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 percent solution of water and vinegar, make sure no excess moisture can get inside the printer.

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 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

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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 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.