IFS410.81 End User User Support

IFS410.81 End User User Support Chapter 10 Installing End-User Computing Systems

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

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

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

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

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 continued

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IFS410.81 End User User Support