Users Guide

94  Computer Maintenance
References
Computer Maintenance
It is recommended that you perform the following tasks to avoid general
computer problems:
•Provide direct access to a power source, adequate ventilation, and a
level surface to place your computer.
•Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the
airvents.
•Back up your data regularly.
•Perform a virus scan regularly.
•Check your computer for errors using My Dell and other tools available
on your computer.
•Clean your computer regularly using a soft, dry cloth.
CAUTION: Using water or other solvents to clean your computer may
damage yourcomputer.
•Ensure that there is enough free space on your internal hard drive.
Nothaving enough free space may result in degraded performance.
•Enable automatic Windows and other software updates to address
software issues and improve computer security.
Power Management
Power management helps you reduce the electricity consumption of your
computer by regulating power supply to the various components. The BIOS
setup program and the operating system allow you to configure when the
power supply to certain components should be reduced or cut off.
Some common power-saving states in Microsoft Windows are:
•Sleep — Sleep is a power-saving state that allows a computer to quickly
resume full-power operation (typically within a few seconds) when you
want to start working again.
•Hibernation — Hibernation puts your open documents and programs on
your hard disk, and then turns off your computer.