Owner`s manual

Eagle 250 Owner's Manual, Revision 01
Chapter 3 - Keeping Your
Computer Happy
As you use your computer in your business, certain regular practices and daily habits can help keep it
performing at maximum efficiency. This chapter discusses:
•
The best environment for the computer
•
Taking care of the various components: the main enclosure, tape drives, and diskette drives
•
Backing up your data
•
Checking your disk data
WHERE SHOULD THE COMPUTER BE?
For your computer to do its best job, it needs to be in a clean environment it is comfortable in. Excessive
dust, extreme temperature, or very high or low humidity can cause computer failure.
Possibly your computer’s most critical need is enough reliable electrical power for all of its
components. The computer’s electrical needs are covered in the Eagle 250 Installation and
Technical Manual, and were no doubt considered when your computer was installed. If you need
to move the computer, make sure its new location meets its power requirements and is free from
electrical interference. You may want to check with your Alpha Micro dealer before relocating the
computer.
Most of the computer’s environmental requirements are just common sense: do not place it where people
may bump into it, trip over it, or use the cabinet as a desk or table. Never put drinks or food on the
computer—if a drop of coffee or chunk of doughnut gets inside the chassis, it could make the computer
fail.
In fact, anything, even excess dust, inside the chassis is not good for your computer. Try not to place it
in a high-traffic area. These areas have more dirt and dust, which can clog the computer’s air intakes and
cause cooling problems. High-traffic areas can also lead to static electrical discharge (from feet rubbing
on the floor or, especially, carpet) which can cause system resets and possibly damage delicate
components. To minimize static electricity, don’t place the computer on a carpet unless it’s unavoidable;
if you must, treat the area with anti-static spray regularly.
As far as temperature and humidity , if you’re comfortable, the computer probably is, too. The
temperature around the computer should be between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 32 Celsius), and
humidity should be between 10 and 90 percent.
It is very important for the health of your computer that you do not obstruct its cooling system. Allow at
least six inches behind the chassis for ventilation, and make sure none of its air intakes are blocked.
Specifically, do not place the computer on a surface which can block the air intakes on the bottom of the
chassis.