What is the first step to perform hardware maintenance on a computer?

The first step to perform hardware maintenance on a computer is to turn off the computer and remove its power source. This is critical because working on a powered device can pose serious safety risks, including the risk of electric shock or damage to the components.

When the computer is powered down, it ensures that all electrical components are safe to handle, allowing for a secure environment for maintenance tasks. Once the power is removed, it becomes easier to safely access the internal hardware without the risk of electrical shorts.

While unplugging external devices is a necessary precaution, it comes after ensuring that the computer is turned off and unplugged from its power source. Running a virus scan and backing up data are important maintenance tasks, but they are typically unrelated to the physical upkeep of the hardware and do not need to be the first steps in the process. Hence, ensuring that the device is completely powered off is the fundamental first action to take in hardware maintenance.