Chapter 1

Basics of PC Maintenance

What is computer maintenance?

Computer maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good state of repair.
Maintenance programs fall generally under one or two major categories:
i. Preventive Maintenance and
ii. Corrective Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the maintenance performed on a routine basis or assessed by observing, listening,
feeling or smelling at or near the equipment. This type maintenance is performed to circumvent equipment
failure or malfunction.
Corrective maintenance is the maintenance performed whenever there is an equipment failure or malfunction.
Corrective maintenance often is of an emergency nature requiring immediate performance; hence, it is usually
more costly than preventive maintenance and often times require workmen of special skills and perhaps special
tools.
Why Maintain?
Think of a computer as being like a human body. We are advised to perform certain tasks to keep our body in
good shape. These maintenance tasks such as eating well, avoiding some harmful activities and getting
exercise keep our body in good condition. If we don’t maintain our bodies, we might end up in the hospital
with problems that result from the abuse such as high blood programmers gradually develop updates for their
software packages as they discover problems with the software and design tools to address or fix these
problems. This can be true for any of the types of software but is typically most common and important for
operating systems. It is important for a computer user to find and install software updates in order to have well
performing computers. Updating software can be done in a variety of ways, described below.
• Automatic Updates. If a computer is on a reasonably fast Internet connection, the easiest way to keep it up
to date is to allow the programs to automatically check for updates and download and install them as needed.
When setting up a new computer with Microsoft Windows, this is the choice that the software recommends.
It does not require any action on the part of the user, and results in a computer system that is current. To turn
on automatic updates for a Windows operating system, find the Systems and Maintenance options in the
Control Panel.
• Automatic Alerts for Updates. If a computer is connected to the Internet, but the connection is slow at
some times of the day, another option is to have the computer automatically check for updates but not
download or install them until the user elects to do so. For Microsoft Windows computers, if this option is
selected, an alert appears in the computer’s system tray stating that there are updates waiting, and then the
user can wait until the Internet is faster to install these updates.

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• Manual Updating. A computer user can also turn off all automatic update checking and choose to manually
check for updates. For a computer that is rarely connected to the Internet, this would be a good option as
long as the user remembered to check when connecting to the Internet. Also some programs do not have
automatic update options, and can only be updated in this manner. A program usually has a menu item titled
“check for updates” that a user can click on when connected to the Internet.
• Offline Updating. If a computer is in a location that never has access to the Internet, a computer lab
manager will need to download updates from a computer that is connected to the Internet and then transfer
them (via a disk or flash drive) to the computer in question to be installed. This option is also useful if a
computer lab has several computers that all need the same update. Instead of having each computer
download the update separately, one computer could download the update and then it could be shared
amongst all of the computers. Offline updates for operating systems can easily be found through Internet
searches.
Computer Hardware Maintenance
There are some common hardware problems that can be avoided, or at least made less frequent by taking
particular preventive measures with computers. These preventive measures are listed below.
Dust Control. Dust is very harmful for computer parts. Excess dust can cause mechanical failures,
particularly on computer components with moving parts. Minimizing dust in a computer lab is an important
part of computer maintenance. The computers themselves should be regularly dusted (wiped with a dry cloth
or duster) and if the computers are housed in a particularly dusty area, the use of dust covers (when the
computers are turned off) is advised. In addition, when a computer case is opened for other repairs, the dust
that has built up inside the case should be blown out. This works best with forced air. Different mechanical
and electrical tools are available to compress air.
Heat Control
Computer parts, in particular the CPU, produce a large amount of heat while operating. It is important for this
heat to dissipate, so that the computer is not damaged by overheating. Computers do have fans and heat
sinks, but these will only work well if the air flow to the computer is not blocked. This means, for example,
that a laptop computer should not be left running for any length of time on a soft surface (like a sofa) that
conforms around it, and a desktop computer case should not be used while in an enclosed cabinet. In addition,
it is ideal that the computer lab temperature be kept low. Using air conditioners is a good option, since the
windows can also be kept closed to minimize dust, but many computer projects cannot afford air conditioners
or the associated electricity costs. Therefore curtains (to reduce the heat of the sunlight), open windows and
fans are often the best alternatives, although their use requires increased vigilance against dust

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Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures
To prolong the life of your PC, you must inspect and clean it regularly. Inspecting your PC alerts you to any
dangerous or damaging conditions that exist, such as rust and corrosion, damaged connectors, damaged and
improperly Installed components, frayed cables, loose connections, and heat damage. Cleaning your PC rids it
of the dirt, dust, and grime that build up from normal use. This does more than simply maintain a neat
appearance; it helps to prevent two of the most damaging conditions: overheating and electro static discharge
(ESD).
✓ ESD is a quick electrical charge that occurs when two objects with different electrical potentials come
into contact with each other.
✓ Regular cleaning of the PC will prolong the life of your components, help to prevent ESD, and help to
prevent overheating.
Liquid Cleaning Compounds
You can safely use several kinds of liquid cleaners on the PC, from plain water to specially-formulated
commercial compounds.
Clean or Soapy Water
Many cleaning chores require nothing more than a cloth dampened with some clean water. Common tap water
is usually fine, but some local water is heavy with minerals and may leave a residue. If this is the case in your
area, filtered or distilled water is a better choice.
If water alone cannot do the job, use a mild soap solution. Dish soap is best, but make certain that you dilute it
thoroughly.
Denatured Alcohol
Use denatured alcohol to clean electrical contacts and components such as the drive heads on removable media
drives. Make certain, however, that you never use alcohol on mechanisms such as motors or rubber drive belts.
The alcohol dissolves the lubricants in motor bearings, and rubber belts may stretch or become brittle when
exposed to alcohol.
Denatured alcohol is alcohol with stuff added to make it poisonous if consumed. That way, manufacturers can
sell it to anyone rather than only to people old enough to drink alcohol. Standard rubbing alcohol, mineral
spirits, or isopropyl alcohol with a high percentage of alcohol (think 95 percent) work well for computer
components.
Canned Air
Use canned air to loosen dirt and dust from delicate PC components. Canned air comes in a couple of forms:
the liquid propellant kind and the kind that uses small cartridges of compressedCO2.You can find both at
computer stores, office supply stores, camera shops, and big box stores that sell electronics .

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 Fig 1.2 canned air
Brushes and Swabs
Try using soft-bristled brushes and lint-free swabs to clean dust and
dirt from hard-to-reach areas and to wipe grime from electrical contacts.
Some technicians use rubber pencil erasers to clean contacts, but I don’t recommend this practice because
some erasers contain acids that can leave a residue or destroy your contacts. Plus, they may rub the metal
coating completely off of the contacts—a bad thing.
Cleaning the Outside of the PC, Monitor, and Peripherals
For regular cleaning wipe down the exterior of your PC monitor and peripherals with a lint-free cloth
dampened, not soaked, with clean water. Take care not to drip water or anything else onto or into your PC
components.
If you’re dealing with a buildup of grime, use a mild soap solution. For harder cleaning chores, such as ink,
crayon, and tape adhesive, try using a vinegar and water solution, denatured alcohol diluted with water, or
commercial cleaners.
Use canned air to blast dust and hair from air vents and other openings. This helps keep the hot air flowing out
and cool air flowing in to maintain the appropriate temperature inside the PC or peripheral. This will extend
the life of your computer!
Mice
Use a damp cloth to clean the mouse cover, buttons, and ball. Use a swab dipped in denatured alcohol to
loosen any dirt, lint, and hair wrapped around the tracking rollers. Tweezers are handy for picking the rollers
clean, but avoid scratching the rollers. A quick blast of canned air is a good finishing touch.

Optical mice have no ball to clean, but they do have an optical sensor behind a recessed lens. It’s important to
keep this lens clean for optimal tracking. A lint-free swab dipped in denatured alcohol diluted with water does
a good job.

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.
Keyboards
Keyboards tend to accumulate the most grunges of any of your PC’s components. Use canned air and a soft-
bristled brush to lift out dirt, crumbs, hair, and other unmentionables from between the keys. Wipe down the
exterior thoroughly with a dampened lint-free cloth. If necessary, use soapy water or one of the other cleaning
solutions to remove stickier messes, but make sure that you disconnect the keyboard from the computer first.
Be careful to avoid dripping cleaning liquids onto or into your keyboard. As a general rule, let your keyboard
air-dry for 48 hours before plugging it back into the PC.
Monitor Screens
Monitor screens sometimes take a little extra effort to get clean and streak-free. The vinegar and water solution
works quite well on both CRT and LCD monitors, as do commercial cleaners (on CRTs, but not LCDs).Make
certain that you never spray cleaners directly onto the screen; always put the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth first.
Dripping fluid onto a monitor is a bad thing.
Cleaning Contacts, Connectors, Motherboard, and Components
Once you’ve got the exterior of your PC and components in tip-top shape, it’s time to do the same for your
computer’s contacts, connectors, motherboard, and components. Before you go tugging on cables and
removing the cover of your computer.
Contacts and Connectors
Start by unplugging and inspecting the cables from the back of the PC. Look for signs of dirt, rust, or corrosion
on the contact pins or sockets. Believe it or not, the main culprit in dirty contacts is you! Your skin contains
natural oils, and touching the contacts while handling components leaves behind a small amount of oily
residue. Given time, this residue leads to dirt and dust buildup, corrosion, and electrical interference. The best
way to protect your electrical components from becoming dirty is to avoid touching the contact pins,
connectors, and sockets. If you must touch the contacts or pins, clean them immediately afterward with a lint-
free swab dipped in denatured alcohol.

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Cleaning Motherboards Components
Next, remove the PC cover to clean accumulated dust, dirt, and hair off the motherboard and adapter cards.
Use canned air to loosen the dust and dirt from the delicate electrical components, and use a non-static vacuum
to suck it up.
Pay particular attention to the case air vents and the power supply intake and exhaust vents. Note also that dust
tends to collect in the door openings of the floppy disk drive and optical drives, and inside the CPU heat sink.
Electrostatic Discharge and its effect on computers
ESD is one of the main enemies of your computer. To maintain your computer and prolong the life of
components, you need to learn about the effects of ESD and how to protect your computer from those effects.
A prime example of ESD is the small shock you receive when you walk across a carpeted floor and then touch
a metal doorknob. Zap! The small discharge doesn’t cause any lasting damage to your body, but such a
seemingly harmless shock will destroy computer components. In fact, even discharges well below the level
that you can feel can damage or destroy PC components.
Types of ESD
The types of ESDs that affect computers can be placed into three broad categories: catastrophic damage,
hidden damage, and gradual degradation.
Catastrophic ESD Damage
Catastrophic ESD causes a computer component to fail immediately. When catastrophic ESD occurs it will be
obvious to you, because, in all likelihood, you will be the one who caused it! Picture the scenario described a
couple of paragraphs ago with you walking across a carpeted floor. Only this time, in place of the doorknob,
picture an expensive RAID controller, video card, or hard disk full of vital data. Are you concerned yet?
Hidden ESD Damage
Dust buildup on PC components causes hidden ESD damage. Over time, this buildup creates a small electrical
charge. This charge is not enough to cause obvious damage, and in most cases you will not even be aware that
a problem exists.
ESD Degradation
ESD degradation occurs when the effects of ESD are cumulative. This is caused by situations where low levels
of ESD occur repeatedly. Damage caused by ESD degradation is not immediately apparent in full force;
instead, the effects gradually get more and more noticeable. Like hidden ESD, degradation will cause your
components to behave erratically, and it can make the original problem hard to recognize.
Common ESD Protection Devices
ESD protection devices help to ensure a longer and more productive life for your PC components. These
devices include antistatic wrist and ankle straps, antistatic mats, antistatic floor mats, and antistatic bags.

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Antistatic devices make your body’s electrical potential the same as the electrical potential of your PC or
component.
Electrical potential- Everything has a certain electrical potential, or how charged it is relative to the zero
ground of the Earth. Note the term relative. If your body has a +3000-volt charge and you touch a component
that also has a +3000-volt charge (working in the International Space Station, perhaps?),no damage will occur.
As far as you and the component are concerned, you’re at the same electrical potential. Touch a component
that has a –3000-volt charge, on the other hand, and watch the sparks fly!
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent the effects of ESD is grounding yourself before you
handle PC components. Do this by touching a metal surface such as the exterior of the PC power supply before
touching any of your system components.
When working inside a computer case, one of the most important tools that you should have available is an
antistatic wrist strap.
By the way, don’t forget to remove your antistatic strap before walking away from your work area!

FIGURE
Fig 1.3 antistatic wrist strap
Antistatic Mats
Portable antistatic mats provide a work surface that dissipates ESD. They look much like large place mats or
those baby-changing mats that come with diaper bags. The thing that distinguishes them is that they have a
small metal clip that you can attach to an antistatic strap to ground out ESD. In addition to helping prevent
ESD, these mats help keep your work area organized by giving you a place to put your tools and components
while you work.

Fig 1.3 antistatic mat

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Antistatic Floor Mats
Antistatic floor mats are basically the same as portable antistatic mats, except much larger. Instead of placing
them on top of your work area, you place your work area on top of the antistatic floor mat.
Antistatic Bags
Antistatic bags have a special coating or contain small filaments that help dissipate any static charge. Always
store adapter cards and drives in antistatic bags when not in use and when transporting—even if you’re just
going down the hall or across the room. Note that regular plastic or paper bags will not protect your
components. In fact, plastic baggies conduct static electricity rather than prevent it, so don’t use them!
Safety and Environmental Issues
Certain factors increase the risk of injury, both to the computer and to the tech. Some factors you can control—
such as what you wear when working on PCs—and some you can’t, such as the weather. You simply need to
know and avoid other issues to stay safe.
Tech-Controlled Factors
Take control of the computing environment to minimize the risk of damage to you or to any computers around
you. You make all the difference when it comes to what you wear and how orderly or disorderly the computer
space is kept. Plus, you need to use the proper tool for the job at hand and, if anything goes wrong, report it
properly.
What to Wear?
What you wear, including your hair (I’m serious!), affects both the risk of electrostatic discharge and electrical
shorts. Different fabrics have different electrical potentials. Wear natural-fiber clothing, such as cotton or linen,
when working on computers. Don’t wear silk, though, because it picks up static electricity.
Definitely avoid synthetic fabrics. They have a tendency to produce static electricity. If you needed an excuse
to give the double-knit polyester leisure suit to charity, now you have one! Finally, wear rubber-soled shoes
rather than leather-soled shoes.
Keep your hair short or pulled back away from the computer. I’ve seen touches with long hair shock a
computer by brushing it with their hair. That’s never fun!
Rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, and other metal adornments can short out devices if touched on the wrong
part of your PC. They can also scratch (or be scratched) by scraping against the PCs surfaces. Remove jewelry
and watches before working on or inside of your PC. Environmental Factors
The temperature and humidity both in the computing environment and outside the office can make an
impressive impact on the functioning and life of a computer. By and large, computers don’t do heat but can
handle humidity to a certain point. Even with all fans clean and whirring nicely, a computer in a hot
environment can overheat. Overheating causes electrical components to fail, never a good thing! Try to keep
any running computer in a temperate or cool environment.

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Good techs keep up with weather conditions. Believe it or not, the temperature and humidity level outside can
dramatically affect the risk of ESD inside. If the weather is cold and dry, the potential for a PC-killing zap is
greatly increased. Take extra precautions to prevent ESD when the weather calls for it.
High-Voltage Equipment
The capacitors in PC power supplies, monitors, and laser printers carry very high voltages that can cause
severe injury or death. Fortunately, manufacturers mark high-voltage equipment with a bright yellow warning
sticker, making it easy to identify. Further, any time you work with a piece of high-voltage equipment, make
sure the device is unplugged and that you have removed your antistatic wrist strap.
Safety Measure

The human body has an electric field and under the right conditions can generate a tremendous amount of
voltage, often referred to as static electricity.

This energy has the power that can damage the internal components of PC. When we open a computer case, we
need to make sure that Electro Static Discharge (ESD) does not affect the computers’ internal components.
ESD occurs when an imbalance in the amounts of positive and negative charges on the surface of an object is
released. The amount of energy released when you touch a metal object can be quite large.

Sources of ESD are:

• The human body has an electric field and it can generate static electricity.

• Another source of ESD is dust that build upon pc components.

• The dust can create charges that could damage internal components of PC.

• To avoid this, we have to clean the PC regularly. Blower is the best tool for this.

The amount of damage caused by ESD can be divided into three categories:

• 1) Catastrophic failure: This damage causes a computer component to fail immediately. Heat and
sometimes noise and smoke are generated during the process. This type of failure is easy to identify as
the device fail completely. You can replace such components.

• 2) Upset failure (degradation failure): ESD causes erratic fault in a component. This problem is very
difficult to detect and repair because the failure is intermittent. The best way to solve this problem is
replacing suspected parts until the fault stops appearing.

• 3) Latent failure: this type of failure weakens the actual transistor. The part will seem normal in
most operations and will frequently pass quality control and performance tests. Like upset failure, it is
difficult to identify

Preventing ESD

• Preventing ESD is the best defense against it.

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• The number one cause of ESD is improper handling of electronic devices during installation or
maintenance. The key prevention to ESD is to keep all electronic components and yourself at a
common electric al point. When you open a computer, ground yourself by touching the case (chassis)
of a computer.

• There are also devices that enable us to protect ESD. These devices include:

1) Anti-static wristband: these devices have a strap that you wrap around your wrist or ankle on one end.
The other end of the strap is attached computer case to keep ground between the computer and you.

2) Anti-static mats: these are mats that you place on the work surface and on the floor in front of work
area. They make an excellent place to place your tools and components when you work on a system.

3) Anti-static bags (pouches): they have special coating or filament that prevents ESD. They are used to
store any sensitive electronic device like cards, RAM, drives, etc when they are not installed in a
computer.

4) Anti-static pad: It is an insulating foam pad in which individual chips with exposed pins should be
embedded when they are not installed in a computer.

Rules for opening computer:-

1. Turn off (shut down) the computer.

2. Remove the power cable (unplug it)

3. Remove peripheral devices like mouse, printer, keyboard, etc

4. Open the case. Take care of ESD. Wear anti-static wristband or hold the case to ground yourself.

5. Take care when you hold internal components of computer like RAM, Cards, CPU, etc. Hold them on
the sideways.

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