Practical 1

For this practical we had a computer that had a busted power supply. So we got another computer to try and switch the power supply over to the computer with the busted power supply, but before we attempted this we had to hook up a static mat into the socket, this helped static our body to stop any electrical charge damaging the components of the computer. So when we attempted to switch the power supply to see if would fit, we found out that it was a different size and that it was no good to us. So because of this our practical has grinded to a halt for now...


This is a static mat that is very
similar to the one we used


pcvalet.co.uk/Default.aspx?go=ProductDisplay...

Planning & Performing Computer Maintenance

Maintenance

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/13603.aspx


I have posted a link above which demonstrates the importance of computer routine maintenance. If computer routine maintenance is not carried out on a regular basis, then this is not a good idea. There are many problems which can occur if routine maintenance is not performed correctly or at all. Some of the problems that may occur are:

• Computer proccessing speed will dramatically decrease.



• Will take longer to find and load up any documents or other files on the hard disk if defragmentation is not performed.



• If software such as anti-virus software, or spyware/adware software is not updated then this leaves your computer extremely vulnerable to viruses and this could eventually lead to the shutdown of your computer, and possibly time to get a new computer.

Planning

Planning maintenance is a very effective way to help organise the task at hand. I will give a few examples which are relevent to how important that planning is; one example would be sat nav's, you type in your destination from your home or wherever you may be, the sat nav will plan the best route for your journey. Another example would be gantt charts. These charts are created for the purpose of showing the user intended start and stop dates for computer elements of the project at hand.

A Simple Gantt Chart

www.fao.org/docrep/007/y5471e/y5471e06.htm

A Top-Of-The-Range Sat Nav

http://www.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tom-tom-sat-nav.jpg

Computer Maintenance Essentials

Seven Computer Maintenance Essentials:


• Establish a relationship with a supplier you trust
• Regular backups
• Firewall and virus protection
• Different email addresses and backup websites in case of emergencies or disasters
• Keep records of your installed applications

Policies & Procedures

There are many policies and procedures that are put into place within Omagh College to help attain computer maintenance. Some of these policies would include:

• Acceptable Use Policy - This is put into action as soon as any student tries to log into a computer, it is in place to make sure that the student does not do anything unacceptable or illegal, such as downloading illegal software or files, or looking at anythiing that is not relevant to the task they are working on. And when the student clicks the 'ok' button they are agreeing to the terms of this policy before they can log on.
  

• Vision client - This is a program(or piece of software) that is installed onto all members' of staff computers' and they then have the choice to run this program during class. this program is designed to monitor all of the students in the class' computers and the member of staff can then look at any of their students' computers to see what they are doing and can also block them out of their computer if they are doing something they aren't supposed to be doing.

• Desktop Authority - This allows IT Technicians to secure, manage and support desktops from the technician room . Desktop Authority also offers Remote Management, and optional Spyware Removal and Patch Management features. This allows the technician interactive management and remote control of student or teacher computers, anytime and from anywhere, and the ability to secure and patch desktops to protect against a wide range of threats like spyware, adware or any other types of viruses.

Health & Safety When At A Computer

Health & Safety

Eye Strain

• Position the computer at right angles to a window if the computer is near a window. Avoid facing directly into bright light that may be shining in from behind the computer.


• If it strains your eyes to look at the monitor, you may have to purchase an anti-glare screen.


• Or you could adjust the brightness controls on the montor until they are comfortable to your eyes.

Neck & Back Strain

• Sit up straight.

• The monitor screen should be a compfortable distance away from your body.

• You should try to purchase a computer chair that has wheels at the bottom, and a backrest adjustment in order to be completly comfortable.

• Be sure you have enough desktop space for maybe a printer or other equipment you may need.

Itchy & Bloodshot Eyes

• Be sure the screen doesn't flicker or wave as this could mean that adjustment is needed.
  
• Look away from the screen after a certain length of time.
  

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Computer Maintainence Tips

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxMDJjR4eQo&feature=PlayList&p=F5FDC3AA64FF75B2&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=22

Preventative Maintenance

www.barebones-computer-guide.com/computerpreventivemaintenance.html

Computer Maintenance

Most people do one of the following when their computer begins to slow down. They:

1. Improve their computer by buying more memory.

2. Decide to try and fix their computer's settings.

3. Figure that their computer is old and that it's time to buy a new computer.

All these solutions will improve a computer's performance. But, even a new top-of-the-range computer can also have problems and could even break down after a few months. a hard drive that is not defragmented regularly will also damages a newly bought computer. To be prepared for this all users can create a preventive maintenance plan. One that's easy to set up and execute so you you can always use it if needed

Creating A Computer Maintenance Plan

When people notice their computer's performance degrading, the most common reason is the hard drive. Your computer's hard disk is a non-removable area that holds all the information available from your computer. Over time, hard drives lose their ability to store data in an efficient way.