2-16 Using Your Computer
Avoid repeated power-on cycles. These subject the
system components to temperature variations and stress.
Disconnect your system from telephone and power lines
when an electrical storm threatens. If you have a
fax/modem, lightning can travel in on the phone line and
damage both the fax/modem and the system unit.
Lightning can also travel in on power lines and damage
your monitor and system unit.
Be sure that system power is off before you connect or
disconnect a cable. Never make cable changes when the
system power is on. To do so could damage your system
and its peripherals.
Use Setup options to limit access to your computer (see
“Security Menu” in Chapter 4). Use appropriate virus
detection software regularly to protect your system from
computer viruses.
Keep your computer away from direct sunlight and
extreme hot and cold temperatures.
You can find the operating and non-operating (storage)
temperatures in Appendix B.
After turning off the power, wait about fifteen to thirty
seconds for the hard drive to spin down before you
power on again.
Be sure that nothing is placed on top of your monitor’s
ventilation vents or the system’s power cables.
Prevent dust from entering your system by covering it
when it is not in use.
Keeping Your System in Good Condition
Maintain the condition of your system by periodically
following the general procedures listed next.
