Computer AMC services

Anslem Sequiera
July 25, 2016
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When you need Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for your office computers, Pentagon is the perfect
choice for you.
If you have a poorly-maintained IT infrastructure, then loss of business is a nightmare waiting to happen.
Not only could it create a dent in your profits, but you could also risk creating a poor impression by
missing out on your deadlines. In worst-case scenario, you could end up losing your clients too! That is
why it makes sense to have an AMC in place. With Pentagon’s AMC, you can be sure that your IT
infrastructure is ably supporting your core business at all times.
What is Computer AMC
A computer AMC is a contract that ensures periodic upkeep and maintenance your computer’s hardware
and software, and fixing any related problems that may arise during the tenure of the contract.
Another advantage of having an Annual Maintenance Contract AMC is the comparatively low cost for
repairing a PC. Without an AMC in place, repairing your computers could burn a hole in your pocket. An
AMC ensures that you do not need to pay a huge bill every time your computers need repairing.
Why Pentagon
Pentagon System and Services Pvt. Ltd. is the best company to provide IT solutions to individual as
well as corporate requirements. With a robust Annual Maintenance Contractservice, Pentagon caters to
all its clients.
Here are 7 reasons why your business needs Computer AMC services by Pentagon:
 1. Pentagon AMC ensures that your computers are in optimum working conditions by carrying out
regular maintenance checks.
2. Pentagon uses genuine and OEM parts.
3. Pentagon offers a comprehensive array of solutions for computer AMC service within a short time
span.
4. Pentagon has a dedicated team of experts and technicians well-versed with the workings of all
brands of servers, desktops, laptops and computer accessories.
5. Pentagon’s technical assistance team assures of a resolution of the problem within 6 hours for your
Intel servers.
6. Pentagon ensures that your computers are protected from virus, thus protecting your sensitive data
from being corrupted.
7. Pentagon’s AMC provides a cost-effective solution for all your infrastructure problems.
Computer AMC is a new generation disaster recovery and virus protection tool. The business of Annual
Maintenance Contract is expanding in the field of IT infrastructure. Companies like Geek Squad are
helping businesses from over last 20 years with timely upgrading of important software. The report
of Franchise Help on Computer Services Industry Analysis 2015 – Cost & Trends describes how
businesses are significantly getting benefited by Computer AMC.

http://pentagon.co.in/blog/?p=82

What Are the Various Types of Computer and IT

Maintenance Repair Services Available?
by Complete Care IT, LLC | July 4, 2017
The infographic “Computer and IT Maintenance Repair Services in Ft. Lauderdale by
Complete Care” describes different types of PC repair and maintenance services, as well as
online support and remote services. With today’s increased dependence on computers,
maintaining and repairing them is very important. Otherwise, you may face problems like
loss of data, system failures, crashes, etc. Computer repair services help to keep
computer systems free from such threats.
Some of the most common types of PC repair and maintenance services include: computer
development, re-location and setup, virus and spyware removal & malicious software
prevention, network design & configuration, computer peripheral installation, configuration
and networking including printers, hardware installations and upgrading memory, hard
drives, SSDs, video cards, and disk drives.
For online support and remote services, the main types of services include: locating and
removing viruses and other malicious software from the system, turning up a personal
computer, helping it to start and function faster, configuring and repairing email access
clients such as Outlook and their associate data files, configuring external devices such as
printers, scanners, and external storage drives.
To know more about different types of PC repair and maintenance services and online
support and remote services, please refer to the infographic.
 MAPCON MAINTENANCE SOFTWARE
ARTICLE SERIES
This is one in a series of Articles published by Mapcon Technologies, Inc. to
provide our customers and interested members of the public a unigue insight
into the world of CMMS, Maintenance Software and Preventive Maintenance
Management. Please feel free to send us your comments via email.

‹ Return to Article Index

Learning about Types of Computer Maintenance

— by Lisa Richards, Educational Outreach Writer

System maintenance is an umbrella term that encompasses various forms of

computer maintenance needed to keep a system running. The two main
components of system maintenance are preventive and corrective maintenance.
Preventive maintenance involves taking measures to help keep the system
functioning, whereas corrective maintenance involves the replacement or repair
of a system or its components after they have already failed.

Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is defined as the proactive maintenance of equipment
before a fault or failure occurs. Preventive maintenance involves routine tasks to
ensure that your system is running optimally and to avoid problems before they
arise. This is similar to routine maintenance performed on a car: In the same way
you need to periodically check the oil, lights, engine, and other parts of the car in
order for it to run smoothly, the same principle applies to preventive
maintenance for a computer. There are several preventative measures you can
take, including installing Windows updates, scanning for viruses and malware,
and running cleaning programs. Anti-virus and anti-malware scans should be run
at least once a week. Be sure to run updates for these programs whenever
they"re released, as new viruses and malware spring up constantly. Keeping your
network secure, installing a firewall, and using safe downloading practices can
protect your computer and any information on it from being
compromised. Power surges and overheating can destroy electronic equipment,
so protect your hardware by investing in a surge protector and cleaning your
equipment periodically to remove dust. Should any preventative measures fail, it
is always a good idea to have a backup for important files: Invest in an external
hard drive to save any important files should your computer need replacing.

 Preventive Maintenance
 Computer Operating System and Program Maintenance
 Preventive Maintenance Actions
 PC Preventative Maintenance
 Ten Ways to Improve the Security of a New Computer
 Cyber Security and Network Reliability
 Best Practices for Computer Security

Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance, commonly referred to as "repair," is the correction of a
problem after the computer has already broken down. The goal of this form of
maintenance is to restore operability to the system by either correcting the
problem or replacing the damaged components. Common corrective measures
involve removing viruses and malware, uninstalling harmful programs,
reformatting, and running a system restore, among others. Many common
computer problems are easily fixed and don't require an IT professional. To
perform corrective maintenance, it is important to first diagnose the problem and
figure out the root cause. If you are unsure of the cause or how to fix your
problem, consulting an IT professional would be the best course of action.

 Reinstalling Your Compromised Computer"s Operating System

 Remove Viruses and Malware From Your Computer (Windows 7)
 Reformatting a Computer
 Computer Compromises
 14 Do-It-Yourself Tricks to Fix Computer Problems
 5 Common Computer Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Making Your Machine More Reliable

There are many small steps one can take to optimize computer performance so it
is faster and more reliable. Not having sufficient hard-drive space can slow down
your computer significantly. Clear out hard-drive space by removing unnecessary
programs and defragmenting your hard drive. Defragmentation helps speed up
your computer and should be performed at least once a month. When you install
new programs, you will often be presented with the option of having the
program start automatically when you turn on the computer; sometimes, this is
the default option. The more programs you have running automatically, the
slower the performance of your computer, so you should disable this whenever
possible. To make your Internet connection run faster, one of the simplest things
you can do is to clear your Web history and delete temporary Internet files. The
more often you perform these actions, the less time it takes, so try to aim for at
least once a week. Spyware and malware can also be the cause of slow Internet
speed. Make sure you have anti-malware programs installed, update them
whenever necessary, and run a scan at least once a week. You can avoid spyware
and malware by exercising safe downloading practices, such as downloading
from reputable sites. If you are unsure of the safety or legitimacy of a program,
run a Google search to see what information you can find, and it you're still in
doubt, refrain from installing the program completely.

 How to Defragment a Hard Drive

 Optimize Your Computer for Peak Performance
 Computer Maintenance
 Software to Increase Computer Performance
 5 Ways You Can Make Your Computer Run Faster

Different Types of Computer System Maintenance

Effective computer maintenance can be the difference between a reliable system and one that is
plagued with problems. Computer maintenance can take many different forms, but all are centered
around extending the lifespan of your IT equipment through careful use and taking sensible
precautions. By maintaining your computer effectively, you can help your business get the best
possible return on its IT investment.

Hardware
Hardware maintenance is any practice undertaken to keep your computer's physical components in
working order. Cleaning is one of the most common forms of hardware maintenance. The small
scale and precision manufacturing of some computer components means that exposure to dust or
debris can cause major problems. As such, regular cleaning of your computer's external components
can extend its lifespan significantly. Replacing defective or underperforming components can also be
thought of as a type of hardware maintenance.

Software
Software maintenance helps to ensure that your computer's programs and files are accessible and
work correctly. Anti-virus scans are a form of software maintenance, as their principal function is to
ensure that your computer is not running any software that it should not be. Backups also fall into
this category, as they allow you to minimize the effects of future software problems by perserving a
record of a working program or file that can be restored at a later date if trouble occurs.

Environmental
Making changes to the environment your computer operates in can help to increase its longevity.
This can be as simple as implementing policies and rules for those who use your organization's
computers. For example, you could reduce the risk of spillage incidents by forbidding people from
drinking at their desks. Regulating the temperature of your office or server room and preventing the
buildup of dust on surfaces are also forms of environmental maintenance.

Upgrading
Upgrading your computer's components is a type of perfective maintenance. Perfective maintenance
is maintenance that does not fundamentally change the way your computer functions, but rather
allows it to perform its existing role more effectively. By upgrading certain key components, such as
your computer's onboard memory or hard drive, you can allow it to perform tasks that it would not
have been able to when first built. This in turn can help to extend that system's lifespan and
potentially eliminate the need for you to buy a brand-new computer.

Types Of Computer Maintenance

February 17, 2017Mackenzie Foletta
For Longer Life Span Of Computers

People invest equipments not just because for leisure activity but also for their
jobs and career. Whatever purpose it may be, it has always been our initiative
to protect our equipments because most of us want to maximize its life that is
why it is so important to follow rules and regulations which, if handled with
care will result to a longer life span of the product. Computers and laptops are
examples of equipments that need regular upkeep and maintenance in order
for it to function better and last longer. Like any other gadgets and technology,
computers are vulnerable to different types of damages that cause trouble and
problems for the users. So in order for you to avoid the burden, knowing the
type of maintenance needed for your computers might be a great help.

Knowing Preventive Maintenance

The term used for a wide array of computer maintenance forms that is needed
to keep a system running is called System Maintenance. There are two types
of system maintenance; these are preventive maintenance and corrective
maintenance. Preventive maintenance, in general is a way of keeping your
computer safe by taking actions in advance before trouble or problems occur.
This includes taking advance regular course of procedures, actions and a
sequence of performing tasks to be able to guarantee that the system is
running effectively and desirably before any failure occurs. Let us take a car
as an example. In order to maintain and ensure it is in good condition and
avoid any future stress and malfunctions, from time to time you need to check
its parts particularly the engine, the fuel system, cooling system, the battery
and other major and minor parts. In preventive maintenance of a computer,
same sequence is applied. There are certain steps including system and
hardware backups to prevent data loss and to copy all your data periodically
to removable media devices, the installation of anti virus software to prevent
unwanted viruses to invade your system. Also, the installation of Windows
updates is needed because malwares and viruses can occur frequently.
Preventive measures can be done without any help of an IT professional.
Following steps and guidelines is essential when you do it yourself in order for
you to ensure your actions will work properly for your computer. If you feel that
you need to contact the help of a professional, never hesitate to ask for one
because risking your computer is way more troublesome.
 Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance refers to the series of actions performed in order to

correct or repair a computer when the problem already occurred. This is done
in order to identify the fault of a failed computer so that it can be restored
again. Some of the actions performed in this kind of maintenance are
removing unwanted viruses and malware, restoring the system, and
formatting the hard drive. Corrective maintenance may sometimes be done
without the need of an IT professional. However, some problems are too big
to handle it yourself. That is why identifying the problem is vital for the
solution, and to ensure that the proper corrective measures is done, it is best
to contact an IT professional and seek for the help of IT services that are
available online. However, keep in mind that seeking for a reliable service is
important for you to solve your problem.

Nuances of Software Maintenance

The life of your software does not end when it finally launches. In reality, its life has
just begun.
Software is always evolving and it is never finished as long as it is used; partly to
accommodate for the ever changing world we live in. The evolution of your software
might be motivated by a variety of reasons; to keep the software up and running, to
upgrade to the latest release, enhance features or to rework the system for future
maintainability. No matter the motivation, software change is vital for the evolution
and success of it. Therefore, software will have to undergo changes, and
understanding the different types of changes your software can go through is
important to realize that software maintenance is more than just bug fixing. In fact, a
study suggests that over 80% of software change is attributed to non bug related
changes.
There are four categories of software change:

 Corrective
 Adaptive
 Perfective
 Preventive

Corrective Change

Corrective change, most commonly referred to as “bugs,” is the most typical change
associated with maintenance work. Corrective changes address errors and faults in
your software that could affect various areas of your software; design, logic or code.
Most commonly, these changes are sprung by bug reports created by users. It is
important to note that sometimes problem reports submitted by users are actually
enhancements of the system not bugs.

Adaptive Change

Adaptive change is triggered by changes in the environment your software lives in.
An adaptive change can be triggered by changes to the operating system, hardware,
software dependencies and even organizational business rules and policies. These
modifications to the environment can trigger changes within other parts of your
software. For example, updating the server, compilers, etc or modifications to
shipping carriers and payment processors can affect functionality in your software.

Perfective Change

Perfective changes refers to the evolution of requirements and features in your

existing system. As your software gets exposed to users they will think of different
ways to expand the system or suggest new features that they would like to see as part
of the software, which in turn can become future enhancements to the system.
Perfective changes also includes removing features from a system that are not
effective and functional to the end goal of the system. Surprisingly, 50-55% of most
maintenance work is attributed to perfective changes.

Preventive Change

Preventive changes refer to changes made to increase the understanding and

maintainability of your software in the long run. Preventive changes are focused in
decreasing the deterioration of your software in the long run. Restructuring,
optimizing code and updating documentation are common preventive changes.
Executing preventive changes reduces the amount of unpredictable effects a software
can have in the long term and helps it become scalable, stable, understandable and
maintainable.
Conclusion

Software Maintenance is an essential part of the software development life cycle; it is

necessary for the success and evolution of your system. Maintenance on software
goes beyond fixing “bugs”, which is one of the four types of software change.
Updating the software environment, reducing its deterioration over time, and
enhancing features to satisfy user needs are all examples of maintenance work. Next
time you think about maintenance and software change keep in mind that it is much
more than “bug” fixing.

Common IT Support Services

Businesses and home users depend on computers in increasing ways every day. Even a
minor computer problem disrupts our life and hampers business activities. This is where we
need to consult with a certified computer technician.
With the constant development of new technology there also comes many technical
problems like spyware attacks on computers, virus infections, network issues and other
software and hardware failures. To fix these issues you need a fast and efficient computer
technician.
It’s really frustrating to encounter an issue that disturbs the whole course of a business and
they need to have their computer serviced at a moment’s notice. As businesses always
need quick and reliable computer repair services it’s best for them to know about different
computer services. This will help in choosing the right service for your specific problem.
In this blog post we discuss different types of computer repair services that are commonly
offered:

Virus Removal:
In this service computer technicians ensure that the virus will be removed without risking the
important data or information on your computer. You can also get virus removal services
online, as well as complete services that include all the steps that are required to get your
computer up and running problem free.

Hardware Repairs:
This is for physical damages that are incurred by the computer or its accessories. This
includes installing new hardware, repair or updating hardware etc.

Accessories Repair:
There are many computer accessories like scanners and printers which might need repair
due to damage. A professional computer technician that specializes in computer hardware
will be able to fix such issues.
Data Recovery & Backup:
Sometimes, due to issues such as hardware crashes or a virus, your important data might
get lost. It might not possible for you to recover the data, but professional computer
technicians can recover the data by tracking information. This is an extremely sensitive
issue therefore you should choose a highly qualified company. If you hire a company just
because they have a low rate, it might result in permanent loss of important data and also
make it impossible for an experienced technician to recover data.

Troubleshooting and Networking Support:

These are the two most common types of computer repair services for businesses. These
include network setup, training, network fixes and related problems.

Maintenance Services:
Your home as well as business computers require constant updating and tune-ups. This
regular maintenance will not only enhance the working speed of your computer, but it will
also increase its lifetime. Maintenance service includes file cleanup, upgrading and
installing new windows or programs and general inspections.

Customization:
If you know what you need but can’t find it in stock computers, you can ask a computer
technician to build a customized computer for you with specific features according to you or
your company’s needs.

Tutoring/Training:
If you have installed software and your business team is new to it, you can hire a computer
company to effectively train your staff. These teachers have in-depth knowledge of
programs and will save time by passing over the learning curve.
With the day to day use of computers and the problems that may occur, many people would
like to learn how to do basic computer servicing and repair so some technicians also offer
tutoring services.
Now you know about the different types of computer repair services so you can easily
choose what you require.

Computer Maintenance – Common Procedures

and Advice
Why the need for Computer Maintenance
Computer Maintenance is important, not only to your computer, but to you. Adopting good computer
maintenance procedures will save money (less chance of hardware faults and software issues), time
(improved performance means less time spent waiting) and protects your data (performing backups, for
example).

Common Computer Maintenance Procedures

There are a number of things that can be done to maintain your computer. Here is a description of typical
computer maintenance procedures:

Computer Cleaning
All computer hardware should be cleaned regularly, dust is a number one factor when it comes to
computer faults arising, getting under processor fans causing processors to overheat, leading to
damaged processors. Another common factor of computer hardware failure is dust clogging up in the
power supply.
You should not remove the side panels from your computer if you are not confident enough. Never use a
device such as a hoover to clean the insides of your computer, vacuum cleaners generate a high amount
of static electricity which can shorten the life, or damage the components inside your computer system.
The best option for doing this is to use a can of compressed air.
In computers where the dust build-up may have been for a number of years the heatsink compound may
require replacing, this should not be done by the casual computer user as processors are
expensive, fragile and easy to damage. In this case an alcohol based solution, or heatsink remover
should be used to thoroughly clean existing heatsink paste from the processor. Fresh heatsink compound
should be then re-applied.
Ensuring all cables are secured and not obstructing air-flow will also help keeping the computer
temperature to a minimum.

Hard Drive Maintenance

There are a few things that are part of computers hard drive maintenance, such as checking enough
space exists for the system to run at optimal performance; checking the drive for errors (both software
and hardware) and defragmenting the hard drive. Software errors on a hard drive caused by in proper
system shutdown can cause a computer system not to boot.

Anti-Virus, Privacy & Security Software

Utilising privacy software and anti-virus ensures the privacy of you and your information on your
computer. Good privacy and anti-virus software also cleans up your computer, prevents unauthorised
installation of software (spyware, adware,malware), causes less programs to access the internet – and as
a result speeds up your internet connection. Keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date should be a
critical part of any computer maintenance plan.

Updating Windows
An important part of your daily computer maintenance routine should be keeping your software (windows,
anti-virus, etc.) up-to-date, ensuring the latest security patches and application updates are installed,
available and running properly.
Updating your Windows operating system is very important! Microsoft releases security fixes at a rapid
rate.

What Next?
As you can see there is quite a lot involved with actively looking after and maintaining your computer. If
you are a small business looking for an active IT support partner to handle your computer maintenance
on a regular basis, please get in touch by calling 0161 871 6820.

20 Essential Computer
Maintenance Tips &
Checklist for Longer
Device Life
America is awash in connected devices.

A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 84% of all American households have at
least one smartphone. 80% have at least one desktop computer or laptop. 33% of all
Americans live in households with three or more smartphones, and 18% are “hyper-
connected,” with 10 or more electronic devices in the home.

In real terms, desktops and laptops are actually less costly to replace today than in
2010, but they’re not exactly cheap. According to PC Magazine’s analysis of the market
for new PCs, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $410 to $2,899 for a quality
replacement machine. At full price, a top-of-the-line smartphone can easily cost $700
out of the box. Refurbished electronics aren’t as costly, but they lack the cachet of truly
new products.

Well-Maintained Devices Live Longer

Maintenance offers the best of both worlds. It’s far cheaper than swapping burnt-out
devices for new or used replacements, and it puts off the disruptive transition from one
machine to the next. Well-maintained devices last years longer than maltreated
equivalents, supporting smooth personal and professional use patterns and keeping
more of your hard-earned money in your wallet along the way.

These electronic device maintenance tips are all well within the capabilities of the typical
non-expert computer user. Some are tailored to desktops and laptops. Others apply to a
broader range of devices. Most are best done on a recurring basis. And none require
excessive investments of time, effort, or money.

You Might Also Like: The tips outlined in this post are designed to prolong your
electronic devices’ usable lifespans and reduce your new-device budget, but “device
overload” is very much a real thing. If you’re trying to downsize your electronic footprint
without contributing to the growing e-waste crisis, check out our post on donating old
electronic devices to charity.
Computer Maintenance Tips – Physical and
Environmental
These tips cover your devices’ physical housing and accessories, and the environments
in which you store and operate them.

1. Keep the Keyboard, Mouse, and Openings Clean

Start with the easy stuff: keeping your device’s accessories and openings clean.

A dirty keyboard will eventually stop working properly. Ditto for a dirty mouse.
A replacement keyboard costs roughly $20 new, so replacing yours won’t ruin you, but
that money could absolutely be spent on better things.

To clean your keyboard’s more accessible surfaces, use a damp, lint-free cloth. Don’t
spray water directly onto the keyboard or allow water to pool anywhere on it – this will
only make things worse. Use the same approach to clean your mouse’s accessible
surfaces.

To clean harder-to-reach parts of your keyboard and mouse, such as the mouse’s
optical opening and the spaces underneath the keys, use a compressed air canister.
You can get one for $5 or $6 online or in your local hardware store.

Don’t neglect laptop and desktop ports and crevices either. Dusty or particle-clogged
ports reduce airflow into and out of the device, increasing the risk of overheating. If
you’re prone to forgetting small tasks like this, set a recurring calendar reminder every
month.
2. Gently Clean Your Monitor
Your monitor might seem solid enough, but it’s just as vulnerable to dust and debris as
your keyboard and ports. Dust it periodically with a microfiber cloth. Remove tougher
stains with LCD screen cleaner, which should cost you no more than $6 to $10 per can.

3. Keep Food and Beverages Away From Desktops and Laptops

Repeat after me: Don’t eat or drink over your desktop or laptop!

Easier said than done when you’re working through your lunch break or binge-watching
your favorite show with a bowl of ice cream, of course. But think of the consequences: A
single spill is enough to destroy a keyboard, and a high-volume dump could penetrate
the device’s casing and wreak havoc on its internal components.

After prematurely KOing two keyboards in rapid succession, I instituted a new rule in my
household: nothing but water on the same surface as my laptop. It’s not easy, but so far
I’ve managed to hold fast. I highly recommend you do the same.

4. Organize Cords and Other e-Debris

If you have an active home office setup, it probably features a mess of cords, power
strips, and random accessories on the floors and working surfaces.

This mess is unsightly and unwieldy at minimum. If you have small children or pets, it
may well present an electrocution risk. Depending on how loaded-up your power strips
and outlets are, you could have a fire hazard on your hands. And jumbled cords are
more vulnerable to damage, meaning higher long-term ownership costs.

Fixing this is easy. First, buy an extra power strip or two – you can get a 2-pack of 6-
outlet strips for less than $12 on Amazon. Then, procure some twist-ties (negligible
cost) or cable organizers ($6 to $14, depending on the type) to hold everything together
in intentional fashion. Unplug, detangle, and reorient your cords in your handy new
organization system. Then plug everything back in. That’s it.

Pro Tip: Seeking more home office hacks? Check out our post on the IRS home office
tax deduction, then check with your tax advisor to determine whether you qualify.

5. Don’t Overcharge Your Batteries

Resist the temptation to keep your portable devices plugged in at all times. Not only is
this a needless drain on your local power grid, which means preventable bloat for your
utility bill, but it’s also actively bad for your devices’ batteries.
Unnecessary charging actually retards batteries’ regenerative capabilities. A year or so
on, or maybe sooner, you’ll notice a drop-off in your device’s ability to hold a charge. It’ll
eventually worsen to the point that you’ll need to have your charging cord handy –
meaning you won’t be able to work or play online without an outlet nearby.

Don’t charge until your device is good and ready. I wait until my laptop gets down below
20%, for instance.
6. Don’t Block the Vents
Like people, desktop and laptop computers need to breathe.

The operative rule here is “don’t block the vents.” Just like people, machines need to
breathe – though, in their case, it’s to ensure their insides remain cool enough to
function properly.

If you have a desktop, keep the tower clear of any obstructions, like cabinets or walls. If
it’s possible to do so securely, elevate it to ensure good airflow on both sides. For
laptops, maintain a clear workspace free from clutter that could obstruct airflow – for
instance, papers or books. Periodically check that the fans are working as well.

No matter what kind of device you have, maintain adequate ventilation and reasonable
climate control. You don’t have to blast the AC or leave the windows open in the winter,
but setting the thermostat to 80 probably isn’t a great idea either.

7. Have Desiccant on Hand

You dropped your phone in the toilet. Oops! What’s your next move?

With little hesitation, most people confidently answer: “Put it in a jar of rice!”

That’s not the worst thing you could do for your waterlogged phone, but it’s not the ideal
fix either. Rice is merely the best desiccant, or drying agent, that most people have lying
around the home. It’s not made for clearing water from sensitive devices – it’s made for
eating.

As it turns out, there are products made specifically to mop moisture out of electronics.
They’re commonly known as desiccant bags, and they’re cheap – $7 for four 10.5
ounce bags on Amazon, each more than sufficient to dry out a waterlogged phone.

An even cheaper alternative: the little silica gel bags that come in many shipping boxes.
Rather than throwing them out, collect them as they come in, taking care to store them
somewhere child- and pet-proof. You’ll need several to dry out a dripping phone.

8. Keep Magnets Away

Keep your home office – and your devices themselves – away from magnets, even the
weak refrigerator kinds. Your hard drive is incredibly sensitive to magnetic fields of any
strength.
If you need to remember websites or phone numbers, use Post-it notes or digital files
instead. Keep magnets where they belong – in the kitchen.

9. Be Careful With Unfamiliar WiFi Networks

Be wary of unsecured WiFi networks in coffee shops, airports, hotel lobbies, and other
public places. Without basic network security, your computer is a sitting duck – out there
in the open for any hacker or cyber criminal who feels like sending a malware package
your way. When in doubt, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your
connection and repel attacks.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure you’re doing enough to safeguard your computer – or the
personal information stored within – check out our roundup of tips to protect your
privacy online.

10. Get a Phone Case and Screen Protector

I have a confession to make: I’ve never cracked a phone screen. Whether that’s down
to luck, exceptional care, or a mixture of the two, I’m not sure.

I’m probably in the minority on this one. My wife cracked her last three screens, all
under relatively mundane circumstances. Phones are resilient, but not indestructible.
Drop them the wrong way and you’ll be living with the consequences.

The choice between purchasing a brand new phone or buying a protective enclosure to
deflect kinetic energy is no choice at all. Quality cases cost as little as $30 new at Best
Buy, and cheaper still at discount websites and on the secondary market.

Ditto for screen protectors. They’re even cheaper – as little as $5 to $6 apiece,

depending on screen size and width. While they won’t protect against violent impacts,
they’ll resist scratching indefinitely under normal circumstances.
Software and System Maintenance Tips
These tips cover devices’ hardware components, operating systems, memory, software,
and vulnerability to external threats.

11. Shut It Down Properly Every Night

Bake this into your nightly routine. It only takes a minute each day, and it could prolong
your devices’ life for months or years. It’s especially important for Windows machines,
since Microsoft only patches systems in shutdown mode.

Also, how you shut down matters. Avoid “cold booting” your machine: holding down the
power button until the system shuts itself off. That’s for emergencies only – otherwise, it
just stresses your hardware and software. Take the extra minute or two to shut down
the machine properly, using your operating system’s shutdown button.

It’s your call whether you want to apply this tip to your mobile devices. I personally only
shut down my smartphone for updates, since I like to be available for emergency calls
and alerts through the night.

12. Always Have Your Firewall Running

Your operating system’s firewall is your device’s first line of defense against malware.
With rare exceptions, it should always be up and running.

This is especially important when you’re installing new programs, and doubly so when
you’ve downloaded the program files from a source other than the developer or
manufacturer. (Generally, you should avoid downloading any files from an unverified
source.)

Turning on your firewall is easy. If you have a PC desktop or laptop, read Microsoft’s
primer here. Mac OSX v10.5.1 and later have application firewalls that provide
protection for specific apps; you can read more about those here.

Under some circumstances, your operating system’s firewall can interfere with specific
programs. This is an issue with certain multiplayer games and older versions of Apple
iTunes, for instance. If you suspect your firewall is fouling up your computing
experience, check with the applicable program’s developer for troubleshooting tips.

13. Regularly Delete Unwanted Programs

Periodically canvass your system for unwanted programs that aren’t overtly malicious.
Experts term such programs “bloatware,” and they can adversely impact your device’s
performance when allowed to accumulate over time.

To detect bloatware, close as many open applications as you can, then open your
operating system’s task manager and see how many applications they actually
recognize. You’ll be shocked at how many programs still run in the background, eating
up system resources. Though some such programs are essential system processes,
many are trivial and can safely be deleted.

You can address some bloatware-related issues by running a free system cleaner
like CCleaner. (Don’t bother paying for a system cleaner – quality varies widely and
some sketchy cleaners are actually vehicles for adware and spyware.) For best results,
you need to manually uninstall bloatware – and you need to do it right.

14. Uninstall Programs Completely

Deleting program icons is not the proper way to remove unnecessary programs from
your computer. You need to execute a formal uninstall process for every single
application you want to get rid of. Tossing things in the Trash or Recycle Bin doesn’t cut
it.

Use the application’s own uninstaller, if one exists. Generally speaking, uninstalling
Windows programs is more complicated than uninstalling Mac equivalents, but you
should still check with experts on your system to make sure you’re doing things
correctly. Cult of Mac has a good overview of trickier Mac uninstalls, for instance.
15. Use an External Hard Drive for Backup & Extra File Storage
Your job or hobby might require you to download or create and store large multimedia
files. Sure as day follows night, these files will affect your system’s speed and overall
performance. But you can’t simply delete them, can you?

Yes and no. You can delete them from your computer’s hard drive – as long as you
have another home for them. An external hard drive is your best, and cheapest, bet.

Moore’s Law has been good to the external hard drive market. Drive cost has moved in
near-inverse proportion to drive capacity. These days, you can find a 2-terabyte
model for $60 to $70 at major retailers. If it means keeping your $800 PC running strong
for another two years, that’s a worthy investment for sure.

16. Run a Full Malware Scan

Anti-malware software (see below) isn’t foolproof. Malware developers and their “white
hat” nemeses are perennially locked in mortal, globe-spanning struggle for advantage.
Novel malware crops up just as fast as white hats neutralize it.

Enter the system-wide malware scan. You should periodically run malware scans,
ideally with more frequency than bloatware checks. I won’t go through all the steps here
– check out PC World’s comprehensive guide to finding and removing malware from
Windows computers here. (PC World recommends using Malwarebytes to scan your
system, but there are other options.)

17. Get Anti-Malware Software (But Choose Carefully)

The best way to protect your computer from malware in the first place is to use a high-
quality anti-malware program. This is especially important for PCs, which are more
vulnerable to viruses, worms, and other malware.

New laptops and PCs generally come with anti-malware software preinstalled or at least
included in the package, but be wary of accepting it at face value. Some anti-malware
software may cause more problems than it solves. In 2017, for instance, Best Buy
stopped selling Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus products under intense public
pressure as concerns mounted that the company’s software could function as a
backdoor for covert monitoring and data extraction by the FSB and other Russian
intelligence agencies.

There’s no replacement for due diligence. Refer to an authoritative source for

recommendations on the ideal anti-malware program for your specific system and
needs: PC Magazine has a good roundup here, for instance. And Malwarebytes,
recommended by PC World above, isn’t a bad choice for frugal users.

18. Always Be On the Hunt for Program Updates and Patches

Don’t put off updating and patching your system. This routine exercise requires minimal
buy-in on your end – patches and updates generally install themselves when your
computer is off or asleep.

One way to make sure you stay on schedule is to shut off your computer regularly. And
when your operating system alerts you to a necessary update, don’t keep snoozing it –
just bite the bullet and get it done, even if it interrupts your workflow.

19. Reinstall Your Operating System Periodically

Updates only go so far, and too many layered updates can actually be
counterproductive. The most thorough way to clear unwanted files and reset your
machine’s “bones” is to reinstall your operating system every so often.

Reinstalling your operating system is a time-consuming affair, but it doesn’t require any
advanced technical skills. Microsoft has more about its Windows reinstaller tool here.

Just make sure you reinstall any necessary applications too. Always keep original install
media handy, or at least know where to find them.
20. Free Up Space With Cloud Storage Solutions
External hard drives aren’t the last word on backup storage. They have drawbacks:

 They’re easy to misplace

 They can fall into the wrong hands
 They have finite capacity
 They have to be present to be useful

The list goes on.

If you’re looking for a redundant storage solution, consider a secure cloud storage
service like Dropbox or Box. Pricing is usually annualized, and your net cost is likely to
be higher than an external hard drive – for instance, Dropbox’s 1-terabyte Plus
plan costs $99 per year when paid annually. The added convenience might be worth the
cost. Just know that cloud storage isn’t ideal for extremely sensitive data, as periodic
breaches have made clear.

Final Word
When the time finally does come to rid yourself of an old electronic device, please do so
responsibly.

If you live in a city of any significant size, you’re almost certainly served by a public or
nonprofit e-waste recycling service licensed to recycle old desktops, laptops, tablets, e-
readers, smartphones, and like devices.

In my hometown of Minneapolis, a fantastic organization called Tech Dump has rescued

tens of thousands of old devices from landfills since its founding – including about a
dozen from my household alone.

Donating broken-down old devices isn’t a purely selfless act. For those eligible
to itemize deductions on their state and federal income tax returns, it’s a budget-friendly
move. My e-waste donations have reduced my tax burden by $300 to $400, with more
to come this year. Consult your tax advisor to determine whether itemizing makes sense
for you.

Are you using any of these tips to prolong your computer’s useful lifespan?
Why computer maintenance is
so important
Whether you are a Mac or PC lover, having the right computers and software is important
for any successful business. Keeping your computers well maintained is key to running a
business smoothly. You will want to invest time and money into the latest virus
protection and customer information. This is why even looking into mobile security for
android devices is also important. Since IT issues can really set back your business, check
out the following tips on keeping your computers maintained.

Keeping computers maintained

Chances are that you have been at a place of business and the employee helping you says
that it will take a moment to complete a task since their computer is running slowly. This
can be frustrating for the employee and the customer.

Slow-running computers are problematic because they make your business seem
disorganized, give the appearance of less-than-excellent customer service, and take time
from employees when they could be doing other work or helping other customers.

Updated software

To keep your business looking sharp and safe, you should always keep your computer
software updated. This is especially important for computers used by employees who
work with customers. Updated software also helps prevent issues with viruses and
malware. To avoid interruptions for maintenance, it is wise to schedule updates for a time
when employees are out of the office.
If software updates don’t speed things up, then remove unused programs and
applications. Also, consider that your computer might be infected with malware or
viruses that need to be removed.

Virus protection

Keeping malware and virus protection software installed and updated is extremely
important for any computer. When your computer is infected, you likely notice symptoms
such as pop-up messages, slowdowns, and emails being sent on your behalf that you did
not actually send.

Viruses and malware can be costly, disrupt business, and allow data breaches of your
information and private customer information. Customers and other businesses might
block or blacklist you after such issues in fear that their banking information, medical
records, or other personal data might not be kept safe. Get your slow-running
Macchecked out as soon as possible so that the problem can be diagnosed and fixed.
Certain issues can sometimes be reversed if you act quickly.

Check your antivirus software to make sure that it is the latest version and is
automatically updating. In addition to antivirus software, be alert when checking
suspicious emails and websites. Sometimes, you may receive an email that looks
legitimate, but when you click on the links in the body of the email, you are taken to a
dangerous lookalike website. For this reason, always manually go through your web
browser to view websites.

Speedy computers that allow for prompt customer service are sure to make your business
look professional. IT issues involving viruses and data breaches can harm your business
and unsuspecting customers. This can lead to distrust among customers and other
businesses. Bouncing back from such issues can be extremely difficult. If you do suspect
any IT issues with your computer, you should have it looked at as soon as possible to get
you back on track. Hopefully by following these tips, you are able to avoid IT headaches
by keeping your computers well maintained.

5 Good Reasons Why Computer Maintenance is

so Important

Computers work well when they are taken care of, you could have the best computer network money
can buy, but without regular IT maintenance and servicing you may not get best bang for your buck.
Here are 5 good reasons to why it’s a good idea to maintain your IT network
1. Detect issues early, before they become problems
You’ve just gone out and bought a brand spanking new machine, should give you a couple of years
of no IT hassles, right? Maybe. Whether your computer is new or old problems can pop up at any
time. By using regular IT servicing you can get the jump on problems and make arrangements so
that your business isn’t impacted. Using regular IT servicing you can also help reduce your IT
support costs by fixing during scheduled maintenance windows where other work is scheduled.

2. Prevent against viruses and malware

Viruses and malware are a pain to any business, virus writers actively seek to disrupt your business
and access files on your network. When your computer is infected a number of symptoms may be
felt, from annoying slowdowns to popup messages or contacts emailing you about a strange email
you apparently sent them. If your IT system is compromised your business could be used as a
launching pad to infect other businesses, which can have consequences as companies start black
listing your email address.
If Microsoft Windows and your antivirus software is kept up to date then it greatly reduces your
chance of a virus infection as commonly known IT loopholes are closed to hackers and virus writers.
If you do receive a suspicious email or come across something you’re not sure about online, be
careful with it, in a moments haste you could cost a lot of productivity and money to be wasted.
Remember antivirus is not foolproof, always exercise caution and if in doubt contact your IT
service provider

3. Speed up Your Computer

Over time, files that are stored on your computer can become disorganized and fragmented, this
results in slow loading times and delayed access to programs and files. By regularly running speed
checks and smart optimization, we can speed up your computers loading times and take care of
those annoying pauses when you are busy and need quick and efficient access to your files and
software.

4. Keep Antivirus Software Up-to-date

Antivirus software is vital and every PC should be protected but having antivirus software installed
isn’t the end of your IT security – it needs to be up-to-date and working as intended. Some office
staff can ignore important warnings from antivirus programs, mistakenly thinking that the system is
just doing its job. It is important to check out these issues and make sure you are running the latest
version of your antivirus software, as an infection could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars
to fix - and can have a devastating effect on productivity.

5. Maximize Software Efficiency

Computers age and over time they start to slow down – software packages that performed quickly
and efficiently to begin with, can become sluggish and have a negative impact on productivity.
Because this slowdown has occurred over many years, the computer user may have grown used to
the issue and may think that it is normal. It's not normal, and at SOHO systems we do regular
checks to ensure your software is running to its maximum efficiency – often the answer is just a
slight hardware modification or a quick clean out of programs that are no longer needed; if the issue
is more complicated however, we can investigate and advise on a range of suitable options.

Nothing is more frustrating than a computer IT network that is slow and full of glitches – at SOHO
systems we'll make sure that your IT network is regularly serviced and maintenance checks are
carried out to keep your Auckland IT support costs at a minimum, so that it's always safe, efficient
and delivering the right information to the right people at the right time.

This guest post was brought to you by Darren Clayworth from SOHO Systems

Computer maintenance and its importance

07-20-2012 12:52 PM
Computer Maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good state of
repair. I properly maintained computer can live well beyond its "life expectancy."

Computer Maintenace can come in two forms. The first is by physically cleaning the
computer itself and the second is by cleaning the "virtual computer." The Virtual
computer is everything inside your computer, system files, documents, programs,
etc. Here is a good list of tips and tools you can use to maintain your computer.

Virus Protection

Install an antivirus program to protect yourself. There are many programs that are
available to help protect you from the viruses that are created every day. You ask
10 different people which antivirus program you should get you may get 10 different
answers. You may have to research this option to find what antivirus program you
prefer and run with it. As long as the program is updated on a regular basis you will
find you are taking the right step in the right direction.

Update it regularly – Check your settings for your antivirus program. Many of these
programs come by default to check for and install updates on a regular basis
(generally once a day). If your program is not set this way I would highly advise to
have it check for and install updates every day. Every day without the most up to
date definitions is every day you find yourself vulnerable to the latest virus.
Applications

Every application and utility is prone to security risks. The developers of these
applications may find a security hole and patch it, if you don’t have the latest
version you may find yourself open to an attack.

Remove unused programs. If you haven’t used a program in a long time then it’s
likely that you don’t need it. Many unused programs can account for free space that
is not available to you because you have a program that you installed a year ago.
Many new computers come with trial programs and other software that you may find
you just don’t need. By deleting unused software you can help free up space that
you can use later on down the road.

Clear Temp files and other unnecessary files

When you use the Internet a copy of every web page you visit is stored. This is
helpful as it allows for faster viewing later on down the road. Say I visit Facebook
every day, in theory the first day I go there it may be slow to load, but every
subsequent day it’s going to be faster than the original day. While this works great
in doing what it does it does become a resource hog when you have visited 10000
websites in the past month. Since this is space taken up at least once a month you
should consider clearing the temporary internet files, internet history, and cookies
off of your system. Here is how to delete this information on the three most used
browsers.

Internet Explorer
Chrome
Firefox
The next thing you want to do is clean out that downloads folder. So what happens
is you go to a website and you decide to download a software program. So you click
on it and it downloads and then you run it. The program then installs and everything
works great with the program, you’re done right? No! What about that file you had to
download? It’s still on your computer and it’s taken up free space. That one file
takes up maybe 5k of space, but let’s say you download 20 applications, oh ya you
wanted to look at some pictures so you downloaded those as well. Your downloads
are now taking up quite a bit of space that you can’t use. Cleaning out your
download folder can help regain some of that lost space on your computer.

The download folder is easy to get to

1. Click on start
2. Go to “My Documents”
3. Downloads

You should consider keeping this cleaned out once a month. If you find you
download a lot of stuff then you may want to empty this out on a more regular basis.
While we are on the subject of cleaning out the downloads folder let’s talk about
those zip files. If you receive a bunch of files (or even a single file) and it’s in a
zipped file the first thing you have to do is unzip it. When you unzip it the zipped file
doesn’t go away. Once you have extracted what you need out of a zipped file it’s
safe to delete that zipped file as it’s taking up unnecessary space.

Maintain Data Integrity

At least once a month you should check your hard drive for errors by using two
simple solutions.

The first thing you are going to do is a defragment of the hard drive. When you use
data on your computer on a regular basis the data gets fragmented across your
entire hard drive. While you may be seeing one MP3 file your computer sees bits
and pieces of this file that may be spread out across your entire hard drive. By
defragging the hard drive you are telling the program to go find all these pieces and
put them back together. By making them whole again and regaining that single file
you may even notice that specific file is noticeably faster and other aspects of your
computer may speed up as well.

The next tool you want to use is a Check Disk. The check disk will look at the disk
volumes and see if it finds any problems, if it does it’s going to try to fix them for
you. Many hard to resolve problems can be simplified by running a check disk to
have any bad sectors, or lost clusters repaired.

Both of these programs are built into Windows and are already ready for you to use.

1. Click on My Computer
 2. Right click on your hard drive (usually the C drive) and select properties
3. Click on the Tools tab and you should see these options.

Backup

How important is your data? The more important your data is to you the more you
back it up. Generally a once a month backup solution works for most people.
However, all critical files should be backed up as regularly as you change them.
There are many programs that allow you to backup your data to either CD’s, jump
drives, or online storage. You should review the different options and find what’s
best for you.

Windows Updates

Windows pushes out updates on a regular basis. Check your settings within
windows to verify you are downloading and installing these updates as they are
coming in. Critical windows updates can save you from any issues you may end up
experiencing.

This Microsoft article explains in more detail information about Windows Updates.

Empty Recycle Bin

When you delete something it’s not gone forever it goes to a recycle bin and stays
there for a while before it auto deletes or you tell it to remove it forever. General ly
this is a really good safe fall. You never know when you may accidentally delete
something that you really need and you find it there. Once a month though you
should consider reviewing everything that is in there and deleting everything that
you will never need again.

Everything up to this point has been cleaning the virtual computer. Next we will look
at what you can do to maintain the physical computer. Once a quarter (every four
months) you should consider tearing down your computer and cleaning it.

Clean peripherals

Everything you connect to your computer is a peripheral. Keyboards, your mouse,

printers, etc. are all peripherals. Disconnect your mouse and keyboard and clean
them. The keyboard can be sprayed out with a can of compressed air and given a
gentle wipe down with a cloth. If you have a mouse with a roller ball on the bottom
of it meaning it’s not optical then the roller ball should be cleaned. Pop off the plate
and remove the ball clean with some isopropyl alcohol and remove any caked on
grease, oil or dust.

Clean Monitors
The monitor can be dusted off with a cloth and screens cleaned with a glass cleaner
and cloth.

Clean Tower

The shell or tower of the computer will also need to be cleaned. When you get to the
back of the computer examine the air vents these may need special attention as
dust will build up and need to be removed.

Clean inside the tower

If you have a tower that opens up then it’s important to clean the inside of the
computer. Even if the computer is never opened before it’s going to build up dust
inside. With a can of compressed air spray any dust or debris out of the computer
and clean out the fan vents.

Inspect your cables

While you have the computer open inspect your cables any loose connections
should be firmly reconnected.

Clean the surge protector

For starters if you are not using a surge protector go get one. A surge protector can
save your investment in case of a power outage that causes a burst of electricity. If
you already have a surge protector check it for any damage a damaged surge
protector is just as bad as not having one. If the surge protector has exposed wiring
it should be replaced immediately. If the surge protector is in working order then it
still needs to be cleaned ensure the plugs that you use to connect your computer
are free of dust and debris.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Importance Of Computer Maintenance

We can’t deny the fact that computers have become the most significant part
of any home or office. You can’t even think of what your life will become
without a computer and in fact, some businesses live on the computer and
won’t survive or move an inch if they don’t have such system. Many of us have
important files and documents saved inside the system and in case that
anything happened to the computer, you have to keep your computer
maintenance.

Computers are machines as well and like other normal machines, it requires
some sort of maintenance. If you fail to keep check on it regularly, then you
may use a system with poor performance as it lose its capacity. It may even be
infected with Trojan virus and stop working for good. With this in mind,
computer maintenance is a vital part of caring for your computer.

There are 2 types of parts that a computer has and these are the software parts
and the hardware parts to which both of them has to be maintained regularly.
Computer hardware includes all physical parts that are needed for computer
maintenance and to work. The software on the other hand is those that fed
into the system in which the computer is running the processes and computer
maintenance. The problem is, the hardware section typically used a lot and
they’ve crosses their lifetime or, they become so dirty and due to the
accumulated dust, they have stopped functioning. Contact Grapevine MSP for
the best computer maintenance services.
Typical problems that are faced with software are viruses or any type of
malware that changed its processes and interfering in its function. Sometimes,
there are some problems with registry and the system may not respond. Learn
how to fix your computer with these steps
in http://www.ehow.com/how_4681711_fix-computer-virus.html.
Let’s begin what computer maintenance you can do for your hardware. Dust
whether you believe it or not is harmful element for your hardware. In CPU,
there are fans that cool it down and while it is working, it gets heated to high
temperatures and thus, it requires cooling. There are also some fans that have
high standards but even they can’t work well if they’re covered in dust. Thus,
it’s vital to keep the fans clean otherwise, the computer may get damaged.

As for the software parts, the only thing needed to be done is to be careful with
malware and several other viruses. Computer maintenance when it comes to
software could be handled by using good antivirus program. There are many
anti viruses you can find online and you can pick any of them you like. Hire
the best computer maintenance experts from the best managed
services companies.