Several factors come in to play when computers fail. Below are just a few:
Excessive Heat: Most computers are built to work in a temperature range of 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dust: Dust is everywhere and is responsible for several evils in a computer. First, it sticks to the internal components like the circuit boards, causing thermal insulation. The second dust evil is that it clogs spaces such as the air intake area to the power supply or hard disk, and the space between the floppy disk drive head and the disk.
Magnetism: Magnets can cause permanent loss of data on hard or floppy disks. There are magnets in phones that ring instead of beep, speakers, monitors, magnetic screwdrivers, magnetic clips and paper holders all have magnets themselves. It is best to keep everything magnetic away from computers and floppy disks.
Electricity: Power problems can be caused by over voltages and under voltages, power blackouts, spikes and surges. Over voltages can damage a chip because too much voltage destroys the circuits. Under voltage is undesirable because the power supply will draw too much current. This heats up and destroys components. Spikes are brief over voltages under a millisecond in length, and surges are over voltages from a millisecond to seconds.
Water & corrosive agents: Liquids can be very hazardous to the computer’s health. These are caused by operator spills, leaks and flooding. Certainly operator spills can be controlled by not having liquids near the computer. However, leaks and flooding are not always preventable. Corrosion of computer components can be caused by sweat in skin oils. Carbonated liquids contain carbonic acids and coffee or tea contains tannic acids, which both lead to corrosion. Cleaning fluids also contain ingredients that can cause corrosion. It is best to be cautious when using any sprays or liquids around computers.
Software Related Failures: Software failures are the most unpredictable to diagnose. Incompatible drivers that control hardware can affect the way software operates. It takes the proper balance of hardware, software and continued upkeep to keep a computer system operating at peak capacity.
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