Computer Maintenance and Safety – SS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (First Term)

Computer maintenance is the regular care of a computer’s hardware and software so that it works well and lasts a long time.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define computer maintenance and name its two types;
2. describe ways of caring for the outside of a computer and protecting it from power problems;
3. list software maintenance tasks that keep a computer running well;
4. explain the 20-20-20 rule and good sitting posture when using a computer;
5. state safety measures to follow in a computer lab.

Why do we maintain computers?

We maintain computers to stop faults, protect our work and make the machine last longer.

• Shoe comparison: a computer is like a pair of shoes, because shoes that are never cleaned or mended soon fall apart.
• Dust: it blocks vents and fans and makes the computer overheat.
• Heat: too much heat slows the computer and can damage its parts.
• Digital junk: old files and unused apps fill the storage and slow the system.
• Viruses: harmful programs can damage or steal files.
• Benefit: a well-kept computer works faster, breaks down less and costs less to repair.

What are the types of computer maintenance?

There are two types of computer maintenance: hardware maintenance and software maintenance.

• Hardware maintenance: caring for the physical parts, such as the keyboard, screen, ports and internal fans.
• Software maintenance: caring for the “inside” by deleting old files, updating apps and running scans.

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is the regular care done to stop a computer from breaking down.

• Meaning: “Prevention is better than cure”. We do small tasks often so that big faults never happen.
• Corrective maintenance: repairing a fault after it has already happened, such as replacing a damaged part.
• Which is better: preventive maintenance is cheaper and saves time and data.

How do we care for the outside of a computer?

Physical care means keeping the computer clean, cool and dry.

• Keep it dust-free: use a soft, dry cloth or a can of compressed air to remove dust from the ports. Dust acts like a blanket that makes the computer overheat.
• Keep liquids away: one spill of water or soda can damage the motherboard.
• Provide proper ventilation: never block the vents on the side of a laptop or system unit. The computer needs airflow to stay cool.
• Switch off before cleaning: turn off and unplug the device before wiping it.
• Handle with care: do not drop, knock or press hard on the screen and keys.

How do we protect a computer from power problems?

We protect a computer from power problems by using a UPS or a surge protector.

• Power problem: electricity in many places can be unstable. A sudden spike in power can burn the computer’s power supply.
• Surge protector: a power strip that blocks sudden spikes from reaching the computer.
• UPS (uninterruptible power supply): a device with a battery that keeps the computer on for a short time when power fails.
• Why the UPS helps: it gives you time to save your work and shut down properly.

What is software maintenance?

Software maintenance is the care of programs and files so that the computer stays fast and safe.

A computer can look clean on the outside but be slow on the inside. Do these tasks:

• Update regularly: updates bring new features and often fix “bugs” and security holes that hackers use.
• Uninstall unused apps: if you have not used a game or app in six months, remove it. It takes up storage space.
• Run antivirus scans: scan your computer about once a week to catch viruses, which are like “digital germs”.
• Empty the bin: deleting a file only moves it. Empty the “Recycle Bin” or “Trash” to get the space back.
• Back up files: keep a copy of important files on a flash drive or online, in case the computer fails.

What are common computer problems and their fixes?

Most common faults have a simple cause that regular maintenance can prevent.

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the setting up of a computer and workspace so that they fit your body and prevent harm.

Using a computer for a long time can hurt your body if you are not careful.

How do we protect our eyes?

• The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps to prevent eye strain.
• Adjust brightness: your screen should not be brighter than the room you are in.

How do we protect our back and neck?

• Sit straight: keep your back flat against the chair.
• Screen level: your eyes should be level with the top of the monitor, so you are not looking down. Looking down for long causes “tech neck”.
• Feet flat: keep your feet on the ground, not dangling.
• Rest your wrists: keep them straight when typing and take short breaks.

What safety measures should we follow in the computer lab?

Lab safety measures are rules that protect people and equipment from harm.

1. Cable management: do not leave wires trailing across the floor. Someone may trip and the computer may fall.
2. No overloading of sockets: plugging many devices into one extension box is a fire hazard.
3. No eating or drinking: crumbs get stuck in the keys and spills cause short circuits.
4. Proper shutdown: never just pull the plug. Use the “Shut Down” option so the operating system (OS) can save its work.
5. Report faults: tell the teacher about sparks, burning smells or damaged cables. Do not try to repair them yourself.
6. Keep the lab tidy: keep bags away from walkways and keep the room dry and well ventilated.

Evaluation

1. What is preventive maintenance?
2. Mention two devices that protect a computer from power problems.
3. Explain the 20-20-20 rule and why it matters.
4. Why is dust dangerous for a computer?
5. Your laptop is getting very hot and making a loud noise. State the likely problem and how you would fix it.

Assignment

List four safety measures to follow in the computer lab and give one reason for each.