LESSON 5:
Overview of Preventive
Maintenance
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Preventive Maintenance
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is the regular and systematic inspection, cleaning,
and replacement of worn parts, materials, and
systems.
Effective preventive maintenance reduces part,
material, and system faults, and keeps hardware
and software in good working condition.
Troubleshooting
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is the systematic process used to locate the cause
of a fault in a computer system and correct the
relevant hardware and software issues.
Benefits of Preventive Maintenance
PC Preventive Maintenance Overview
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Preventive maintenance is implemented via a
plan. While there are several considerations for
preventive maintenance needs, preventive
maintenance plans are developed based on
at least two factors:
1. Computer Location or Environment
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Computers that are exposed to dusty environments,
such as those used on construction sites, require
more attention than computers located in an office
environment.
2. Computer Use
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High-traffic networks, such as a school network,
might require additional scanning and removal of
malicious software and unwanted files.
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Regular preventive maintenance reduces potential
hardware and software problems, computer downtime,
repair costs, and the number of equipment failures. It also
improves data protection, equipment life, and stability and
saves money.
Preventive maintenance also offers these benefits:
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Improves data protection
Extends the life of the components
Improves equipment stability
Reduces the number of equipment failures
Preventive Maintenance Tasks
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Hardware
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Check the condition of the
cables, components, and
peripherals.
Clean components to
reduce the likelihood of
overheating.
Repair or replace any
component that shows
signs of damage or excess
wear.
Use these tasks as a guide to creating a hardware
maintenance program: 13
Remove dust from fan intakes.
Remove dust from the power
supply.
Remove dust from the
components inside the
computer and peripheral
equipment such as printers.
Clean the mouse, keyboard,
and display.
Check for and secure any
loose cables.
Software
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Verify that installed software is
current.
Follow the policies of the
organization when installing
security updates, operating
system, and program updates.
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Review and install the appropriate
security, software, and driver
updates.
Update the virus definition files and
scan for viruses and spyware.
Remove unwanted or unused
programs.
Scan hard drives for errors and
defragment hard drives.
Use these tasks as a guide to creating a software maintenance
schedule that fits the needs of your computer:
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Review and install the appropriate
security updates.
Review and install the appropriate
software updates.
Review and install the appropriate driver
updates.
Update the virus definition files.
Scan for viruses and spyware.
Remove unwanted or unused programs.
Scan hard drives for errors.
Defragment non-SSD hard drives.
Clean the Case and Internal Components
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An important part of hardware preventive maintenance
is to keep the computer case and internal components
clean.
The amount of dust and other airborne particles in the
environment and the habits of the user determine how
often to clean the computer components.
Regularly cleaned or replaced air filters in the building in
which the computer is used will significantly reduce the
amount of dust in the air.
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Dust or dirt on the outside of a computer can travel
through cooling fans and loose computer case covers
to the inside.
When dust accumulates inside the computer, it prevents
the flow of air and reduces the cooling of components.
Hot computer components are more likely to break
down than properly cooled components.
Most cleaning is to prevent this accumulation of dust.
When dust accumulates inside the computer, it prevents the flow of air and
reduces the cooling of components.
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Several components are important to keep clean:
Heat sink and fan assembly
RAM
Adapter cards
Motherboard
Fans
Power supply
Internal drives
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To remove dust from the inside of a
computer, use a combination of
compressed air, a low-air-flow ESD
vacuum cleaner, and a small lint-
free cloth.
The air pressure from some
cleaning devices can generate
static and damage or loosen
components and jumpers.
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You can use a low-air-flow ESD vacuum cleaner to remove
collected dust and materials from inside the bottom of the case.
You can also use the vacuum cleaner to pull in the dust blown
around from the compressed air.
If you use compressed air from a can, keep the can upright to
prevent the fluid from leaking onto computer components.
Always follow the instructions and warnings on the compressed air
can to keep a safe distance from sensitive devices and
components.
Use the lint-free cloth to remove any dust left behind on the
component.
CAUTION:
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When you clean a fan with compressed air, hold the
fan blades in place.
This prevents overspinning the rotor or moving the
fan in the wrong direction.
Regular cleaning also gives you a chance to inspect
components for loose screws and connectors.
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Look for things that might cause a problem later and correct
them, such as the following:
Missing expansion slot covers that let dust, dirt, or living pests
into the computer
Loose or missing screws that secure adapter cards
Missing cables
Loose or tangled cables that can pull free from the case
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Use a cloth or a duster to clean the outside of the
computer case.
If you use a cleaning product, do not spray it
directly on the case.
Instead, put a small amount onto a cleaning cloth
or a duster and wipe the outside of the case.
Inspect Internal Components
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The best method of keeping
a computer in good
condition is to examine the
computer on a regular
schedule.
This is a basic checklist of components to inspect.
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CPU heat sink and fan assembly - Examine the CPU heat
sink and fan assembly for dust buildup. Make sure that
the fan can spin freely. Check that the fan power cable
is secure. Check the fan while the power is on to see the
fan turn.
RAM connections - The RAM chips should be seated
securely in the RAM slots. Sometimes the retaining clips
can loosen. Reseat them, if necessary. Use compressed
air to remove dust.
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Storage devices - Inspect all storage devices. All cables
should be firmly connected. Check for loose, missing, or
incorrectly set jumpers. A drive should not produce rattling,
knocking, or grinding sounds. Read the manufacturer’s
documentation to learn how to clean the optical drive and
tape heads. You can buy laser lens cleaning kits for
computer optical drives. Tape head cleaning kits are also
available.
Adapter cards - Adapter cards should be seated properly in
their expansion slots. Loose cards can cause short circuits.
Secure adapter cards with the retaining screw or clip to
avoid having the cards come loose in their expansion slots.
Use compressed air to remove dirt and dust on the adapter
cards and the expansion slots.
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Screws - Loose screws can cause problems if they are not
immediately fixed or removed. A loose screw in the case
can cause a short circuit or roll into a position where the
screw is hard to remove.
Cables - Examine all cable connections. Look for broken and
bent pins. Ensure that all connector retaining screws are
finger-tight. Make sure cables are not crimped, pinched, or
severely bent.
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Power devices - Inspect power strips, surge suppressors (surge
protectors), and UPS devices. Make sure that there is proper
and unobstructed ventilation. Replace the power device if it
does not work properly.
Keyboard and mouse - Use compressed air to clean the
keyboard, mouse, and mouse sensor.
Environmental Concerns
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An optimal operating
environment for a computer is
clean, free of potential
contaminants, and within the
temperature and humidity
range specified by the
manufacturer.
Optimal Operating Conditions
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Between 10% and 80% humidity
Between 45 and 90 degrees F (7.2 to 32.2 degrees
C)
Follow these guidelines to help ensure optimal
computer operating performance:
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Do not obstruct vents or airflow to the internal components.
Keep the room temperature between 45 to 90 degrees
Fahrenheit (7 to 32 degrees Celsius).
Keep the humidity level between 10 and 80 percent.
Temperature and humidity recommendations vary by
computer manufacturer.
NOTE: Research the recommended values for computers
used in extreme conditions.
