Computer studies

form 1

Chapter 5
SAFE USE OF COMPUTERS

Website: www.learnmalawi.com

Email: [email protected]

Compiled By: Eliot Kalenga

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CHAPTER 5. SAFE USE OF COMPUTERS

Protection of computers and users

Computers are delicate devices that need to be handled carefully. To protect the
computers the users do the following:

• Security of computer hardware and soft ware

• Powering the computer on/off
• Protecting users from hazards.
• Safe disposal of computers components.
• Protecting against malware, viruses and worms.

Hazards to system

The following are hazards to computer system

a. Power surge/cut

- Power surges or unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data
but can also fry a processor rendering it useless.
- It is not just power from the grid that causes problems either, lightning can
surge through cables (even phone wires) frazzling your system and a build up of
static can cause similar results.

b. Dirt/Dust

- dusty environment will clog a computer and block cooling vents causing a
computer to overheat.
- Dust can also contain conductive material and particles can stick to circuit boards
and cause a short circuit.
- A cloud of dust can also explode if it comes into contact with a source of ignition
(like a computer).
- Even home computers if not properly cleaned can succumb to problems caused
by too much dust.

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 c. Water/fluids

- Of course computers are electrical and with all electrical equipment, computers
and water do not mix, just one spilt cup of coffee could see the end of your PC.

d. Heat

- Processors can run exceptionally hot and if a computers cooling system is

inadequate (because the machine has been upgraded, overclocked or just
clogged up with dust and grime) it will only be a matter of time before it packs
up for good.

e. Cold

- Just as with heat, computers don't enjoy the cold too much either.
- Processors will not operate at all if the operating temperature is too cold as
condensation inside the machine can freeze and expand damaging the processor
and electronics.

f. Knocks/bangs

- Computers are sensitive machines, simply moving a PC to another room can

cause havoc, disrupting the delicate circuitry and hard drives.
- Dropping a computer or severe knocks and bangs will permanently damage the
circuits and processors or dislodge wiring.

Hazards to computer users

The following are some of hazards to computer users

Musculoskeletal Problems

• This includes areas of your body such as your back, neck, chest, arms, shoulders
and feet.
• Having sore muscles and complaints of the muscles being tired are common.

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 • Numbness may occur in the arms and hands.
• These troubles may occur because the posture you assume when using the
computer is most likely incorrect.
• You may find that you are sitting in an uncomfortable chair, or that you have a
workstation that is not ergonomically correct for your body.

Tips to Consider

• Find a correct height for both your desk and chair so that your computer screen
is at eye level or slightly lower.
• Sit with your back straight, legs at 90 degree angles to the floor, and feet resting
flat on the floor.
• ALWAYS take small breaks from your computer work to stretch your muscles,
keep your blood flowing, and to rest your eyes.

2. Vision Problems

• Computers are notorious for their bright lights, glare and flickering images that
can cause strain on your eyes.
• Finding that you constantly focusing on the screen with delays in blinking can
result in drying out your eyes.

Tips to Consider

• Make sure to adjust the brightness on your computer screen so that your eyes
are not as strained.

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 • For example, if you are sitting in a dark room your computer screen will most
likely be very bright and cause your eyes to strain, so to save your eyes you
should lower the brightness.
• Tilt your screen to decrease any glare.
• Maintain a proper vision distance from the screen, and do not forget to blink.

3. Repetitive Stress Injuries

• You may notice pain in your neck, shoulders, or really anywhere from the
shoulders to your fingers related to repetitive muscle use.
• Using the computer may cause you to use your muscles in an odd way that may
cause increased stiffness, pain, or swelling in any of those areas.
• One of the most common conditions related to repetitive use of your muscles
when using the computer is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tips to Consider

• Place your mouse at a location next to the keyboard that will require you to
move your whole arm to get to it rather that just twisting your wrist outward to
reach it and move it.
• Type gentle to decrease the stress put on each of your fingers.
• Keep your wrists flexible when typing; avoid keeping them fixed in a certain
position; keeping them flexible will avoid repetitive, strenuous stress.

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 • Relax your arms and try to get a few stretches in when you are not typing or
using your mouse.

4. Headaches

• Headaches are common and may occur because of the increased muscle tension
or from pain in the neck.
• Any vision problems, or continued strain on the eyes can also cause headaches.

Tips to Consider

• Attend regular eye exams in order to work toward correcting any vision
problems.
• Try your best to keep your neck straight in front of the computer and take
breaks.

5. Obesity

• Prolonged use of computers may lead to an overall sedentary lifestyle that lacks
adequate physical activity and/or exercise.
• In children prolonged use of computers, or electronics in general, is a major
contributing factor to obesity.

Tips to Consider

• Set limits for using electronics.

• Encourage outdoor play or a certain hobby that may take away time spent using
electronics in order to lead a more active lifestyle.
• As for adults, if your occupation requires computer use for up to 8 hours daily,
you should not use a computer again when you get home…you should take a
break and try to squeeze in some exercise until you go back to work.

6. Stress Disorders

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 • Technology impacts our behaviors and emotions.
• Prolonged use of computers may be accompanied by poor health and increased
pressure placed on you in your workplace environment, which could both lead to
stress.
• The longer your stress occurs and is left untreated, the greater your chances are
of contracting more serious health problems.
• Stress can lead to decreased attention span, lack of concentration, dizziness and
becoming easily burned out.

Tips to Consider

• Promote your own health and prevent future health conditions or worsening the
ones you already have by seeking treatment options for any stress that you may
encounter.
• Try things from yoga, to natural remedies, to medications as prescribed by a
medical provider to combat your stress.

7. Laptop Use Injuries

• Laptop injuries fall into a category of their own; there is a growing use of laptops
that continues to cause more pain and strain among those individuals who use
them.
• Laptops are designed for short periods of use for those who do not have access
to desktop computer.
• In present day individuals choose to use laptops over desktops more frequently,
due to convenience.
• The problem is this: the screen and keyboard are very close together and there
is really no right way to use a laptop because if you position the screen at the
right height for your back and neck, it will cause you to have to lift your arms

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 and shoulders too high to use it and vice versa…no matter what it will probably
cause a problem for you somewhere.

Tips to Consider

• Use a desktop computer that is set up ergonomically-correct for you as

frequently as possible; only use a laptop intermittently.
• Use separate laptop equipment, such as a wireless mouse or keyboard or a
laptop stand.
• As always, take frequent breaks.
• If you have to take your laptop with you, make sure to carry it in a backpack or
luggage; otherwise it may cause extra strain on your muscles from carrying it.

8. Sleeping Problems

• Artificial lighting that is given off from computer screens can actually trick your
brain and suppress its release of melatonin – the substance that assists your
sleeping patterns.

Tips to Consider

• Refrain from using a computer right before going to bed.

• Resort to reading a book or something to that degree prior to going to bed, so
falling asleep may come more easily for you.

9. Hearing Loss From Headphones

• At times you may be required to use headphones in order to better concentrate

on something or maybe because the background noise level is too high.
• Frequently individuals will turn the volume up very high, when actually it would
not even need to be close to that volume to hear the audio effectively.
• Listening to audio with headphones on a consistent basis and using a volume
that is too high can result in hearing impairment.

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Tips to Consider

• Keep the volume of your headphones down to a tolerable level, one that blocks
out any extra noise but that is just loud enough for you to hear.
• Listening to your headphones at approximately 80 decibels is recommended; if
you are unaware of what that sound level is it can easily be researched.

10. Increased Risk of Blood Clots

• Being immobile and not allowing your blood a chance to get moving around your
extremities may cause it to pool, creating build-up of blood cells that will
eventually clot (or stick together) due to not being able to be circulated around.
• Blood clots can be life-threatening if they break away from where they are
lodged and travel to another area, such as your lungs.

• Sitting in one position for too long (especially if your legs are crossed), generally
over a period of over 4 hours, can greatly increase your risk for this.

Tips to Consider

• Avoid crossing your legs when using a computer for an extended period of time.

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 • Take many breaks and stretch your legs to get the blood flowing to decrease the
chance of it pooling in your extremities.
• If you do have to sit for an extended period, make sure to bend and move your
extremities even while sitting because any little bit will he

Measure that protect hardware and software

• Burglar proofing the room- It includes fitting grills on doors, windows, and
roof to control forceful entry into a computer room.
• Installing fire prevention and control equipment such as smoke detectors,
non-liquids based fire extinguishers.
• The room should be well laid out with enough space for movement and
setup of computers.
• Powering the computer on/off, the computer should be always be switched
off using the correct procedures to avoid loss of data and destruction of
software.
• Dust and dump control, the room should be installed with good windows
curtains and an air conditioning system that filters dust particles.
• Insulating power cables, cables and power sockets should be well installed
and be of the correct power rating to avoid short circuit.
• Avoid taking meals in the compute laboratory, food particles may fall in
moving computer parts like keyboards.

Data and software loss

Data loss is defined as unexpected missing of data files from a computer system

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Factors that can lead to software and data loss.
There are many factors that may lead to data loss or software loss. Some of them have
been described below

1. Deleting files accidentally

- Data files deleted from the computer unintentionally by the user
2. Viruses and damaging malware
- Data files may be damages by viruses
- There are numerous new viruses which attack computers every day.
- Being connected to worldwide network has many advantages; however, it opens
computers to many serious risks. may differ greatly but the majority of viruses
affects operational software, misuses Internet connection and damages stored
data.

3. Mechanical damages of hard drive

- Hard drives of computers are the most fragile parts of computers; they break
down more often than any other device connected to computing.
- There are so many moving parts inside of hard drives that it is no wonder they
break down so easily.
4. Power failures

There are two adversary effects of power failures.

- When you are halfway through writing a long article and you have not saved it
yet, then in case of power going out you lose your data. This is perhaps the
simplest example but imagine working with sophisticated databases or creating
detail-rich graphic illustrations...you get the idea what can happen if you lose
power during working.
- Another, even deeper problem may arise when power failures affect operation

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 systems or hardware of computers. Shutting computer down suddenly without
proper shutdown procedures may cause problems with rebooting operation
system later.

5. Theft of computer
- It is a real tragedy to lose both computer and data at the same time .
- There is always the danger of burglars breaking in to your home and stealing
electronic devices. While traveling, you may leave your laptop unattended; lose it
in an airport, conference centers, coffee shops or any other crowded place.
6. Spilling coffee, and other water damages
- Since laptop usage has been growing during past few years, the damages
caused by spilling drinks on to the computers have become more often as well.
- Average laptop does not have extra covers to protect internal parts from getting
soaked
- Liquids cause short circuit of important electronic components and they are really
hard to recover afterwards.
7. Fire accidents and explosions
- Explosions happen rarely but fire most probably completely destroys both you
computer and data saved on it.

- Fire is also dangerous to the backups that are stored in the same house. For
example, having weekly backups stored on an external hard drive which is kept
in same building does not help much if the building burns down.
- In this case, both computer and backup drive will be destroyed and data will be
completely lost. The safest practice against fire is to make regular backups and
keep them in other (different) locations.

Measures against loss of data and software

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 1. Up – to- date antivirus program must be installed in the computer.
2. Make sure you scan all external storage media and e-mail for viruses
3. Take regular backup of all the important data and software and store in a safe
place.
4. Connect the computers to a UPS to prevent data and software loss during power
surge
5. All data must be properly saved and the computer must be safely shut down.

6. Enforce physical security to avoid theft of computer and computer accessories

7. Use trusted software to a void corrupting the operating system.
8. Write protect the storage media so that only the trusted users can save content
on the storage media.
9. Handle the storage devices and media with care to avoid damage due to
dropping, dust heat, water or magnetic effects.

Safe disposal of computers components

Computers that you no longer need should be disposed of with great care. The data on
your computer can easily be accessed whether you sell, scrap, give away or donate it,
and even ‘deleted’ data can be retrieved with relative ease by criminals.
The following are risks associated with careless disposal of computers

1. The personal information stored in files on your computer can be accessed and
used for criminal activity.
2. Any passwords stored on your computer could give access to secure websites
holding your personal and financial information.

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 3. Any browsing history stored on your computer can be accessed.
4. Emails stored on your computer can be accessed.
5. Disposing of your computer without having retrieved the information you may
need in the future may cause inconvenience or disruption.

Guidelines for Safe Disposal of computers

1. Copy all of the data you will need in the future, on to your new PC or storage
device, or back it up in the cloud.
2. Fully erase the hard disk(s) so that any personal information is completely
deleted. Simply deleting files is not enough to permanently erase them.
3. Ensure that any CDs or DVDs which contain your data are removed from the
computer.
4. Don’t forget that your CDs, DVDs, memory cards, USB sticks and other USB
connected devices may also contain your sensitive data and should be disposed
of with equal care.
5. If the computer equipment is at the end of its life and you do not intend to sell it
or give it away, take it to a proper disposal facility, which will ensure that is
dismantled and the components recycled correctly and responsibly

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 6. Donate, resell, or recycle.

- You can’t just throw your computer away. There are various components within
a computer that are either environmentally toxic, such as mercury and lead, or
valuable, such as copper, aluminum, and gold.

- Because of this, there are many programs available to help take your old
computers off your hands.

Computer Viruses

A computer virus is a type of computer program that, when executed, replicates itself
by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code.
Types of Computer Viruses
The following are the common types of computer viruses
1. Boot sector virus

This type of virus can take control when you start — or boot — your computer. One
way it can spread is by plugging an infected USB drive into your computer.

2. Web scripting virus

This type of virus exploits the code of web browsers and web pages. If you access such
a web page, the virus can infect your computer.

3. Browser hijacker

This type of virus “hijacks” certain web browser functions, and you may be
automatically directed to an unintended website.

4. Resident virus

This is a general term for any virus that inserts itself in a computer system’s memory. A
resident virus can execute anytime when an operating system loads.

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5. Direct action virus

This type of virus comes into action when you execute a file containing a virus.
Otherwise, it remains dormant.

6. Polymorphic virus

A polymorphic virus changes its code each time an infected file is executed. It does this
to evade antivirus programs.

7. File infector virus

This common virus inserts malicious code into executable files — files used to perform
certain functions or operations on a system.

8. Multipartite virus

This kind of virus infects and spreads in multiple ways. It can infect both program files
and system sectors.

9. Macro virus

Macro viruses are written in the same macro language used for software applications.
Such viruses spread when you open an infected document, often through email
attachments.

What are the signs of a computer virus?

A computer virus attack can produce a variety of symptoms. Here are some of them:

❖ Frequent pop-up windows. Pop-ups might encourage you to visit unusual

sites. Or they might prod you to download antivirus or other software programs.
❖ Changes to your homepage. Your usual homepage may change to another
website, for instance. Plus, you may be unable to reset it.
❖ Mass emails being sent from your email account. A criminal may take
control of your account or send emails in your name from another infected
computer.

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 ❖ Frequent crashes. A virus can inflict major damage on your hard drive. This
may cause your device to freeze or crash. It may also prevent your device from
coming back on.
❖ Unusually slow computer performance. A sudden change of processing
speed could signal that your computer has a virus.
❖ Unknown programs that start up when you turn on your computer. You
may become aware of the unfamiliar program when you start your computer. Or
you might notice it by checking your computer’s list of active applications.
❖ Unusual activities like password changes. This could prevent you from
logging into your computer.

Ways in which viruses are spread

❖ Sharing of infected removable storage media
❖ Downloading of untrusted freeware and shareware
❖ Through e-mails
❖ Accepting software updates from invalidated sources

Ways of preventing the spread of virus viruses

❖ Avoid sharing of infected removable storage media
❖ Avoid downloading untrusted freeware and shareware.
❖ Install and update trusted antivirus software

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