Computer Care
& Safety
GRADE 7
 Computers
are generally very safe to
work with. However these devices need
electricity to work with and have
mechanical parts which can injure or
even kill someone is you do not use
them safely.
 Computers also need to be handled
carefully so that they could have a long
and active working life. To prevent
misuse and mishandling of computer
equipment, you must follow a set of
rules.
RULES WHEN YOU ARE AROUND
COMPUTER DEVICES

Do not eat or drink near computer devices
Avoid stepping on electrical wires or any other
computer cables.
 Do not open the computer’s system unit or monitor
casing.
 Do not insert any metal objects into the computer
casing or monitor casing. This may cause the
device to short circuit or give you electric shock.
 Do not touch, connect or disconnect any plug or
cable without an adult’s permission.

RULES WHEN USING THE COMPUTER
 Do
not switch the computer on/off too
often.
 Always shut down computers properly.
 Computer components should be kept
dust-free.
 Use canned air or small computerspecific vacuum cleaners.
 Never try to remove the cover on your
computer to clean inside. Instead, take
it to a computer technician.
RULES WHEN USING THE COMPUTER
Wash your hands before using the computer.
 Use surge protectors to safeguard the
computer.
 Never use the computer during a storm.
 Do not install any software without an adult’s
permission.
 Respect other people’s files on the computer.
 There are several specialized tasks such as
DEFRAGMENTING, SCANNING and
REFORMATTING that computer experts can do
to keep the inside parts of a computer working
well.

BEWARE OF VIRUSES
A VIRUS is a computer program that can alter
(change) or damage your computer system. To
avoid a VIRUS, follow these safety tips:
Avoid using diskettes, CDs and DVDs that are
used to store information in computers from
elsewhere.
 Install, use and regularly update anti-virus
software.
 Never open an email attachment unless you
know and trust the person who sent it.

BEWARE OF VIRUSES
 Do
not accept downloads from Internet
sites that you don't know and trust.
 Do
not install a lot of programs all at one
time. Try installing one program, then
use your computer long enough to see
how your system responds to the
installation before loading the next
program.