Read an Excerpt
COMPUTERCARE'S LAPTOP REPAIR WORKBOOK
THE 300 CASES OF CLASSIC NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR
By Ashok Liu
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2012 Ashok liu
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-0540-2
Chapter One
Frequently asked questions with the methods to repair laptop
1.1 Notes on using a laptop
1.1.1 Should we let laptops run uninterrupted for a 24 hour period?
All laptops are designed and manufactured to meet an operating life expectancy requirement. The longer the design life, the more expensive the laptop. For example, a light-bulb can be rated to operate for 1000 hours of use before it fails. It may last longer or sometimes less, but on average it will be 1000 hrs. A more expensive light bulb might be rated for 2000hrs.
Laptops are considerably more complex than a light bulb but the same principles do apply. Obviously turning off a laptop when not in use will prolong its life expectancy.
Most manufacturers set their standard (home-use) laptops to operate uninterrupted for 8 hours. Keeping the device running for a longer period of time may result in damage to the internal components due to lengthy exposure to heat.
Cooling fans are a mechanical device and will wear out over time. The less it runs, the longer it will last. The fan will also tend to clog up with dust and dirt over time causing your laptop to overheat and thus degrade components.
Do not obstruct the air flow vents on your computer. Avoid smoking tobacco when using your laptop. These will accelerate the aging of your laptop.
Avoid using your laptop in a high temperature, or damp environment. This can drastically reduce the life expectancy of your laptop.
Commercial laptops are built to be run continuously, but are much more expensive to buy. You will not likely have one of these.
Personal laptops are not commercial laptops. Don't let them run continuously. Even if you use a commercial laptop, it is still good practice to turn it off at night unless it must remain active for a 24 hour period.
The laptop view screen is also affected by overheating. The LCD (liquid crystal display) degrades over time, and the image quality will deteriorate until there is nothing but a blank screen. Prolonged usage of the laptop without the recommended cool down time will cause the breakdown of the LCD, thus shortening the life span of the laptop.
The battery is probably the most dangerous component of the laptop when allowed to overheat due to reduced ventilation or any other reason. In extreme conditions it might explode. Shut your laptop off and let it cool if your laptop feels too hot.
In conclusion, the laptops of today are not intended to run continuously. Shortening the time that you use the laptop, and remembering to give the laptop a cool down period, will greatly improve and prolong the life span of your laptop.
Chapter 1 notebook Common Questions
1.1 Notes on using a laptop
1.1.2 What is the most pivotal factor influencing a laptops life expectancy?
Over the years there has been much discussion on the relationship between laptop useful life vs. accumulated operating time (AOT). Useful life or life expectancy is often defined as the point at which the manufacturer ceases to support the product. For our purpose we will define it as the point at which unit repair is no longer cost effective. We will concern ourselves only with hardware and not software.
It has been said that a factor affecting electrical apparatus' life expectancy is AOT. The more the laptop is used, the more durable it would be, and the less you use it, the shorter its life would be. This is an opposing view to the accepted theory. You might also hear this argument. At my work place, the computers have been running for 4 to 5 years without interruption, and we have never suffered a failure. Our family computer was finished within 2 years even though we did not use it continuously. I can only conclude that the more the computer is operating, the longer will its life expectancy will be.
Of course this is not exactly true. The computers referred to were operating in a highly controlled environment where temperature, dust, and humidity were all controlled.
Your laptop will not likely be used in this kind of environment but there is something to be learned from this story.
What is the most vital factor influencing laptop life expectancy?
The environment it lives in is the most important factor that will influence life expectancy.
The importance of the environment in which your computer operates, cannot be over stressed. Ambient temperature, humidity and clean environment are decisive factors that determine laptop life expectancy. An environmentally controlled computer room would be the ideal place to use your laptop if you want to run it continuously. Unfortunately our laptops have to be operated in much less controlled environments. It is important to be aware of this scenario and do your best to use your laptop in conditions that will prolong its life expectancy.
When storing your laptop for long periods of time, especially during humid weather, you need to run the laptop occasionally for a minimum of 1 hr but not more than 12, to allow the heat to dry it out. This will prevent the electronic components inside from being corrupted.
Do not store your laptop in a damp environment such as your basement, or in your automobile or a place where the sun will hit it and heat it. Keep it in a case and store it in a cool, clean, and dry environment in your house or office. Even a short period of 7 to 10 days improper storage is enough to degrade the laptop. You might find a perfectly good computer will not boot up when you bring it out of a bad storage situation. You need to be aware of, and avoid this bad practice that can shorten the life of your computer.
When a computer is run continuously in a poor environment its life expectancy will be greatly reduced. Dust accumulation inside the computer will inhibit proper cooling and the unit will run too hot. The fan and hard disc have rotating parts that wear out, and the more you operate, the shorter their lifespan and more so in a poor environment.
Power surges or spikes from your utility source are another condition that can cause your laptop to be degraded or fail. Your external power supply and internal battery will buffer out most of these, but strong surges such as generated by lightening, can get through by being radiated and travelling on the surface of the incoming power cable, it can link in by many ways. It is advisable to unplug your power supply and run on battery during a lightening storm. If your battery is fully charged, shut your computer off and disconnect the power supply when you are not using it. This will protect your laptop from surges and prolong the battery life.
Surges can also arrive via your internet connection if it is not wireless. Disconnecting the internet cable and working off line using your battery, would be the ultimate precaution for you and your laptop during a storm. Also disconnect the internet cable when you are not using the laptop.
Hardware maintenance for your laptop is just as important as your daily software maintenance. It does not have to be on a daily basis but needs to be occasionally done. The most important maintenance is of the preventive variety that we have been discussing. After that, periodic hands-on maintenance should be performed. The following tips will extend the life of your laptop.
Never restrict the laptop cooling
• A laptop radiator is an inexpensive device that can greatly enhance you laptop cooling. It will contain fans and is USB powered. You place your laptop on top of it. This device will make your laptop run cooler, and therefore increase its useful life span. It can even improve the computers performance. A good investment.
• Using your laptop on your lap is a bad practice. It will interfere with the cooling. Keep your laptop on a hard, flat surface. Not directly on your legs or lap,
• Never put your laptop on a carpet or on a bed, or other fabric surface. It will block the cooling and allow dust to be drawn in. This is a very bad practice.
• After turning off the laptop completely, put it into your brief case or backpack. Never put a laptop in a running or hibernation state in a case or in a small confined space. It can overheat and damage or ruin your laptop.
Keeping Your Laptop Clean.
How to Clean Your Screen
Cloth—Only use a 100%-cotton cloth that is soft and absorbent, either an old T-shirt, sock, or Turkish towel. Make sure you're not using a cotton/polyester blend that contains stiff filaments which can scratch an LCD's surface.
Paper towel or facial tissue should never be used because they contain wood fibers, also hazardous to LCDs, and definitely are not how to clean a laptop screen.
Also remember to never use a dry cloth on your LCD monitor. Dust particles moved around with even the softest cloth could create scratches.
Liquid—The best way to get a really clean laptop screen is to use 70% isopropyl alcohol, readily available at any drugstore or supermarket. It's perfectly safe for use on electronic equipment and LCD screens because it evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue. This lesser strength 70% isopropyl alcohol is used primarily for massages and muscle pain.
Certain household liquids should never be used on LCDs. These include ammonia and tap or mineral water, which leave permanent white spots and streaks. Household window cleaners should be avoided because they might contain ammonia, or other harmful chemicals which also can cause irreparable damage.
Another caution is to never spray a solution directly onto an LCD. Always spray the liquid on a cloth, only enough to moisten it slightly, and then apply to the screen in gentle, counter-clockwise motions.
How Clean Your Keyboard
One method is to use a can of compressed air. Be aware that a can of compressed air does not simply contain air but contains a toxic chemical. So be careful when handling it and never hold the bottle upside down. Just tilt it at an angle two or three inches away from your key board as you direct the air between the keys. The good thing about having a laptop is that if it is too difficult to tilt the can of air you can always tilt your computer. Just be careful not to drop it.
If you feel comfortable doing it, you can also hold your laptop upside down over a trash can and tap on it lightly to dislodge any remaining debris that might be hiding in there once you're done spraying.
There are many methods on the internet. Just Google and you will find them.
How to Clean a Laptop Fan and Heat sink
Cleaning a Laptop fan and heat sink requires taking the laptop apart. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, it can create static. Using compressed air to blow into the vents simply blows dirt into the interior of the laptop. This task should normally be carried out by a qualified technician, however, if you elect to do it yourself there are many good procedures published on the internet.
Cleaning needs to be done periodically but you should develop good habits when using your computer to keep it clean.
Do not eat or drink in the proximity of your computer. Take a break and do it elsewhere.
Do not smoke while using your computer.
Keep your hands clean.
Clean the external surfaces of your computer regularly. Weekly if you are using the computer often or for long periods.
Good habits will do much to extend the life expectancy of your laptop.
Do not use your computer in direct sunlight for long periods.
Use "SpeedFan" monitoring software to monitor and track your laptop temperature, hard drives and other parts. Check the voltage, fan speed, temperature and other data to see whether everything is OK. If not, diagnose the problem immediately. Adjust your power settings to help you get rid of unnecessary heat.
Your laptop BIOS controls many of the hardware functions in your computer. This includes the fan and automatic shutdown functions should your computer be overheating or developing other fatal faults that can cause damage. The manufacturer provides BIOS updates to improve the performance of your computer or correct bugs that are discovered. Check the manufacturer's web page occasionally for these updates and install them. This will provide you with additional protection against problems that can shorten the life of your computer.
Chapter 1 notebook Common Questions
1.1 Notes on using a laptop
1.1.3 What're the environmental factors causing laptop problems?
Keeping your laptop in good running condition requires you to develop good habits and knowledge of what will negatively affect its performance and life expectancy. You will avoid the repair shop and catastrophic losses of data if you follow a few simple guidelines to provide the optimum environment for your computer. Get the most from your investment. These guidelines will provide the optimum environment that is needed. The following environmental factors affect the performance and reliability of your laptop:
Shock and Vibration—Treat your computer gently. Don't drop or knock it. Don't use it on an unstable, uneven, or vibrating surface. Place it in a secure location when being transported in your automobile. Don't let it be jarred, slide around, or fall. When operating, your computer it is even more susceptible to damage by vibration or hard knocks. The hard disc and CD/ DVD drive have a low tolerance to this kind of abuse. It is easy to break the shell or screen by bad handling. Always be mindful of these unhealthy situations and avoid them.
Humidity—a humid environment can be very detrimental to your laptop. Components become degraded. Wire connections and connectors can oxidize and create intermittent problems. You should avoid operating or storing in a humid environment such as found in your basement.
Air Quality—It is very important to use the laptop in an environment that is as dust free as possible Dust is drawn into the computer through the intake vents where it will coat the fan and heatsink and lead to overheating, failure or degraded performance. Dust on the circuit boards or components can cause short circuits. Use of the laptop on a fabric surface such as your bed or your lap, not only blocks the ventilation, but draws in dust and dirt from the fabric. Smoking in the room with your computer or while using it, is a bad habit that can coat your screen and cause impurities to be drawn into the computer with resulting negative affects.
Temperature—the ambient temperature in which you are using your computer is an important consideration. Too hot or too cold can affect performance and accelerate aging. Rapid temperature changes when moving the computer can cause dew to form inside the computer, and lead to serious damage. A rapid 10 degree transition is sufficient to cause this to happen. It is important to be aware of these conditions and avoid them s much as possible.
Electromagnetism interference—strong electromagnetism interference will cause damage to your laptop. Keep your laptop away from appliances or entertainment systems by at least 15cm. keep it well away from a microwave oven. Please have a look at figure 1-1; 1-2; 1-3.
Notice: the environmental parameters above are typical and recommended, for optimum performance and long life. Please also refer to your user manual for parameters specific to your unit.
Chapter 1 notebook Common Questions
1.1 Notes on using a laptop
1.1.4 Transporting and carrying Your Laptop.
Your laptop can be damaged when you are carrying it with you.
Suggestions:
a) Use a properly fitting laptop bag to transport your unit.
b) Fully power off your laptop before placing it in your laptop bag. Do not close the laptop screen before it is fully shut down. That can prevent the laptop from completing the shutdown process. Placing your laptop in your bag while still running, will overheat it and possibly damage it.
c) Avoid packing items unrelated to your laptop in the bag. It should contain your laptop and essential accessories only. Be careful not to arrange the items in a manner that might scratch or damage the laptop. Take extra care not to place items on top of the cover that would stress it and damage the LCD screen.
d) Do not check your laptop when you are flying. Carry it with you. Make sure it is in a safe position in the overhead bins and nothing heavy is placed on top of it. It is best to place it under the seat in front of you.
e) Temperature variations and extreme high or low temperatures can occur during transport. Allow sufficient time for your laptop to stabilize its internal temperature to room temperature before you power it up. Temperatures changes greater than +/-10C when entering the room you will operate in, is sufficient for you to take this precaution. Please have a look at Figure 1-4; 1-5; 1-6.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from COMPUTERCARE'S LAPTOP REPAIR WORKBOOK by Ashok Liu Copyright © 2012 by Ashok liu. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
