The 10 Commandments of

Computer Care
Lesson 2: Protection & Care of the Computer System
1. Install Antivirus Software

• Antivirus software is
responsible for catching
viruses in spammy
downloads and fishy
websites. Some
programs are free,
while others cost
around $50-$100 per
year.
1. Install Antivirus Software

• Even if you
choose to pay
for the software,
it’s still far less
than what it
would cost to
have to restore
your system.
2. Perform Regular Software Updates

• Software updates
keep your PC
running smoothly.
Updates generally
contain fixes for
bugs and glitches
as well as
enhanced security
features.
3. Run Computer Maintenance

• Computer
maintenance is a vital
step in protecting
your computer. On a
PC, defragment your
computer regularly
and clean the
registry. Scans and
updates are also
necessary.
How important is disk defragmentation?

• Regularly running
the Disk
Defragmenter
utility improves
system
performance.
When the computer
saves files, it
fragments the files
into pieces and
How important is disk defragmentation?

• saves the pieces in

various locations on
the hard drive.
Windows takes
longer to access
files because it
requires additional
disk drive reads to
find the pieces.
4. Backup Files

• It’s a good idea to

backup all files so
that they are there if
something happens
to your computer.
External hard drives
are the popular
choice for backing
up photos, videos
and other files.
4. Backup Files

• Software-based
backups are also
useful and allow
you to go back in
your workstation
PC’s timeline in
case of a glitch.
5. Keep Your Keyboard Crumb Free

• It’s common to
eat over your
keyboard, but
it’s a habit you
should stop.
Crumbs are
more than a
nuisance;
5. Keep Your Keyboard Crumb Free

• they can
damage the
internal parts of
the keyboard.
6. Clean the Screen

• Another part of
your gaming
computer that
you should keep
clean is the
screen. Follow
the
manufacturer’s
6. Clean the Screen

• recommendations
for cleaning, and
always use a soft
cloth or wipes
specifically made
for electronics.
7. Remove Dust
from Vents and
Fans
• The fan and vents keep
your gaming PC from
getting too hot, but dust
can get inside and cause
them to run slow. Luckily,
you can either clean the
fan and vents yourself or
take your laptop to a
computer shop.
8. Use a Surge
Protector
• Just one power surge can fry
your gaming computer while
it’s plugged in. Protect your
system with an inexpensive
surge protector, and carry
one with you, too.
9. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

• Moderate
temperatures of 68
to 71 degrees
Fahrenheit are ideal
temperatures for
computers. Avoid
leaving your laptop
in a hot car or cold,
damp basement for
instance.
10. Carry
Laptops in
Cases

• If you bring your

computer with you
to school or work,
make sure that you
transport it in a
padded carrying
case.
10. Carry
Laptops in
Cases

• These cases not only

protect computers
from scratches and
dents, but also they
prevent them from
getting dust and
debris inside the fans,
and vents
Components of the
Computer System
Lesson 3: Hardware and Software Components
What is
computer
hardware?
• Computer
hardware is a
collective term
used to describe
any of the physical
components of an
analog or digital
computer.
What is
computer
hardware?
• The term hardware
distinguishes the
tangible aspects of
a computing
device from
software, which
consists of written,
What is
computer
hardware?
• machine-readable
instructions or
programs that tell
physical
components what
to do and when to
execute the
instructions.
Mouse
• A computer
mouse is a hand-
held pointing
device that
detects two-
dimensional
motion relative to
a surface.
Mouse
• This motion is
typically translated
into the motion of a
pointer on a display,
which allows a
smooth control of
the graphical user
interface of a
computer.
Monitor

• A computer monitor is
an output device that
displays information in
pictorial or text form. A
monitor usually
comprises a visual
display, some circuitry,
a casing, and a power
supply.
KEYBOARD

• A computer keyboard
is a peripheral input
device modeled after
the typewriter
keyboard which uses
an arrangement of
buttons or keys to act
as mechanical levers
or electronic switches.
Hard Disk

• A computer hard disk drive

(HDD) is a non-volatile
data storage device. Non-
volatile refers to storage
devices that maintain
stored data when turned
off. All computers need a
storage device, and HDDs
are just one example of a
type of storage device.
Optical Disk
An optical disc drive (ODD) in a
computer system allows you to
use CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray
discs to listen to music or watch a
movie. Most drives also allow
you to write data to a disc, so you
can create your own music CDs,
video DVDs or even create of
back-up copy of your important
data files.
 A motherboard is the main printed circuit
Motherboard board in general-purpose computers
and other expandable systems.
What is a
processor on a
computer?
The processor, also known as
the CPU, provides the
instructions and processing
power the computer needs to
do its work. The more powerful
and updated your processor,
the faster your computer can
complete its tasks. By getting a
more powerful processor, you
can help your computer think
and work faster.
RAM
Random-access
memory is a form of
computer memory
that can be read and
changed in any
order, typically used
to store working data
and machine code.
SMPS
A switched-mode
power supply is an
electronic power
supply that
incorporates a
switching regulator
to convert electrical
power efficiently.
Software

Software is a set of
computer programs
and associated
documentation and
data. This is in contrast
to hardware, from
which the system is
built and which actually
performs the work.