1 Lesson 3 Computer Protection Computer Literacy BASICS: A Comprehensive Guide to IC 3, 3 rd Edition Morrison / Wells

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 222 Introduction 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 many issues of computer maintenance, the risks of computing, and the measures that can be taken to minimize those risks.

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 333 Protecting Computer Hardware from Theft and Damage Theft of and damage to computer equipment is a serious problem. Safeguards include: – Physically secure equipment – Use security locks – Mark equipment with identification mark – Insure the equipment – Back up data to a separate system Employees using company computers for personal use can be a type of theft.

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E Data Protection Data is a critical component of businesses. The risk and severity of data theft is due to: – The value of data stored on computers – Confidential and private data being stored – Increased use of laptops outside a secure network – Increased proficiency of data hackers and thieves Encryption is a secure process for keeping confidential information private. 444

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E Data Protection (continued) Data Backup: Because data is so valuable, you must back up important files regularly. Backup procedures should place a priority on files that would be difficult or impossible to replace or reconstruct if they were lost. Have secure backup procedures that include a regular schedule for backing up designated files and storing the backup files off site. 555

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 66 Environmental Conditions Computers require the right balance of physical and environmental conditions to properly operate. 6 Temperature: A temperature range of 68 to 75 degrees is optimal for system reliability. A separate thermostat can monitor temperature and humidity levels in a computer room.

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 77 Environmental Conditions (continued) Humidity: A high level of humidity can cause computers to short circuit, resulting in the loss of data and damage to hardware. For optimal performance, the relative humidity of the computer room should be above 20 percent and below the dew point. 7

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 88 Environmental Conditions (continued) Water Damage: If a computer suffers water damage, make sure it is completely dried out before you restore the power. Magnetic Fields and Static Electricity: A single spark from static electricity can damage the internal electronics of a computer. Have grounding protection. 8

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 99 Environmental Conditions (continued) Maintaining Equipment: Cut down on computer repair through preventive maintenance. Create a monthly maintenance schedule and follow it regularly. Physical Damage: Prevent damage to portable computers due to physical shock by transporting devices with care, such as in padded cases. 9

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 10 Power Loss and Power Fluctuation Issues An unexpected power outage can wipe out any data that has not been properly saved. Protect electronic devices from power spikes, which are short, fast transfers of electrical voltage, current, or energy. 10 Surge suppressors can protect against power spikes. Surge suppressor

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 11 Power Loss and Power Fluctuation Issues (continued) One option for preventing data loss due to power outages is to install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). 11 A UPS contains a battery that temporarily provides power if the normal current is interrupted.

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 12 Hardware Issues You can resolve or prevent many hardware issues by proper planning and training. Crashed Hard Drive: To evaluate the condition of the drive: – Verify the cable is not damaged and is plugged in – Use a boot disk to determine if drive is readable – Use diagnostic and data recovery programs – Use a data and recovery service 12

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 13 Hardware Issues (continued) Damaged Media: Hard disks and other media eventually fail, but often you can recover the data. First, move it to a secure environment, then inspect or test it to evaluate the damage. The type of damage determines the type of recovery method to use. 13

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 14 Hardware Issues (continued) Printer Problems: Paper jams are one of the more common problems. 14 Display Problems: The majority of display problems are caused by incorrect, corrupted or missing video drivers.

Lesson 3 Morrison / WellsCLB: A Comp Guide to IC 3 3E 15 Hardware Issues (continued) Inoperable Hardware Devices: Could be a software, electrical, or mechanical problem. A small program called a driver instructs the operating system on how to operate specific hardware. Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity: Means people cannot communicate or work effectively. 15