Due to the complexity and importance of computers, the maintenance of computers and its related equipment must be given special attention. Note that computer maintenance involves the maintenance of both computer hardware and software since they are both important and decisively influence the operation of the system. Basically there are four (4) types of computer maintenance.
1. Predictive maintenance
The goal of this type of maintenance is to predict and prevent possible failure. Predictive maintenance is all about monitoring or checking your computer system to see if it is functioning properly or not. This type of maintenance is carried out frequently with the help of diagnostic tools which can control and inform you about the state of some computer aspects and components like the battery level, CPU temperature and more. Some diagnostic tools include the performance monitor, windows memory diagnostic tool, windows resource monitor, windows disk management, crystalDiskInfo (program for windows drive diagnosis) etc.
2. Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance is very common and is carried out to prevent possible failures and improve the function of a system. It is very useful because it does not only improve the functioning of a system, but also lengthens the useful life of the different components of the system. For example, it can decrease the number of system downtimes, detect weak points in the system that might affect its operation and reduce the number of repairs.
The preventive maintenance of software involves simple tasks like creating back-up copies, freeing-up hard disk space and RAM, installing and running antivirus checks, etc. Meanwhile hardware preventive maintenance can be better explained in 2 sub categories: active preventive maintenance and passive preventive maintenance. Active preventive maintenance usually involves tasks such as periodic cleaning of the computer equipment and its components while passive preventive maintenance involves taking care of the system by providing the best possible environment, for example separating the computers from areas with a direct impact of sunlight.
3. Corrective maintenance
This is the type of maintenance that is done or applied when the above two types of maintenance (predictive and preventive) do not work or have failed to avoid a problem from occurring with the computer. It refers to the any task or process that corrects a problem with the computer and returns it to proper state or working order. Corrective maintenance involves identifying the problem, the cause of the problem and preventing it from reoccurring. It takes place when an issue or fault is detected during routine inspection or when an equipment breaks down.
Corrective maintenance tasks can be planned or unplanned. An unplanned or unscheduled maintenance is corrective maintenance that takes place when a breakdown occurs suddenly. This is because no plan or measure was put in place. Planned maintenance can be divided in to 2: run-to-failure (when an equipment or system is allowed to run until it breaks, at which point it is repaired or replaced. This is suitable only for systems that are easy to repair and replace) and preventive planned maintenance where problems are identified and addressed during maintenance inspections.
The disadvantage of corrective maintenance is that it is costly and it is unpredictable as it can lead to bigger problems and unforeseen downtime if a system fails or breaks down suddenly.
4. Evolutionary maintenance
It is important to use the most appropriate combination of computer systems, networks, infrastructure and software to carry out the tasks you want to do, and this is where evolutionary maintenance comes into play. Evolutionary maintenance is not meant to correct or prevent possible failures but to develop the system of your computer so it can perform more efficiently.
Evolutionary maintenance ensures that the computer systems do not become obsolete but remain updated in order to offer the users the best technology options, because technology is always evolving and that means that the tools available and the needs of users also change constantly. This type of maintenance includes both hardware and software such that hardware can be completely replaced and software updated to advanced versions if needed, for better PC performance.