Embedded Files
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to use install Peripherals/devices drivers.
Device Drivers
A device driver (commonly referred to as a driver) is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details of the hardware being used. A driver typically communicates with the device through the computer bus or communications subsystem to which the hardware connects. When a calling
program invokes a routine in the driver, the driver issues commands to the device. Once the device sends data back to the driver, the driver may invoke routines in the original calling program. Drivers are hardware-dependent and operating-system specific. They usually provide the interrupt handling required for any necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface.
So that's how you install device drivers. Although these automatic drivers’ installers are supporting most of the drivers, sometimes you might have a device which is not yet in the database, so you have to wait for the Driver pack Solution software update or you can manually install the driver:)
Follow our step-by-step instructions below to learn how to update your device drivers on Windows. And don’t forget, there’s also a completely automatic way to update your drivers.
Installing and updating drivers manually Many hardware makers offer downloads for their PCs, components (see also our sound card driver update guide and graphics cards driver update guide), and peripherals (scanners, printers). The manufacturer may include a neat installer that walks you through the download and launch processes. In this case, click here to go straight to the instructions. Some drivers come in the form of archives, such as ZIP or RAR. If that’s so, follow these instructions:
How to update drivers on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 manually (device manager)
1. First, install an extracting utility such as WinRAR.
2. Go to the manufacturer’s site to find the driver you want to update. To help you see the process, for the rest of this example I updated an old Intel Iris HD 520 (GPU) driver for my Surface Book.
3. On the hardware maker’s site -- here, Intel’s Drivers Site -- find the latest version for your device. Note that often you need to know the exact model number as well as which Windows operating system you have (Windows 7, 8, 10) and which architecture (32-Bit/x86 or 64-Bit/x64). Some third party sites have access to even newer drivers. One good and reputable site is LaptopVideo2Go for anything to do with GPUs, sound, network, and chipset drivers. While a bit geeky (you need to know exactly what graphics chipset and generation you have), you often find drivers just a few days old.
4. Download the driver. It probably is stored in an archived format, such as ZIP or RAR. Double-click on it to let it auto-extract or right click on the file and select Extract Here.
5. You probably now likely see a folder with a lot of cryptic file names, like this one.
If you’re lucky, one of those files is called Setup or Install, which makes your life easy. But it’s just as likely that an installation tool isn’t included. In that case, you need to open Device Manager and use it to install the driver manually.
Important: Remember the folder where you downloaded these files. For
example, C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\Downloads
6. Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Windows orb (Start button) in the lower task bar and selecting Device Manager. You can also open Device Manager by clicking the Windows key and R at the same time and typing in the following:
Click OK.
7. Next, search for the category of device to update. In our case, that’s the Display adapters category. Expand it and select the driver to refresh:
8. Double-click on that entry and select the Drivers tab. Choose the Update drivers button, then choose the Browse button to find your driver update files.
Now go to the folder of the installed drivers.
9. Click the OK button and then click on Next.
10.Done! Hopefully the new driver gives you more features, better performance, and fewer bugs.
How to update drivers on Windows 7 and Windows 8, 10 using an installer A common way to update a driver for Windows is to use an installer program supplied by the manufacturer. These installers either sit inside a compressed folder (as you see above in the earlier example) or are provided as one single file. In most cases, the update is as simple as running that program. Let’s run through the setup process using an AMD Radeon 460 Pro graphics card.
1. Download the device driver and open your download folder.
2. Find the setup file you downloaded, and click to launch it.
3. All you need to do is click on Next, Yes, and Install buttons. In most cases, you need to reboot your machine after the installation.
4. Done!
Updating individual drivers with Windows Device Manager In some cases, Windows Update can install drivers that aren’t available elsewhere. Anything that has gone through the Microsoft certification process has been tested, so you can confidently trust the driver files it updates.
To use Windows Update to install drivers on Windows 7 or Windows 8:
1. Click on Start and then go to Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security; select Windows Update.
3. Next, go to the list of optional updates. If you find some hardware driver updates, install them!
To Use Windows Update to install drivers on Windows 10:
1. Click on the Start button and then on the little cog.
2. This opens the Settings application.
3. Click on Update & security which brings you to the Windows Update section.
4. Click on Check for Updates and hope that it installs updates automatically. If that process doesn’t find anything, there’s a chance that you can still find a devicedriver using the “Automatic” detection method of Device Driver. To do that, open up Device Manager by clicking on the Windows key and R at the same time and typing in devmgmt.msc.
Go to the driver to update and double-click on it, just as you did in the initialinstructions. But instead of manually looking for an updater file, go tothe Drivers application, choose the Update Driver button, and select Searchautomatically for updated driver software.
How to update drivers automatically
There are alternatives in the form of a professional driver updater software that comes with a database of drivers (hundreds of thousands of them), checks your system for old drivers, and installs the new ones automatically.
5. Why do I have outdated drivers on my Windows computer? Just as with any piece of software, drivers become outdated over time. Their makers release newer versions that fix bugs or add new features. There are multiple reasons for outdated drivers on your PC. Among them:
• Windows itself doesn’t provide updates to all drivers. Hardware makers have to go through a rigorous acceptance process before Microsoft includes the driver in Windows Update. As a result, it could take months for a driver to arrive on your device -- and by the time it does, the manufacturer has released newer versions.
• Your PC or component came with old drivers, with no updater is in place. For example, my Surface Book that includes a graphics chip dating from 2017 runs on drivers from mid-2017. The version number is 23.20.16.4842, when in fact the latest drivers (as of February 2019) have the version number 26.20.100.6566.
6. When should I update a driver?
Because drivers run crucial parts of a computer, any failure makes the system unstable. As a result, drivers often are the culprit for when lots of things go wrong. Check for new drivers if:
• You experience problems you can’t explain otherwise. Among them might be stuttering audio or no sound, Wi-Fi and connection issues, games not running or running extremely slowly, and random system crashes.
• Devices won’t work at all. For example, when your USB ports don’t work, you need to update your USB drivers.
• When you see an exclamation mark in your Device Manager. This means that Windows knows something is wrong. To look in Windows 7 and 10: Hold the WIN-KEY + R, type in devmgmt.msc, hit Enter to open Device Manager, and look for entries with an exclamation mark like this one
This shows that there’s something wrong with the device. You should probably update it or install the proper drivers.
Checking for and installing Windows updates, like service packs and other patches and major updates, is a necessary part of running any Windows operating system.
Windows updates can support your Windows installation in many ways. Windows updates can solve specific problems with Windows, provide protection from malicious attacks, or even add new features to the operating system.
How to Check for and Install Windows Updates
Windows updates are most easily installed using the Windows Update service. While you could certainly download updates manually from Microsoft's servers, updating via Windows Update is considerably easier to do.
The Windows Update service has changed over the years as Microsoft released new versions of Windows. While Windows updates used to be installed by visiting the Windows Update website, newer versions of Windows include a special built-in Windows Update feature with more options.
Below is the best way to check for, and install, Windows updates based on your version of Windows. You'll need to know which version of Windows you have to make sure you're following the correct steps for your computer.
Check for and Install Updates in Windows 10
In Windows 10, Windows Update is found within Settings.
To get there, select the Start menu, followed by the gear/settings icon to the left. In there, choose Update & Security and then Windows Update on the left.
Check for new Windows 10 updates by choosing Check for updates.
In Windows 10, downloading and installing updates is automatic and will happen immediately after checking or, with some updates, at a time when you're not using your computer.
Check for and Install Updates in Windows 8, 7, and Vista
In Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, the best way to access Windows Update is via the Control Panel.
In these versions of Windows, Windows Update is included as an applet in Control Panel, complete with configuration options, update history, and lots more.
Just open Control Panel and then choose Windows Update.
Select Check for updates to check for new, uninstalled updates. Installation sometimes happens automatically or it might need to be done by you via the Install updates button, depending on what version of Windows you're using and how you have Windows Update configured.
INFORMATION SHEET 1.3-3
OS and drivers’ updates/patches
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to update/patch OS and drivers.
Updating Your Drivers and Operating System
Out-of-date drivers and operating systems can cause a variety of issues, and are one of the first things to check when a game is having problems. The instructions below will help you check and update your drivers.
Even new computers can have out-of-date drivers and operating systems because updates are released routinely. Some games and programs might run fine on a system with old drivers, but outdated drivers can still create technical issues with specific games or programs.
Check our supported video cards articles for our driver recommendations:
• World of Warcraft
• Hearthstone
• StarCraft II
• Diablo III
• Heroes of the Storm
Refer to the steps below to update drivers and software for your operating system.
Video Card Drivers
• Press Windows + R.
• Type DxDiag and click OK.
• After the DirectX Diagnostic Tool loads, click the Display tab.
• The video card's name and manufacturer are listed in the Device section. The current driver version is listed in the Driver section.
• Visit the driver manufacturer's website to obtain the most up-to-date driver.
• Contact the driver manufacturer for assistance with updating the driver. If the computer is under warranty, contact the computer manufacturer.
Sound Card Drivers
• Press Windows + R.
• Type DxDiag and click OK.
• After the DirectX Diagnostic Tool loads, click the Sound tab.
• The current driver version is listed in the Driver section.
• Visit the driver manufacturer's website to obtain the most up-to-date driver.
Contact the driver manufacturer for assistance with updating the driver. If the computer is under warranty, contact the computer manufacturer.
Network Card Drivers
• Click Start (Windows Key + Q in Windows 8).
• Click Control Panel. If there is an option to Switch to Classic View, do so.
• Click System.
• Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.
• Expand the Network Adapters category. Make note of the network card name and model listed.
• Double-click the network card listed.
• Click the Driver tab and make note of the driver date and version.
Visit the driver manufacturer's website to obtain the most up-to-date driver. Contact the driver manufacturer for assistance with updating the driver. If the computer is under warranty, contact the computer manufacturer.
-Direct X
-Press Windows + R.
-Type in DxDiag and click OK.
-Click System.
-In the System Information section, look for the DirectX Version that corresponds to your operating system.
OPERATING SYSTEM VERSION
1. If your version of Windows does not match the version of DirectX listed in Step 4, you must update it to play World of Warcraft properly.
Motherboard Chipset Updates
Experienced users can download and install the latest motherboard chipset drivers to help resolve rare issues caused by outdated motherboard chipset drivers. Although it is out of the Scope of Technical Support for Blizzard to assist, you can search on your own for a program that will tell you what type of motherboard you have, then visit the manufacturer’s website for the update Windows OS Updates.
Run Windows Update. The Windows Update link works best with Internet Explorer.
Note: The newest service packs may not automatically install when you run Windows Update. You must 'manually choose to install new service packs in Windows Update. After the updates have been installed, check if there are additional Windows Updates available.
What is Windows Update?
There's an easy, free way to help keep your PC safer and running smoothly. It's called Windows Update. All you have to do is turn it on, and you'll get the latest security and other important updates from Microsoft automatically.
Setting up Windows Update is simple. If you've already got automatic updating turned on, Windows Update in Control Panel will open and show your update status. If it's not yet turned on, you'll be guided through the steps to do so. After that, all the latest security and performance improvements will be installed on your PC quickly and reliably.
It's (mostly) automatic
When you turn on automatic updating, most updates will download and install without you having to lift a finger. But sometimes Windows Update will need your input during an installation. In this case, you'll see an alert in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar—be sure to click it. If you don't respond to a Windows Update alert, your PC might end up missing an important download.
We recommend that you use automatic updating—but if you choose not to, be sure to check for updates at least once a week.
INFORMATION SHEET 1.4-1
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Install application software.
Application software
An application software (app or application for short) is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media player, an aeronautical flight simulator, a console game or a photo editor. The collective noun application software refers to all applications collectively. This contrasts with system software, which is mainly involved with running the computer.
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately, and may be coded as proprietary, open-source or university projects.
OFFICE SUITE
An office suite is a collection of bundled productivity software (a software suite) intended to be used by knowledge workers. The components are generally distributed together, have a consistent user interface and usually can interact with each other, sometimes in ways that the operating system would not normally allow.
The earliest office suite for personal computers was Starburst in the early 1980s, comprising the word processor WordStar, together with companion apps CellStar (spreadsheet) and Data Star (database). Various other suites arose in the 1980s, and over the course of the 1990s Microsoft Office came to dominate the market, a position it retains as of 2015.
Typical office suite components
Existing office suites contain wide range of various components. Most typically, the base components include:
• Word processor - is an electronic device or computer software application, that performs the task of composition, editing, formatting, printing of documents.
• Spreadsheet - is an interactive computer application for organization, analysis and storage of data in tabular form.
• Presentation program- is a slide show presentation program.
Other components of office suites include:
• Database software
• Graphics suite (raster graphics editor, vector graphics editor, image
viewer)
• Desktop publishing software
• Formula editor
• Diagramming software
• Email client
• Communication software
• Personal information manager
• Notetaking software
• Groupware
• Project management software
• Web log analysis software
There are various different types of application software such as licensed, sold, freeware, shareware,and open source. Application software’s either need to be installed or can run online. Application software’s can also be distinguished on the basis of usage into the following:
Utility programs
Generic programs
Integrated programs
Specific software
Bespoke software
Word processing software
Desktop publishing software
Spreadsheet software
Database software
Presentation software
Internet Browsers
Email Programs
Graphic Programs (Pixel based)
Graphic Programs (vector based)
Communication software: Communication through audio, video or chat based means
Install Microsoft Office Application
Office is one of the most popular productivity programs around. If you have your product key, you don't even need a disc to start installing Office. All you need is an internet connection. If you don't have a product key, you can purchase one from the Office online store. Microsoft Office 2010 includes essential productivity apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. It is available in both Home and Student as well as Professional packages. The products included in these packages differ, but the installation process is the same. Follow this guide to get Office running on your computer with minimal fuss.
Steps
1.Uninstall any old versions of Office.
Keeping any older versions of Office installed can cause errors and problems with your files. To remove old installations. Open the Control Panel and select Programs and Features (Windows Vista, 7, 8), or Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP). Wait for the list to load and then select your old Office installation.
Click the Uninstall/Remove button and wait for the uninstallation process to finish before installing Office 2010.
2. Insert your Office 2010 DVD.
Alternatively, open the downloaded Setup file that you received when you purchased Office 2010 online. Either method will follow the same steps.
3. Enter the Product Key.
This is the 25-character key found on the packaging that your Office 2010 came in. If you purchased online, the key will be displayed in the order confirmation window.
You do not need to enter the dashes in between groups of characters
4. Accept the License Terms.
In order to proceed with the installation, you need to check the box indicating that you have read and agree to Microsoft’s terms o f use.
5. Choose your installation.
Clicking Install Now will install all of the Office products included in the version that you purchased. Office will be installed to your default hard drive (the same that Windows is installed on). Choose Customize
to specify which products you want to install. For example, if you never use Excel and just need Word, use Customize to disable the Excel installation. You can also use the Customize option to install Office to a different location on your computer.
6. Wait for installation to complete.
Once you have chosen your installation options, Office will be automatically installed. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on the version you are installing and the speed of your computer. Once Office is finished installing, you can access each of the individual Office programs from the Start menu.
INSTALL OPENOFFICE ON MICROSOFT WINDOWS
The installation file for Windows from OpenOffice.org is a self-extracting EXE file. Download the file. Your browser will save the file to your hard drive.
Locate the downloaded file on your hard drive and double-click the file to start the installation.
You will be asked for a temporary folder to extract the files that are needed for installation. By default, this is a new folder on your desktop. You can enter any other drive and folder. Next, the files will be extracted to the folder and the Setup.exe program inside that folder is started automatically. Double-click the file named Setup.exe if it does not start automatically.
A guided installation dialog will begin and will step you through the installation process.
If you want to install to another drive and folder than the default 'C:\Program files', choose the User Defined setup and change the path. For Odoo 4.x, the next folder will be created: 'C:\Program Files (x86) \OpenOffice 4'
For Odoo 3.x, the next folder will be created:
'C:\Program files\OpenOffice.org 3'
After installation finished, you should not delete the folder with the extracted files, because these files will be required for a repair via Windows system manager.
INSTALL PDF READER
Adobe Acrobat was the first software to support Adobe Systems' Portable Document Format(PDF). It is a family of software, some commercial and some free of charge. The Acrobat Reader program (now just called Adobe Reader) is available as a no-charge download from Adobe's website, and allows the viewing printing of PDF files. It is a major component of the Adobe Engagement Platform, and is widely used as a standard format to display text with a clean visual appeal.
STEPS:
1. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the Software by clicking on the Download Button.
2. Go to the directory, where your downloaded Installation file has been kept, usually Desktop.
3. Double-Click the Installation File.
4. Let the Setup File install Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Start Using the software.
INSTALL DivX CODEC DivX
-Is a type of video codec based on the MPEG-4 format of digital video. The DivX codec makes it possible to maintain relatively high levels of video quality while minimizing a video file's size. Read on below the jump for instructions on downloading and installing this codec.
STEPS:
1. Look for the codec. From the official page of DivX, click in the superior menu in the marked Link as “Download DivX”. Look for Free Download.
2. Download the .exe file. Select the "Save" button, and choose where you want to save it.
3. Execute the file. Choose the language of installation.
4. Install the codec.
• Click “Next” on the first screen.
• Accept the license and select “Next”.
• Choose those components to install (you may just use the DivX Codec).
• Click next and finish the installation.
INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM
Antivirus or anti-virus software (often abbreviated as AV), sometimes known as anti- malware software, is computer software used to prevent, detect and remove malicious software.
STEPS:
1. Uninstall any antivirus programs. You should only run one antivirus program on your computer at a time to avoid conflicts and errors. Many antiviruses most likely will not even install if it detects another antivirus program running.
2. Download Free antivirus software. You can search the file from any search engine. You will be directed to Download.com, where you can start your file download.
3. Run the install file. The install will begin, and the necessary files will be downloaded. Select your language and click Next >.
4. Read and accept the license agreement. You must accept it to continue, so it recommended that you read the details.
5. Select the Free license. After checking to make sure that noconflicting programs are installed, antivirus will ask what type ofinstallation you would like. Selecting Express Install will install antivirus toolbars and custom search sites into your browser. Disable these if you wish by choosing a Custom Installation and unchecking the boxes. Click Next >. If you chose Custom Installation, you can choose what components to install in the next screen. You can turn on or off extra features.
6. Wait for antivirus to install. Once your installation is configured, the files will be downloaded and installed automatically. This may take several minutes depending on your computer speed and network connection.
7. Restart your computer to complete the installation.
INFORMATION SHEET 1.4-2
Variation to Application Software Installation and Software Updates.
INFORMATION SHEET 1.5-1
DEVICES / SYSTEMS AND/OR INSTALLATION TESTING
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to test Devices /Systems and/or Installation.
Check Computer Information
Knowing the specifications of your computer will help you make informed decisions when purchasing new hardware and software. You can check your system specs in every operating system, regardless of how old it is or what system it's on. All you need is to know where to look.
Device Manager
1.Generic hardware information of what Microsoft Windows is detecting can be found through the Device Manager. If more detailed information is required use a third-party utility. Below is an example of what the Device Manager looks like and the type of devices that may be listed.
Using MsInfo32)
1. Click Start > Run
2. Type MsInfo32
3. Find the System Summary on the main page, it includes the principal information about your Computer (System, physical memory, virtual memory, BIOS version.
4. Find information on your hardware on the "Hardware resources" tab.
5. Find information about codecs (video, audio, other multimedia ... etc.) installed in the Components" tab.
6. Look for information on drivers and services in the "Software Environment" tab.
7. Find information about your Default Navigator "Internet Explorer" in the "Internet Settings" tab.
8. Look for MS Office applications' information on the "Office Applications" tab.
Using DxDiag
1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type DxDiag.
You must have any version of DirectX installed on your system.
3. Find information about System, Display, Sound, Network, etc. in their appropriate tabs.
Windows 11
1. Use this method for Windows 11
2. Go to Taskbar > Control Panel> System.
3. It provides Information about the system.
4. Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool as mentioned in the prior section.
Windows Vista
1. On the Taskbar: Click "Start" > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information.
2. Follow the same steps as Windows 7. Microsoft Help Center
How to get help in Windows 10
Here are a few different ways to find help for Windows 10:
• Search for help - Enter a question or keywords in the search box on the taskbar to find apps, files, settings, and get help from the web.
1. Hold and press Start + F1 on your keyboard.
2. Click the Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click on Maintaining Your Computer. This will be on the left task panel.
4. Click Get Information About Your Computer on the right pane
5. View General System Information about your computer. It will tell you it is processing.
6. When processed, you will find the computer's information.
Third-party programs
If this program does not list the information you need, see the third-party program section on this page. It contains a list of programs that can be installed to detect and list the hardware and software on your computer.
Finally, there are several third-party programs that enable users to display their system specifications and in some cases also benchmark their computer. Below is a short listing of some of these programs and each of the program’s capabilities listed in the order we recommend most.
1. Win Audit http://www.parmavex.co.uk/winaudit.html
2. Blear Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
3. Fresh Diagnose http://www.freshdevices.com/
4. WinCo and HWiNFO32 http://www.hwinfo.com/
5. Laval’s EVEREST http://www.lavalys.com/
6. Software SANDRA http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/
Information Sheet 1.5-2
Stress Testing
Information Sheet 1.5.3
5S and 3Rs
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to perform 5s & 3Rs.
5 S
5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. There are five 5S phases: They can be translated from the Japanese as "sort", "set in order", "shine", "standardize", and "sustain". Other translations are possible.
Sort
• Remove unnecessary items and dispose of them properly.
• Make work easier by eliminating obstacles.
• Reduce chances of being disturbed with unnecessary items.
• Prevent accumulation of unnecessary items.
• Evaluate necessary items with regard to cost or other factors.
• Remove all parts or tools that are not in use.
• Segregate unwanted material from the workplace.
• Need fully skilled supervisor for checking on regular basis.
• Don't put unnecessary items at the workplace & define a red-tagged
area to keep those unnecessary items.
• Waste removal.
Set in Order
• Arrange all necessary items so that they can be easily selected for use.
• Prevent loss and waste of time by arranging work station in such a way that all tooling / equipment is in close proximity
• Make it easy to find and pick up necessary items
• Ensure first-in-first-out FIFO basis
• Make workflow smooth and easy
• All of the above work should be done on regular basis
Shine
• Clean your workplace completely
• Use cleaning as inspection
• Prevent machinery and equipment deterioration
• Keep workplace safe and easy to work
• Keep workplace clean and pleasing to work in
• When in place, anyone not familiar to the environment must be able to detect any problems within 50 feet in 5 secs.
Standardize
• Standardize the best practices in the work area.
• Maintain high standards in workplace organization at all times.
• Maintain orderliness. Maintain everything in order and according to its standard.
• Everything in its right place.
• Every process has a standard.
Sustain
• To keep in proper working order.
• Also translates as "do without being told".
• Perform regular audits.
• Training and discipline.
• Training is goal-oriented process. Its resulting feedback is necessary monthly.
5S Seiri; Sort, Clearing, Classify
5S Seiton; Straighten, Simplify, set in order, Configure
5S Seiso; Sweep, shine, Scrub, Clean and Check
5S Seiketsu; Standardize, stabilize, Conformity
5S Shitsuke; Sustain, self-discipline, custom and practice and for completeness, some companies add a 6th (6S) of Safety, although in my opinion this should be an integral part of the steps of 5S and not a separate stage in itself.
3 Rs
The three R's - reduce, reuse and recycle - all help to cut down on theamount of waste we
throw away. They conserve natural resources, landfill space and energy.Plus, the three R's save land and money communities must use to disposeof waste in landfills. Siting a new landfill has become difficult and more expensive due to environmental regulations and public opposition.
Everyone can help meet this goal and save natural resources, energy, and money by following the three R's.
REDUCE
The best way to manage waste is to not produce it. This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of a few guidelines:
•Buy products in bulk. Larger, economy-size products or ones in concentrated form use less packaging and usually cost less per ounce.
• Avoid over-packaged goods, especially ones packed with several materials such as foil, paper, and plastic. They are difficult to recycle, plus you pay more for the package.
• Avoid d i spo sab l e g o o d s , s u ch a s paper p l a t e s, c u p s , napk ins, r a z o r s , and l ighters.
• Throwaways contribute to the problem, and cost more because they must be replaced again and again.
•Buy durable goods - ones that are well-built or that carry goodwarranties. They will last
•longer, save money in the long run and save landfill space.
• At work, make two-sided copies whenever possible.
•Maintain central files rather than using several files for individuals.
•Use electronic mail or main bulletin board.
•Remove your name from the mailing lists of materials you no longer want to receive: write to Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct Marketing Assoc., P.O. Box 90008, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
•Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
•Use a dish cloth instead of paper towels.
REUSE
It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse products. Sometimes it takes creativity:
•Reuse products for the same purpose. Save paper and plastic bags,
and repair broken appliances, furniture and toys.
•Reuse p r o d u c t s i n di f ferent w a y s . Use a co ffee c a n to pack a
lunch; u s e p last ic microwave dinner trays as picnic dishes.
•Sell old clothes, appliances, toys, and furniture in garage sales orads, or donate them to charities.
•Use resealable containers rather than plastic wrap.
•Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of paper cups.
•Reuse grocery bags or bring your own cloth bags to the store. Do not take a bag from the store unless you need one.
RECYCLE
Recycling is a series of steps that takes a used material and processes, remanufactures, and sells it as a new product. Begin recycling at home and at work:
• Buy products made from recycled material. Look for the recycling symbol or ask store managers or salesmen. The recycling symbol means one of two things - either the product is made of recycled material, or the item can be recycled. For instance, many plastic containers have a recycling symbol with a numbered code the identifies what type of plastic resin it is made from. However, just because the container has this code does not mean it can be easily recycled locally.
• Check collection centers and curbside pickup services to see what they accept, and begin
• Collecting those materials. These can include metal cans, newspapers, paper products, glass, plastics and oil.
• Consider purchasing recycled ma t er i a l s a t work when purchasing m a t e r i a l for office supply, office equipment or manufacturing.
• Speak to store managers and ask for products and packaging that help cut down on waste, such as recycled products and products that are not over packaged.
• Buy products made from material that is collected for recycling in your community.
• Use recycled paper for letterhead, copier paper and newsletters.
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