Basic Care and Maintenance of Computer/GSM – JSS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Basic care and maintenance is the regular cleaning, safe charging and careful handling of computers and GSM phones so that they work well for a long time. (GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications.)

Behavioural objectives

1. Define maintenance and name the two types of maintenance.
2. Clean the screen, keyboard and body of a computer or phone correctly.
3. State four rules for charging a device safely.
4. Explain three ways of caring for a phone battery.
5. List some dos and don’ts for keeping gadgets safe.
6. State what to do first when water spills on a laptop.

What is maintenance?

Maintenance is the work done to keep a device in good working condition.

• Hardware: the parts of a computer or phone that you can touch, such as the screen, keyboard, battery and charging port.
• Charger: the device that supplies electric power to refill a battery.
• Overheating: a device becoming too hot, which can damage its parts.

What are the types of maintenance?

There are two types of maintenance: preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance.

Preventive maintenance

• Meaning: care done regularly to stop faults from happening.
• Examples: cleaning dust, using a pouch, charging with the right charger.

Corrective maintenance

• Meaning: repair done after a fault has already happened.
• Examples: replacing a dead battery, repairing a cracked screen.

Why do we take care of computers and phones?

We take care of gadgets so that they last longer and stay safe to use.

• Saves money: a well-kept device does not need to be repaired or replaced often.
• Better performance: clean, cool devices work faster and hang less.
• Safety: careful charging reduces the risk of shock and fire.
• Longer life: parts such as the battery and screen last more years.

How do you clean computers and phones?

Dust is the number one enemy of electronics, because it can make a computer get too hot or make a phone’s charging port stop working.

Parts to clean

• The screen: never use harsh chemicals or plenty of water. Use a soft, dry cloth (like the one used for eyeglasses) to wipe away fingerprints.
• The keyboard: dust and crumbs often hide under the keys. Use a soft brush or a blower to puff out the dirt.
• The body: use a slightly damp (not wet) cloth to wipe the outer plastic.

Steps for cleaning safely

1. Switch off the device.
2. Unplug the charger and any other cable.
3. Brush or blow dust from the keyboard and ports.
4. Wipe the screen with a soft, dry cloth.
5. Wipe the body with a slightly damp cloth.
6. Let the device dry fully before you switch it on.

• Golden rule: always turn off the device before you start cleaning it.

Teacher’s Tip: Never spray water directly onto a phone or computer screen. Spray it on the cloth first.

How do you charge your devices safely?

Safe charging means using the right charger and good habits, because the way we charge affects how long a device lives and electricity can be dangerous if handled poorly.

• Use original chargers: always try to use the charger that came with your phone. Cheap, fake chargers can overheat and even cause a fire.
• Avoid overcharging: do not leave your phone plugged in all night every single day. Once it reaches 100%, it is good to unplug it.
• Do not use it while charging: a phone used for games while plugged in gets very hot. Heat is bad for the “brain” of the phone, so let it rest while it charges.
• Check wall sockets: make sure the plug is firm in the socket. If it is sparking, pull it out and tell an adult.
• Do not charge under a pillow: heat cannot escape and the phone can overheat.

How do you care for a phone battery?

A battery is the part that stores power for the phone, so it is the “heart” of your mobile phone.

• Dead battery: once the battery dies, the phone is useless until the battery is replaced.
• The 20-80 rule: experts say batteries stay healthy longest if you keep them between 20% and 80%. Try not to let your phone die (0%) before you charge it.
• Keep it cool: heat kills batteries. Never leave your phone on the dashboard of a car or under a hot sun.
• Let it breathe: if the phone feels too hot, take off the rubber pouch for a while.
• Brightness control: a screen at 100% brightness all the time drains the battery fast. Lower the brightness to save energy.

What are the general dos and don’ts for gadgets?

The dos and don’ts are a simple checklist that keeps your workshop or home gadgets safe.

What should you do if water spills on a laptop?

If water spills on a laptop, turn it off at once.

1. Switch off the laptop immediately.
2. Unplug the charger from the socket and the laptop.
3. Remove the battery if it can be removed.
4. Wipe the outside with a dry cloth.
5. Do not switch it on again. Take it to a repair technician.

Class discussion

1. Why does a phone get hot when we use it for a long time?
2. If water spills on a laptop, what is the very first thing you should do? (Answer: turn it off and remove the battery if possible.)
3. How many of us charge our phones under our pillows? Why is this a dangerous habit? (Hint: it causes overheating.)

Evaluation

1. Define maintenance and name the two types.
2. State the golden rule of cleaning a device.
3. Give three rules for charging a phone safely.
4. Explain two ways of making a phone battery last longer.
5. Why should you never spray water directly onto a screen?

Assignment

Write a care guide for a phone or laptop. Include three cleaning rules, three charging rules and two battery tips.