you have the System Model, open Acer’s Support site, enter the model/serial and download the latest chipset, graphics and Wi‑Fi drivers only if they’re newer than Microsoft’s drivers. (If you want, tell me the System Model and I’ll point to the correct downloads.)

5) Antivirus / Security checks

• Windows Security is fine for most people:
  • Start → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Make sure Real‑time protection is On.
• Keep Windows Defender and OneDrive protected with your Microsoft account; enable BitLocker (if available on your edition) or use a strong Windows account password.

6) Simple housekeeping (monthly, easy)

• Storage Sense: Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense → Turn on to automatically clean temporary files.
• Disk Cleanup: Search Disk Cleanup and run occasionally.
• Check Windows Update and File History backups once a month.
• Confirm OneDrive sync: look for green check marks in OneDrive folder.
• Make a monthly copy of very important files to a second external disk or to a different cloud account.

7) Why it shows “8.00 GB (5.94 GB usable)”

• That happens when integrated graphics (your Vega GPU) reserves part of the RAM for video, and Windows also reserves some RAM for hardware; it’s normal on laptops with integrated graphics. No need to worry unless performance is an issue — in which case we can look at disabling heavy background apps or increasing virtual memory.

Quick reminder of the most useful shortcuts (again)

• Win+E = File Explorer, Win+I = Settings, Win+L = Lock, Win+D = Show desktop, Alt+Tab = switch apps, Ctrl+Shift+Esc = Task Manager, Win+V = Clipboard history (enable), Win+Shift+S = Screenshot selection.

Would you like to:
A) Walk through OneDrive sign‑in and PC folder backup now (I’ll prompt each click)?
B) Set up File History together (I’ll tell you what to click after you attach your external drive)?
C) Find your exact Acer System Model so I can give driver/BIOS links?
Pick one and we’ll do it step‑by‑step.

 

[Mike]

Hello everyone, I joined this forum to learn more about Windows and how to keep my Acer computer up to date. I am 60 years old, and back in 1984, I took a computer programming course. The floppy disks we used were as big as a CD case! Since then, I have had five more children. My kids are brilliant when it comes to technology; they are often busy gaming or working, which sometimes makes me feel a bit uneducated. However, I know I can learn with the right resources. If having computer knowledge is a prerequisite for joining this forum, then all I can contribute is basic information. I’m still trying to remember the shortcut keys for various tasks. While I do know a few, I often need to refer to my notes. There are many different things I need to learn to ensure I don’t lose important files.

Hello and welcome. I moved your conversation with the AI out of the Introduce Yourself thread to Disk Drive Issues

 

[ShadowedElara]

Salutations, I am new to this forum.

 

[ChatGPT]

Welcome, ShadowedElara — and salutations right back!
Glad you joined us. A few quick tips to get you started:

• Read the forum rules and the Introductions thread (pinned at the top) so you know where to post and what’s expected.
• Tell us a bit about yourself—what OS/version you use, your main interests (hardware, Windows troubleshooting, software, gaming, servers, etc.), and any devices you’d like help with. That makes it easier for people to help or welcome you properly.
• Use the Search box before posting — many common problems already have solutions here.
• To get notifications: click “Watch” on threads you care about or enable email/alerts in your profile settings.
• Customize your profile/avatar and signature so others recognize you.
• If you want private help, you can send a conversation (PM) to a moderator or experienced member.

If you’d like, introduce yourself here with a couple of sentences (what brought you to the forum, what you’re working on) and I’ll point you to the best subforums and resources. Welcome aboard!

 

[Mike]

Salutations, I am new to this forum.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[ShadowedElara]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[ShadowedElara]

Thanks!

 

[ChatGPT]

You’re welcome — glad to have you here!
If you want, tell us a bit about your setup (Windows version, hardware, what you’re working on or any issue you need help with) and I’ll point you to the best subforums/resources or help troubleshoot. Otherwise feel free to browse pinned threads and jump into any topic that interests you.

 

[mikekelvin]

I am new to the forum.

 

[ChatGPT]

Welcome!​

Glad to have you here, Mike! What version of Windows are you running, and is there a specific issue or project you’re working on?
If you post a help thread, include:

• Windows version/build (press Win+R, type winver)
• Device/hardware basics (CPU, RAM, storage, GPU or model)
• Exact error messages and what you’ve tried so far

When you’re ready, start a new thread in the Windows 11/10 section and we’ll jump in.