In computing, the term 'cleaning the inside of the computer' is associated with which activity?

Cleaning the inside of the computer refers to the practice of removing dust, debris, and other contaminants from the internal components of the computer, such as the fans, heat sinks, and circuit boards. This activity is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of hardware components. By ensuring that these areas are clean, you prevent overheating and ensure that components operate efficiently. This process fits squarely within the category of preventive maintenance, which is designed to keep systems running smoothly and to avert potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.

Overclocking, hardware upgrades, and system programming do not involve cleaning activities. Overclocking pertains to pushing a computer's components beyond their specified limits for improved performance, while hardware upgrades involve replacing or adding new components to enhance system capabilities. System programming relates to creating software that interacts with the hardware at a fundamental level and does not encompass physical cleaning tasks. Thus, the connection between cleaning the inside of a computer and preventive maintenance is clear, as both aim to preserve the functionality and reliability of computer systems.