MAINTENANCE OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Today’s computers come in many different shapes and sizes, and each keeps us connected to our digital
world at any given time. Whether you depend on your collection of devices for work or play, keeping them in
impeccable, unblemished condition is of the utmost importance. From their cosmetic appeal to their
operational functionality, a well-maintained computer looks good, lasts longer, and performs reliably.

Keeping your PC in tip-top condition lengthens the life of your PC, both internally and externally. A glitchy
operating system, overheating CPU, or fast-draining battery are avoidable woes that a bit of regular computer
maintenance could defend against.

https://www.hp.com/hk-en/shop/tech-takes/post/10-essential-computer-maintenance-tips

One thing you have probably missed out is the need for system maintenance. The basic routine maintenance
comprises of the 3 basic processes.

1. Data Backup
2. Malware Maintenance
3. Disk or File system maintenance

DATA BACKUP

What is Data Backup?

Data Backup is the process of making a copy of your digitized data and other business information in
case your data is damaged, deleted or lost. The backup copy is then used to recover or restore your data for
business continuity and disaster recovery. (https://www.quest.com/what-is-data-backup/)

Commonly Used Data Backup Solutions

Here are commonly used solutions or methods for data backups:

ONE: Removable Media

The first way to create data backups is by using removable media. These refer to small portable devices that
you can use to transfer files from one device to another. Removable media include flash drives or USBs, CDs,
DVDs, pen drives, and thumb drives. These removable media are usually compatible with desktop computers
and laptops.
Because some of these portable devices have small storage, you may not have enough space to keep all your
files, especially if you are running a business. Additionally, these devices are small enough to get accidentally
lost or even stolen. Then, because these devices generally do not have enough security features, your
information in the wrong hands could prove harmful to you and your business.

TWO: External Hard Drives

The second way to create data backups is to use an external hard drive. You can connect this device to your
laptop or desktop computer through a cable or wirelessly with the more advanced ones. An example of a hard
drive is the solid-state drive or SSD.

External hard drives are similar to removable media. They are both portable and easy to use and are
compatible with both laptops and desktop computers. The only advantage when using external hard drives is
their capacity to store larger files.

THREE: Cloud Storage

Today, we have “the cloud” as another option to create data backups for our files. Through cloud backups, you
can store your files in hardware in a remote location. You can keep and access your files anytime you want, as
long as you have a connection to the internet. Famous examples of cloud storage solutions include Google
Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox. These are virtually compatible with electronic devices, including smartphones,
tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

FOUR: Backup Services

The last method requires hiring professionals to back up your data from a company that offers IT tech support
and backup services. Their assistance can become quite helpful, especially if you manage a business and
have a considerable amount of data to store.

When you employ online backup services, you have someone backing up your files using backup software,
hardware equipment or tools, and other hybrid backup solutions. So, what you’re doing is paying them to
manage your data backups and they help ensure to keep your files secure.
(https://www.syntacticsinc.com/news-articles-cat/the-importance-of-data-backups/)

MALWARE MAINTENANCE

Malware refers to any kind of malicious codes, objects or content that infiltrates your computer,
resulting in damage and causing your system to act in an undesirable manner. Commonly, these include
viruses, spyware, worms, trojan horses, spams and many more. When you are infected, you can lose your
privacy, confidential data and access to your system when software and hardware are damaged. Fortunately,
there are a couple of preventive measures you can take to protect yourself from malware.
One thing you can do to scan the file for any virus infection before you attempt to open it. If the scan
shows nothing, it is probably safe file. But then again, it may be a new virus yet to be updated in your virus
scan. You can either wait and apply the next virus signature update and perform a second scan or risk it all
and open the file.

Types of Malware
Malware covers all types of threats in your system. To get the best understanding of their difference, malware
can be group into 3 types as follows:
 1. Contagious threat like viruses and worms where it is designed to spread without the user’s
knowledge
2. Masked threats like trojans and rootkits conceal attacks on computers. It could go unnoticed by
antivirus or removal programs.
3. Financial threats like spyware and keyloggers are used in malicious attacks like identity theft,
phishing to steal money unknowingly.
(https://www.malwarebytes.com/malware)

The best way to guard against malware is to install antivirus software, such as Bitdefender, Norton, or
Kaspersky. Antivirus software helps to prevent malware from being installed, and it can also remove malware
from your computer. (https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/protecting-your-computer/1/)

DISK MAINTENANCE

The traditional hard drive is still in use throughout much of the world today. Despite the decreased
cost of solid state drives, many still opt for standard hard drives because of its long life and low cost per
gigabyte, which makes it ideal for mass storage. However, standard hard drives do eventually begin to degrade
and fail; a situation that can result in the corruption and loss of critical data.
(https://www.instructables.com/Hard-Drive-Maintenance-and-Troubleshooting/)

HOW TO MAINTAIN HARD DRIVE PERFORMANCE:

1. Think Twice Before Installing or Downloading Software

Computers may start acting funny after installing a computer program downloaded from the Internet.
Each software installation requires hard drive space, or may contain a virus or malware.
The more programs you install, the less space the computer has. Although your computer uses
memory to run programs, it also uses the hard drive to help decrease the load times. If your hard drive is full,
it will definitely slow down the computer.

2. Update the Operating System

By updating your operating system, you are ensuring that you have critical updates to make your
system run better, and eliminate issues that could ultimately cause hard drive failure. Most businesses use
Microsoft Windows as their primary operating system.
Microsoft Windows allows users to update the operating system on a regular basis by accessing the
“Windows Update” on their computer, and in most cases this can be updated automatically.

3. Remove Unnecessary Programs

Delete unwanted programs every few months as the unused and unnecessary programs waste
valuable hard drive space. If the business does not plan to use them, then remove them using the
“Add/Remove” feature in the Control Panel of the operating system. Removing unnecessary programs also
makes your desktop easier to navigate.

4. Defragment the Hard Drive

The hard drive works hard to keep the computer functional. In fact, it’s the hardest-working
component. It’s very difficult to access stored files if the hard drive crashes and usually impossible, depending
on the situation. Unfortunately, the hard drive does not save files in any particular order.
 It uses the first empty space available, which includes the space created after deleting files. This
scatters data across the hard drive, making it harder to access stored data and slowing the computer down
considerably.
As a result, it becomes necessary to defragment the hard drive on a regular basis to keep the
computer running as quickly as possible.

5. Clean in and Around the Physical Machine

Computer hardware needs two things to ensure that it lasts longer than its expected lifetime: airflow
to prevent overheating, and to have it’s components free of dust and debris. It’s important to make sure your
computer is cleaned on a regular basis to keep it working properly.

6. Maintain Computer Security

When it comes to computers of any kind, you need to prepare for the worst, especially for a business.
Use a solid backup plan to secure important data.
Many businesses can make copies and transfer important data to a central server or external hard
drive or create backups using a cloud service. The sky’s the limit when it comes to security.

7. Keep Static at Bay

Static electricity will wreak havoc on computer components. To a computer, it’s like a lightning strike.
This is especially true during the winter months or in geographical regions with drier air. If even the slightest
touch to metal around you produces a “shock,” then it’s best to avoid handling computer components
altogether.
This also applies for other surfaces that produce static electricity, including televisions, stereo
speakers, and other household appliances. Static electricity can be a killer for your computer. Be sure to touch
something that’s metal before you touch your computer just in case.

8. Utilize Power Save and Sleep Modes

The less time your hard drive is running, the longer it will last over the lifetime of the drive. Adding a minute
or two here or there will prolong the life of the hard drive significantly. Using Sleep mode makes it easier to
return back to work without having to reboot the computer. It also prolongs the life of the hard drive.
(https://www.recordnations.com/articles/hard-drive-health/)