Chapter 10 Installing End-user Computer Systems

1. Chapter 10Installing End-user Computer Systems

2. Learning Objectives • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 2

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

4. Site Preparation • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 4

5. Locating System Components • 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 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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

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

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

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

14. Workstation Ergonomics Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 14

15. 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 Devices to Address Ergonomic Problems Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 15

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 16

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

18. Special Power Requirements 1. 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 18 continued

19. Special Power Requirements (continued) 3. 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 19 continued

20. Special Power Requirements (continued) 5. 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 20

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 21

22. More power tips • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 22

23. 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 • Dial-up modem • DSL • Cable modem • ISDN • Satellite • T1 or T3 • Wireless Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 23

24. Air Conditioning • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 24

25. Lighting Problems • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 25

26. Fire Suppression • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 26

27. Site Management Notebook • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 27

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

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

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 AdditionalHardware Installation Tools Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 30

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

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

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 33

34. Common Steps to Install Application Software • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 34

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 35

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

37. Installation Types • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 37

38. Tips on Applications Software Installation • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 38

39. Wrap-up Tasks • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 39

40. Chapter Summary • 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 Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 40 continued

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? Guide to Computer User Support, 3e 41