subject: Home Computer Maintenance And You [print this page] Computers have become essential tools for the daily activities of many families. Whereas thirty years ago the idea of a home computer was an exotic concept, today more and more families have multiple computers. Like any machine, the home computer will probably require some maintenance. It doesn't need oil changes like a car would, but appropriate preventive maintenance for the computer is just as important. A broken stove can't fix dinner without being repaired. Likewise, a broken home computer may not be able to check email or work on homework until it is fixed. We will be looking at some examples of both of these forms of computer maintenance.
Computers acquire the ability to perform tasks by running software, or programs, that "knows how" to do things. Sometimes this software has errors, or has become out of date as the world changes. New features or capabilities may also be available. Preventive maintenance updates to bring the software up to date are generally a good idea. Minor updates are often free or available on a subscription basis. Major updates may require purchasing new versions or releases. In both cases it may be possible to obtain the updates online. However, major updates sometimes require purchasing install media such as a CD or DVD.
Preventive maintenance also includes backing up key data files. Many home computers contain important data. Thinking about the impact to the family of losing this data is a good way to motivate one towards making backups! Some prefer using online backup services. Others like to have the backup on media (such as a tape or external hard drive) that they physically control themselves.
Virus scanning is also important. Tools for this are provided by many vendors. They can generally be configured to both keep themselves up to date and to perform scans automatically on a regular basis. Failure to do this may have dire consequences. The results of having a computer infected by malware are unpredictable, but never good.
Some computer failures are caused by software problems. When this happens, repair can often be effected with remote access. Many service providers have this capability. This is usually the fastest, cheapest way to fix a system, when it is applicable.
That is not the case if there is a hardware problem, such as a failed hard drive or a balky keyboard, When that happens, someone is going to have to get their hands on the machine. This may be done either in the home or in a service facility. If the computer is covered by a warranty or service contract, it will specify which. Otherwise, the owner will have to choose, based on cost and convenience.
As long as we have home computers, we will have computer maintenance for them. Computers have tended to become more reliable over time, but they are far from perfect that way. Computer maintenance will always be a balance of preventive maintenance and repair.
