SATHYAM

MAINTAIN A
COMPUTER
LABORATORY
 TEAM MEMBERS
• SIVASUBRAMANIAM.B
• SAKTHISARAVANAN.P
• VISHNU PRASAD.G
• VENKATACHALAM.S
• SATHISH KUMAR.R
• SENTHIL KUMAR.M
• SRINIVASAN.M
• STEPHAN RAJ.S
• TAMILARASU.T
• VINOTH.D
 Computer Lab Maintenance
Software
Having a computer lab requires continued maintenance of
the lab computers. Maintenance issues include software
updates, viruses, deleting spyware, people changing
computer settings, or an inexperienced user deleting an
important setting or software. To save time in lab
maintenance, your organization may want to look at desktop
security solutions. A desktop security solution provides the
user with the ability to do the activities that you would want
them to do, without having to worry about damage to the
software of the computer. This makes maintaining your
computer lab much simpler.
 How to Clean a Computer and Keep it
protected from dust, spills, etc.
• It doesn't need gas, oil or spring tuneup, but your
computer does need preventive maintenance.
Without regular maintenance, your PC may flail, sputter
and grind to a halt, leaving you stranded on the soft
shoulder of the Information Highway.
• Dust, dirt and grime can lead to serious problems with your
PC.  The chips and circuits in your system have two mortal
enemies; heat and corrosion...If your system is located in a
hermetically sealed, climate controlled office, cleaning once
a year may suffice. 
• In dust prone areas however, having your system cleaned
every three to six months will add years to the life of your
PC"
 Computer Care and Maintenance
• Computer care and maintenance is often overlooked by the
average user. Yet, taking a few precautions as you work, and
learning to use the computer and its file system properly, can save
you trouble in the long run.
• Time taken, once or twice a month, to perform a few simple clean
up procedures and use a couple of maintenance utilities, can make
a big difference in how your computer performs.
• You can reduce the number of freeze-ups, the number of fatal
errors and the number of reboots your computer has. You can also
reduce the amount of downtime your system experiences as a
result of having to cope with these problems, as well as reducing
your stress level.
• Not only that, but with a little preventive maintenance and proper
computer care, you can increase the overall speed and efficiency of
your computer.
 Lab Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of computer lab technicians include
the operation of the computers and the network, supervision of lab
equipment and facilities, keeping records of equipment and lab
supplies, and maintaining the security of the lab. They assist students
in the lab by demonstrating the proper use of the equipment and how
to use the hardware and software to finish assignments. If any system
or technical problems arise, the computer lab technician may be called
to provide assistance such a clearing paper jams in printers and
copiers, refilling ink toners and supplying paper. They are often
responsible for the cleanliness of the lab to ensure safety and proper
working conditions for the lab users and proper maintenance of the
computers. They also prepare the computer lab schedule, provide
backup of software and perform equipment repairs or arrange for
repairs to be completed. Computer lab technicians may be responsible
for the budget of the lab such as purchasing supplies and researching
and purchasing replacement equipment.
Maintain Perfect CPU Temperature
Maintaining the right temperature of CPU is very
much important so you can always try and avoid any
damage to your PC. It is also very much important
that you have to ensure that all the components of
your system are also working in proper condition. So
if you are looking forward to perform this task, it is
important that you may have to make use of CPU
temp monitoring software. But you have to keep in
mind that in order to make best use of this software
you have to be aware of the way the ACPI or
advanced interface functions. You also need to have
complete knowledge of the functioning of computers
BIOS so you can maintain perfect monitor CPU
temperature.
You have to try and explore different generations of computer
systems so you can collect more information related to
temperature. You also have to try and collect all possible
information related to different types of monitoring software so
you efficiently maintain lower temperature. Searching the
commercial market is best alternative available for anyone.
When making use of first generation software, you have to
keep in mind that they have basic features. They are efficient
in displaying the right CPU temap along with the most
accurate values. One main disadvantage of using this software
is that events cannot be defined. Apart from this you might not
get any warning signs in case the lower temperature exceeds its
limits.
In case the temperature is too high the software may
display its value only the moment there is a risk of
overheating. You have to be aware of this fact the
moment you are thinking of making use of the first
generation software for monitor CPU temperature. You
also have to monitor each and every sign closely so you
can protect your system. As many people feel that the
first generation software might not prove helpful so they
prefer using second generation software to monitor
CPU temperature. This is also very much efficient as
compared to first generation software as there are a
number of features that the software can control and
monitor automatically.
So even if your PC is facing heating problems you can
still ensure that the software can handle this problem quiet
efficiently. If you need something that is more efficient
then try and make use of third generation CPU
temperature monitoring software. This type is designed to
interact perfectly with the motherboard and all other
important components on your PC. There are a number of
advanced computer systems that are preinstalled with this
particular software. If you purchase a new laptop or PC
you can ensure to get this software for free. You can also
make use of different types of sensor devices to monitor
CPU temp. You can try and install these high quality
sensors on your PC to monitor the internal CPU
temperature.
 Clean the mouse
Mouse is among the most used input devices on a
computer. So it is essential to maintain and clean your
mouse regularly.
If it doesn’t work, you need to Clean your mouse.
Sorry for the mischief Lets talk about the real fact.
Now-a-days most people use optical mouse rather than
the mechanical one because they are more sensitive.
But LED based Optical Mice tend to get sticky over
time because surface dust collects on the soft pads
located near their light emitter. This might cause rough
mouse movements and worse, the mouse may not work
at all.
*The easiest way to clean dust without opening the mouse is by cleaning
its lower part. Invert the mouse and gently rub your finger nail on each
of the soft pad. Although this is not a very hygienic approach but
definitely the fastest way to get going. Never use a sharp instrument like
Shaving Blade, Knife or a Toothpick to clean the mouse as that may do a
permanent damage to the soft pads.
*Get a soft cloth dipped in water and gently rub it over the soft pads.
Once the pads become slightly wet (not soaked), pick a clean white sheet
of paper and run the mouse over it. The paper will absorb any of the
remaining dust or sticky grease. There are chances that some grease is
also sticking to your mouse pad. Apply some mild-soap water to the
surface and wipe it with the cloth.
*Another alternative approach is to Place the mouse on an A4 size paper,
and hold the paper down with your other hand. Apply some downward
pressure on the mouse, then drag it to the other side of the paper. Rub the
mouse over the paper for some time. Your mouse feet are now sparkling
clean!
 
Cleaning the keyboard
You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust
and lint trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to
blow dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with
a narrow, straw-like extension.
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off the computer and
turn the unit upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the
keyboard dry before trying to use it again. If the keyboard
does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.
Cleaning the screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen. Squirt a little
water on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the
screen with the cloth.
How To Maintain a Healthy Computer
A few routine scans, deletes and upgrades is all it takes
This month is a great time to check the health of your
classroom computer center and school lab. Here are some
points to get you started on what might become a monthly
checklist for maintaining computer health.
Routine clean-up
Most school districts have their own procedures for
computer maintenance, but here are some routine tasks that
will help ensure that your computers are up and running
when your lesson plans call for computer use. Be sure to
check with your technology administrator before establishing
a routine.
 Virus scan software
Even state- and district-wide virus scan software
requires regular updating. Most updates are automated,
but it's good to run a manual virus scan periodically to
make sure your virus scan installation is running as
scheduled.
Anti Virus Softwares
*Avast * mcafee
* escan * bitdefender
* Avira * symantec
* Kaspersky * avg
Cookies – It's a good idea to check your cookies file
periodically, but deleting all cookies means you'll have
to reestablish a cookie for sites you still visit. A better
choice is to delete individual files for sites you're no
longer using. Need to learn more about cookies? Try
these sites.
Cookie Central: unofficial cookie faq – Detailed
answers for the most frequently asked questions about
cookies. From cookie parameters (name, value,
expiration date, path, domain, secure) to ways to turn
cookies on or off, this link from David Whalen is a
comprehensive look at cookies.
Avoid op-ups – I've visited websites that had great
educational content, but the annoying pop-up(s) made
the site unusable in the classroom. A pop-up blocker
can help. Customization allows you to see pop-up
windows that provide important information for
instructional sites you are using in a lesson.

Browser and window cleaning – It's smart to clear

your browser history and temporary files regularly.
Many districts use a proxy server to cache websites for
security and speed purposes, but the local cache on your
machine can cause a slowdown if it becomes too large.
Protecting your computer from viruses
A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer,
then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage
data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go
undetected for a period of time, because they are activated on a
certain date.

Protect your computer from a virus by:

*Using your Norton ® AntiVirus program to check files and
programs that are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or
downloaded from the Internet.
 
*Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
 
*Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel
files. These programs will warn you if a document that you are
opening contains a macro that might have a virus.
To scan for viruses:

*Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then

Norton AntiVirus. Norton AntiVirus opens.

*Click Scan for Viruses.

*Select the type of scan you want to make in the Scan area, then
click Run Scan Now.

To remove a virus:
*Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus.
*Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.
*Turn on the computer and rescan for the virus.
 
You should periodically update your Norton AntiVirus program
to protect against the latest viruses.

To update Norton AntiVirus:

*Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then

LiveUpdate - Norton AntiVirus. The LiveUpdate wizard opens.

*Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton

AntiVirus program with the latest virus protection files.

*When the program is done updating, click Finish.

 
 Disk Cleanup
Delete unneeded files such as temporary Windows files
to free hard drive space.

To use Windows Disk Cleanup program:

1.Double-click the My Computer icon. The My
Computer window opens.
2.Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files
from, then select Properties. The System Properties
dialog box opens at the General.
3.Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
4.Select the check box beside each file type you want to delete.
For more information about file types you can delete, read the
descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.
5.Click OK, then click Yes.
 
 
Scanning the hard drive for errors
The ScanDisk program examines the hard drive for surface errors
and file and folder problems. ScanDisk corrects these problems
so that Windows and other programs run efficiently.
If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably
want to run ScanDisk once a week. On the other hand, if you use
your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate.
Also use ScanDisk if you encounter hard drive problems.
To Run Scan Disk
Click the Tools tab.
* Click Check Now. The ScanDisk dialog box opens.

* Select the options to use, then click Start. For Help, press F1.
ScanDisk checks the drive for errors. This process may take
several minutes.

* Correct any problems that are found by following the on-

screen instructions. After ScanDisk has finished checking the
drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it
found.

* Click Close.
Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file
information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard
drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for the
computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file
and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive
performance.
The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so that
each file is stored as one unit rather than multiple pieces scattered across
different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the
drive can improve hard drive performance.
While the Disk Defragmenter program is running, do not use your
keyboard or mouse because using them may stop and restart the
defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a network, log off
before starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop
the defragmentation process and cause it to start over.
To run Disk Defragmenter:

* Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

* Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, then select Properties. The
System Properties dialog box opens.

* Click the Tools tab.

* Click Defragment Now.

* If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Start or Defragment.
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk
Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.

* If you want to defragment another drive, click No then follow the on-screen
instructions.

If you do not want to defragment another drive, click Yes.

Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for
new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important
information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to diskettes or a writable CD, if
you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Use diskettes or writable CDs to do
partial backups of selected files or folders. Use a backup device such as
a CD-R, CD-RW, or Zip drive, or other high - capacity backup device
to do a complete hard drive backup. If you do not have a high-capacity
backup device and you want to purchase one, you can contact
Gateway's Add-on Sales department or visit our Web site at
www.gateway.com.
Gateway GoBack (available on selected models) also provides file
recovery features for files that have been lost in the last few days.
Using Maintenance Wizard
The Maintenance Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks
such as running Disk Defragmenter and Scan Disk and deleting
unnecessary files.

To start the Maintenance Wizard:

* Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System

Tools, then Maintenance Wizard. The Maintenance Wizard
dialog box opens.
* Select the Maintenance Wizard options that suit your
preferences. Remember that your computer must be on during
scheduled maintenance tasks.
Recalibrating the battery
If your notebook unexpectedly goes into Standby mode
while you are using it but the battery charge is not low,
you may need to recalibrate your battery. You should
also recalibrate the battery once a year to maintain the
accuracy of the battery gauge.

To recalibrate the battery:

1. Connect the AC power adapter, then turn on your
notebook.
2. When you see the startup screen, press F2. The
BIOS Setup program opens.
3. Press the left arrow key until you select the Security
menu.
4.Press the down arrow key until you select the Battery Auto-Learning
option (set by default to disabled).
5. Press Enter. A small settings window opens.
6. Press the down arrow key to select Enabled.
7. Press Enter. The option is set to Enabled.
8. Press the left arrow key until you select Exit.
9. Press the down arrow key until you select Exit Saving Changes. The
battery recalibration program begins.

After your battery has been recalibrated, the notebook recharges the
battery. Recharging may take 12-24 hours. After the battery finishes
recharging, the battery gauge displays the accurate battery charge. If the
battery gauge does not show an accurate charge, contact technical
support.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to exit the battery recalibration
program.
Cleaning Your Computer Hardware
If you want your computer to last, you need to clean it regularly. As
Roger shows Chris on today's episode of "Call for Help," a little
maintenance prevents some major hardware failures. 
In case you missed the instructions on the show, this guide explains how
to clean your hard drive, monitor, mouse, laser printer, fax, and scanner. 
Hard Drive Maintenance
Visualize, for a moment, a checkerboard set for a new game. Checkers
march across the board in in a few neat rows; the pieces are nicely
grouped by color. Now imagine the board after 10 minutes of play.
Checkers are scattered randomly across the board; perhaps one black sits
alone in a sea of red. Order appears chaotic, not systematic.
Turn now to hard drives. A hard drive saves files in sectors (the squares
on the checkerboard); the size of the file determines the number of
sectors needed. When new, the hard drive can easily put all pieces of a
file in a contiguous block, like checkers lined up before a game.
But the more you revise-save, the more discontinuous or fragmented
the file elements become. Thus the hard drive must search for each
element in order to re-combine them into a complete file. Constant
searching increases drive wear-and-tear, shortening its life-span.
That's why computer consultants recommend using a defragmenting
utility regularly. Basic disk utilities are bundled with DOS (and thus
Windows), Macintosh and OS/2 operating systems. These utilities have
the distinction of being free and being designed specificically for their
respective operating systems.
There are also third-party products such as Norton Utilities, which is
Becker's software of choice. Available for Windows 95, Windows 3.1
and Macintosh, Norton Utilities "automates the hard drive maintenance
process," Becker said. He noted that Norton Utilities can be
programmed to regularly defragment the drive and to check for viruses
each time the computer is turned on.
Managing hard drive space
Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your
hard drive space and keep your hard drive running efficiently.
Checking hard drive space
In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive
space.
To check hard drive space:
Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer
window opens.
Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file
space, then select Properties. Drive space information appears.
Caring for your computer
Here are ways to extend the life of your system:
Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put
any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made
to support extra weight.
 
When transporting your computer, we recommend that you
put it in a carrying case.
 
Keep diskettes, modular drives, and your computer away from
magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both
diskettes and hard drives.
 
Never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on
because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.
Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The
case can become very brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and
can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is
not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest
at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
 
Keep all liquids away from your computer. Almost any liquid can result
in extremely expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
 
Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the
internal mechanisms.
 
Set up a regular maintenance schedule according to the table below to
keep your computer running at its best.
Creating an emergency startup diskette
An emergency startup diskette is a diskette that contains critical
information that you need to start your computer if Windows
fails to start. You should create a startup diskette as soon as you
get your computer.
To create an emergency startup diskette:
1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The
Control Panel window opens.
2. Click/Double-click Add/Remove Programs. The
Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box opens.
3. Click the Startup Disk tab.
4. Click Create Disk. A message tells you to label a new diskette
and insert it into the diskette drive.
5. Place a new, labeled diskette into the diskette drive.
6. Click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette.

7. When Windows finishes copying files, remove the diskette from

the diskette drive.
8. You should write-protect the diskette, which will prevent the
diskette from being erased or infected by viruses, by sliding the tab
that is at the top of the diskette to the up position.
9. Store your emergency startup diskette in a safe place with your
other backup software media.

 
How to maintain a computer system
Your computer seems slow, nothing seems to be working right,
you crash a lot. Perhaps it's time you gave your computer a
simple cleanup.
The following general maintenance guide is provided by 16 year
old Ari, a very smart regular visitor at Kids' Turn Central
It is meant as a guide for Windows users only. If you are unsure
of what you are doing ask your parents or someone who knows
about computers to help you through the cleanup process.

Getting Started:
Windows gives you these tools to help your system run more
smoothly — Disk Clean Up, Scandisk, and Disk Defragmenter
(and I recommend using them in that order).
However, before doing any of this, it is advisable to be sure that all non-
essential data is removed from your system, particularly tiny files (these
clog up the space). Directories to check include C:\WINDOWS\TEMP,
C:\WINDOWS\RECENT among others. You can also clear your
browser cache and empty your email trash bins.
There are third party utilities to scan your drive for files of specific types
(eg. files with 0 size, *.tmp files, etc. However, if you routinely clear
your cache, history and recent lists, this is really optional. The tools
provided by Windows should be all that you need.
Programs in the background may prevent scandisk/disk defragmenter
from working properly, so before beginning, it is recommended to
disconnect from the net*, turn off all virus programs, firewalls, etc. The
easiest way to do this is to press CTRL+ALT+DEL and follow the
instructions there to shut everything off but SYSTRAY and
EXPLORER*.
However, even then, a previously unmaintained system
may experience problems running scan disk/disk
defragmenter, in which case I recommend powering
down, and restarting the computer in Safe Mode***.
Most of your programs may not work in Safe Mode,
because Windows bypasses your start up files, and
many drivers will not be loaded. However, scan disk
and disk defragmenter will both work in Safe Mode.
Running scan disk and disk defragmenter for the first
time in a long time may take a very long time indeed,
however, once done, the next time should not take
nearly as long.
When should one defragment?
This depends on how the machine is used. If you just log on to
surf forums once in a while, or otherwise only use the computer
moderately, once a week should be sufficient. However, if you
are running 24/7, downloading 2-3GB per day, and visiting
hundreds of web sites, the system can get bogged down, and will
need more attention, such as every 3 or 4 days.
Another time to scan or defrag is when installing or uninstalling
large programs. Installers create TEMP files and/or directories,
and delete them when the installation is complete, however you
end up with program data scattered all over the drive.
Scan/defrag before and after installing a large program (eg.
Microsoft Office, or a Corel Graphics suite) will help the
computer run more efficiently.
How do I run these programs?
Whether in Safe or Normal mode, these programs are
found by hitting the Start Button, Programs,
Accessories, System Tools - all three are located in this
area. Start the programs one at a time. In the case of
multiple hard drives, you have the option of whether to
do them all at once, or one at a time. Generally I
scan/defrag C D E and F drives at the same time, and
the C drive by itself after a major crash, install/uninstall
or CD burning session (where I free up a lot of space on
the C drive after deleting).
How To Maintain Your Computer operating
system
Being a computer technician pays nice money and has for a very long
time. Why?well, mainly becuase alot of new computer owners fail to
learn how to use and maintain there new computer. Before purchasing
my first computer back in 1998, I took an 8 hour class on the basics of
operating a windows 95
system based computer. Even with the class, within the first few months,
I had crashed the computer 3 times. This gives you somewhat of an idea
about what we have here today. Alot of people now are getting
computers becuase there friends have one, or to just get into the chat
rooms, or the adult sites. point being. they dont know how to use a
computer, much less maintain one.
To save yourself a lot of money and unneedless trips to the
computer shop for repairs, there are a series of very simple steps
you can take to keep your new computer running fast and
efficient. Myself, I have windows xp home edition running on
my computer. I find it to be the best system out there at the
moment. The choice is of course yours as to what operating
system you install on your machine. When you get your new
computer home and you configure an internet connection, the
first thing I recommend that you do is to get to the
windows update site. The site will automatically update your new
operating system with files to prevent people on other computers
from accessing your data. Next step is to install an anti-virus and
spyware program on your computer.  
If your buying a new computer from a big outlet, this is usually included
with your purchase but not always. Make sure to inquire about this when
purchasing your computer. Both these programs, the anti-virus and the
anti-spyware are a must have in todays computer age. You can get good
information from google. Just type in anti-virus in the search box. you
will get choices for alot of programs. same for the anti-spyware.

Over time, you will visit alot of websites. Most of these sites has what
are called "cookies." These are little embedded packages of data(files),
that the sites you have visited leave on your computer to track your
browsing habits. After awhile, these files need to be purged, deleted
from your computer.

Other files that need to be purged at least once a week, are your
temporary internet files and your history files. Failing to do this will
really slow down your computer to a crawl and possibly cause a system
crash, meaning you will have to re-install your operating system.
When you open up internet explorer, at the top left of the page, you will
see options. Look for the Tools option. Left click "Tools", then left click
"Internet Options." From there it should be straight foward for you. After
you have deleted your temporary internet files and history files, click
"OK" I do this at least once a day, really keeps my computer running
fast.

Within all windows operating systems, there is a system tool that you
should use once a month to keep your computer running smoothly.
During normal usage, the files on your computer become fragmented.
Meaning, bits of files are scattered to different parts of your hard drive
making it more difficult and time consuming for your computer to
locate. If you click start, accessories, system tools, you will find disk
defragmentor. Run the program. You will find if you have not done this
in a long time, will make a big difference in the overall performance of
your computer.
Now I Am going to share with you, some things you can do about whats
inside of your computer "the case" or your computers "hardware." No
matter how clean the surroundings where you have your computer
placed, over time, a lot of dust and particles gather on the inside. your
motherboard, inside the power supply, on your cpu, all your cards
"video, sound, etc." I clean the inside of my computer every 3 months
and I recommend all new users do it also.

Here is how to do it: First, before you do anything, make sure the
computer is unplugged from the outlet and is completely turned off!
Next is to get a screwdriver for those little round screws you will need to
undo to get inside your case. When both sides of the case are removed,
you will need a can of compressed air. you can buy this from any
computer store for under 5 dollars. You then spray all the areas inside
the case. you will see the dust and dirt flying off from the places you
sprayed. Doing this 4 times a year(every 3 months)Is a great way to save
a lot of money and keep your computer running like its brand new.
Thank u