1. 1
Lesson 3
Computer Protection
Computer Literacy
BASICS: A
Comprehensive Guide
to IC3, 3rd Edition
Morrison / Wells
2. Lesson 3
Objectives
Identify the importance of protecting computer
hardware from theft and damage.
Explain how to protect data.
Identify environmental factors that can cause
damage to computer hardware and media.
Identify how to protect computer hardware from
power loss and fluctuation.
Identify common problems associated with computer
hardware.
2 Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
3. Lesson 3
Vocabulary
backup
data theft
driver
encryption
humidity
ping
power spikes
surge suppressor
uninterruptible
power supply (UPS)
3 Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
4. Lesson 3
Introduction
As the use of computers has grown in
volume and importance, protecting computer
systems and the information they hold has
become increasingly important.
There are many issues of computer
maintenance, the risks of computing, and the
measures that can be taken to minimize
those risks.
4 Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
5. Lesson 3
Protecting Computer Hardware
from Theft and Damage
Theft of and damage to computer equipment
is a serious problem. Safeguards include:
– Physically secure equipment
– Use security locks
– Mark equipment with identification mark
– Insure the equipment
– Back up data to a separate system
Employees using company computers for
personal use can be a type of theft.
5 Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
6. Lesson 3
Data Protection
Data is a critical component of businesses.
The risk and severity of data theft is due to:
– The value of data stored on computers
– Confidential and private data being stored
– Increased use of laptops outside a secure network
– Increased proficiency of data hackers and thieves
Encryption is a secure process for keeping
confidential information private.
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
6
7. Lesson 3
Data Protection (continued)
Data Backup:
Because data is so valuable, you must back up
important files regularly.
Backup procedures should place a priority on files
that would be difficult or impossible to replace or
reconstruct if they were lost.
Have secure backup procedures that include a
regular schedule for backing up designated files and
storing the backup files off site.
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
7
8. Lesson 3
Environmental Conditions
Computers require the right balance of physical
and environmental conditions to properly operate.
Temperature:
A temperature range of 68 to
75 degrees is optimal for
system reliability. A separate
thermostat can monitor
temperature and humidity
levels in a computer room.
8
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
9. Lesson 3
Environmental Conditions
(continued)
Humidity:
A high level of humidity can cause computers
to short circuit, resulting in the loss of data
and damage to hardware.
For optimal performance, the relative
humidity of the computer room should be
above 20 percent and below the dew point.
9
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
10. Lesson 3
Environmental Conditions
(continued)
Water Damage:
If a computer suffers water damage, make
sure it is completely dried out before you
restore the power.
Magnetic Fields and Static Electricity:
A single spark from static electricity can
damage the internal electronics of a
computer. Have grounding protection.
10
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
11. Lesson 3
Environmental Conditions
(continued)
Maintaining Equipment:
Cut down on computer repair through
preventive maintenance. Create a monthly
maintenance schedule and follow it regularly.
Physical Damage:
Prevent damage to portable computers due
to physical shock by transporting devices
with care, such as in padded cases.
11
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
12. Lesson 3
Power Loss and Power Fluctuation
Issues
An unexpected power outage can wipe out
any data that has not been properly saved.
Protect electronic devices from power spikes,
which are short, fast transfers of electrical
voltage, current, or energy.
Surge suppressors can
protect against power
spikes.
Surge suppressor
12
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
13. Lesson 3
Power Loss and Power Fluctuation
Issues (continued)
One option for preventing data loss due to
power outages is to install an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS).
A UPS contains a
battery that
temporarily provides
power if the normal
current is interrupted.
13
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
14. Lesson 3
Hardware Issues
You can resolve or prevent many hardware
issues by proper planning and training.
Crashed Hard Drive:
To evaluate the condition of the drive:
– Verify the cable is not damaged and is plugged in
– Use a boot disk to determine if drive is readable
– Use diagnostic and data recovery programs
– Use a data and recovery service
14
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
15. Lesson 3
Hardware Issues (continued)
Damaged Media:
Hard disks and other media eventually fail,
but often you can recover the data.
First, move it to a secure environment, then
inspect or test it to evaluate the damage.
The type of damage determines the type of
recovery method to use.
15
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
16. Lesson 3
Hardware Issues (continued)
Printer Problems:
Paper jams are one of
the more common
problems.
Display Problems:
The majority of display problems are caused
by incorrect, corrupted or missing video
drivers.
16
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
17. Lesson 3
Hardware Issues (continued)
Inoperable Hardware Devices:
Could be a software, electrical, or mechanical
problem.
A small program called a driver instructs the
operating system on how to operate specific
hardware.
Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity:
Means people cannot communicate or work
effectively.
17
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
18. Lesson 3
Summary
In this lesson, you learned:
Computer equipment needs to be protected
from theft and damage
Back up data frequently and consistently to
avoid losing important information.
The right balance of physical and
environmental conditions are required for
computers to operate properly.
18
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
19. Lesson 3
Summary (continued)
High humidity, water, and electric/magnetic
fields can damage computer equipment.
Preventive maintenance reduces equipment
repair needs.
Electrical power failure can destroy data and
equipment.
Surge suppressors can protect against
power spikes.
19
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E
20. Lesson 3
Summary (continued)
Computer centers are vulnerable to problems
such as a crashed hard disk, damaged
media, printer and display problems,
inoperable hardware devices, and loss of
network and Internet connectivity.
20
Morrison / Wells CLB: A Comp Guide to IC3 3E