b) What the drawbacks of not upgrading may be.
(c) The need to check compatibility of software and hardware upgrades with other parts of a system.
(d) The importance of keeping informed about the potential improvements that upgrades bring and the drawbacks that may be involved in not upgrading.
(e) What information may be needed to take decisions about upgrades, such as about possible benefits, negative effects and returns on investment.

Manage files and maintain performance such as:
(a) Name and organise files and folders so that it is easy to find documents needed.
(b) Back-up personal data to suitable storage media at appropriate intervals, such as to server or floppy disc.
(c) Delete unwanted personal files regularly to maintain performance.
(d) Change default settings for saving data.
(e) Monitor performance and taking any necessary action to keep performance effective.

2.2 Clean external and internal hardware such as:
(a) Select suitable cleaning methods and materials.
(b) Clean hardware to make it work efficiently, such as keyboard, mouse roller ball or vents.
(c) Clean hardware to keep them looking good.

Avoid health and safety risks to self and others such as:
(a) Check own working conditions.
(b) Check electrical connections.
(c) Check arrangement of work-space.
(d) Carry out a risk assessment of own use of IT, including checking electrical loading of system.
(e) Check others’ health and safety.

2.4 Maintain hardware and software efficiently such as:
(a) Replace materials used in printers.
(b) Carry out routine maintenance to printers, following manufacturers’ instructions for users.
(c) Identify any non-routine maintenance needed to hardware and carry it out, by following manufacturers’ guidelines.
(d) Use system maintenance tools to maintain system performance, such as de-fragmenting a hard disc.
(e) Monitor and change basic input/output settings (BIOS), where necessary.

2.5 Enhance performance of hardware and software such as:
(a) Review the features and settings of hardware, make changes where necessary to improve economy, efficiency and performance.
(b) Uninstall software.
(c) Install maintenance updates.