You might not think your IT equipment needs any care and maintenance. After all, they're just machines, right? Wrong! When you take the time to care for the equipment, you will save money in the long run.
By Team Savant
Image: Jenny Ueberberg
Understand the Care and Maintenance for Each Equipment
You need to know what type of care they require, how often you should clean them, and the safety tools to use on each piece of equipment.
Here is a list of standard pieces found at most offices and how to take care of them:
1. Printer
Each printer has its specific requirements as far as cleaning goes. For example, most printers do not like liquid cleaners, which means an all-purpose cleaner may damage it over time. Instead, opt for dry wipes such as those used with computers/laptops because these will not harm the sensitive components inside the printer.
2. Computers / Laptops
This one requires the least amount of care and maintenance. First, wipe down their exterior with a microfiber cloth to clean away any dirt or grime that might be present.
3. Servers
These require more involved cleaning because they house the most sensitive of components. Be sure to check your server manuals for specific instructions on how best to keep it in tip-top shape, which may include:
Monitor and Track Their Performance
You can track the equipment by finding out if it is performing at an optimal level and its current state of health. Knowing this information will help you understand how to take care of your IT equipment best and implement preventative measures before any significant issues arise.
The right tools for proper monitoring are:
Monitoring software will give a lot more detail than just seeing red or green lights on a device because they also provide statistics such as the duration it was online, which processes were running, and other details that would help determine whether there's something wrong with the machine and why
Temperature monitors like a server room temperature monitor will help in monitoring the room and device temperature. Although having fans inside devices helps cool them down, it is essential to keep an eye on the temperature because too much heat can cause them to burn out and break down
Voltage monitor for voltage warnings will help ensure that your computer won't be at risk of electrical shocks or other problems that are due to low power
Have the Right Environmental Conditions
There needs to be adequate ventilation around the equipment. It would help if you also used it in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating, damaging the equipment.
Avoid placing them near places exposed to direct sunlight because this might affect their performance levels over time. It's best if you place your IT equipment away from sources of heat or cooling vents, humid air, and electromagnetic solid or radiofrequency fields too when possible
Use the Right Cleaning Tools and Techniques
Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the device. Instead, opt for a soft cloth dampened with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (which you can buy in any pharmacy).
Never touch the laser lens directly with your fingers; always wear gloves when handling it. Also, make sure that no one smokes near apparatus containing mirrors or lenses because the nicotine will deposit on them and reduce their reflective ability.
When cleaning a keyboard, do not spray the cleaning fluid directly onto it. Instead, use a can of compressed air to blow away dust and debris from between the keys before spraying a small amount of cleaner onto a soft cloth for wiping them down.
Conclusion
In conclusion, caring for and maintaining your IT equipment is vital to the performance of your equipment. Ensure that you have all the right tools, cleaning supplies, and environmental conditions will make a massive difference in how long they last and perform for you.
Make sure not to neglect any part of this process; even minor issues can quickly become more significant problems if left unchecked over time. Instead, be proactive and take care of each piece as soon as it begins showing signs or symptoms — then you can hopefully avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line. It's better to spend some money upfront than thousands of dollars later on replacement devices!