Chapter 8Chapter 8 Basic Computer Basic Computer MaintenanceMaintenance

8.1Preventive Maintenance 8.2Monitoring System Performance 8.3Symptom, Cause and Solution 8.4Safety Issues

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceSurge protector

inserted in AC utility line and telephone line

prevent transients (damage to electronic equipment from voltage spikes)

a small box with utility outlets, a power switch and a 3-wire cord

used with semiconductor-based hardware

printer, monitor, external disk drives, modem

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceSurge suppressor

prevent the peak AC voltage from going above a certain level

use a 3-wire AC power connection

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceKeep all liquids away

Get grounded before handling hardware

Avoid installing components when the computer is in operation

Defragment the hard drive regularly

Scan the disk regularly for errors

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceAvoid removing any floppy disks from the driver when the indicating lights are on.

Avoid switching off the computer when the hard disk lights are on.

Uninstall software by“Add / Remove Program” function in Control Panel

uninstall function of applications

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceBack up the system on a regular basis

by optical storage peripherals

Reserve sufficient space for computer to dissipate heat

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceClean the computer regularly

Liquid detergent: clean the outside of computer

Brush: remove dust

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceClean the computer regularly

Canned compressed air: remove dust inside the computer

Vacuum cleaner: remove dust and dirt inside the computer

8.18.1 Preventive MaintenancePreventive MaintenanceClean the computer regularly

Contact cleaner: clean the conducting points and connectors between hardware

8.28.2 Monitoring System PerformanceMonitoring System PerformanceProblems encounter after system operates for some time

System slow down at startup

Take a long time to switch between programs

Programs take long time to load

Windows Task Manager is used to monitor the system performance

8.3 Symptom, Cause and Solution8.3 Symptom, Cause and SolutionProblem 1

SymptomComputer takes a long time to load the OS

Possible causeMany programs loads into Windows during start-up

Verify assumptionObserve how many applications are loaded by Windows Task Manager

SolutionDelete programs in “Start Menu” folder

8.3 Symptom, Cause and Solution8.3 Symptom, Cause and SolutionProblem 2

SymptomComputer takes a long time to switch between programs

Possible causeNot enough physical memory in the system

Verify assumptionUse the system monitor

SolutionAdd additional memory if necessary

Replace smaller capacity memory with a larger one

8.48.4 Safety IssuesSafety IssuesElectrical safety

Turn off the power to PC and peripherals before cleaning

Disconnect the PC from power socket when accessing the inside of PC case

Avoid leaving the case open with the power on

Never disassemble the monitor

8.48.4 Safety IssuesSafety IssuesMechanical safety

Be careful when working

Never put anything into running cooling fan

Laser safetyNever disassemble optical drives (e.g. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM)

8.48.4 Safety IssuesSafety IssuesGood work habits

Plan your work

Organise and prepare the workplace

Handle everything with care

Never use excessive force

ENDEND