Computer

Maintenance
Course Code: INSY 8121
Module_1

Prepared by Mr. Mugara Steven N.

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 Computer
Maintenance
Computer Maintenance is a practical
course that focuses on the installation,
configuration, maintenance, and
troubleshooting of computer hardware
and software.

It prepares students to ensure that

computer systems operate efficiently,
securely, and reliably in different
working environments.

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 Course Objectives
By the end of this course, we should be able to:
Understand the basic components of
computer hardware and software.

Perform preventive and corrective

maintenance on computer systems.
Apply safety standards and data protection
practices.
Diagnose and troubleshoot common
hardware and software problems.
Understand basic networking and security
Install and configure operating systems and maintenance concepts.
device drivers.

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 Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students will
be able to:
Assemble and disassemble computer systems correctly.

Identify faulty components and replace them.

Install and maintain operating systems and application
software.
Protect systems from viruses, malware, and data
loss.
Perform regular system updates, backups, and
performance optimization.
Provide basic technical support in academic or
organizational environments.

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 Module 1: Introduction to Computer Maintenance and Sefty

What is Computer Maintenance?

Computer maintenance refers to the

process of keeping computer systems in
good working condition through regular
inspection, cleaning, updating,
troubleshooting, and repair of hardware
and software.

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Importance of Computer Maintenance

Regular computer maintenance isn’t just

about keeping things clean and tidy—it’s
about ensuring your device works
efficiently, securely, and lasts longer.
Whether you use your computer for work,
entertainment, or personal tasks, the
benefits of routine upkeep are undeniable.

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Benefits of Regular Computer Maintenance
Improved Performance: Over time, your computer can
slow down due to accumulated files, outdated software,
and other issues. Regular maintenance tasks like disk
cleanup, software updates, and defragmentation can
significantly improve your system’s speed, making it run
faster and more efficiently.
Extended Lifespan: Just like a car, your computer will last longer with regular care.
By cleaning out dust from the fans, ensuring your hard drive is healthy, and keeping
software up to date, you’re preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This can extend
the overall lifespan of your computer, saving you the cost of premature replacements
or upgrades.
Enhanced Security: Regularly updating your operating system, software, and
antivirus programs is crucial for protecting your computer from viruses, malware, and
cyberattacks. Maintenance tasks like running security scans and removing potential
threats help protect sensitive information and guard against data breaches.
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Benefits of Regular Computer Maintenance
Reduced Risk of Crashes and Errors: Routine maintenance
helps identify and resolve potential issues before they
escalate into serious problems. Tasks like clearing out cache
files, checking for disk errors, and repairing corrupted files
can prevent system crashes, application errors, or data
corruption, reducing the chances of downtime or lost work.
Better Data Protection: One of the most important aspects of computer
maintenance is ensuring your data is regularly backed up. By performing routine
backups to cloud storage or external drives, you reduce the risk of losing important
documents, photos, or work projects due to unexpected hardware failures or
software issues.
Optimized Storage Space: Over time, your computer accumulates temporary files,
system logs, and other data that can take up valuable storage space. Regular cleanup
can help you recover gigabytes of space by deleting unnecessary files and organizing
your folders. This not only frees up storage but also improves system performance.
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Benefits of Regular Computer Maintenance
Faster Boot Time: If your computer takes a long time to
boot up, it’s likely due to accumulated files or outdated
software. Regular maintenance tasks like managing startup
programs, cleaning the registry, and performing disk
optimization can significantly reduce boot time, allowing you
to get to work faster.

Prevention of Hardware Failures: Physical components of your computer, like the

cooling fan or hard drive, can suffer from dust buildup or overuse if not properly
maintained. Regular cleaning and monitoring the system’s internal components, such
as temperature and fan speed, can help prevent overheating and prolong the life of
your hardware.

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Benefits of Regular Computer Maintenance
Cost Savings: While regular maintenance may seem like an
added task, it can actually save you money in the long run.
Preventing performance issues, security threats, and
hardware malfunctions reduces the chances of costly repairs
or replacements. Regular updates also help avoid system
slowdowns that might otherwise require expensive
professional repairs.
Peace of Mind: There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with unexpected
computer problems, especially when you’re on a tight deadline or trying to finish an
important task. Knowing that you’ve taken steps to maintain your system provides
peace of mind. You can confidently work, store important data, and browse the web,
knowing your computer is running optimally and securely.

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 Key Tasks in Regular Computer Maintenance

Regular computer maintenance involves a variety of tasks aimed at

ensuring your system remains in top shape. Some of these tasks can
be done daily, while others are more suited for weekly or monthly
upkeep.
Software Updates Clean Internal Components (Physically)
Disk Cleanup Check for Hard Drive Errors
Defragment Hard Drive (For HDDs) Manage Startup Programs
Antivirus Scans & Malware Removal Monitor System Performance
Backup Important Files Update Drivers and Firmware

By investing a little time in regular computer maintenance, you not only improve the performance
and security of your system, but you also extend its lifespan, ensuring that it continues to serve you
efficiently for the long haul.

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4 Types of PC Maintenance
Predictive Maintenance: This refers to use a
diagnostic tool to anticipate possible failures and
avoid some possible issues. And one common way is
monitoring your computer system and checking
whether it works properly.

Preventive Maintenance: This is the routine "check-up" designed to stop

problems before they even start. It’s the most common type and usually
involves a schedule.
e.g-Physical: Cleaning dust out of fans, checking cables for fraying, and
ensuring proper airflow.
-Software: Running disk defragmentation (on HDDs), updating
Windows/macOS, and scanning for malware.

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4 Types of PC Maintenance
Corrective Maintenance: Happens after a failure
has occurred or a bug has been spotted.
e.g-Replacing a keyboard that stopped working,
removing a virus after an infection, or reinstalling a
corrupted operating system.

Evolutionary (Adaptive) Maintenance: This isn't about fixing things that

are broken, but rather keeping the computer relevant as technology
changes.
e.g-Upgrading your RAM to handle newer, heavier software; switching
from an old HDD to a fast SSD; or updating firmware to support new
peripheral devices.

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4 Types of PC Maintenance

Type Action Strategy

Detect failure before it

Predictive Monitoring health metrics
happens

Preventive Cleaning and updates Avoid failure altogether

Corrective Repairing or replacing Fix what is already broken

Evolutionary Upgrading components Keep up with modern needs

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Computer-Lab Safety Rules
Rules are categorized into 4 categories:

1. Electrical Safety
This is the most critical area. Electricity doesn't give second chances.
No Liquids Near Equipment: Keep water bottles and coffee far away
from workstations. A spill can short-circuit a motherboard or cause a fire.
Check for Frayed Cables: Before plugging anything in, inspect the
power cord. If the internal wiring is visible, do not use it.
The "One Hand" Rule: When working inside a powered-on device
(which you should avoid if possible), keep one hand in your pocket.
This prevents electricity from flowing through your chest/heart if you
touch a live wire.
Power Down First: Always turn off and unplug a computer before
opening the case or swapping hardware components.

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 Computer-Lab Safety Rules

2. ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Protection

Your body can carry static electricity that you can't even feel, but it’s enough
to "fry" a microchip.
Use Anti-Static Straps: Wear an ESD wrist strap clipped to the metal
chassis of the computer to ground yourself.
Handle Parts by the Edges: Never touch the gold pins or the green
circuitry of a RAM stick or GPU. Hold them by the metal brackets or
plastic edges.
Anti-Static Bags: Always store components in the silver or dark-grey ESD
bags they came in.

ESD is the sudden flow of electricity between two objects, which can damage
sensitive components such as RAM, CPU, and motherboard.
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Computer-Lab Safety Rules

3. Physical Safety & Ergonomics

Cable Management: Keep cables tucked away or taped down.
"Cable spaghetti" on the floor is a major tripping hazard.
Heavy Lifting: When moving heavy servers or monitors, lift with
your legs, not your back.
Proper Seating: Adjust your chair so your wrists are flat while
typing to avoid Long-term Strain Injuries (RSI).

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Computer-Lab Safety Rules

4. Hardware & Tool Safety

Use the Right Tool: Don’t use a knife or a flathead screwdriver for
a Phillips-head screw. You’ll strip the screw and likely slip and cut
yourself.
Thermal Hazards: Components like CPUs and GPUs get
incredibly hot. Let them cool down for at least 10 minutes before
touching them after a shutdown.
Capacitor Caution: Be extremely careful around Power Supply
Units (PSUs) and old CRT monitors. They contain capacitors that
can hold a lethal charge even after being unplugged for days.
Never open a PSU

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Computer-Lab Safety Rules

Category Must-Do Never-Do

Electricity Unplug before opening Use frayed or damaged cables

Static Wear an ESD strap Touch the circuit traces/pins

Food/Drink Keep in a separate bag area Eat over the keyboard

Tools Use magnetized screwdrivers Force a component into a slot

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 Module 2: Computer Hardware Components

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