the following steps will help to stop some problems
ADP equipment is well designed and does not
before they become mishaps:
require a lot of maintenance. Periodically, you should
clean, dust, and wipe fingerprints from the monitor
Always operate the equipment in the
screen and the cabinet. When you clean the equipment,
temperature range the manufacturer specifies.
use the following procedures:
Always use a voltage regulator or a power line
1. Ensure that the power is turned off before you
filter in areas where there are frequent power
start to clean the equipment.
fluctuations.
2. Use a cloth that is lightly dampened with water
Always cover equipment, when it is not in use,
or a specified cleaning solution.
with plastic covers to protect against dust
3. Do NOT use spray liquids or soaking-wet
accumulation and water damage.
cloths.
Always put equipment on a secure, stable
4. Do NOT attempt to clean the storage disks.
surface never on a flimsy table.
5. Use only the authorized cleaning kit to clean the
NEVER place equipment under overhead
disk drives.
plumbing or sprinkler systems.
6. Ensure that all equipment is completely dry
NEVER eat, smoke, or drink around the
before reapplying power to the system.
equipment.
The most common problem experienced with
computer systems is the buildup of dust over a period
Software Protection
of time. To avoid this problem, keep the keyboard, the
The term computer software refers to the floppy
computer, and the monitor covered when they are not
disks on which you store your information. The disk
in use.
can store large amounts of data, but it can easily be
destroyed or distorted through mishandling or misuse.
ADP EQUIPMENT PROTECTION
The use of the following steps will help to reduce the
Two things your ADP system requires protection
chances of losing stored data:
from are people and environmental threats. People
Always ensure that all disks are properly labeled
pose threats to your system through unauthorized use
as to their contents.
by untrained personnel or by smoking, drinking, or
Always make a backup copy of a disk that
eating around the computer. The proper training of
contains information of continuing importance.
personnel who use the equipment is mandatory.
Environmental threats are dust, dirt, power surges,
NEVER write on the label once it is placed on a
power failures, heat, humidity, and so forth.
disk.
As a computer operator, you are responsible for the
NEVER store disks in direct sunlight or in
protection of your hardware and software from misuse
high-temperature areas.
and improper handling. Without proper protective
NEVER place disks near magnetic sources (such
measures, many hours of work and research can be lost
as a radio) or recording devices.
in an instant. The following paragraphs discuss some
of the steps necessary to ensure that your hardware and
NEVER allow eating, drinking, or smoking
software are properly protected.
around disk-storage areas.
NEVER touch the exposed surface of a disk.
Hardware Protection
NEVER fold, bend, staple, paper clip, or band
The term computer hardware refers to the
disks together.
components of your computer system. They include a
display monitor, a keyboard, a computer processing
Eventually, all disks wear out. However, with
unit (CPU), and one or more printers. Proper
proper care and handling, your disks will normally last
precautions for your ADP equipment is essential for
a long time, and any information stored on them will be
protection against catastrophes or mishaps. The use of
accessible when needed.
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