Computer Systems Servicing - Maintaining And Repairing Computer Systems And Networks

Lesson 8: Maintaining And Repairing Computer Systems And Networks

After going through this lesson, you are expected to:

Plan and prepare for maintenance and repair
Identify common preventive maintenance for computer

Planning and preparing systematic maintenance procedures save time, money, and frustration. It is a good idea and opportunity to learn the proper care and maintenance of your computer. PC maintenance is an important topic for anyone who owns a PC. Looking after your PC properly ensures you trouble-free use. Regular PC maintenance also keeps the machine’s performance optimal

Like many other pieces of technology, computers see constant wear and tear from being used. Simple things like downloading files, clicking on harmful sites by accident, and allowing dust to settle on the keyboard can build up to the computer slowing down and possibly being unusable. However, by running anti-malware programs, deleting files as needed, and cleaning out the dust on a computer, you can prolong the lifespan of your computer for years of extra effective use. Whether they're tasks that should be done every day, once a month, once a year, or only when needed, below is a list of maintenance tasks to

perform to get the most out use of your computer.

Preventive Maintenance for Computers

Daily Back-Up

• Try to back up your data at least once per day – no one wants to lose projects you spent hours if not days working on.

• Run a malware scan to stay on top of virus prevention. If you have any real-time prevention tools even, then some viruses may slip by. Depending on how frequently you use the computer you can get away with doing this once a week; more frequent

computer users should do this daily.

• Check for updates every day so you do not t miss any crucial upgrades, nor will you have to spend hours installing dozens at a time if you procrastinate it.

• If you use your computer for many hours at a time during the day, then plan to restart it at least once. This way, temporary files won't build up and slow down use over time.

• Never shut down by using the power button – always use the option from the start menu! Never leave your computer on overnight either to save electricity or to prevent wear and tear.

Monthly Back-Up

Use the defragmentation tool to keep your PC running fast and efficiently. This tool puts files back together that are split apart into different folders in your PC over time.

• Scan your hard drive for errors to make sure there are no physical problems occurring. This doesn't check for viruses or malware but more so physical and logical problems.

• Clean out your disk drive every few weeks. Similar to defragmentation, these are small pieces of trash that quietly accumulate over time.

• Physically clean your computer by using compressed air to blow out dust and small pieces of dirt. These small particles build up over time and can lead to computers physically overheating and other mechanical problems.

Yearly Back-Up

Backup your hard drive as an image, so if your PC ever crashes you won't have to reinstall from scratch. This should be done twice a year, just to be safe. Either you, a friend, or a professional should do a thorough cleaning of the computer. This goes beyond simply using compressed air and opening it up to get rid of all of the smaller bits and pieces of dirt stuck in there.

As Needed

• Uninstall programs that you don't use anymore to free up space.

• Practice safe browsing by not downloading files from or spending time on sites you

aren't familiar with or may be untrustworthy since this is how people generally get malware.

• Change passwords frequently as a general preventative measure against hackers.

PLAN MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES FOR COMPUTERS SYSTEM AND NETWORKING

Design a systematic maintenance plan for Hardware

✓ Design and monitoring, evaluating and updating plan

✓ Place your computer in a well-ventilated area

✓ Schedule use of computer for its longer life

✓ Move the computer only when it is turned off and unplugged

✓ Treat your computer properly

✓ Maintain your hard disk

Design a systematic maintenance plan for Software

✓ Back-up your files

✓ Install or secure password

✓ Delete temporary files

✓ Update anti-virus and spyware

TYPES OF MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE

➢ Hardware maintenance is the testing and cleaning of equipment.

➢ Information system maintenance is the routine updating of master files, such as adding and deleting employees and customers and changing credit limits and product prices.

➢ Software or program maintenance is the updating of application programs in order to meet changing information requirements, such as adding new functions and changing data formats. It also includes fixing bugs and adapting the software to new hardware devices.

➢ Disk or file maintenance is the periodic reorganizing of disk files that have become fragmented due to continuous updating.

SAMPLE MAINTENANCE PLAN Prepare/Design a monthly maintenance plan for your hardware

Maintenance offers the best of both worlds. It’s far cheaper than swapping burnt-out devices for new or used replacements, and it puts off the disruptive transition from one machine to the next. Well-maintained devices last years longer than maltreated equivalents, supporting smooth personal and professional use patterns and keeping more of your hard-earned money in your wallet along the way.

These computer maintenance plans/checklists are all well within the capabilities of the typical non-expert computer user. Some are tailored to desktops and laptops. Others apply to a broader range of devices. Most are best done on a recurring basis. And none require excessive investments of time, effort, or money.

HAND TOOLS MAINTENANCE

A tool is a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. Tools range from traditional metal cutting part of a machine to an element of a computer program that activates and controls a particular function.

Guidelines for Hand Tools Safely

1. Use the right tool for the job

As tools are designed for specific needs, the first step in the safe hand tool is using the correct tool for the correct job. This is the reason why there are screwdrivers with various lengths and tip styles and pliers with different head shapes.

2. Use insulated tools when needed

Insulated tools are designed to reduce the chance of injury if the tool should come in contact with an energized source. As we never know when a situation will arise where insulated tools are required, we need to have some insulated tools in our collections.

3. Follow general safety and maintenance practices.

Improper use of tools is not only dangerous but also shows a lack of understanding of tool safety, and disrespect for those around you, thus, following safety and maintenance practices is a must.

Wearing approved eye protection is one of the safety practices when using a hand tool. Through it, we can protect our eyes from serious injuries. Another safety practice is keeping cutting tools like knives, bolts, cutters, and pliers sharp, lubricated, and in good repair. Cutting wire, bolts and similar materials must always be made at a 90-degree angle to avoid clipping the edges of the knives. Pliers must not also be rocked when attempting to cut materials. This puts tremendous side pressure on the cutting surface that can result in tool failure.

4. Use well-designed, high-quality tools

For safer and easier jobs, investing in high-quality tools is advised.

5. Other Basic Safety Rules for Hand Tools

✓ Keep your hand free from oil and grease.

✓ Handle sharp-edged and pointed tools with care by your side with the points and heavy

ends down.

✓ Secure all small work and short work with a vise or clamp.

✓ Carry tools with their storage box for protection; never put them in your pocket.

✓ Use tools in good condition, not those that are loose or cracked.

✓ Make sure your tools are all with handles.

✓ Clean the tools after use, return them to the proper storage place.

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