TOPIC: BASIC COMPUTER MAINTENANCE I
Definition of computer maintenance
Computer maintenance is the practice of keeping your computers and
laptops in good state of repair or condition through regular cleanings,
hard drive updates, and virus prevention.
Tools for cleaning computer hardware
1. A clean non-abrasive cloth such as microfiber or cotton
2. Portable vacuum cleaners
3. Appropriate cleaning solution.
4. Cotton swabs.
5. Foam swabs.
6. DVD or CD-ROM cleaner.
Procedures for cleaning the keyboard
Dust, food, liquid, and other particles can get stuck underneath the
keys on your keyboard, which can prevent it from working properly.
1. Unplug the keyboard from the USB or PS/2 port. If
the keyboard is plugged into the PS/2 port, you will
need to shut down the computer before unplugging
it.
2. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it
to remove dirt and dust.
3. Use a can of compressed air to clean between the
keys.
4. Moisten a cotton cloth or paper towel with rubbing
alcohol and use it to clean the tops of the keys.
Note: Do not pour alcohol or any other liquid directly
onto the keys.
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5. Reconnect the keyboard to the computer once it is
dry. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you will
need to connect it before turning on the computer.
Procedures for cleaning the mouse
There are two main types of mouse
1. Optical mouse
2. Mechanical mouse.
Note: Each is cleaned in basically the same way, although the
mechanical mouse requires a bit more work.
Optical mouse is a computer pointing device that
uses light-emitting diode(LED),an optical sensor,
and digital signal processing to detect movement.
Mechanical mouse is a computer pointing device
that uses rubber ball to track movement.
The basic mouse cleaning tips:
i. Unplug the mouse from the USB or PS/2 port. If the
mouse is plugged into the PS/2 port, you will need to shut
down the computer before unplugging it.
ii. Moisten a cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, and use it to
clean the top and bottom of the mouse.
iii. If you have a mechanical mouse, remove
the tracking ball by turning the ball-cover ring counter-
clockwise. Then clean the tracking ball and the inside of
the mouse with a cotton cloth moistened with rubbing
alcohol.
iv. Allow all of the parts to dry before reassembling
and reconnecting the mouse. If you are connecting it to a
PS/2 port, you will need to connect it before turning on
the computer.
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Procedures for cleaning the CD-ROM/DVD Drive
i. Open the drive and allow the tray to eject.
ii. And clean the tray with a moisten damp soft cloth
iii.Allow the tray to fully air dry.
iv. Wipe the laser lens with a cotton swab to remove
any dust.
Procedures for cleaning Compact disc.
The basic Compact disc cleaning tips/maintenance practices:
i. Use a soft cloth
ii. Use Methylated spirit
iii. Use Isopropyl alcohol
iv. Use swipes cleaners
v. Use de-ionized water
vi. Do not touch the shining surface of the disc while
cleaning (Hold the disc by the edges and at the central
hole)
vii. Avoid stacking disc
viii. Put disc in protective case
ix. Avoid disc surface contact with food or drink
x. Clean disc from center towards the edge (Not in the
direction of circles)
BASIC COMPUTER MAINTENANCE II
ROUTINE COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Routine Computer Maintenance consists of tasks performed
on computers daily, weekly or monthly in order to keep
the computer running efficiently for a long time.
1. Disk cleaning should be done weekly to get rid of trash.
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2. Run defragmentation regularly to keep the system in optimal
functioning.
3. Always update your system
4. Back up with external hard drive and back-up software.
5. Regular physical cleaning of the hardware components should
be observed.
6. For Internet Security always run full updated antivirus program
when using the internet and also use a firewall to block potential
threats.
7. Patches and updates on softwares should be utilized by System
administrators and network technicians to ensure that their
computers and their networks are protected from hackers,
viruses and network intrusions.
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE TIPS
1. Never turn your computer off with the power switch on until
window has shut down.
2. Get a UPS ( Uninterrupted Power Supply) for your computer.
3. Back up your data to external hard drives, DVD/ CD ROMs,
USB/ drives, memory card etc.
4. Run scan disk and defragment at least once in a month.
5. Never unplug peripheral from the computer when it is on.
6. Do not allow a lot of programs to load up when you start
your computer.
7. Use anti-virus checker regularly.
8. Use a firewall program for a high speed internet connection.
9. Run window update regularly
