MAINTAINING AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
UNIT 6
COMPUTER PROTECTION
As the use of computers has grown in
volume and importance, protecting
computer systems and the information
they hold has become increasingly
important.
PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT
• Theft of and damage to computers (desktop, laptop,
mobile device) is a serious problem.
• Safeguards include:
Choose a secure location
• Don’t leave it in the front seat of your car
• Don’t leave it unattended
• Lock room or building
PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT
• Use security locks
• Used to anchor laptop to a fixed structure
• Security lock slot can be found in 99% of computers
• Mark equipment with identification marks
• Ultra-V Pens
• Computer security or asset labels
• Record serial numbers at a separate location.
PROTECT COMPUTER AGAINST
PHYSICAL DAMAGE
• Improper Handling
• Dropping: Use a padded case.
• Spilling: Use spill proof containers or avoid food and
drinks near computers.
PROTECT COMPUTER AGAINST
PHYSICAL DAMAGE
• Overheating
• Ensure proper cooling and ventilation
• Accumulation of dust and debris could damage motherboard
components
• Humidity
• Operate safely between 50-90 degrees
• Too much moisture can short circuit wiring and cause corrosion
PROTECT COMPUTER AGAINST PHYSICAL
DAMAGE
• Electrical Damage
• Caused by power surges, power fluctuations, static electricity
• Use a surge protector (An electrical device inserted in a power
line to protect computer hardware from sudden fluctuations in
power.)
• Do not run motors or other heavy duty equipment (copiers, air
conditioners, etc.) on the same circuit as your computer.
DATA SECURITY
Computer failure
is the #1 reason
for data loss
PROTECT AGAINST DATA LOSS
• Protect your data!
• Backup Data
• Flash drive, CDs or DVDs
• External hard drive, Cloud storage
• Password Protect
• Should not be easy to guess
• Keep private
• Prevent remote access
• Firewalls
• Secure wireless access
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON HARDWARE
RELATED PC PROBLEMS
• Troubleshooting means to find the source of
a computer problem and fix it, usually
through the process of elimination.
• Check electrical power source first
• Plugged in securely?
• Power to the surge protector?
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON HARDWARE
RELATED PC PROBLEMS
• Second, check the peripheral device connections.
• Make sure cables are secure
• Unplug and reconnect the peripherals
• Finally, if all else fails, restart the computer.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE BY USER
• Clean the PC and peripherals
• Monitor, keyboard, mouse, vents
• Avoid excess liquid to ensure electronics
don’t get wet
• Small bits of paper, dust or other debris
could cause jams or ink/toner smears on
printed paper
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE BY USER
• Replace or upgrade broken components
• Replace ink/toner cartridges when empty
• Replace peripherals
• Virus scan: configure your computer to update
and run a virus scan daily or at least weekly
SPECIALIZED MAINTENANCE
Some maintenance or repair should be performed by a computer professional
• Replacing the power supply or opening the power supply case
• Replacing other electrical components
• Replacing or upgrading the processor
• Replacing or upgrading the hard drive
• Replacing or adding RAM (the best value for increasing processor speed)
• If you are uncertain how to upgrade or repair your computer,
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL!