Chapter 10 Installing End-user Computer Systems

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 2 Site preparation steps for computer installations Tasks to prepare an installation site Purpose and contents of a site management notebook Tools needed to install hardware Steps to install and configure hardware Steps to install and configure an operating system Steps to install and configure software software packages Wrap-up tasks that installers often perform Learning Objectives

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 3 System Installation Overview

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 4 Pre-installation inspection Checklist of issues Space requirements Space constraints Storage requirements Ergonomic issues ADA or OSHA accommodations or issues Adequate power supply accessible Power conditioning required Telephone and/or network access Air conditioning required Lighting problems Fire suppression Site Preparation

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 5 Locate computer system and devise strategies to conserve space System Components System unit The footprint of a desktop case is its length times its width (measured in square inches) Keyboard and Mouse Optimal desk height is inches from the floor Monitor Optimal user view is straight ahead or slightly down Printer Optimal access for loading paper, retrieving print-outs, and clearing jams Locating System Components

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 6 Locating System Components (continued) Supplies (manuals, ink/toner cartridges, media, printer paper) Convenient access Tip: avoid storing paper in damp area Tip: avoid storing magnetic media near generators, motors, electric and phone equipment Furniture considerations Importance of adjustable chair Adjustable: seat height, seat swivel, tilt, backrest, arm rest Waterfall seat edge 5-leg base

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 7 Space Constraint Solutions Separate computer worktable Flat panel display screen Monitor arm for CRT display Keyboard shelf Locate system unit and peripherals under or close to, but not on, user’s desk

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 8 Ergonomic Concerns Ergonomics is the study of how to design computer systems and workspaces to Minimize health problems Maximize worker Safety Productivity Comfort Job satisfaction

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 9 Health Concerns Related to Ergonomic Problems (Overview) Back or Neck Muscle Pain Leg Pain Eyestrain and Headaches Wrist and Finger Pain Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) result from continuous use of joints in a limited range of motion Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common form of repetitive strain injuries that affects wrists and fingers

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 10 Back or Neck Muscle Pain or Numbness

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 11 Leg Pain or Numbness

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 12 Eyestrain and Headaches

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 13 Wrist and Finger Pain

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 14 Workstation Ergonomics

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 15 Devices to Address Ergonomic Problems Adjustable tables and work surfaces Adjustable chairs Footrests Keyboard shelves Alternative (natural/ergonomic) keyboards Alternative pointing devices (trackballs and touchpads) Wrist rests Mouse support rests Document holders Monitor arms Task lighting Antiglare screens Assistive devices

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 16 Impacts of Ergonomic Problems Ergonomics are important concerns Injuries Permanent disabilities Legal rules and regulations Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tip: Ergonomics is an area where a user support specialist can develop special expertise to add value to their employment or résumé

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 17 Many small computer systems do not require special electrical power Special situations: Outlets Outlet wiring Circuit amperage Shared circuits Power stability Multiple computers Power Requirements Overview

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e Outlets Old buildings may have two-pronged outlets Avoid “cheater” plug adapters 2. Outlet wiring Use LED tester Test three-prong outlets to make sure the hot, neutral, and ground prongs are wired correctly continued Special Power Requirements

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e Circuit amperage Determine total amperage to see whether circuit can handle the load of devices 4. Shared circuits Do not install computer system on a circuit that services devices with heavy motors or generators A dedicated circuit is preferable continued Special Power Requirements (continued)

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e Power stability Get advice from local electric company Use metering device to measure quality of power Power conditioner is a device placed between computer and power source that regulates electrical power to keep it within acceptable limits 6. Multiple computers Consult electrical contractor to verify that power is adequate and well-conditioned Special Power Requirements (continued)

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 21 Tips on Power Use an electrical power strip for convenience, but not as an extension cord Best power strips include surge suppression features Certification: UL 1449 (second edition) Peak protection: at least 40,000 amps Clamping voltage: 330 volts or less Clamping response time: 1 nanosecond or less Energy rating (dissipation): 750 joules or more Status indicator: LED lamps Warranty against damage to protected equipment

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 22 Avoid Stressed cables too tight hard bends Cables on floor or under carpet Use Wall-mounted cable conduits (runways) Protective rubber conduits Plastic ties to bundle cables More power tips

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 23 Determine location of access points before installation in case extension lines are necessary to reach installation site Identify type of network access Dial-up modem DSL Cable modem ISDN Satellite T1 or T3 Wireless Telephone and Network Access

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 24 May be required in locations where a large number of computer systems will be installed close together Small office Training room Computer lab facility Mainframe and minicomputer facilities Consult an HVAC specialist Determine BTUs of air conditioning capacity required Air Conditioning

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 25 Light intensity Reduce lighting in over-lit areas Light source Position display screen to avoid glare on screen Light type Florescent bulbs may flicker at same rate as CRT- type monitor Lighting Problems

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 26 Electromechanical equipment can cause fires, primarily due to power supply problems If no fire extinguisher system exists: Use portable fire extinguishers rated for electrical fires (Class C) Use Halon-substitute in gas extinguisher Fire Suppression

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 27 A site management notebook consolidates important information about a computer system Useful to operate, diagnose, troubleshoot, reconfigure, upgrade, and repair system and its components Critical in multiple-computer situations where many support staff are likely to work on various components Site Management Notebook

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 28 Hardware configuration Operating system configuration Network configuration Software licenses Application software configuration Special operating procedures Warranty and repair information Problem log Backup media log Contents of Site Management Notebook

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 29 Screwdriver set Slotted Phillips Nut driver Pliers Regular Needle-nose IC chip extractor/inserter Parts-picker Basic Hardware Installation Tools

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 30 Pocketknife Small parts container Mirror Small flashlight PC Pocket Reference Isopropyl alcohol Lint-free cloth or foam tip brush Antistatic wrist strap Electrician’s tape Compressed air Circuit tester Multi-meter Additional Hardware Installation Tools

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 31 Typical Hardware Installation Toolkit

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 32 Following hardware installation safety precautions: Unpack the system Connect power and signal cables, basic components Install upgrades Test the system Common Hardware Installation Steps

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 33 Common Operating System and Network Installation Steps Make backup copies of existing system and data Install operating system software Configure network connectivity Install client software Dial-up networking LAN networking Perform network administrative tasks User accounts Access rights

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 34 Determine whether software is compatible with hardware and network Make backup copies of user data files Choose type of installation Install special devices drivers Configure application to meet user needs Install organization-specific utilities, templates, or style sheets Reboot and test all applications Common Steps to Install Application Software

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 35 Application Software Compatibility Issues CPU types the software runs on Amount of memory the software requires Amount of hard drive space the software requires for full installation Whether the software is compatible with hardware peripherals Whether the software is compatible with the user’s network environment

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 36 Installation Media Distribution media is the original vendor copies of software CD-ROM Floppy disk Internet download

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 37 Express (typical or common) Most commonly used features Custom (special or expert) User selects specific features to install Minimal (laptop or space-saver) For users with little hard drive space available Smallest set of functions and features possible Full (maximum or complete) All program features Takes maximum amount of hard drive space Installation Types

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 38 Close all open programs prior to installation as a precaution Retain license information, installation key codes (in Site Management Notebook), and distribution media To reduce staff time to install and maintain application software: Download or launch software upgrades from server Use an application service provider (ASP), which is a vendor that sells or rents access to applications software Tips on Applications Software Installation

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 39 Document system settings Back up critical files Create rescue disks Fill out warranty and registration cards Document problems Address ergonomic concerns Make sure user can use the system Wrap-up Tasks

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 40 Basic steps to install a computer system Site preparation Hardware installation and configuration Operating system and network installation and configuration Application software installation and configuration Wrap-up tasks Site preparation steps for computer installations Location Ergonomic concerns Power requirements Network connectivity Air conditioning Lighting Fire suppression precautions continued Chapter Summary

Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 41 Chapter Summary (continued) A Site Management Notebook organizes information about a system in a convenient location Hardware installers need a variety of mechanical tools to aid with installation tasks Hardware installers follow several safety precautions when working inside the system unit Installers develop check lists of installation procedures for Hardware Operating system and network software Application software Wrap-up tasks The ultimate measure of installation success: Is the user satisfied?