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Chapter 2
Maintaining the System
T
his chapter covers general maintenance procedures
for your computer system and environmental conditions
that can affect the system's performance.
P
reserving Data
Everyone inadvertently deletes files at one time or
another. Also, hard-disk drives can fail after extended
use, so it is not a question of whether you will eventually
lose data, but when. To avoid such loss of data, you
should regularly make backup copies of all hard-disk
drive files.
Scheduling Backups
Dell recommends that you back up the hard-disk drive at
least once a week and perform a daily backup of those
files known to have been changed, such as your data
files. Doing so ensures that you lose no more than a
week's work and most likely only a day's work.
Because your Dell OptiPlex N or OptiPlex NX system is
connected to a network, most of the backup process is
automatic. Your network administrator should have a
backup location created on a server and a process for you
to follow when performing the backup. If you have ques-
tions about the backup process, contact your network
administrator.
C
leaning System Components
Dell recommends keeping your work environment clean
to reduce the amount of dust and dirt around the com-
puter, thereby reducing the amount of contaminants
drawn into the computer by the power supply fan.
Contaminant buildup increases the computer's internal
temperature and interferes with the operation of various
system components.
In particular, you should keep the exterior of your com-
puter and monitor clean.
A conventional monitor or keyboard cover minimizes the
accumulation of dust and other debris inside the monitor
and keyboard when they are not in use. Also, commer-
cially available keyboard membrane covers make it
possible to use the keyboard while providing protection
against foreign particles.
Recommended Tools and Accessories
Use the following tools and accessories for cleaning the
computer and the monitor:
•
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Use a mixture of one part liquid dishwashing deter-
gent and three parts water to clean the exterior of the
computer, monitor, and keyboard. You can also add
fabric softener to produce an antistatic solution that
prevents dust from being attracted to the monitor
screen.
•
Soft, lint-free cleaning cloth
Moisten the cleaning cloth with the dishwashing
detergent solution to clean the exterior of the com-
puter system.
•
Small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from
the exterior of the computer and keyboard.
Maintaining the System
2-1
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