Maintaining and Troubleshooting
Computer Systems
Computer Technology
(S1 Obj 1-3)
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.
• There are 3 ways to protect your computer
1.
2.
3.
Against theft
Against physical damage
Data Security
Protecting Against Theft
Theft of and damage to computers (desktop,
laptop, mobile device) is a serious problem.
• Safeguards include:
o Choose a secure location
• Don’t leave it in the front seat of your car
• Don’t leave unattended
• Lock room or building (Motion detection alarms)
o Use security locks
• Used to anchor laptop to a fixed structure
• Security lock slot can be found in 99% of computers
o 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
o Dropping: Use a padded case
o Spilling: Use spill proof container or
avoid food and drinks near
computers
• Overheating
o Ensure proper cooling and ventilation
o Accumulation of dust and debris
could damage motherboard
components
• Humidity
o Operate safely between 50-90
degrees
o Too much moisture can short circuit
wiring and cause corrosion
Protect Computer Against
Physical Damage
• Electrical Damage
o Caused by power surges, Power
fluctuations, Static electricity
o Use a Surge Protector (An electrical
device inserted in a power line to protect computer
hardware from sudden fluctuations in power)
o 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
o
o
o
o
Flash Drive
CD’s or DVD’s
External hard drive
Cloud
• Password Protect
o
o
Should not be easy to guess
Keep private
o
o
Firewalls
Secure wireless access
• Prevent remote access
• Consult a professional if
necessary!
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?
• Second, check the connections of
peripheral devices
•
•
Make sure cables are secure
Unplug and reconnect the peripherals
• Finally, if all lese fails,
restart the computer
Preventative Maintenance
by User
• Clean the PC and peripherals
o Monitor, keyboard, mouse, vents
o Avoid excess liquid to ensure electronics don’t
get wet
o Small bits of paper, dust or other debris could
cause jams or ink/toner smears on printed papers
• Replace or upgrade broken components
o Replace ink/toner cartridges when empty
o 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
o Replacing the power supply or
opening the power supply case
o Replacing other electrical
components
o Replacing or upgrading the processor
o Replacing or upgrading the hard drive
o Replacing or adding RAM (the best
value for increasing processor speed)
o If you are uncertain how to upgrade
or repair your computer, consult a
professional!
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics/14