Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook

Caring for your computer

To extend the life of your system:

Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.

When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in a carrying case.

Keep diskettes, modular drives, and your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.

Never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.

Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The case and LCD panel can become very brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.

Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled onto computer components, almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.

Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms.

Set up a regular maintenance schedule according to the following table to keep your computer running at its best.

Maintenance task

Immediately

Monthly

When needed

See...

 

after purchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create an emergency diskette

X

 

 

page 224

 

 

 

 

 

Check for viruses

 

X

X

page 226

 

 

 

 

 

Manage hard drive space

 

 

X

page 229

 

 

 

 

 

Clean up hard drives

 

X

X

page 230

 

 

 

 

 

Scan hard drive for errors

 

X

X

page 231

 

 

 

 

 

Defragment hard drive

 

X

X

page 233

 

 

 

 

 

222

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Gateway 1450 specifications Caring for your computer, 222, Maintaining Your Notebook