Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing Maintaining & Upgrading Computers

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Maintenance & Upgrades Support issues  Methods  suitability Maintenance  Routine tasks Upgrading  Issues Working with the computer hardware  Static precautions  Electrical precautions

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Lean on me...PC Support… Hardware Support  Advising on new purchases  Maintaining & repairing existing equipment  Installing & testing new systems Software Support  Installing & configuring new software  Upgrading and maintaining existing software  Virus prevention & infection removal Operational Support / Requirements  Training staff  Maintaining data security  Advising on legal aspects of information systems  Maintaining machine configuration records

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Upgrading What to upgrade?  Depends on requirements Storage space Performance Specialist tasks  Usual upgrades Processor / Motherboard RAM Video Card Sound Card Secondary / Replacement Hard Disks Drives: Floppy, CD, DVD, ZIP, tape Interfaces  Usually via a card

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Lean on me... Support  Some form is technical support will be required  ‘Insurance’ in case of technical failure Especially with specialist equipment  Main types: Manufacturer  Usually provide a guarantee (fixed term) On site (in house) support  Involves employing one or more person(s) 3rd Party support  Service Level Agreements

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Keep on Runnin’… Maintenance  Checks of equipment working order Routine maintenance checks / tasks  Upgrading equipment and software  Keeping systems performance high  Continually updating any ‘live’ services Especially sales & marketing  Consumables Disks, paper, ink, CD-R’s, etc.

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Keep on Runnin’… Maintenance  ‘Prevention is better than cure’… Keep things running smoothly  but… ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ Too much poking and prodding causes problems  How often to perform checks?  What to do? Hardware? Software?

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Keep on Runnin’… Maintenance Tasks  Check for external visual signs Loose connections / Cards not seated properly Fraying cables  Cleaning Case, monitor, keyboard, mouse Removal of dust & crumbs Laws of cleaning:  Only use special fluid / foam  Use clean (lint free) cloths and splints  Don’t spray or pour cleaner directly onto the machine

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Keep on Runnin’… Maintenance Tasks  Discuss performance and needs with users Identify training needs Identify hardware / software needs or improvements  Backup Check users are backing up their own data Make backup of all central / server data  SCANDISK  De-fragmentation  Virus software update / sweeps

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Keep on Runnin’… Annual Maintenance Tasks  Clean inside case and all components  Check all connectors / plugs  Clean card edge connectors Using cleaning fluid and / or a rubber Alternately, decant some vodka  Clean floppy drive heads  Adjust / Degauss the monitor

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Troubleshooting / Fault Finding Making Users Aware  Cold Starts Don’t use a machine that has been at low temperatures straight away  Try to bring it back to room temperature  Moisture Don’t use a machine that has excess moisture or liquid near it  Allow machine or hardware to dry first  Viruses Make staff aware of methods, risks & consequences

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Troubleshooting / Fault Finding Making Users Aware  Handling How to handle equipment and components  Backups How to safely store data in case of disaster  Getting help Clear procedure to request & document assistance

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Troubleshooting / Fault Finding A support system or technician should:  Provide a prompt response  Use systematic methods to fault find  Maintain records on machines and modifications or jobs  Work safely Risk of electric shock  Many precaustions  One hand in the pocket approach Risk of Electro-Static Discharge (ESD)  Precautions  Work legally

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Working with the Computer Use proper tools  Screwdrivers Variety of flavours  Pliers Needle nose & standard  Snips  Torch  Cotton swabs  Cleaning fluid  Soldering iron, solder & de-soldering braid  Electro-static equipment  Tweezers / IC extraction tools  Hammer and saw Brute-force approach  Jelly babies

Computer Systems 1 ( ) Electrical safety precautions Don’t work with powered machine  No touching components  Don’t add and remove cards Safest method is to unplug Monitors and certain pieces of equipment can contain capacitors  E.g.- Electrolytic capacitors  Can hold a large charge, even when unplugged Don’t open Power Supply Unit (PSU)  Leave this to a qualified electrician

Computer Systems 1 ( ) ESD Precautions Always handle cards and components by their edges Touch insulated areas only Leave components in anti-static packing until needed Provide static discharge  Wrist bands  Desk / Floor Mats

Computer Systems 1 ( ) ESD Precautions Electrostatic  Protect sensitive hardware / circuits From static built up in your body Can irreparability damage components  Create a connection between the static source and ground / Earth Any grounded object will do  Taps  Radiator  Earth socket or stud  Computer chassis  Measures Electrostatic Wristband Electrostatic Mats Electrostatic Bags

Computer Systems 1 ( ) CS1 – Upgrading & Repairing Support issues  Methods  suitability Maintenance  Routine tasks Upgrading  Issues Working with the computer hardware  Static precautions  Electrical precautions