60
61
6.2
Protecting Against Static Electricity
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s
electronic components, such as a memory module. You can discharge static electricity by
touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer’s input/output (I/O) panel.
6.3
Maintaining Your Hard Disk
Losing your data has the same consequences as a system break down. Users must make it a
habit of doing hard disk maintenance every week or so. Here is some maintenance you could
do:
n
Always back up your data files from your hard disk.
n
Install a virus detecting program to monitor virus that could tamper your files.
n
When you want to power off your computer, first close all programs and shutdown
operating system.
n
Never move or raise the computer while the hard disk is being accessed, most especially
don’t jar the hard disk as this may cause a hard disk crash.
n
Use hard disk maintenance programs like
DEFRAG
or Norton Utilities
SPEEDISK
.
These reorganize your hard disk by eliminating fragmentation and improving your hard
disk access time.
n
Install a system password in your computer so others won’t be able to use the hard disk.
General Safety Guidelines
Portable computers take the most beating from end users. You can maintain its condition
and performance by following a few simple guidelines:
n
Follow all safety instructions and warnings that apply to your system.
n
Do not attempt to open the computer’s case. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Take your computer to an authorized dealer for repair or upgrade services.
n
Do not drop or jar your computer.
n
Turn off your computer before connecting or disconnecting any devices.
n
Use only the power adapters supplied with your computer. Others may not work with
your computer and may damage the computer.
n
Keep dirt and liquids away from the I/O port panel and the CPU fan outlet. If you spill
anything unto the computer, shut it down immediately and unplug the power adapter.
Depending on what you spilled and how much, you may bring your computer to an
authorized dealer for checking.
n
If the computer has been in a cold place for several hours, let it warm up to room
temperature before using it.
n
Do not expose your computer to very low (less than -20oC) or very high (more than
50oC) temperatures.
n
Do not move the computer when you hear the hard disk spinning. When you want to
power off your computer, first close all programs and shutdown operating system.
n
Power off all external devices when your computer is not in use.
n
Do not place heavy objects on top of the computer.
n
Install your computer near the power outlet where it is easily accessible.