Objectives:
Identify problems that can occur if hardware is not
properly maintained
Identify routine maintenance that should be
performed by users
Identify maintenance that should be performed by
experienced professionals
Maintenance issues
 The computer requires regular maintenance. You must keep everything up to
date, and keep up with updates or else it will effect everything else including:
the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.
 You can obtain cable management kits and individual cable management
products online and through a lot of stores who sell computer equipment.
Hardware Maintenance
 You should clean your computer every 3-6 months. This must be done in order
to prevent computer repair.
 You should check and clean the keyboard periodically. Every 6 months you can
use a can of compressed air to remover dust from the keyboard. You must also
clean the mouse.
 You must clean your printer to help prolong the printers life. Clean only the
parts recommended. Use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer or a lint
free cloth. Moisten it with a 50-50 percent solution of water and vinegar, make
sure no excess moisture can get inside the printer.
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Upgrades and Consumables
 You can update various components of your computer system. This increases
the output and production. Updating the keyboard and mouse can increase
computer performance.
 You can enhance the computer’s memory for optimal performance. Add RAM
to the computer or short term memory can increase speed, performance, and
usability.
 Keyboards selection should depend on the design, performance, and comfort.
Ergonomic keyboards allow for more natural positioning of your arms and
hands. A wireless computer reduces the clutter of unsightly wires and other
cable problems and improves mobility.
 There are also a variety of mouses available. There
are touchpads, and ergonomic mouses. Keep all
utilities that involve the computer up to date and
keep regular maintenance on it.
Preventative Maintenance
 Install and uninstall software, adding and deleting files, and
performing normal activities can slow down your computer. To get rid
of these problems your computer comes with a set of utilities that
perform specific functions. You should run these utilities routinely to
keep your computer at optimal performance. Windows divides data
through disk fragmentation. Windows has a defragmentation utility
that reduces the amount of fragmentation. This does not work with
read-only disks, network, or locked drives. You can hold files in a
recycle bin for files before they are deleted. Temporary files are created
to free memory, printing, and to prevent data loss.
 Cookies are small text files that web sites use to
identify a specific computer. File is updated whenever
you visit the website in question. They are used to
collect info about a person’s web surfing habits.
Specialized Maintenance
 There are some maintenance procedures that you
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should not attempt. All of these should be performed
by a computer professional:
Replacing power supply
Replacing other electrical components
Replacing the processor
Replacing or adding a hard disk
Replacing or adding additional RAM
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zd1FIghPDg&feat
ure=player_detailpage
Vocabulary
 Corona Wires- Printers contain these. These wires are
used to generate a field of positive charges on the
surface of the drum and the paper
 Cable management- Keeping cables in order and neat
so they do not get tangled.
 Fragmentation- Splitting things into smaller pieces.
 Maintenance- Regular upkeep of the computer and it’s
attachments
 Ergonomic Keyboard- Allow for more natural
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positioning of your arms and hands.
Wireless Keyboard- Reduces clutter of unsightly wires
and other cable problems and improves mobility.
Sectors- Little pieces or sections.
Seek time- Can slow speed of the processing cycle.
Recycle Bin- Holding area for files waiting to be
deleted.