Dell OptiPlex NX1 User's Guide - Page 17

This chapter covers general maintenance procedures for your computer system and environmental conditions that can affect the system's performance. Everyone inadvertently deletes files at one time or another. Also, hard-disk drives can fail after extended use, so it is not a question of whether you will eventually lose data, but when. To avoid such loss of data, you should regularly make backup copies of all hard-disk drive files. Dell recommends that you back up the hard-disk drive at least once a week and perform a daily backup of those files known to have been changed, such as your data files. Doing so ensures that you lose no more than a week's work and most likely only a day's work. Because your Dell OptiPlex NX1 system is connected to a network, most of the backup process is automatic. Your network administrator should have a backup location created on a server and a process for you to follow when performing the backup. If you have questions about the backup process, contact your network administrator. Dell recommends keeping your work environment clean to reduce the amount of dust and dirt around the computer, thereby reducing the amount of contaminants drawn into the computer by the power supply fan. Contaminant buildup increases the computer's internal temperature and interferes with the operation of various system components. In particular, you should keep the exterior of your computer and monitor clean. A conventional monitor or keyboard cover minimizes the accumulation of dust and other debris inside the monitor and keyboard when they are not in use. Also, commercially available keyboard membrane covers make it possible to use the keyboard while providing protection against foreign particles. Maintaining the System 2-1