Computer Systems 1 Fundamentals of Computing

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Computer Systems 1Fundamentals of Computing

• Maintaining Upgrading Computers

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Maintenance Upgrades

• Support issues
• Methods
• suitability
• Maintenance
• Routine tasks
• Upgrading
• Issues
• Working with the computer hardware
• Static precautions
• Electrical precautions

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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

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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

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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

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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-Rs, etc.

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Keep on Runnin

• Maintenance
• Prevention is better than cure
• Keep things running smoothly
• but If it aint broke, dont fix it
• Too much poking and prodding causes problems
• How often to perform checks?
• What to do?
• Hardware? Software?

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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
• Dont spray or pour cleaner directly onto the
  machine

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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

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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

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Troubleshooting / Fault Finding

• Making Users Aware
• Cold Starts
• Dont use a machine that has been at low
  temperatures straight away
• Try to bring it back to room temperature
• Moisture
• Dont 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

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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

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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

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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

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Electrical safety precautions

• Dont work with powered machine
• No touching components
• Dont 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
• Dont open Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Leave this to a qualified electrician

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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

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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

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CS1 Upgrading Repairing

• Support issues
• Methods
• suitability
• Maintenance
• Routine tasks
• Upgrading
• Issues
• Working with the computer hardware
• Static precautions
• Electrical precautions