Workstation and Portable Computer Care
Policy Number: S-CC30
Policy Administration: Department of Administration, Information Services Division
Scope: Enterprise
Effective Date: 1-17-97
Date Last Reviewed: 1-17-97
Introduction
Users of computer equipment belonging to the State of Montana should care for their computer equipment and take steps to protect that equipment from physical harm. The protection of computer equipment is fairly simple and is necessary for reducing the workload on computer maintenance personnel and in keeping operating costs to a minimum.
Scope
This policy shall govern all entities within the Executive Branch of Montana State Government.
Policy
Users of State computers and computer equipment shall care for their equipment in a prudent manner consistent with Department of Administration and agency guidelines.
Guidelines
To protect data in the event of power fluctuations or outages, a surge suppressor or UPS should be on all workstations. Non-computer equipment such as heaters and fans should not share the same surge suppressor as the computer. NOTE: Most UPS's are not laser printer compatible. Be sure to read the documentation provided with your UPS.
Appropriate steps should be taken to give proper care and attention to computer hardware. All computer equipment is vulnerable, especially a keyboard, when coffee, pop, or any other liquid is spilled on it.
Computer screens and keyboards should be cleaned periodically with a computer non-static cleaner. Foam cleaner should not be used on computer components.
Care should be taken when positioning a computer in the work environment. The Network Administrator should be consulted for proper positioning of the hardware. Computers should be well ventilated. They should not be put in a position that covers the vent for the fan.
Care should be taken when positioning the computer electrical cords. They should not be positioned near a heating element, under file cabinets, or in a manner that may be a hazard for walking.
Monitor covers should not be used to cover the monitor when they are powered on.
Users must not connect or disconnect computer components while the computer is powered on.
Portable computers should be brought to room temperature before using them. They should not be exposed to extreme cold or heat for any length of time.
Disclaimer
Any exceptions to this policy will be documented by the agency security officer. Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.