Computer Maintenance

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

Define Computer maintenance: Computer maintenance is what should be done to keep ones computer at its best or keep ones Computer in good working condition.

Computer maintenance can be broken into two main areas namely:

 Physical maintenance

 Software maintenance

Physical maintenance: means to clean the various external components such as the Casing, Monitor, Printer, Scanner, Mouse and Keyboard etc.

Software maintenance: is the regular Virus scanning, Spyware or Malware scanning,

defragging and backing up of critical data.

GENERAL CLEANING TIPS

Cleaning tips are what should be done when cleaning any components or peripherals to help keep them clean.

1. When cleaning any computer components turn it off and disconnect it from the source of power supply.

2. Never spray any liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed spray the liquid onto a clean cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.

3. Use portable battery powered vacuum designed compressed air to suck up dirt, dust or hair around the computer.

4. Use water or highly diluted solvent.

5. When cleaning fans, place pencil in between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning also when spraying compressed air into a fan.

6. Never eat or drink around the Computer.

7. Limit smoking around the Computer.

The general cleaning materials / tools are:

1. Cloth: cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a computer.

2. Water (Solvent): when moistening a cloth, it is best to use water.

3. Rubbing Alcohol: when moistening a cloth, Alcohol is also good (e.g. Isopropyl

Alcohol)

4. Portable Vacuum cleaner: is used to suck the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles and other particles out of a computer. Do not use a standard vacuum as it can generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer.

5. Cotton swabs: Cotton swabs moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools For wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard, mouse and other location.

6. Foam swabs: whenever possible, it is better to use link free swabs as foam swabs.

KEYBOARD CLEANING

Dust, dirt and bacteria can make computer keyboard to malfunction.

Cleaning procedure:

1. Unplug the keyboard from the system unit.

2. Turn it upside down and shake it. A more effective method is to use compressed air.

Aim: The air between the keys can blow away all the dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum cleaning can also be used.

 WHEN SOMETHING / SUBSTANCE SPLIT ONTO THE KEYBOARD

If the keyboard has anything split onto it (e.g. Coca Cola, Beer, Pepsi, Wine, Coffee, Milk etc)

Procedure:

1. Turn the computer off immediately.

2. Disconnect the keyboard from the system unit.

3. Once done, quickly flip the keyboard over helping to prevent the substance from penetrating the circuits.

4. While the keyboard is upside down shake the keyboard over a surface that can be cleaned later.

5. Leave the keyboard upside down for at least one night allowing it to dry.