Project 1: Learning the Alphanumeric and Symbol Keys
Workstation Security
Protect Your Hardware
Computer equipment is expensive and sensitive. Computer hardware includes your computer and peripherals (e.g., printer, mouse, keyboard, and monitor). All these pieces of equipment are considered part of your workstation.
Powering the Computer
- Use a surge protector power bar to safeguard your computer against power surges, which can damage your CPU (central processing unit).
- At all times, avoid plugging or unplugging any device into the CPU box while the computer is on.
- Power up (turn on) your peripherals before turning on the CPU. This informs the computer that peripherals are attached.
- Turn the monitor off if you are not going to use it for several hours, unless you have a model that goes into sleep mode (turns itself off and comes back on when the mouse is moved or a key is hit). You can also run a screensaver program to reduce the wear on the monitor.
- Before shutting down your computer, exit all programs you have open; then exit Windows. Finally, turn off the power bar. Computer technicians often recommend that users shut down their equipment at the end of the day or week. Shutting down frequently during the day can be hard on your computer.
Equipment Maintenance
- Set up your computer in a clean environment. Dust your monitor regularly with a soft cloth. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from the power source before moving them to a different location.
- Ensure there is good air circulation around your computer to prevent overheating, and avoid placing heavy objects on top of your computer.
Protect Your Software
Licensed software can be very expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars. It is important to protect software from damage and secure it from unauthorized use. Most software is copyright protected, which means sharing or copying software without written consent of the copyright holder is illegal.
Security and Authorization
- Register the software according to the manufacturer’s directions for the number and location of users. Some licences are for one computer station only; others are for multiple workstations.
- Store the manuals and software discs together in a place where they can be easily accessed and are secure from unauthorized users.
Maintenance
- Store DVDs and CDs in protective holders to avoid damage, such as scratching, marking, cracking, and breaking.
- Handle discs on the edges and avoid fingerprints on the disc surface.
- Don’t write on the discs.
- Avoid using liquid for cleaning purposes, as a single drop of water can affect the laser beams ability to read the disc.
- Extreme heat and cold and magnetic sources can cause severe damage to discs.
- You can clean and repair scratched discs with kits available from most electronics stores.
Protect Your Personal Work
The work you produce on a computer becomes “priceless” once you have invested time, energy, and ideas.
- Save your files with a name that makes sense. Limit the number of characters used.
- Store your files in folders that group related files together.
- Save your documents often and after every major change you make to your file.
- Back up your files to a flash drive or a network drive, if you have one.
- If you work on a computer or network that is used by other people, create a personal folder in which to store your work.
- Delete obsolete files that are no longer useful.