Breaking your new Computer In: The Burn-In Test
One way to ensure that your new equipment is up to snuff is to put it through a special test called the burn-in test. The object of this test is to “break in” your new computer during its warranty period. If something is amiss, you want to know about it before the warranty expires.
Most computer dealers no longer perform burn-in tests on new equipment. The failure rate for computer hardware is now so low as to be insignificant. Computer dealers have therefore determined that the burn-in period is a waste of time and that you would rather have your new computer sooner than later. Therefore, you should perform your own burn-in test on a new computer.
When you take your new computer home, follow these two instructions:
* Keep your computer turned on 24 hours a day for 2 weeks.
* Once a day, turn the machine off, wait for a full minute, and then turn it back on.
Because of the way electronic components are designed, faulty chips usually go bad within their first 48 hours of use. By testing your computer this way, you’re certain to find any faults immediately. Turning the power supply off and on each day helps to ensure that it’s tough enough to stand the load.
After the two-week test, you can obey whatever on-off habits you have deemed proper for your computer. At that point, in fact, it will probably behave itself for years.
