Chapter 1 Introduction to a Typical PC 27
You will find that a software tool kit is just as
important as a hardware tool kit. You will probably
depend more on your skills using software than
hardware to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PCs.
As you progress through the textbook, there will be
many suggestions about software to add to your tool
kit. There will also be many references to third-party
suppliers and shareware available for your use.
Many software tools can be found as
shareware. Shareware is software that is freely
distributed, usually by downloading from the
Internet. Shareware is not always free for your
unlimited use. It is usually intended for use on
a trial basis only. The distributor expects the
subscriber to purchase the software at a later date.
Safety
Safety is the responsibility of all personnel in
the classroom and laboratory areas. This includes
students and instructors. A general understanding
of common safety practices is a must to help
avoid classroom, laboratory, and on-the-job
injuries. Safety is best practiced as a habit, not as
a written test. You must develop safety habits to
avoid possible injury. This section covers safety
as related to the computer repair environment.
Detailed safety information is provided later in
this textbook as it relates to specific topics. For
example, computer power supply, CRT displays,
and grounding will be covered later after you are
more familiar with the technologies.
Physical Safety
One of the most common physical dangers
in the classroom or work environment is cables,
such as power cords and network cables, lying
across the floor. Cables cause a tripping hazard,
which can result in injury. Avoid running cables
across pathways. When cables must be laid across
a floor, the pathway should be blocked to prevent
pedestrian traffic. When the pathway cannot be
blocked, simply tape the cable to the floor with
duct tape. You can also use a cable floor runner or
cord protector designed specifically for running
cables across a floor, Figure 1-39.
When working with computers, there is a
real possibility of burns caused by electronic
components. Common high-temperature
components are the CPU and some associate
motherboard chips. The high-frequency electrical
power passing through these components
generates the high temperature. Avoid touching
electronic components while the computer
is energized or soon after the computer has
been turned off. Laser printers also have high-
temperature parts capable of causing skin surface
burns.
Loose clothing and inappropriate footwear
(flip flops, sandals) should not be worn in the
computer repair environment. Technicians often
lift and move computers and battery backup
power supplies, both of which can be quite heavy.
Dropping a computer or backup power supply on
an unprotected foot can cause severe injury. Loose
clothing can snag on a computer case or computer
parts, causing the computer or parts to fall to the
floor. This can possibly damage the items or cause
injury. Many insurance companies refuse to cover
employees who willfully disobey safety practices
specifically stated in the insurance company policy.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 1-39. Cables floor runner covering network cables.
The runner protects the cables and prevents a tripping
hazard.