Computer System Maintenance

• Computer maintenance is important for the smooth operation and longevity of computer systems.
• The module contains two lessons:
  • Maintain Computer Systems
  • Maintain Computer Networks
• After completing the module, students should be able to:
  • Identify types of computer system maintenance
  • Prepare maintenance checklists and procedures
  • Understand network administration rules
  • Prepare LAN troubleshooting procedures

Maintain Computer Systems - Lesson 1

• Untreated computers accumulate dust/debris possibly resulting in slow performance.
• Computer hardware requires scheduled maintenance to extend its lifespan.

What is System Maintenance?

• System maintenance includes computer maintenance to keep a system running.
• The two components of system maintenance:
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Corrective maintenance

Preventive Maintenance

• Proactive maintenance of equipment is done before any fault or failure.
• It involves routine tasks to ensure the system runs optimally, preventing issues.
• It is similar to car maintenance; check the oil, lights and engine, etc.
• Regular measures include installing updates, scanning for malware and running clean up programs
• Anti-virus and anti-malware scans should be performed weekly.
• Updates should be applied when released to combat new viruses.
• Secure network & firewall installation is essential.
• Safe downloading practices also can protect the computer.

Corrective Maintenance

• It involves correcting a problem once the computer has broken down/failed.
• Repair is undertaken to restore operability by fixing the problem and/or replacing damaged components.
• Common measures involve:
  • Removing viruses and malware
  • Uninstalling harmful programs
  • Reformatting or performing system restore
• Many computer problems are easily fixed without IT support, diagnosing the issue first.

Equipment Maintenance Schedule

• To maintain computers efficiently, a maintenance schedule is created to guide personnel.
• It helps to remember and perform the necessary tasks for system/network functionality.

Maintenance Checklist

• Assessments determine if the maintenance program is being implemented effectively.
• Results are recorded and reported to the relevant authorities for action.
• Assessments are through regular inspections to ensure activities are done as planned and performance standards are met.
• Computer maintenance tasks should be performed regularly for optimal performance.
• Tasks include:
  • Testing and cleaning hardware
  • Updating master files, modifying credit limits and product prices
  • Updating application programs to meet new requirements: adding new function, data formats, fixing bugs, and adapting to hardware

Systematic Hardware Maintenance Plan

• A periodic reorganizing of disk files that have become fragmented is needed
• Design a monitoring, evaluating, and updating plan
• Place computers in well-ventilated areas and schedule computer usage
• Move the computer only when turned off and unplugged, in order to treat it properly

Systematic Software Maintenance Plan

• Back up all files
• Install or secure passwords
• Delete temporary files
• Update anti-virus and spyware

Maintain Computer Networks - Lesson 2

Computer Hardware & Network Maintenance Personnel

• Computer Hardware & Network Maintenance personnel support and maintain computer systems, desktops, and peripherals.
• Involves installing, diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading all hardware & equipment.
• Also involves troubleshooting accurately and providing end user training, along with LAN setup/maintenance for internet connection.

Network Administrator Responsibilities

• The network administrator is responsible for: planning, designing, installing/evaluating networks and workstations.
• They research purchasing information for hardware/software.
• Planning network installation by identifying company needs to avoid overlooking details.
• Network design underlies performance of enterprise IP network.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

• Local area networks (LAN) are integral to many businesses.
• The common LANs use Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP).
• Components: printers, monitors, PCs, IP phones, servers, storage, networking equipment, application office productivity, applications.
• Devices are linked physically via twisted pair copper, fiber or wireless access points.
• Troubleshooting LANs is typically the frontline staff - engineers and technicians include user connection issues, and slow networks.

Network Topology

• Topology refers to the network's shape and layout of cabling from above (floor plan of offices/hallways)

Physical and Logical Network Design

• Physical layout displays physical location/connections for devices.
• Diagrams use computer icons for workstations, tower cases for servers and rectangular boxes for switches (sometimes with ports).
• Logical layout shows all logical aspects, logical networks, assigned IP addresses, devices, routing tables etc.
• Logical diagrams omit actual interfaces and physical cables.

Rules of Network Administration

• "If it isn't breaking, don't mess with it!"
• When in doubt, reboot
• Do not change anything late in day
• Always be able to undo actions
• Don't experiment on production use test systems
• Devote a disk system software only, place applications elsewhere
• Projects are not done until it's tested and documented
• All projects take longer than expected
• Use default settings when possible
• Train end users before rolling out software to them
• If fighting fires/issues frequently, find the source
• Avoid poor decisions, backup everything

Common LAN Problems

• Root causes of problems are: either physical layer, network layer or Ethernet/IP.

Physical Layer Issues

• Copper, fiber or wireless.
• Possible causes: damaged cabling, signal attenuation, insufficient bandwidth, wireless interference.

Network Layer: Ethernet and IP

• Possible causes: damaged networking devices, incorrect configurations, authentication issues, network bandwidth.

LAN Troubleshooting - Best Practices

• Key steps:
  • Identify the exact issue; have the one who mentioned explain the normal and current situation
  • Recreate problem
  • Localize and isolate cause(s) to a device, connection or software
  • Develop a plan and research the possible solutions to the problem
  • Plan/ implement a software patch, implement a patch.
  • Test and verify the problem is solved.
  • Document the problem and solution for later issues.
  • Give feedback so they do the same next time.
• Necessary for frontline network support staff, it helps to saving time, by troubleshooting quicker and minimize downtime.