Computer Maintenance

1. Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Before fixing a computer, you need to know what's inside it. Every desktop or laptop is built from a small set of core components that work together — understanding each one helps you diagnose problems logically instead of guessing.

• CPU (Processor): The "brain" that executes instructions. Overheating here causes slowdowns or shutdowns.
• RAM (Memory): Temporary, fast storage used while programs are running. Low RAM causes a computer to feel slow with many programs open.
• Storage (HDD/SSD): Where files and the operating system live permanently. An SSD is much faster and more durable than an older HDD.
• Motherboard & Power Supply (PSU): The motherboard connects every component together; the PSU converts wall power into what the components need. A damaged PSU is a common cause of a computer that "won't turn on at all."

Practical Skill: Practice safely opening a desktop case (unplugged, after touching a grounded metal surface to discharge static electricity) and identifying the CPU fan, RAM sticks, storage drive, and PSU without touching or disconnecting anything.

=== HARDWARE SAFETY CHECKLIST ===

[ ] Power off the computer completely (not just sleep mode)
[ ] Unplug the power cable from the wall AND the computer
[ ] For laptops: remove the battery if it is removable
[ ] Touch a grounded metal object (e.g. an unpainted metal
    part of the case) before touching any internal component
    to discharge static electricity — static can silently
    damage components
[ ] Work on a hard, flat, non-carpeted surface
[ ] Keep screws organized in a small container — a magnetic
    tray works well and prevents lost screws
[ ] Take a photo with your phone before disconnecting any
    cable, so you remember exactly how to reconnect it

2. Operating System & Software Management

Many "hardware" problems are actually software problems. Keeping the operating system, drivers, and installed programs healthy prevents most day-to-day issues before they start.

• Updates: Keep Windows and drivers updated (Settings → Windows Update) — updates often fix security holes and stability bugs, but schedule large updates for times you don't urgently need the computer.
• Drivers: A driver lets the OS communicate with hardware (graphics card, printer, Wi-Fi adapter). An outdated or missing driver often causes a device to "not be detected" or work incorrectly.
• Startup programs: Too many programs launching at startup slows down boot time. Review and disable unnecessary ones in Task Manager → Startup tab.
• Uninstalling properly: Always use Settings → Apps → Uninstall rather than just deleting a program's folder, which leaves broken leftover files behind.

Practical Skill: On a practice computer, check for and install pending updates, review the startup program list and disable two unnecessary items, then properly uninstall one unused program through Settings.

=== MONTHLY SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE ===

[ ] Settings -> Windows Update -> Check for updates
[ ] Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) -> Startup tab
      -> Disable programs you don't need running at boot
[ ] Settings -> Apps -> review installed programs
      -> Uninstall anything unused or unrecognized
[ ] Restart the computer at least once a week
      (many updates and fixes only apply after a restart)
[ ] Check available storage space:
      Settings -> System -> Storage
      Below 10% free space causes serious slowdowns

3. Troubleshooting Common Problems

Good troubleshooting is systematic: change one thing at a time, and always start with the simplest possible cause before assuming the worst.

• Won't turn on: Check the power cable and outlet first (try a different outlet). For laptops, try a different charger if available. Listen/watch for any fan spin or lights.
• Very slow: Check Task Manager for a program using very high CPU, memory, or disk. Check available storage space. Scan for malware.
• Overheating / shuts down randomly: Check for dust blocking fans and vents (see Module 4). Make sure the computer isn't in direct sun or an enclosed space.
• No display but computer sounds like it's on: Check the monitor cable and that the monitor is on and set to the right input. Try reseating the RAM (power off first).

Practical Skill: Practice the troubleshooting flow below on a real reported problem (ask a classmate to describe symptoms) and walk through it step by step before touching anything.

=== "COMPUTER WON'T TURN ON" — DIAGNOSTIC FLOW ===

1. Is it plugged in AND is the outlet working?
   -> Test the outlet with another device (e.g. a phone charger)
   NO power to outlet -> problem is the outlet/electricity, not the PC

2. Do any lights or fans turn on at all when you press power?
   NO lights/fans -> likely power supply or power cable fault
   YES lights/fans but no display -> go to step 3

3. Is the monitor definitely on and set to the correct input?
   Try a different monitor or TV if one is available

4. Still nothing? Power off completely, unplug, and reseat
   the RAM stick(s) — remove gently, blow out the slot,
   reinsert firmly until it clicks

5. Still unresolved after these steps -> this is a hardware
   fault that needs a trained technician or replacement part
   — don't keep swapping components randomly, it wastes time
   and risks further damage

4. Preventive Maintenance for South Sudan's Conditions

Prevention is far cheaper than repair — especially important where replacement parts are expensive and hard to source quickly. Two local realities make preventive care extra important: dust and unreliable electricity.

• Dust management: Dust insulates components and blocks fans, causing overheating. Clean vents and fans every 1-3 months using a soft brush or compressed air — never a vacuum cleaner directly on internal parts (static risk).
• Power protection: Unreliable electricity and voltage spikes damage power supplies and motherboards over time. Use a surge protector at minimum; a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) also gives a few minutes to save work and shut down safely during an outage.
• Safe shutdown: Always use Shut Down from the Start menu rather than cutting power directly — sudden power loss during a write operation can corrupt files or the operating system itself.
• Backups: Keep important files backed up to a USB drive or cloud storage — hardware failure is a "when," not "if," over a long enough time.

Practical Skill: Create a maintenance schedule for a small office of 5 computers, covering dust cleaning frequency, UPS/surge protector checks, and a backup routine.

=== SMALL OFFICE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (5 PCs) ===

WEEKLY
[ ] Confirm all computers shut down properly (not just power cut)
[ ] Visually check UPS/surge protector indicator lights

MONTHLY
[ ] Wipe down keyboards, screens, and external surfaces
[ ] Check available storage space on each PC
[ ] Confirm important files are backed up (USB or cloud)

EVERY 1-3 MONTHS
[ ] Open each case and clean dust from fans/vents
    (compressed air or soft brush, power off + unplugged)
[ ] Check UPS battery health / replace if it no longer
    holds charge during a test outage

EVERY 6-12 MONTHS
[ ] Full OS update check on all machines
[ ] Review and remove unused software across all machines
[ ] Test full data recovery from the backup to confirm
    the backup actually works

5. Basic Networking & Peripherals

Most modern offices need computers to reliably connect to Wi-Fi, printers, and each other. A few basic networking skills solve the majority of everyday connectivity complaints.

• Wi-Fi troubleshooting order: restart the device → forget and reconnect to the network → restart the router → check if other devices have the same problem (isolates whether it's the device or the network).
• Printer setup: Install the manufacturer's driver before connecting when possible. For shared office printers, confirm the printer's IP address or name is correct on every computer that needs it.
• Cables matter: A damaged or low-quality USB/Ethernet cable causes intermittent problems that look like software issues — always test with a known-good cable when troubleshooting.
• IP basics: Every device on a network has an address (e.g. 192.168.1.15). Running ipconfig (Windows) shows a computer's current network details — useful for confirming it's actually connected.

Practical Skill: Set up a shared printer on a small office network and connect two separate computers to print to it, troubleshooting any connection issues using the order above.

=== "CAN'T CONNECT TO WI-FI" CHECKLIST ===
[ ] Turn Wi-Fi off and on again on the device
[ ] Confirm you're selecting the correct network name (SSID)
[ ] Forget the network and reconnect with the password
[ ] Restart the router (unplug 10 seconds, plug back in)
[ ] Test if OTHER devices can connect
      Yes -> problem is likely this one device
      No  -> problem is likely the router/network itself

=== "PRINTER NOT WORKING" CHECKLIST ===
[ ] Is the printer powered on and out of paper/ink errors?
[ ] Is it selected as the default printer on this computer?
[ ] Try printing a test page from printer settings
[ ] Reinstall/update the printer driver from the
    manufacturer's website
[ ] Test the same print job from a second computer to
    isolate whether the fault is the printer or the PC

=== USEFUL COMMAND ===
  ipconfig            Shows this computer's network address
                       details (Windows Command Prompt)

Quick Quiz — Computer Maintenance Basics