Top Tips For Computer Maintenance

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Top Tips For Computer Maintenance

Posted On : Jun-23-2010 | seen (458) times | Article Word Count : 572 |

Let's face it; computer maintenance can be a pain. For most home users, having to constantly update operating systems and install anti- virus programs is a nuisance. In organizations and offices, hardware problems are generally the bigger issue.

IT maintenance personnel routinely encounter PCs that won't boot, or periodically freeze and lock-up. There are a wide variety of reasons why such problems occur. This article gives you a few tips on how to prevent the most common problems in computers. You don't have to be a technology services professional to take care of basic maintenance of your computers!

A common problem affecting the performance of most PCs is having too many background programs running. Users often install all sorts of random applications, most of which are rarely ever used. Many of these programs automatically launch when Windows starts up, taking up a lot of RAM.

A good way to avoid this is to set a strict policy about how programs are being installed. Most offices have a limited set of applications that they really need, so you can restrict the installation of any other programs. You can do this by limiting user privileges, and allowing only administrators to install programs.

Another common problem is users absent-mindedly switching off the power supply when the PC hasn't yet shut down. If the hard disk is still running when this happens, there is a possibility that the reader heads can damage the disk. It's also possible for that important Windows files may be damaged, causing operating system (OS) problems later.

One solution is to eliminate power switches at workstations. This would leave just one way to turn off a PC and that is by pressing the power button on the CPU box. You can configure this button, such that it systematically shuts down the PC instead of going off abruptly.

A good computer maintenance practice is to ensure reasonably cool ambient operating temperatures. Performance of electronic equipment is sensitive to temperature, and heat adversely affects it. The cooler a room, the better the PCs will work.

Servers, especially, need to be kept very cool. However, that's a very in-depth topic, so we shall avoid it here. For regular PCs, ensuring airflow and installing good fans should be sufficient. Provide CPU boxes at least two inches of clearance on all four sides. This is important at the CPU's rear, because hot air is dumped there.

If the boxes are housed in cabinets, it's important to keep doors open or provide some opening for air circulation. If some computers that have particularly demanding jobs, like graphics processing, keep hanging often, it might be due to overheating. Consider installing a liquid cooling kit to reduce regular computer maintenance needs.

Periodic cleaning of CPU boxes is important. A lot of dust, fallen hair and other particles tend to accumulate inside boxes over time. This mixture of dust and trash acts as an insulator, causing the CPU to heat up more. It also clogs up and slows down fans significantly, reducing cooling further.

Use a cold air blower or canned air to blow away dust. Be careful not to use excessive high pressure, else you may damage delicate motherboard components. Consider installing air filters at all the air intakes of the boxes. This will greatly increase intervals for cleaning, and significantly reduce computer maintenance costs in the long run.

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<h1>Top Tips For Computer Maintenance</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Wilhelmina Thomas.aspx'>Wilhelmina Thomas</a> Let's face it; computer maintenance can be a pain. For most home users, having to constantly update operating systems and install anti- virus programs is a nuisance. In organizations and offices, hardware problems are generally the bigger issue.

IT maintenance personnel routinely encounter PCs that won't boot, or periodically freeze and lock-up. There are a wide variety of reasons why such problems occur. This article gives you a few tips on how to prevent the most common problems in computers. You don't have to be a technology services professional to take care of basic maintenance of your computers!

A common problem affecting the performance of most PCs is having too many background programs running. Users often install all sorts of random applications, most of which are rarely ever used. Many of these programs automatically launch when Windows starts up, taking up a lot of RAM.

A good way to avoid this is to set a strict policy about how programs are being installed. Most offices have a limited set of applications that they really need, so you can restrict the installation of any other programs. You can do this by limiting user privileges, and allowing only administrators to install programs.

Another common problem is users absent-mindedly switching off the power supply when the PC hasn't yet shut down. If the hard disk is still running when this happens, there is a possibility that the reader heads can damage the disk. It's also possible for that important Windows files may be damaged, causing operating system (OS) problems later.

One solution is to eliminate power switches at workstations. This would leave just one way to turn off a PC and that is by pressing the power button on the CPU box. You can configure this button, such that it systematically shuts down the PC instead of going off abruptly.

A good computer maintenance practice is to ensure reasonably cool ambient operating temperatures. Performance of electronic equipment is sensitive to temperature, and heat adversely affects it. The cooler a room, the better the PCs will work.

Servers, especially, need to be kept very cool. However, that's a very in-depth topic, so we shall avoid it here. For regular PCs, ensuring airflow and installing good fans should be sufficient. Provide CPU boxes at least two inches of clearance on all four sides. This is important at the CPU's rear, because hot air is dumped there.

If the boxes are housed in cabinets, it's important to keep doors open or provide some opening for air circulation. If some computers that have particularly demanding jobs, like graphics processing, keep hanging often, it might be due to overheating. Consider installing a liquid cooling kit to reduce regular computer maintenance needs.

Periodic cleaning of CPU boxes is important. A lot of dust, fallen hair and other particles tend to accumulate inside boxes over time. This mixture of dust and trash acts as an insulator, causing the CPU to heat up more. It also clogs up and slows down fans significantly, reducing cooling further.

Use a cold air blower or canned air to blow away dust. Be careful not to use excessive high pressure, else you may damage delicate motherboard components. Consider installing air filters at all the air intakes of the boxes. This will greatly increase intervals for cleaning, and significantly reduce computer maintenance costs in the long run.About the Author: BcnBinary.com is one of the best online providers of computer maintenance solutions and technology services. Find lots more useful resources on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bcnbinary.com">computer maintenance</a> at bcnbinary.com. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Top-Tips-For-Computer-Maintenance_23153.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Top Tips For Computer Maintenance_23153.aspx</a>

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BcnBinary.com is one of the best online providers of computer maintenance solutions and technology services. Find lots more useful resources on computer maintenance at bcnbinary.com.

Keywords : IT maintenance, technology services, computers, Maintenance,

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