Plan and Prepare for Configuration of Computer Systems and Networks 

This lesson is intended to develop your skills in planning and preparing for configuration of computer system and networks. At the end of this lesson you are expected to:

• Familiarize, follow and apply OHS in configuring computer systems and networks;

• Prepare materials and tools for configuration;

• Check and adhere to the standard operating procedures and requirements in computer system and network configuration; and

• Identify the procedures in using the tools for configuration

       It is essential to maintain safe working conditions to prevent accidents and injury to any person or damage to any object in a work area. New staff and visitors must be informed of the appropriate safety procedures. Any transgression of the procedures must be reported.

         As an aspiring computer technician, you should be aware of all possible dangers in the workplace. It is a must to follow proper procedures for handling computer equipment. Failure to follow the prescribed safety procedures could result in fines, criminal convictions, and damage to equipment, claims for damage from the owner of the property and data, injury, or death.

        A safe work space is clean, organized, and well-lit. The disposal or recycling of hazardous computer components must be done properly. Make sure to follow regulations that govern how to dispose specific items. When an organization violates these regulations, there can be legal consequences.

     To keep you safe, this module provides the general and fire safety guidelines that protects the technician and the equipment. 

       Follow the basic safety guidelines to prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock, and damage to eyesight. As a best practice, make sure that a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are available in case of fire or injury. Here are some general safety guidelines:

· Remove your watch or any other jewelry and secure loose clothing.

· Turn off the power and unplug equipment before opening the case and performing service.

· Cover any sharp edges inside the computer case with tape.

· Never open a power supply or a monitor.

· Do not touch areas in printers that are hot or those which use high voltage.

· Know where the fire extinguisher is located and learn how to use it.

· Know where the first aid kit is located.

· Keep food and drinks out of your workspace.

· Keep your workspace clean and free of clutter.

· Lift heavy objects with sturdy leg support to avoid back injury.

        Follow fire safety guidelines to protect equipment and lives. Turn off and unplug the computer before beginning a repair to avoid damage to the computer or electric shock to the technician. Fire can spread rapidly and be very costly. Proper use of a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from getting out of control. When working with computer components, always consider the possibility of an accidental fire and prepare how to react. If there is a fire, you should follow these safety procedures:

· Always have a planned fire escape route before beginning any work.

· Never fight a fire that is out of control or not contained.

· Get out of the building quickly in case of an out-of-control fire.

· Contact emergency services immediately for help.

       A key to a well-tuned, trouble-free system is proper configuration. In order to accomplish this, you must start by understanding its configuration. It can be difficult to figure out all the devices in your system and the resources they are using.

       To assist in this, several software tools have been created. These are typically called diagnostic utilities or programs. Some of them are built-in to your operating system and others are available either for free download or commercial purchase.

       Some of the built-in tools used in Microsoft system configuration involves Microsoft System Configuration, Register Edit, Direct X and Control Panel Applets.

1.       Microsoft System Configuration: This boot configuration utility allows you to set the programs that will run at startup and to edit configuration files. It also offers simplified control over Windows Services.

       System Configuration Utility consists of five functional tabs such as General, Boot, Services, StartUp and Tools. The succeeding table describes the use and functionality of each tab:

1. The Registry has a hierarchical structure, like the directories on your hard disk. Each branch (denoted by a folder icon in the Registry Editor, see below) is called a key. Each key can contain other keys, as well as Values. Each value contains the actual information stored in the Registry. There are three types of values: String, Binary, and DWORD - the use of these depends upon the context.

2. There are six main branches (five in Windows 2000 and Windows XP), each containing a specific portion of the information stored in the Registry. They are as follows:

• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - this branch contains all of your file types as well as OLE information for all your OLE-aware applications.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER - this branch points to the part of HKEY_USERS appropriate for the current u.

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - this branch contains information about all of the hardware and software installed in your computer. Since you can specify multiple hardware configurations, the current hardware configuration is specified in HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.

• HKEY_USERS - this branch contains certain preferences (such as colors and control panel settings) for each of the users of the computer. In Windows 95/98/Me, the default branch here contains the currently-logged in user. In Windows 2000/XP, the default branch here contains a template to be used for newly added users.

• HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - this branch points to the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE appropriate for the current hardware configuration.

• HKEY_DYN_DATA (Windows 95/98/Me only) - this branch points to the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, for use with Windows' Plug-&-Play subsystem.

3. Direct X Diagnostic: The Microsoft DirectX Diagnostic Tool provides you with information about the DirectX API components and drivers on your system. It enables you to test sound and graphics output and Microsoft DirectPlay service providers. You can use the diagnostic tool to gather information about your system to use for diagnostic purposes.

If you are experiencing problems when running Microsoft DirectX applications, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool can help you find the source of the trouble such as incorrect versions of DirectX components, lack of hardware acceleration, devices that are not connected and unsigned drivers.

The names of various applets in the Control Panel differ slightly depending on the version of Windows installed. In Windows XP, the icons are grouped into categories:

-Appearance and Themes: Applets that control the look of windows:

• Display

• Taskbar and Start menu

• Folder options

- Network and Internet Connections: Applets that configure all the connection types:

• Internet options Network connections

· Add or Remove Programs: An applet to add or remove programs and windows components safely

-Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices: Applets that control all the settings for sound: Sounds and audio devices

• Speech

• Portable media devices

- Performance and Maintenance: Applets to find information about your computer or perform maintenance:

• Administrative tools

• Power options

• Scheduled tasks

• System

-Printers and Other Hardware: Applets to configure devices connected to your computer:

• Game controllers

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Phone and modem options

• Printers and faxes

• Scanners and cameras

- User Accounts: Applets to configure options for users and their e-mail:

• E-mail

• User accounts

• Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options: Applets to change settings based on your location and language:

  • • • • • • Date and time

            • Regional and language options

• Accessibility Options: A wizard used to configure windows for vision, hearing, and mobility needs

• Security Center: Applet used to configure security settings for:

  • • • • • • Internet options

            • Automatic updates

            • Windows firewall