Computer Maintenance

[gwilks98]

currently working in an IT department at a University. Got a projected dumped in my inbox to make an informative brochure for the students on how to maintain a PC (both software and hardware) Right now, here's what I got for topics:

General Maintenence:
Defragging
Scandisk
Antivirus updates
Creating Boot Disks on regular intervals
Backup to removable media


Safe Practices:
ESD prevention
Overheating (monitoring fans and dust)
Network Security



Am I missing anything?

[Grimm]

You might want to point out that the location of their PC is important.
1) Don’t put potted plants on your CPU or monitor. Water is bad for electronic components.
2) Areas that are hot or have a lot of dust will reduce the life of the computer.
3) Areas that have a lot of moisture or condensation are really bad for your computer.

Never underestimate the ability of a user to screw up a computer.

[StonedWheat]

Leave computer always on or always off, since drastic temperature differences are harmful to computer components (just like a lightbulb).

[ken]

How about:

Reinstalling windows at least once a year.
Buying insurance against theft or accidental breakage (for laptop users)

Also, some advice on purchasing one may be nice. Most students don't understand that a computer depreciates about 50% (for a notebook, which is what most students seem to buy) each year. Also factor in the useful life at 3 years tops.

So rather than thinking of it as buying a $2400 computer, think of it as renting a computer for 100/month the first year, 50/month the second and 25/month the last. Thinking of it that way puts the price in proper perspective.



Leaving your computer on? Unless you have a notebook or some kind of powersaver mode on your desktop, that's alot of wasted energy (and money). If you work for a school where dormed students don't pay electricity, I would recommend against recommending such power usage. Plus there's the added security hazard if you have an always on internet connection.

In my opinion, its a computer; you'll use it 4 years tops, and no matter what abuse, nothing will noticeably degrade it in that time.

[giambona]

Only once a year? I would format once a month, unless they have 98.

Anyway, tell them to keep it away from carpets. If they turn off the computer or do a hard reboot, tell them to wait 10 sec. before putting it back on (so the hard drive can stop spinning; otherwise you'll get a "head crash").

[gwilks98]

I believe "head crash" was a phenomenon before voice coil motors. I don't think it will cause head crash anymore, but in general, you always want a motor to stop spinning before you try to restart it to save wear/tear.