Computer Safety Tips

The computer is now an essential part of our life and most of us use it at home or office. A three-way monitoring is necessary while using the computer. If it is connected to the network and opened, as a computer is an electronic device it is necessary to use it cautiously. Since it generates a very high amount of radiation, proper precautions must be taken to avoid health hazards. Since the computer generates very high temperatures, we have to monitor its status to prevent fire hazards. The following safety tips will help you to use the computer wisely and safely.

Computer safety tips in a public place:

If you use the computer in a public place like an office or an Internet cafe, you should be careful to avoid unexpected problems.

1. Don’t save your login information. If you browse sensitive data such as bank account, always log out from the site. It is not enough to close the opened window or type a new address in the address bar. Many websites especially some social networks have a feature like an automatic log on and save the user name and password. If it is present, disable that option.
2. If you leave a public computer, always log out and close all windows. Don’t leave the computer with sensitive data displayed.
3. Don’t open emails that are not known to you. Unknown emails are not safe.
4. Always disable the features that store passwords. The internet explorer has the option to store the details of every page you visit. So it is safe to disable the option. It is a simple process.
   • Open internet explorer and click TOOLS and then click INTERNET OPTIONS
   • Then click on the Content tab and click SETTINGS
   • Click to clear the checkbox for USERNAMES ON PASSWORDS AND FORMS
5. Delete your browsing history. When you leave a public computer, it is safe to delete the history of the pages visited. For this, open Internet Explorer, click TOOLS and then INTERNET OPTIONS. Delete all history, typed in address and cookies.
6. Always use a surge protector or power strip with a built-in surge protector when the system is plugged into an outlet. This will protect the system  from a voltage spike or surge, including lightening or short circuits
7. Protect the system from spyware by installing Internet security software. Spyware or malware records personal data and sends it to a programmer or another third party to later be used for illegal purposes.
8. Password protects the computer to prevent data from being lost, misused, or deleted by any person other than authorized users.
9. If somebody is near to you while browsing sensitive information, watch closely and type the password carefully.
10. Avoid typing bank details such as passwords, credit card details, etc. on a public computer.
11. Do not open emails from unknown persons. If you accidentally open such emails, close it immediately and change the password. The password must be strong with characters, numerals, and alphabets.
12. Take precautions while downloading new software’s
13. Keep information about the latest technologies likes windows, Linux and UNIX systems.
14. Always update the Antivirus programmed and Firewall installed.
15. If you get a lot of unwanted emails in a day, direct them to Junk box so that they will be deleted automatically within around 5 days.
16.  Don’t forget to logout while using any social networks. Erase your tracks.
17. If you notice any type of smoke or smell, immediately stop what you’re doing and unplug the system.
18. Don’t wear any metallic things in hand while using computers.

Computer Radiation:

The computer generates a very high amount of radiation. If the Monitor is CRT type, the Pulsed Electromagnetic radiation will be available around the 1-meter radius. This is very high on the sides and rear of the computer. So always keep a safe distance of 3 feet from the monitor. Do not sit at the rear side of another computer. Radiation from the LCD monitor is less when compared to the CRT Monitor.

Always place the computer in a well ventilated and well-lit area. Glare from fluorescent lamps, shadows, etc will cause eye strain. Be careful while using computers because it may affect our eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome is the symptoms like eye strain, reddening of eyes, fatigue, headache, etc due to poor resolution of the monitor and changes in the flicker rate.

Adjust the brightness, contrast, color, and resolution, etc to the required level.

12 Ways to Avoid Fire Hazards due to Computer Processor:

The computer processor generates a very high amount of heat which passes out through the vents. It is necessary to take adequate measures to avoid hazards.

1. Most of the components of the Computer are coated with a Fire retardant. The Brominates Fire retardants may burn and emit toxic fumes if the heat inside increases. So always keep the computer in a well-ventilated area.
2. Do not keep any inflammable liquid such as perfume, shaving lotion, etc near the computer.
3. Periodically check the power cord. If there is any damage, replace it immediately.
4. Switch off the Monitor, if you are not using the computer for some time. It will not affect the working of the computer. Once you switch on the monitor again, the screen will be displaced after a few seconds.
5. Do not open the CPU, if you are not competent to do that. There is a high voltage inside.
6. Always unplug the power cord, before opening the case of CPU.
7. Most of the electronic components of the computer are static sensitive. So take Anti-static measures before servicing the computer. Do not wear woolen or synthetic cloth while working with the CPU. Also avoid wearing metal rings, bangle, etc while servicing the computer.
8. Unplug the computer, if there is lightning.
9. Use a safe internet connection.
10. Periodically check the backup time of UPS. If it is too low, then replace the battery. A Damaged battery will heat up and may cause a fire.
11. It is better to keep a fire extinguisher rated for Class A, B, & C fires near the computer.
12. Do not use water, if there is a fire in the computer. Switch off the Mains and UPS immediately and use the Fire extinguisher.

Laptop Safety Tips:

The laptop is a personal computer for mobile use. But unlike desktop computers, the laptop is always close to the body and it is necessary to know the safety measures to prevent hazards due to fire and heat. Let us see what causes the laptops to overheat. The Processor generates around 80-100 degree heat during its operation. For expelling heat from the Laptop, there is a cooling fan and air vents at the sides and bottom. If anyone or both fails to work, heat will accumulate inside. The Laptop battery is a Lithium-Ion type that has a pressurized container with a coil and an inflammable liquid. If the battery overheat due to overcharging or any other reasons, it may create sparks and the inflammable liquid will ignite. If the pressure is too high, the battery may explode. If the heat is too high that can also melt the components inside causing fire and expels toxic fumes.

Important Tips to Use the Laptop Safely:

1. 1. Periodically check the battery for its performance. If it is not giving backup time less than 10 minutes, replace it immediately. A faulty battery has high potential that can cause explosion and fire…
   2. Always keep the Laptop in a well-ventilated area on the tabletop. Do not leave the Laptop plugged in on a combustible surface such as a bed for a long time. The processor in the Laptop generates around 100 degrees and the heat is expelled through the vents present at the sides and bottom of the Laptop. If it is placed in the bed, the cooling fan fails to work and the heat will accumulate. The Lithium-Ion Battery may explode at high temperatures and can cause a fire. So do not keep Laptop in the On condition for a long time in the bed, especially while sleeping. It is recommended to unplug the Laptop when not in use.
   3. It is better to use Laptop in AC with the battery removed. Use battery only when you are on the go.
   4. Check the power cord periodically for any damage. A damaged power cord can cause sparks that lead to fire.
   5. Do not block the vents while using the Laptop especially when used on a pillow or bed. This may suffocate the laptop fan and heat accumulates.
   6. Clean the exterior, keyboard, and screen regularly to prevent the spread of germs. Accumulation of dust in the vents reduces the airflow. So periodically suck the dust using a vacuum cleaner.
   7. When there is overheating and fire, do not use water. Use a fire extinguisher to cease the fire.
   8. Do not keep the Laptop on the Lap. The heat directly passes to the lower abdomen and can cause ill effects. It is more serious in Men than Women. Overheating of the reproductive structures can cause low sperm count and high mortality of sperms.
   9. Keep all liquids away from the laptop.
   10. It is better to power down the laptop when not in use or while traveling and storing the laptop in a laptop bag. This also prevents overheating.
   11. Do not put the laptop on the floor because someone could accidentally step on it.
   12. Always use a surge protector or power strip with a built-in surge protector when the laptop is plugged into an outlet. This will protect the laptop from a voltage spike or surge, including lightening or short circuits.
   13. Protect the laptop from spyware by installing Internet security software. Spyware or malware records personal data and sends it to a programmer or another third party to later be used for illegal purposes.
   14. Password protect the laptop to prevent data from being lost, misused, or deleted by any person other than authorized users.
   15. While the laptop is on, do not move it around too much. The hard drive has moving parts and jostling it while it’s running could damage those moving parts.
   16. Do not store materials between the keyboards and screens while the laptop is closed. The screen could easily be scratched depending on the materials.

1. Never leave your laptop in a cold environment – When you bring your laptop into a warm place condensation will form and may cause electrical shocks throughout your laptop. Also if you turn it on while it’s still cold this can lead to overloading.

Follow the above-mentioned precautions to keep the laptop safe. It is very important to handle the laptop safely otherwise there is a lot of chance to get the laptop damaged. if you have queries on this topic or the electrical and electronic projects leave the comments below.

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