IFS410.81 End User User Support

Chapter 10

Installing End-User

Computing Systems

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

Site Preparation

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

Locating System Components

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 Minimize health problems Maximize worker

Safety Productivity Comfort Job satisfaction

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

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

Many small computer systems do not require special electrical power

Special situations: Outlets Outlet wiring Circuit amperage Shared circuits Power stability Multiple computers

Power Requirements Overview

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

continued

Special Power Requirements

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

continued

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

Special Power Requirements (continued)

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

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

More power tips

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

Telephone and Network Access

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

Air Conditioning

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

Lighting Problems

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

Fire Suppression

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

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

Contents of Site Management Notebook