Download A Guide to Computer User Support

IFS410.81 End User User
Support
Chapter 10
Installing End-User
Computing Systems
Site Preparation
 Pre-installation inspection
 Checklist of issues
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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
Locating System Components
 Locate computer system and devise strategies to conserve space
 System Components
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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 26-28 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
(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
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
Ergonomic Concerns
 Ergonomics is the study of how to design
computer systems and workspaces to
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Minimize health problems
Maximize worker
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Safety
Productivity
Comfort
Job satisfaction
Health Concerns Related to
Ergonomic Problems (Overview)
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Back or Neck Muscle Pain
Leg Pain
Eyestrain and Headaches
Wrist and Finger Pain
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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
Impacts of Ergonomic Problems
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Ergonomics are important concerns
Injuries
Permanent disabilities
Legal rules and regulations
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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 Tip: Ergonomics is an area where a user support specialist can develop
special expertise to add value to their employment or résumé
Power Requirements Overview
 Many small computer systems do not require
special electrical power
 Special situations:
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Outlets
Outlet wiring
Circuit amperage
Shared circuits
Power stability
Multiple computers
Special Power Requirements
1. Outlets
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Old buildings may have two-pronged outlets
Avoid “cheater” plug adapters
2. Outlet wiring
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Use LED tester
Test three-prong outlets to make sure the hot,
neutral, and ground prongs are wired correctly
continued
Special Power Requirements
(continued)
3. Circuit amperage
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Determine total amperage to see whether
circuit can handle the load of devices
4. Shared circuits
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Do not install computer system on a circuit
that services devices with heavy motors or
generators
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A dedicated circuit is preferable
continued
Special Power Requirements
(continued)
5. Power stability
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Get advice from local electric company
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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
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Consult electrical contractor to verify that
power is adequate and well-conditioned
Tips on Power
 Use an electrical power strip for convenience, but not
as an extension cord
 Best power strips include surge suppression features
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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
More power tips
 Avoid
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Stressed cables
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too tight
hard bends
Cables on floor or under carpet
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Wall-mounted cable conduits (runways)
Protective rubber conduits
Plastic ties to bundle cables
Telephone and Network Access
 Determine location of access points before installation in
case extension lines are necessary to reach installation site
 Identify type of network access
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Dial-up modem
DSL
Cable modem
ISDN
Satellite
T1 or T3
Wireless
Air Conditioning
 May be required in locations where a large number
of computer systems will be installed close
together
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Small office
Training room
Computer lab facility
Mainframe and minicomputer facilities
 Consult an HVAC specialist
 Determine BTUs of air conditioning capacity
required
Lighting Problems
 Light intensity
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Reduce lighting in over-lit areas
 Light source
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Position display screen to avoid glare on screen
 Light type
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Florescent bulbs may flicker at same rate as CRTtype monitor
Fire Suppression
 Electromechanical equipment can cause
fires, primarily due to power supply problems
 If no fire extinguisher system exists:
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Use portable fire extinguishers rated for
electrical fires (Class C)
Use Halon-substitute in gas extinguisher
Site Management Notebook
 A site management notebook consolidates
important information about a computer
system
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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
Contents of
Site Management Notebook
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Hardware configuration
Operating system configuration
Network configuration
Software licenses
Application software configuration
Special operating procedures
Warranty and repair information
Problem log
Backup media log