Topic 1: ICT Tools

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Maintaining ICT Tools:
Hardware Maintenance

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Learning Objective
By the end of the unit, you should be able to:
• maintain ICT tools.
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INTRODUCTION
Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools are digital devices used to communicate,
create, transfer, store and manage information. Examples of ICT tools include computers (desktops
and laptops), projectors, digital cameras, printers and phones. ICT tools need to be well taken care
of so that they last longer.
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IMPORTANCE OF ICT TOOLS MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of ICT tools helps to keep them working smoothly for years. The best way to deal with
ICT tools related problems is to stop them from happening in the first place. This is done by having
a maintenance plan for ICT tools.
The following are some of the benefits of having a good ICT tools maintenance plan:
• Reduces the chances of hardware failure.
• Gives the ICT tools longer life.
• Reduces problems caused by software.
• Keeps malware out, for example viruses.
• Keeps data safe.
A good maintenance plan will cover both the hardware and the software.

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 HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Hardware maintenance is the taking care of ICT tools that you can see and touch. Some of the
examples of hardware are the keyboard, mouse, monitor, radio, television and printer.
Some common hardware problems can be avoided by inspecting your hardware often and quickly
fixing any problem that you would have identified.
Some of the maintenance procedures that can be used on ICT hardware are:

1. Dust Control
Check for dust on your ICT tools. Dust is very harmful to ICT tools. Dusty parts will trap heat, which
can reduce their performance and lifespan. For example, a dusty and dirty DVD-ROM drive or
other disc drives can cause read errors when reading discs. These read errors possibly will cause
software installation problems. Keyboards should be cleaned regularly to keep dust from building

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up.
Dust and dirt cause the keys on your keyboard to become sticky, and the build-up can go under the
keys. This can cause the keyboard to fail.

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Dust can be removed by:
(a) Using a lint free fabric when cleaning your hardware. Only a micro fibre cloth is suitable
because it is soft and does not leave any mark on your screen.
(b) Using a dust blower or compressed air machine.
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A dust blower or compressed air machine uses air
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pressure to blow and force out dust from places Do not use household cleaners
where fingers or hands cannot reach. or detergents to clean your ICT
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tools. Household detergents can
You can also put dust covers over your computers or
easily destroy circuit boards.
any other hardware tools when they are not in use.
Dust covers should be regularly used especially if
the tools are in a dusty area.
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Computer Blowing Mini-Dust blower (for phones, tablets,

camera lens)

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 Computer Blower Dust Covers

2. Heat Control
The hardware tools produce a lot of heat while working or running. It

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is important for this heat to spread out, so that the hardware tool is not
damaged by overheating. For example, the CPU should not overheat
as this will cause the computer to develop a fault. You should ensure

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that there is enough space around all sides of the computer to avoid
blocking the cooling fans. A projector is another hardware tool that
can overheat hence ensure that it is in a well aerated room and it has a
cooling pad under it.
There should be free movement of air in the lab. Fans and air conditioners
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are also used to keep the computer lab or a room cool.

3. Surge Protection
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A Fan
Power surges are sudden rises of electrical power which can damage
electrical gadgets.
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It can be caused by faulty power supplies,
poor connections or lightning. A desktop computer case should not
be used while in an enclosed cabinet.
Computers and peripherals such as printers
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and monitors can be affected by power surges. • The computer lab temperature
should be kept low.
It is important to protect computers and other
• You should not leave a laptop
peripherals such as radios and televisions
running for long on a soft surface
against power surges by using devices such as
(for example, on a couch)
surge protectors and ensuring that electrical
connections are done properly.

Forms of Surge Protection

1. Adaptor strips
Adaptor strips are devices with many connection
outlets that are protected by fuses which can be
blown in the event of a surge. Once the fuse is
blown, the ICT tools will not receive power and
will therefore be protected against the power surge. Adaptor Strip

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 2. Surge suppressor
A surge suppressor is installed where the main power enters a computer lab or any other building.
This device will protect all of the electrical components in the lab or room that are plugged into
electrical sockets.

Surge suppressors

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3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
A UPS unit regulates the power supply sent to the ICT devices that are connected to it. It also

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contains a battery that allows for continued operation of a computer after a power cut.

Telephone surge protection jacks

On/off/test button
Computer interface port +
Control lights
Surge protection receptacle
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Input receptacle
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Battery backup/surge
protection receptacles

UPS Units

4. Liquid control
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Hardware tools can easily be affected by liquids. Avoid using too much liquid when cleaning ICT
tools. For example, when cleaning a keyboard, spilled liquids on the keys can form grime which
eventually destroys the keyboard. When cleaning a printer, dampen a cloth with water or rubbing
alcohol and wipe the case and each of the buttons. Never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.
Always ensure that your hardware is on a dry surface and avoid keeping containers with liquid
close to your tools.

GLOSSARY
Hardware – these are physical parts of a computer that can be touched.
Peripheral hardware – these are input, output and storage devices that can be connected to a
computer.
Maintenance – to protect and take care of ICT tools.

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 LET US PRACTISE

A. Answer the following questions.

1. How best can you address the issue of dust in your computer laboratory?
2. Why do we need surge protectors for ICT tools?
3. Identify any three harmful materials to ICT tools.
4. Why should you not use too much liquid when cleaning ICT tools?
5. Identify any three hardware components that can be affected by overheating.

B. Fill in the blanks.

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1. ICT tools should be maintained on a ______________ basis.
2. ______________ should be dusted regularly by using compressed air machines like blowers.
3. A peripheral hardware is ______________ .

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4. ______________ is an advantage of ICT maintenance.
5. ________ is used to cover ICT tools to protect them from dust.

C. Answer True or False.

1. Fans and air conditioners are used to keep the lab cool.
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2. Cleaning dust from a computer regularly is a preventative measure.
3. Overheating increases the lifespan of a computer.
4. Good maintenance helps to keep the computer working smoothly.
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5. Liquids cause ICT tools to function properly.

D. Choose the correct answer.

1. W
 hich of these is a moving part that can be damaged by dust?
A. Heat sinks B. Power supply
C. Computer port D. Hard drive
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2. Which of the following is not an advantage for maintaining ICT Tools?

A. Reducing the probability of hardware failures of the ICT Tools.
B. Extending the life span of the ICT Tools.
C. Increasing hacking and cyber theft and bullying.
D. Reducing system crashes caused by outdated drivers and other software problems.
3. Which of the following is not ICT hardware?
A. Printer B. Projector
C. Flash drives D. Dust blower
4. The following can affect ICT hardware except ________.
A. liquid B. heat
C. dust D. fan
5. Which of the following is not a surge protector?
A. Adaptor strip B. Surge suppressor
C. Dust blower D. Uninterrupted Power Supply

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