The toolset should include a meter, which is a measuring device. A digital multimeter (DMM) combines the functionality of a voltmeter, ohmmeter, and an ammeter into one easy to use device.
Environmental Guidelines
What to do with the old computers or parts? Can they simply be placed in the garbage bin so that they are hauled to the landfill and buried? Computers and peripherals contain some environmentally unfriendly materials. Most computer components are either hazardous or contain some level of hazardous substances. Waste materials are listed as hazardous because they are known to be harmful to human health and the environment when not managed properly.
Anti-Static Bags
When purchasing components to assemble a computer, special packing materials are used with microchips and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). These packing materials range from special molded plastics and foams for microchips to antistatic bags for PCBs.
Do not remove any component from special packaging until it is ready to be installed.
Compressed Air
Compressed air or antistatic spray as solutions can be used on floors, desks, and in some cases on the equipment itself.
Grounded Workbench
There is no need for a grounding mat when computers and other electronic devices requiring grounding are placed on a grounded surface during repairs. A few key elements to a good working area should be anti-static tile on the floors, grounded workbenches with anti-static mats, and wrist straps. The area should be clean, well lit, and the humidity level should be maintained between 20% to 50%. If all of these elements are in place, the risk of ESD will be significantly reduced.
Monitor
Since the display unit attached to the computer is the most visible piece of equipment, it is a good idea to keep it clean for both looks and functionality. Make sure the device is unplugged from the wall. Using a damp cloth with a mild detergent, wipe down the entire display unit to remove any dust buildup.
Mice
There are two different types of mice, mechanical, and optical. A mechanical mouse can act jumpy if it gets dirty. The fastest way to clean it is to remove the plate on the bottom of the mouse, remove the ball, and then gently scrape the dust buildup. An optical mouse may need a damp cloth on the optical sensor surface. Be sure to unplug the optical mouse when cleaning.
Keyboard
A keyboard, takes the most abuse of any of the components that make up a computer system. They are also open to the environment, which allows dust to build up on the keyboard over time. Periodic cleaning of the keyboard will prolong the lifespan and prevent malfunction. The keys on a keyboard can be removed.
Cleaning Printers
When working with dot matrix printers, clean the roller surfaces with a damp cloth. There are two things to remember when cleaning a laser printer.
1. To clean a toner mess, use the right vacuum cleaner. 2. Unplug the unit before cleaning it due to the high amounts of voltage within the laser printer.
Scanners
If dust or any foreign items make the glass dirty, consult the user guide for manufacturer cleaning recommendations. Try using glass cleaner and a soft cloth so the glass does not get scratched.
Computer Software PM
Software Utilities
There are several utilities that are included with DOS and Windows that help maintain system integrity. Scandisk is used either to check the integrity of files and folders or to do a more thorough check of the system by scanning the disk for physical errors. Defrag was created to optimize space on the hard drive so that programs execute faster.
Software Utilities
CHKDSK /f This command is used to check the file system for errors and can be compared to the scandisk for Windows 2000/XP. REGEDIT The registry is a database that holds configuration data about the hardware and environment of the PC.
User Responsibilities
These are ways to manage files and programs to improve performance: Manage applications Manage files and folders Back up the work
Anti-Virus
To prevent a virus from infecting the system, the best defense is an anti-virus application. Viruses are typically sent as e-mail attachments. Once opened, the virus will infect the computer and send itself out using e-mail addresses found in programs like Microsoft Outlook. This is a list of the most common forms of viruses:
File Virus Boot Sector Virus Macro Virus
Firewall
Reducing the risk of security attacks on your system is accomplished with a Firewall. Windows XP includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), that is accessed in network connection properties box. ICF monitors all the outbound and inbound communications of a computer. If ICF does not recognize a packet being sent or received, the packet is dropped.
Power Issues
Computers components are vulnerable to various kinds electrical fluctuations and can be damaged by electrical discharges because of the delicate nature of the internal components. Blackouts are the complete loss of power for any amount of time. Brownouts/Sags are a drop in power.
Power Issues
Noise is caused by interference from radio broadcasts, generators, and lightning. Spikes are sudden increases in voltage that are much higher than normal levels. Power Surge is a dramatic increase in voltage above the normal flow of electrical current.
A standby power supply (SPS) is equipped with a backup battery to supply power when the incoming voltage drops below the normal level. The battery is on standby during the normal operation of the unit.