Computer Preventive Maintenance
Technology Preventative Maintenance
Have you informed your computer users in advance of what will be happening?
Empty the Recycle Bin (some users need to be noted to regularly empty the Recycle Bin).
Are all the connections accurate? Ensure all the plugs are snug in their connections. And ensure your users are using surge protectors and not a chain of extension cords to power their machines. While the computer is open, re-seat all connections, including expansion cards, CPU, memory, data cables and power connections.
Delete ".tmp" files. Before running ScanDisk and Defragmenter, delete all *.tmp files that have been made before the current day.
Delete old ".zip" files. (Users tend to unzip the files but then leave the zipped file on their computer)
Delete ".chk" files and switch the swap file. For those with permanent swap files, it’s sometimes good to set the swap file to temporary and then back to permanent. This cleans out any garbage and hence any possible corruption.
Delete files that begin with a tilde. Ensure that all your application programs (such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs) are closed first because sometimes the temporary file you are currently viewing uses a tilde. If the application programs are all closed, the tilde files can be deleted.
Control browser history and cache files. Check that the user's history files and Internet cache settings are set correctly (cache size). Delete the cache files and history files then reset the history files to no more than three days except the user specifically wants to store that information longer.
Clean out Windows temporary Internet data. If the browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer, clean out the c:\Windows\Temporary Internet files folder.
Run ScanDisk and defrag the drive as demanded. If your users aren't running these utilities themselves, check the disk and make sure the quantity of disk errors and the percentage of fragmentation is within acceptable limits.
Are backups being done? Do you have a network solution for automatical backup user files to a server? Ask users when they did their last backups. Ensure they're rotating their disks. Drag their "My Documents" folder onto a server run for them. Remind users to check the backups by trying to replace a sample file or folder.
Update drivers as needed. Ensure you’ve installed the newest drivers for printers, modems, sound cards, video cards and other devices.
Create or update the boot disk. Every Windows user should own a boot disk and every NT client should have an emergency repair disk. While you're making your steps, poll your users and ensure they have the disks they'd need in case of an emergency. NT clients require to have their emergency repair disks updated with the RDISK/S command every time there's a change in the network setup, such as the addition of any new users or new devices.
Check the operating system and applications. Update your OS and applications with the most advanced service packs or updates. Don't try to support multiple versions of the identical application.
Have the users changed their passwords? Unless you can implement a "change your password every X days" policy via your network software, use the preventive maintenance visit to tell your users to change their system passwords.
Does the hardware work? Many computers haven't seen a floppy or CD inserted in years as most upgrades and new installations are done from the server. Clean, repair or replace the floppy disk and CD drives as required.
Are the screen clean? Bring the proper screen-cleaning cloth or solution with you on the preventive support visit.
Clean the CD-ROM drive and the laser. Many programs are installed damaged from a dirty CD reader.
Take inventory, update your master inventory of computer assets, verify serial numbers, CPU speed, hard drive space, memory, etc.
Are the printers working correctly? Print a test page on your users' printers. Ensure the printers are providing clean copies, and that the toner cartridges will not run out.
Reboot the system. In some places, the workstations are left on all the time. When you're there, reboot the system to force a memory reset and to assure the machine will boot when you're not there.
Update the anti-virus software. Ensure your users understand how to update their anti-virus software. When you're there, update it for them.
Use an air can to clean debris. Blow the dust and debris out of keyboards every now and then. And guarantee there isn't dust accumulating on the back of the machine or wherever the air fan is placed. Blowing out the inside of the computer has a couple of traps that must be addressed. First, don't direct the air at an unsecured fan. Blow out the power equipment from the inside out first, or you’ll get tons of dust blown into the computer. Take each computer to a place that does not mind the dust, e.g. outdoors.
Clean the keyboard. With the power off, tip or turn the keyboard upside down and correctly use the palm of your hand to strike the keyboard several times.
Clean the mouse.
Check the network hardware. It is also important to check and reboot hubs, routers, switches, and print servers from time to time. They include memory that requires to be flushed and have connections that can work loose. Most networks have a server reboot scheduled but neglect the other, just as vital, network kit.
Clean the floppy drive. In addition to using canned air for the floppy drive, use a 3.5" floppy drive cleaning kit. It includes a cleaning disk and a bottle of solution that you apply to the disk. First, implement the solution to the cleaning disk. Second, insert the cleaning disk into the floppy drive. Third, type: DIR A: (or DIR B:), which will rotate the disk (repeat this three times). In some locations, PCs are placed in areas where the floppy drive, air intake manifold collects a lot of dust and grime, so canned air alone does not solve this problem.
Check the power sources. Ensure systems are plugged into preserved outlets or power strips, if not uninterruptible power equipments.
Check the fan. Remember to verify that the CPU's cooling fan is working and that the airflow isn't blocked by dust.
Completion
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