Hardware
Check the condition of the cables, components, and peripherals. Clean components to reduce the likelihood of overheating. Repair or replace any component that shows signs of damage or excess wear.
Use these tasks as a guide to creating a hardware maintenance program:
- Remove dust from fan intakes.
- Remove dust from the power supply.
- Remove dust from the components inside the computer and peripheral equipment such as printers.
- Clean the mouse, keyboard, and display.
- Check for and secure any loose cables.
Software
Verify that installed software is current. Follow the policies of the organization when installing security updates, operating system updates, and program updates. Many organizations do not allow updates until extensive testing has been completed. This testing is done to confirm that the update will not cause problems with the operating system and software. The figure shows the Windows 7 Update screen.
Use these tasks as a guide to creating a software maintenance schedule that fits the needs of your computer:
- Review and install the appropriate security updates.
- Review and install the appropriate software updates.
- Review and install the appropriate driver updates.
- Update the virus definition files.
- Scan for viruses and spyware.
- Remove unwanted or unused programs.
- Scan hard drives for errors.
- Defragment non-SSD hard drives.