Care+and+maintenance+of+your+Computer


 * Computer Care and Maintenance **
 * * ** Leave the computer system on for the entire day even if it is only used at brief intervals. Continually heating and cooling down the circuits can lead to problems. Shut down the computer system at the end of the day. This includes all printers and other perrifals. This will help extend the life of the system. This job can be given to a responsible student if they are properly trained. **


 * ** Always shut down Windows before turning off the power. While windows is working, it keeps open several important files. Shutting down properly gives Windows an opportunity to save these files. If it is not shut down, errors can occur in these files making Windows unstable, or recent changes could be discarded. Never "flick" the power switch off and on quickly as this will cause hard drive failures, will corrupt the hard drive, can cause power supply failures and can cause computer failures due to a power surge. Once the computer is turned on, ALWAYS allow it to complete the boot process. Turning the computer off during boot can corrupt the hard drive. **

* **Don't touch the computer screen.**
 * **Never turn the computer off when you are in an application. This will often corrupt the hard drive. It may also result in improper operation of Windows in the future requiring reinstallation of software.**
 * ** Clean your monitor screen with anti-static wipes. These wipes prevent zapping when cleaning. Never spray your monitor. **


 * ** Dust interferes with critical connections in both the keyboard and computer. Buy a can of compressed air and use it on anything dusty. Try to direct the air so that the dust is not driven further into the computer or keyboard. NEVER use any kind of spray cleaner on your computer. Dust weekly. Another great job for a responsible student. Remember Dust Bunnies are computer killers. **


 * ** Keep you computer system away from open windows, heat vents, radiators, and air conditioners. This helps reduce the effects of dust, smoke and other airborne particles as well as control variations in temperature and humidity. **


 * ** Always use a surge suppressor. The surge suppressor helps protect the system from death by electrocution. Everything that attaches to your computer must be surge protected because a surge can pass through an unprotected device and travel right into your computer through the cable that connects the two. This includes keeping the CPU off the floor. The CPU should be on a stand. **


 * ** Do not use or store magnets near the computer, the computer monitor, USB, DVDs, CDs or diskettes. **


 * **Do not tap or write on the computer screen with a pen or pencil. This will damage the computer screen.**
 * ** Always return CD-ROMS to their jewel cases when done rather than leave them scattered around the computer. **


 * ** Store floppies and other media in containers designed specifically to keep them safe from dust and other contaminants. **


 * ** Never eat or drink or allow food or drink near the computer. **


 * ** Speed up your hard disk by running Disk Defragmenter once a month. While windows defragments your disk, you can safely use your computer to carry out other tasks. However, your computer will operate more slowly. To temporarily stop Disk Defragmenter so you can run other programs at full speed, click Pause. **


 * ** Backup important data files daily. There is nothing more frustrating than lost Data. **


 * ** All Computer repair requests for Oakland International Acadmey can be made by e-mailing: ckoch@oiacademy.com ** ||