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Feb. 15, 2001
In-Service
This page is designed specifically with the new-to-technology educator in mind. Please feel free to reproduce this page for use in your teacher training sessions or other staff development efforts.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
By Jefrey Branzburg
Granted, we are not all born to tinker, whether it's with the car, the plumbing, or the computer; that's why we have mechanics, plumbers, and techies. However, we all can (and do) learn a few basics, such as how to check the oil, turn off the water pipe, or install software. In the spirit of self-reliance, let's take a look at some basic tips to help you keep your computer from malfunctioning.
- Use a surge protector. A power spike can do permanent damage to your computer system, so don't plug your system directly into electrical outlets.
- Keep your computer clean. Regular use of a can of compressed air to blow out dust from the keyboard and around the computer helps to keep things running smoothly.
- Keep your mouse clean. If mouse performance falls off, remove the mouse ball and check for dust in the chamber.
- Back up your files regularly. Even with the best of precautions a mishap may occur. If you regularly back up your files, you can rest assured that even a major crash will not permanently delete your data. Backing up can be as simple as keeping copies on floppy disks or Zip disks, or as comprehensive as using a tape backup system. Some people even back up their files to the Internet on sites that have been set up for that purpose (such as www.backup.com).
- Use antivirus software, and keep the virus definitions current. Many people have antivirus software on their computers and assume they are safe forever. Just as important as having anti-virus software, though, is making sure your virus definitions (the file that identifies viruses to the antivirus program and tells it how to clean them) are current. Check the Web site of the producer of your antivirus program to get the current virus definition file.
Computer malfunction checklist
Even if you follow these precautions, you may encounter problems with your computer. If your computer seems to be malfunctioning, consider the following points.
- Is it plugged in? As logical and simplistic as it sounds, many people overlook the obvious; if there is no electricity going to the computer, then it will not work. Similarly, if your printer (or any device: scanner, modem, etc.) is not responding, make sure its power cord and cable are firmly attached.
- Shut down and restart. Frequently the simple act of shutting your system down and then restarting can solve a problem. The inquisitive educator in us would love to know the root cause of the problem, but the realistic practitioner understands that we could spend hours trying to figure out why.
- Use the process of elimination. Let's say the colors on your monitor suddenly change. There are at least two possible causes of the problem-either the monitor or the video card is malfunctioning.
You can determine which one by process of elimination; move your monitor to another computer and see if it works there. If it does, then the problem is not with the monitor. This helps you narrow down the possibilities.
This process of elimination applies to software, too. If a problem arises shortly after installing a new piece of software, try uninstalling it. If the problem goes away, then most likely the software is in conflict with some part of your system. You can get in touch with the producer of the software secure in your knowledge that the problem is related to the software.
Reprinted with permission from Technology & Learning
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