Computer Hardware Maintenance Tools
Computer Hardware Maintenance Tools
INTRODUCTION
Computer hardware maintenance involves taking care of the computer's physical components,
such as its keyboard, hard drive and internal CD or DVD drives. Cleaning the computer, keeping
its fans free from dust, and defragmenting its hard drives regularly are all parts of a computer
hardware maintenance program. Maintaining hardware helps to extend the computer's lifespan.
It helps to prevent wear and tear, and keeps the system functioning smoothly. scanning for
system errors and regularly defragmenting the hard drive. Virus protection is also important, as
some viruses can interfere with computer hardware. Keeping computers away from dust and
dirt, keeping them clean and avoiding extreme temperature changes, Keep liquids away from
the computer all help to maintain hardware. Maintenance tools are used after a problem
happens on a computer hardware or before the problem occur. Some of maintenance tools are:
The basic types of maintenance:
Preventive maintenance, where equipment or facilities are inspected, maintained and protected
before break down or other problems occur.
Corrective maintenance where equipment is repaired or replaced after wear, malfunction or
break down occurs.
Predictive maintenance, which uses sensor data to monitor a system, then continuously
evaluates it against historical trends to predict failure before it occurs.
2. Hand Tools
Most tools used in the computer assembly process are small hand tools. They are available individually or as part of
a computer repair toolkit. Toolkits range widely in size, quality, and price. Some common hand tools and their uses
are:
3. Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose equipment. Diagnostic tools include the following:
A digital multimeter, as shown in Figure 2-3, is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests
the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components. A digital multimeter displays the
information on an LCD or LED.
Figure 2-3.Multimeter
A loopback adapter, also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of computer ports. The adapter
is specific to the port that you want to test.
The toner probe, as shown in Figure 2-4, is a two-part tool. The toner part is connected to a cable at one
end using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. The toner generates a tone that
travels the length of the cable. The probe part traces the cable. When the probe is in near proximity to the
cable to which the toner is attached, the tone can be heard through a speaker in the probe.
Although an external hard drive enclosure is not a diagnostic tool, it is often used when diagnosing and repairing
computers. The customer hard drive is placed into the external enclosure for inspection, diagnosis, and repair using a
known-working computer. Backups can also be recorded to a drive in an external enclosure to prevent data
corruption during a computer repair.
Soft cloth: Used to clean different computer components without scratching or leaving debris
Compressed air: Used to blow away dust and debris from different computer parts without touching the
components
Cable ties: Used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a computer
Parts organizer: Used to hold screws, jumpers, fasteners, and other small parts and prevents them from
getting mixed together