Backup Devices - Dell Dimension XPS D Series Reference And Troubleshooting Manual

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Dell recommends that you back up the hard-disk drive at least once a week, with a
daily backup of those files that have been changed. Following these guidelines
ensures the loss of no more than a day's work. As further insurance against data loss,
keep duplicate copies of the weekly and monthly backups at an off-site location.
Doing so ensures that you lose no more than a week's work, even if one of the on-
site backups becomes corrupted.
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Tape and Zip drives are convenient and affordable devices that can back up data at
rates of up to 1.6 megabytes per second (MB/sec) and can often run unattended. Dell
recommends these drives and their associated backup software for use as system
backup devices. Depending on how many data files you have, you can also use dis-
kettes as backup devices.
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With thousands of known viruses and with the prevalence of data transfers over tele-
communications lines, it is important that you use virus-scanning software to protect
your computer. Regularly update your virus-scanning software as described in the
software documentation and load updates immediately.
It is particularly important to scan before installing any software from unlicensed
sources, either downloaded from the Internet or on diskettes. Making regular backups
as discussed in the previous section provides insurance in case a virus does infect
your system.
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As it draws in air to cool the computer, the power supply fan also draws dust and
other particles into the computer. This contaminant buildup increases the system's
internal temperature and interferes with component operation.
To minimize these conditions, Dell recommends keeping your work environment
clean. In particular, you should regularly clean your computer system and use com-
mercially available drive-cleaning kits to remove contaminants inside externally
accessible drives.
You may also want to purchase monitor and keyboard covers to protect against dust
and debris.
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Use the following tools and accessories for cleaning the computer system:
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Wrist grounding strap to reduce the effects of electrostatic discharge (ESD).
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Liquid dishwashing detergent
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Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
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Soft, lint-free cleaning cloth
Introduction 1-5