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Maintaining ComputersOnce you have bought or leased a computer then it is important to look after it to avoid breakdowns and technical problems. Here are a few handy hints for maintaining a computer to help keep yours running smoothly: - You should never turn off your computer with the power switch until Windows has shut down except when your computer locks up and your hard drive is not running. If this occurs, you can turn the power off without harming the hard drive. - Always backup any important data by saving it on at least two separate physical drives, such as floppy discs or CD-RWs. - You should keep at least 100 MBs of your hard drive free for Windows to use, and if you use Windows XP you should probably leave around 200 MBs free. If you do not have enough free space then you will cause Window to clog up and run very slowly. - Use a virus checker on a regular basis to keep your computer free from harmful viruses. You can get continuous monitoring from an anti-virus program such as Norton Antivirus, which scans everything you download to keep your computer clean. - If you use a high speed Internet connection, such as broadband, it is advisable to install a firewall program on your computer that prevents other people from hijacking your computer and gaining access your system. Of course, there eventually comes a time when you will want to replace your existing computer with a new computer. If you are planning on doing this then you should be aware of how to dispose or recycle your old computer properly. Every year in the UK around 125,000 tonnes of computers are dumped in landfill, which can lead to groundwater pollution, and that is why, wherever possible, you should reduce or re-use your computer and its components. Recently, the British law on the destruction of IT and computer equipment has been tightened to comply with EU regulations. Computers and IT accessories can no longer be disposed of indiscriminately and therefore businesses are now try to recycle their equipment by upgrading it with new software or reusing it elsewhere within the organisation. In addition the data protection law dictates that information on PC hard drives is confidential and should be destroyed or deleted in a confidential manner. Before you buy a new computer you may also want to see if your existing computer can be repaired or upgraded, which will save you money and is a more eco-friendly option. However, if this is not possible then ensure you recruit a reputable company to destroy your computer and get a Certificate of Destruction on completion of the process. |
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