Computer maintenance - DO’S AND DON’TS

Empty your "Recycle Bin" regularly and especially before asking for more drive space
Give the computer enough room to have airflow around it, the monitor gives out heat and computers are prone to overheating.
Keep the computer dry, as electricity and water are a lethal combination for the user as well as the computer.
Keep the air vents clean and free from dust
Use an anti-static cloth to clean the monitor screen
.
Close the computer down correctly by saving your work first, closing down other applications, and using the Operating System procedure to close: Start > Shutdown and switching off
.
Keep your virus protection data files up to date
Use your virus program’s Live Update feature
Backup your critical data often
Using Windows Explorer, copy critical files/folders to a floppy disk, Zip Disk, or CD-R (W)
Use Scandisk often
1. Shut down background programs and screen saver. (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
2. Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Scandisks.
Clean out temporary files often
1. Win 98 or ME: Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup 2. Win 95: Using Windows Explorer, delete all temporary files
Defragment your hard drive periodically
1. Shut down background programs and screen saver. (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
2. Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter
Clean your computer, mouse and keyboard periodically
Shut down all "background" programs when installing a new software application
Restart your computer periodically if you leave it on all the time
Unplug your computer and phone line when lightning is in the area
Use the Eject/Close button
Shutdown and restart (several times, if necessary) if you’re having problems...it cures most ailments!
Try these sequential recovery steps, in order, if your computer "freezes":
1. Press Esc Key
2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then terminate the program that is not responding by using the End Task Button
3. Try Shutting down Windows using the keyboard commands: Ctrl-Esc, U, and Enter
4. Press Reset Button
5. Depress the On/Off Button for a few seconds
Handle compact disks only by edges...clean them if dirty. Use clean, soft, cotton cloth, rub radially outward
Check your hard drive free space periodically...you should have at least 100MB

Don’t leave the computer unattended for more than 15 minutes. It could get rebooted and you may lose your work
Block the air vents by stacking coats, bags, and books in front or on them
Eat or drink near the computer, crumbs will clog the keyboard, and drinks can permanently damage the computer.
Expose the computer to temperatures that are very high or very low
Switch off or pull the plug without closing down properly
.
Move the computer whilst in operation as it may damage the Hard Drive
Plug/unplug cables when computer is operating
Place floppy disks or Zip disks near magnetic fields (speaker, cell phone, screwdrivers, etc
Keep liquids near keyboard/Mouse
Use your computer before windows or other programs fully load
Use your computer when drive lights are energized or "hourglass" cursor is showing
Give your credit card number when not in a secure Web site
Shut down Windows by using the on/off switch
Operate without a good surge protector (or UPS) for computer and peripherals (modem, printer, scanner, etc)
Open E-Mail file attachments or download files from Internet without active, up-to-date virus protection
Use a floppy disk from others without first virus checking it
Push your CD-ROM tray shut
.
Use the CD-ROM tray as a cup-holder
Turn your printer off while it is still printing (causes paper jam on many printers). Instead, remove paper from feeder tray
Locate your computer/monitor in a tight, enclosed area with inadequate ventilation
Depend on floppies for long-term permanent storage/archiving of critical data
Unplug keyboard, mouse from the computer when it is running (PS2)
.
Use wet cloth for cleaning the backside of the CPU
Open the CPU cabinet without
proper guidance from a qualified engineer
Unplug or plugging any hardware component when the computer is running. Unless it’s a hot swappable

Issued in the interests of Computer users by
PRECISION GROUP OF COMPANIES, LEADERS IN IT SOLUTIONS