Unit 4- Maintaining & Protecting Hardware

 Identify the importance of keeping a computer clean.  Explain what is needed to clean a PC.  Identify the importance of protecting computer hardware from theft and damage.  Make a secure password.  Protect a computer against viruses.  Explain how to backup data.  Identify how to protect computer hardware from power loss.  Identify common problems associated with computer hardware.  Identify routine maintenance tasks.

 How much do computers cost?  You want to protect your investment  Easy to maintain ◦ Keep it physically clean ◦ Protecting it from bad software ◦ Protect/Backup your files

 What makes the screen dirty?  LCD/LED screens (Non-glass) ◦ NEVER spray liquid or Windex!  Ruins the anti-glare coating  Can leak into monitor

 Pre-moistened Wipes  Spray & Cloth ◦ Spray liquid onto microfiber cloth  Use on LCD/LED, cell phone screen, Tablets, photo frames, etc.

 What makes the keyboard dirty?  Could cause it not to work

 Unplug, turn upside down & shake  Use compressed air  Use wipes  Spill? ◦ Disconnect, turn upside down to drain ◦ Sticky?  Hold on side & rinse  Drain for 2 days

 Can get sticky & dusty on bottom ◦ Causes erratic movement  Sticky/dirty on top

 Use wipes

 Dust & dirt build-up  Clogged fans

 Use compressed air ◦ DON’T blow dust inside PC! ◦ Dust keeps PC hot  Vacuum outside only  Wipes to clean surface

 Keep the expensive laptop clean!

 Take in air on bottom, expel heat out back  Cooling Stand ◦ Keeps cool air going in ◦ Prevents overheating  Padded Bags ◦ Protect when carrying

 Kensington Lock  Secure physical devices  Businesses or Personal use

 Organizing cables under desk  Velcro wire-ties

 Shop for maintenance accessories

 Allows many plugs into one  Not recommended!

 Surge or Spike ◦ Too much electricity ◦ Lightning strike or power fluctuation  Power Outages ◦ No electricity

 An increase in voltage significantly above the designated level  Surge Protector diverts extra voltage like a valve

 AKA Surge Protector ◦ Better than Power Strip  What to look for? ◦ # of outlets ◦ Joule rating  More joules better protection ◦ Cord length ◦ Noise filter ◦ $$ protection warranty

# of Outlets Length of cord # of Joules Connected equipment warranty $$

 Uninterruptable Power Supply  Battery backup PLUS surge protection  Will power equip until you can save & shutdown ◦ min.

 Find a single outlet surge protector for your laptop  Find a 6-8 outlet surge protector for computers  Find a surge/UPS strip with at least 10 minutes of backup time

 Don’t use easy, common words  Mistakes:

 Most common password is…password ◦ Also  Tips & Advice: Top 25 worst passwords of 2011 Strong Password Checker from Microsoft

 Prevents virus install & helps remove it  Enable auto-update ◦ New virus’ made everyday  Be careful what you download ◦ AV might not catch them all  Name some AV software

 Office Max ◦ McAfee Antivirus Plus & 3-user ◦ Kaspersky Internet Security 3-user  Staples ◦ Norton Internet Security user ◦ McAfee Total Protection 2013  Best Buy ◦ Kaspersky Internet Security 3-user  Walmart ◦ McAfee Antivirus Plus user ◦ Norton Antivirus user

 What files are important to you?  Data is very valuable  Backup data ◦ External drive ◦ Online

 The files can be saved on a flash drive, CD, DVD, or a hard drive. Win 7Mac

 Crashed HD ◦ Overheat, dropped, shaken, wear out  Damaged media ◦ Scratched CD/DVD ◦ Dusty flash drive, banged around  Printer Problems ◦ Paper jams ◦ Low ink or toner

 Display problems ◦ Check power ◦ Check video cable  Loss of network ◦ Loose cable ◦ Wireless down  Incompatible device ◦ Check if it’s plugged in

 Visual Inspection ◦ Check cables  Plugged in  Good condition  Inside computer too

 Avoid extreme temperatures  Don’t touch media surface  Hold optical disks at edges  Keep disks in case when moving them

 Personal PC: 3-5 years  Special Recycle ◦ Check with town/county  Donate

Unit 4- Maintaining & Protecting Hardware