Computer Maintenance
Well many of us own computers right? And some of us are owners of brand new computers, so what do I need to know and do that will keep my computer running well and healthy for years to come? This section answers these and other questions in a simple format elaborating on the basic steps required to keep your computer in good working order.
I will also explain some concerns relating to electrical safety, and the common mistakes many people make when they attempt their own service and repairs and the hazards in doing so. For more information regarding electrical safety see also: DIY Projects
I will also explain some concerns relating to electrical safety, and the common mistakes many people make when they attempt their own service and repairs and the hazards in doing so. For more information regarding electrical safety see also: DIY Projects
Safety First
Computers being electrical devices are not immune to the dangers associated with anything that uses electricity, and this draws us to what is perhaps the most important aspect, “safety first”! Before you begin any work on your computer that involves you taking the side panel off and tinkering inside, "always turn off the power and unplug the power cord"!!
Trust me, "this is a subject you can really get your teeth into" or out of, just ask any sparky!!
Although this may sound trivial and like common sense, sometimes it may be over-looked, it is still one of the most dangerous items that experience tells us you need to give your full attention. Anything carrying these voltages near that end of the computer should always be unplugged.
Although this may sound trivial and like common sense, sometimes it may be over-looked, it is still one of the most dangerous items that experience tells us you need to give your full attention. Anything carrying these voltages near that end of the computer should always be unplugged.
Always unplug Power Cord from PSU
PSU from side
What many people don’t know is that the PSU (power supply unit) “the part where you plug in your 240Volt power cord,” or (110Vlt USA) is actually a device that steps down the power from 240Volts to about +/-12 and +/-5 Volts DC. This then feeds this power to the rest of the computer via smaller power cables with end adapters called "molex" and "SATA" connectors.
So this thing takes a truckload of power and converts it right? So what is the big deal?
Well, it can kill you if handled the wrong way, I suppose that would be a big deal!
Power supply units contain what we call “capacitors” and these things store and hold a lethal charge that will give you an unforgettable zap if you touch the wrong components!!
These lethal charges remain present even after you have unplugged the power cord, in fact they can last up to a few months or more, and it only takes a second or so to build them.
Never open a PSU or touch the internal components, if you find a faulty or defective PSU, just replace it, do not ever attempt to repair it. The best move is to call a certified computer technician to fix it for you. This is one device you MUST NOT try and repair.
So this thing takes a truckload of power and converts it right? So what is the big deal?
Well, it can kill you if handled the wrong way, I suppose that would be a big deal!
Power supply units contain what we call “capacitors” and these things store and hold a lethal charge that will give you an unforgettable zap if you touch the wrong components!!
These lethal charges remain present even after you have unplugged the power cord, in fact they can last up to a few months or more, and it only takes a second or so to build them.
Never open a PSU or touch the internal components, if you find a faulty or defective PSU, just replace it, do not ever attempt to repair it. The best move is to call a certified computer technician to fix it for you. This is one device you MUST NOT try and repair.
Surge Protection
As the very name implies surge protection does exactly that, it protects your computer from “surges”, or a surge in electricity coming from your mains outlet in the wall. When this happens you may only notice the lights flicker for a brief second. The power temprorarily goes off and then quickly comes on again.
There are other kinds of electrical protection you can use for your computer, these include power line conditioners and a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The UPS is basically a big battery that is fed power from the mains and is continually charged, the battery then feeds power to the computer and peripherals. The idea behind these is that should the mains power fail, you still have time to safely shut down your computer or computers so you won’t loose any work etc.
There are other kinds of electrical protection you can use for your computer, these include power line conditioners and a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The UPS is basically a big battery that is fed power from the mains and is continually charged, the battery then feeds power to the computer and peripherals. The idea behind these is that should the mains power fail, you still have time to safely shut down your computer or computers so you won’t loose any work etc.
Un-Interruptible Power Supply
They are only really intended to give you adequate time to shutdown the computer, they are not a replacement for mains power. Some of the more expensive ones may even provide you up to 30 minutes or so of power, but many domestic ones usually only give you just enough time for a proper shutdown.
Some corporate setups have these, they are usually very expensive models that will supply power for some time after power failure. It is said that these types will also provide you with lightning protection. !!
I could not say whether that is true or not, as I have never wanted to test that theory. These corporate models can range from $600 to $1000 or more, and are quite heavy. In fact, a heavier model indicates a bigger battery, and some also believe this equals better qaulity.
They are often used to power servers and other equipment, so your network will stay live even when the power goes out.
I could not say whether that is true or not, as I have never wanted to test that theory. These corporate models can range from $600 to $1000 or more, and are quite heavy. In fact, a heavier model indicates a bigger battery, and some also believe this equals better qaulity.
They are often used to power servers and other equipment, so your network will stay live even when the power goes out.
Given the technological advances with battery technology, the modern UPS may be smaller and provide extra power for longer. This fact might reduce the cost for domestic use. You can however pick them up for around $60 for a small one, bear in mind that these domestic ones are may not be certified as lightning resistant. The truth is you should never be using your computer or anything electrical with lightning present. Concesus is, that while using a battery operated computer with a 3G network connection with lightning around, is said to be safe.
Blackouts, Brownouts, Sags, Surges and Spikes.
Oh Bother !!
BLACKOUTS are what most of us are aware of and simply means the power goes out. A blackout will not necessarily harm your computer, it can however, cause you some grief next time you go to boot up. Windows enjoys a proper shutdown and likes to put everything back in to its respective and tidy pidgeon holes with every shutdown.
If it does not have the chance to do perform a clean shutdown, things might be left unfinished and your next boot up may yield some problems. It too likes to be tucked-in before bed time!
One of those problems could be boot failure or a corrupt boot file due to an improper shutdown. Other problems may result in data loss as you may have not saved your work before the power went out? Bugger! Always save as you go, so long as your work is written to the hard drive, you can usually retrieve it.
You may also be fortunate and have no problems at all when you next boot up, but one thing is for certain, we do not have any control over when a blackout will occur. Because we have no magic ball that will tell us when a blackout is likely, perhaps the best measure is to have a UPS to enable you hopefully enough time to save your work, and properly shutdown your computer.
A BROWNOUT is halfway between a blackout and having full power. It is almost like a continuous low voltage power supply that makes your lights very dim. This can harm your computer as computers enjoy a steady stream of power at a certain voltage. This is usually around 5 and 12Volts DC, anything less or more can do damage to your computer and result in data loss.
The PSU that receives the 240Volts from your mains power converts this to the required DC voltage, when it only receives half power it cannot sustain the 5 and 12 Dc voltage output. Some computers will even shutdown as soon as the motherboard indentifies a significant power loss. This is an in-built protection mechanism.
Brownout !
To keep your computer protected during a brownout, make sure you never use it or try and restart it during a brownout. Having it connected to a UPS may give you enough time to shut it down safely and save your work preventing possible data loss.
A SAG in power supply simply means a short reduction in the voltage being supplied. This can also damage your computer and result in data loss. The biggest problem in power sags are the fact that many of them are momentary and when the power returns to full, your computer and its equipment may receive a surge.
Power Sag
A SURGE is what happens when the power suddenly comes rushing back in with such force that your computer suddenly receives a massive `Zap’ rather than the usually nice stream of 240Volts it is used to. This kind of surge can destroy your computer, hence it is vital to have a surge protector. The only symptom you may notice telling you that the power to your premises incurred a surge is perhaps flickering lights.
Surge !!
A power SPIKE is like the receiving end of a surge except that it can happen briefly and you have a massive `spike’ in electrical supply. So instead of the happy 240Volts, you may for a brief second or so, receive more voltage that can also harm your computer. It is the equilivant of an electric shock for your computer, I have seen the result of spikes, and it looks shocking!!
Spike !!
Once again, a surge protector is your best friend for spikes and surges. An un-interruptible power supply or power line conditioner are favoured over surge protectors. The UPS gives you a wider range of greater protection and covers most of the electrical phenomena mentioned above. A UPS is regarded as the ultimate power friendly protection.
Fire !!
BBQ Anyone !!
Computers use one thing that produces another, they use electricity which produces heat, generally speaking the more power they use, and the harder they work, the more heat they produce. If this heat cannot escape or dissipate effectively, it has the ability to build up to such a level that a fire is possible.
Crash & Burn !!
Spillages
Perhaps not many people can deny that at some stage they have spilt a drink on their computer or keyboard. All those who are guilty, “please raise your hand"? Struth I have two hands up.!! Do not panic as with most liquids we can usually salvage and resurrect our beloved hobby box from sure death and destruction.
Storms and Lightning
Storms and lightning may well scare the hell out of some people, but not as much as your computer, especially when it gets zapped from a lightning strike. Never ever use your computer during a storm or when lightning is present. !! Unless it is a battery operated notebook with a roaming 3G connection.
You may have a wireless connection of the WIFI modem type, this may also be safe to you, provided you are on a battery operated laptop, but your equipment such as your modem is still vulnerable. Many people seem to forget, or do not realize that lightning can penetrate not only your mains power supply, but also your internet connection.
You may have a wireless connection of the WIFI modem type, this may also be safe to you, provided you are on a battery operated laptop, but your equipment such as your modem is still vulnerable. Many people seem to forget, or do not realize that lightning can penetrate not only your mains power supply, but also your internet connection.
If you have a wireless 3G (roaming wireless) network setup, which works off the mobile phone towers, and you are using a laptop running off the battery. You may be about as safe as you can get with todays technology. The ideal here just like mobile phones, is that lightning can not penerate the air gap between devices.
What Lightning
So the inhouse WIFI setup is not safe for your modem or AP (Access Point), but is OK for you so long as your're on a battery operated computer with no power cables attached. The Next G (soon to be 4G) networks are also said to be safe while again operating on battery only.
But the good old fashioned hardwired desktop and notebook for that matter, are certainly not immune. Maybe even if it is powered by a high end surge protector or a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) which are said to be capable of lightning protection. Perhaps they are safe to an extent but I would not like to take my chances.
Because my knowledge of these is not extensive, I would recommend you best check with the manufacturer first. !
Either way I would not like to be the subject of trial and error. A guarantee for absolute protection, is to simply unplug all computer and peripheral power and network cabling. IF you have everything connected via a surge protector, all you have to do is unplug it and the line that connects your modem.
If you have a hard-wired home network setup that is connected via cabling from a router to other computers and you only unplug the computers or a computer. Remember to unplug the mains power from the wall and also always unplug the internet or the network cable. This means for the best protection also always unplug your modem or router from the wall also.
Many people I know that live in Australia enjoy watching a storm on the Bureau of Meterology site, it is an awsome site and this is great provided you are safe. I friend of mine had his computer literally fried while taking photos of lightning during a storm. He was then up for a new computer and only managed to salvage a few parts, you also run the risk of loosing your data if your computer is struck. The golden rule is besides unplugging, is never ever use anything electrical connected to the mains with lightning present.
But the good old fashioned hardwired desktop and notebook for that matter, are certainly not immune. Maybe even if it is powered by a high end surge protector or a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) which are said to be capable of lightning protection. Perhaps they are safe to an extent but I would not like to take my chances.
Because my knowledge of these is not extensive, I would recommend you best check with the manufacturer first. !
Either way I would not like to be the subject of trial and error. A guarantee for absolute protection, is to simply unplug all computer and peripheral power and network cabling. IF you have everything connected via a surge protector, all you have to do is unplug it and the line that connects your modem.
If you have a hard-wired home network setup that is connected via cabling from a router to other computers and you only unplug the computers or a computer. Remember to unplug the mains power from the wall and also always unplug the internet or the network cable. This means for the best protection also always unplug your modem or router from the wall also.
Many people I know that live in Australia enjoy watching a storm on the Bureau of Meterology site, it is an awsome site and this is great provided you are safe. I friend of mine had his computer literally fried while taking photos of lightning during a storm. He was then up for a new computer and only managed to salvage a few parts, you also run the risk of loosing your data if your computer is struck. The golden rule is besides unplugging, is never ever use anything electrical connected to the mains with lightning present.
Should have checked Forcast !!
You really need to optimize your complete protection by closing any potential electrical paths that lightning may follow. It has been said that this kind of volatile and dangerous entity can and often does take the easiest path. To reduce your risk of damage or even worse, always unplug and disconnect mains power and networked connections, even if you believe it is a small passing storm. Below details some very important steps to reduce your risk of danger.
If you see me get off the computer !!
The Golden Rules for Storms and Lightning:
· Get off the Computer ASAP !!
· Unplug all the mains power supply
· Unplug and disconnect network connections from all primary sources
· Unplug all phone and cable or (AP) Access Point WiFi connections
· Never use anything electrical connected to the mains with lightning present
There is a saying among aviation and meteorological professionals regarding lightning. It goes like this; “ if you can hear it, you can be struck by it," head this wisely and turn off and unplug. Only plug up and switch on well after a storm has passed.
For further information about storms and lightning see:
www.bom.gov.au/index.shtml
http://info.energex.com.au/tracker/asp/lightningtracker.asp
www.bom.gov.au/index.shtml
http://info.energex.com.au/tracker/asp/lightningtracker.asp
Notebook Maintenance
Heat is the enemy !
Any electronic device that has many components all working together with not a lot of room to move will eventually build up a certain degree of heat. Laptops are no exception and when you consider we call them laptops, your lap is possibly one of the worst places to have them. !!
They generate quite a bit of heat and because they have such a small form factor, (size and shape) it is somewhat difficult to remove much of this heat from such a cramped working space.
They generate quite a bit of heat and because they have such a small form factor, (size and shape) it is somewhat difficult to remove much of this heat from such a cramped working space.
Most notebooks have tiny fans at the bottom that basically vector heat away from its core via channels either on the side or at the back of the machine. This works all well and good until you block the intake fan or fans at the bottom of the machine, reducing its cooling ability which inevitably leads to overheating.
This potentially damages your machine and many have built-in mechanisms to prevent this by shutting themselves down should the temperature exceed a predetermined level. This temperature level is usually preset in the BIOS (basic imput output system) which is housed in a chip on the motherboard. It relates to the specific temp of the CPU or "central processing unit" (computers brain).
This potentially damages your machine and many have built-in mechanisms to prevent this by shutting themselves down should the temperature exceed a predetermined level. This temperature level is usually preset in the BIOS (basic imput output system) which is housed in a chip on the motherboard. It relates to the specific temp of the CPU or "central processing unit" (computers brain).
You can see why your lap is not exactly the best place for your laptop. !!
Ideally if you intend on using your machine for extended periods it is wise to elevate at the top by placing a book or other suitable object beneath it so as to provide unobstructed airflow for efficient cooling.
Elevate your laptop with a book
You can also purchase a “docking station” that helps in this fashion and also charges your laptop while your work, these docking stations enhance functionality by providing your computer with additional ports. Not every laptop can use them and they are not cheap, but a simple book used for a little elevation is.
You can purchase the cheaper alternative known as “cooling pads”, some have three or four fans built-in while others are made from space age material that absorbs the heat from your laptop. We often advise our customers to periodically clear the dust from their machines every once in a while so the intake fan does not become clogged with dust. Computers are dust magnets and so next time the wife is vacuuming or you are, feel free to give those tiny air intakes on the underside of your notebook a blast, just ensure the computer is off first. !!
As laptops expanding both in speed and capacity they require smaller components running much harder than earlier models, it is like running your car flat stick every time you drive it. As you know it would heat up real quick as does your laptop, heat is the enemy of almost all powerful computers, and the sooner your machine can dissipate it, the longer it will last.!
Laptop Engine !!
Stay Tuned, More to follow !
I will add more information very soon, things like, notebook and desktop care and maintenance, safety, cleaning and hopefully answer a few questions. I will also extend the above with additional information and images detailing the safety aspects of owning and running your computer, all this is subject to available time and will be posted as soon as possible. :)