How to perform maintenance on a computer system

Organisation of files
Having an fully organised file structure is extremely important because if you have any needed files they can be easily located without any full searching which means you can save a lot of time. an example of a file structure is my work for all of year 1 for the course as i have all of the work in each unit and also each assignment has its own folder.

Back-up procedures
Backing up data is important because if you don't a lot of important data could be lost. there are 2 ways that you can back up data which are online and offline.
offline you can use USB drives, portable hard drives and floppy disks to back up your data or online you could use a cloud storing service for example Google drive.

Deleting temporary files

Removing  un-needed temporary files is a important thing to do because it can free up hard drive space. to remove temporary files you can use the built in disk cleaner feature which deletes all of unimportant files for you to do this first you open "my computer" right click on the C; drive then click properties and then click clear disk then click the temporary files check box and then click run.

Defragmentation
This a important process which will help to keep your computer system running fast by ordering all of the files on your hard drive. to do this first search for disk defragmenter in the start menu, once you have it open you select the disk drive that you want to defrag (C; or any other drive) and then just click the defragment disk. defragging may take some time depending on how much is saved on the selected drive and also how long ago the system was defragged

Cleaning your computer
Cleaning your computer is an extremely important  part of routine maintenance as it keeps the computer from overheating and it makes sure that all of the system stays cool. most fans have a dust filter that WILL clog up over time so this should be cleaned out regularly to stop the system overheating



Replacing consumables
Replacing consumables is an important thing to do because you will know how to replace things like printer ink and paper .

Replacing damaged components
when a computer component gets damaged and it becomes non functional    it must be replaced so the computer can function properly again. for example if your fan stops spinning it should be replaced as soon as possible.
   

Testing a computer system for functionality

Test 1

Opening Google chrome

It opened with no problems

Test 2

desktop shortcuts work correctly

Google chrome opened without any problems

Test 3

Correct date and time

Test 4 Start menu options work

They all work as intended

Setting up the hardware, peripherals and the OS

Now that all of the internals are done lets get started on the output and input devices you need the monitor is needed so you can actually see what you are doing on the computer



That is what the cable will look like in the monitor and also the main computer


The next step is to connect the keyboard and the mouse and all you need to do for the mouse is connect it into any of the USB ports on the computer like this

For the keyboard you need to find the PS/2 port on the computer and plug it in there.

Next step is too connect the power which is simple just put the plug into a plug socket in your home and then the other side of the cable into your computer as shown and don't forget to turn the socket ON.


since we have set up all of the hardware and the peripherals we need now its time to install all of the drivers that you need or want.

The first step is to set up the device manager to check what drivers you already have. also i recommend having a USB or portable hard drive with the drivers want on them.

After the install you must restart your PC for all of the effects to take place.



Now finally for installing the OS the first step is to turn on the PC and then change the boot order setting in the BIOS so that the computer boots from a disk before the hard drive if there is one.

After this you don't have to do anything as windows or the OS your using is loading all of the files needed to install and when this is complete your PC will continue onto the next step on its own

Next step is the basic setup where you need to pick your language, time and our currency format and finally the keyboard you will be using for the installation

Next you will need to accept all of the license and continue the install

Next step is too choose where the OS will be stored to and also if you are either installing the OS or updating it. if this is a first time installation do not press the upgrade button

The final step is to finish up the installation by simply accepting the location you will install to press next and then the computer should finish the installation but this will take a while so i recommend getting a tea or coffee and watch TV or something and check on it regularly as it will take a long time for windows to unpack and install onto your selected location.

Once this is finished the computer will then restart and then boot the OS finished.

Setting up a computer system to meet user requirements

BIOS configuration
To boot the BIOS first you boot up your computer and press F2 (the F key may differ per motherboard)
when you are prompted and this will take you to the BIOS settings



The next step is to use the key arrows to navigate the menu and then go down to the boot device option and then press enter on the option to select it.



After this step is completed restart your computer. when it turns back on it will should boot the device that you selected.



Now the PC has booted up now it is time to set up a BIOS password
First step is to boot up the BIOS again and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to access the "security tab" and then go down to the "add a supervisor password" when you press this you will be prompted to put in your original password if you had one and then your new password


Next thing i will show you is how to configure the power settings but i recommend only advanced users do this.

First step is to boot up the BIOS and go to the "Power tab" and here you will find all of the power settings but some some advanced setups you can go into the advanced options section.



Editing your antivirus software
For this section i will be talking about how to edit the configuration for the antivirus software called "AVG Antivirus Free"

The first step is to have AVG running so you can access the options and then click on show hidden icons o your task bar and then right click the small AVG logo this should bring up the menu with a few options

 
from here you can start virus scans, update your AVG, run the PC analyse, disable the antivirus program or you can open the full user interface