Why this matters
Many computers in Ghanaian offices, schools and cyber cafes are older machines that have to keep working because budgets are tight. Harmattan dust, heat and unstable power shorten their lives. Adverts for desktop support and lab roles ask for preventive maintenance and repairs, and a technician who can keep old machines running saves an organisation real money.
Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance means looking after equipment before it fails. A simple routine, done every term or every few months:
- Clean the outside. Wipe screens with a soft, slightly damp cloth (never spray liquid directly on). Clean keyboards and mouse.
- Clear the dust inside. Switch off, unplug and, on a desktop, open the side panel. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to clear fans, vents and heat sinks. Hold fans still while you blow them so they do not spin too fast. Do this outside if you can, especially after harmattan.
- Check airflow. Computers need space around vents. Do not let laptops sit on beds or cloth that block the air.
- Check cables and plugs. Look for burnt or loose plugs, damaged extension boards and cables trapped under desks.
- Check health. Note any strange noises, very hot surfaces or swollen batteries (a laptop whose case is bulging or trackpad is lifting). Stop using a swollen battery and replace it.