How to install a Lexmark X-3350 March 18, 2010 1 Comment

Lexmark X-3350 Printer

This blog post will instruct the average computer user on how to install a printer and its relevant software correctly. I hope this guide is useful not only for my own revision but for anyone who has or wishes to install the titled printer. Enjoy (hopefully).

Step 1:


Download the relevant drivers for the printer and extract the files if necessary.

Step 2:


Run the driver installation program. Make sure that the program is made by the printer company

Step 3:


Follow advice given by driver installer program and shut down all other programs before you click install. Then click install.

Step 4:


Click continue.

Step 5:


Read the agreement and click “I Agree”.

Step 6:


Click Continue.

Step 7:


Select “Install another copy of the driver” and click continue.

Step 8:


Select how you have your printer connected and click continue.

Step 9:

Plug in the printer. Turn it on and plug the usb cable into the computer.

Step 10:

Let the software install the drivers.

Step 11:

Select “no” and click continue.

Step 12:


Click “test page” and let it print out a testing page. Then click continue.

Step 13:


Deselect the two options in the window and click continue.

Step 14:


Click “finished”.

The printer is now set up to print, if it has a scanner you may need to calibrate it seperatly.

Replacement of Computer Components February 15, 2010 No Comments

If a computer component has ceased to work it may have to be replaced, below is a list on what to do with each component, (please note: You should determine the customer’s needs before making any purchases or performing upgrades. Ask your customer what devices will be connected to the computer and what applications will be used):

Power Supply

When you buy a new power supply you should make sure it fits the case and is of the correct wattage to power the other components. Even if a computer comes with a power supply, you will still need to test that it can provide enough power to power the other components.

Motherboard

Newer motherboards often have newer technologies or standards that may not be compatible with older technology’s. When you chose a replacement motherboard ensure that it supports your purchased CPU, RAM and adapter cards. You must also make sure that the purchased CPU will fit into the CPU socket and the heat sink will fit around it. The current power supply should have the required power connections for the new motherboard. Make sure you know how many expansion slots you need.

Note: The new motherboard must also be able to fit safely inside the current case.

Heat Sink and CPU

You should replace a CPU when it is faulty or is no longer suitable for the computer’s use. Before buying one, make sure that the existing motherboard is compatible with the CPU. In most cases the CPU must:

  • Have the same socket size and pin amounts
  • Be supported by the BIOS

Note: You can find out if a CPU is compatible with other devices on the manufacturers website.

RAM (not the animal!)

Insufficient RAM is often the cause of applications freezing or displaying errors. To check whether this is the problem you may have to replace the RAM.

Before selecting new RAM module(s), you must check that it will work with the motherboard and it is the correct type. If you are upgrading or replacing your RAM module(s) you must make sure that the replacement memory is equal to or faster than the current RAM Module(s) installed.

Note: If your computer is store bought the RAM type is often listed on the front of the machine. If you purchased the Ram Module(s) separately the RAM type is shown on the box.

Adapter Card

Adapter cards are cards that add extra function or abilities to a computer. Before buying one, you must do some research:

  • Is there an open expansion slot?
  • Is the adapter card compatible with the open slot?

If the motherboard has no free expansion slots, external devices could be a viable option:

  • Are USB or FireWire versions of the external device available?
  • Does the computer have an open USB or FireWire port?

Always check that wireless NICs are compatible with the standard used on the current network

Examine the computer for an available expansion slot or an open USB port. Purchase either an adapter card that will fit an available expansion slot or a USB wireless NIC. Cost, warranty, brand name, and availability are the last factors for you to consider

Enivromental Issues and Computer Disposal February 14, 2010 No Comments

Earth is extremely fragile and delicately balanced. Because of this, you must dispose of hazardous materials in computer components correctly. A computer recycling warehouse is an area where you can take discarded computers apart. Parts that can still be used can be resold or used to repair old equipment.

These warehouses obey the codes and regulations for disposal of computer parts. Before you can recycle a computer, you have to separate it into groups.With Cathode Ray Tube monitors you have to make sure it is disposed of properly as it contains over four pounds of lead, which is highly poisonous. Other materials inside the computers are also dangerous, a few of these are:

  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Hexavalent chromium

Batteries are used to power laptop computers, digital cameras, camcorders, and remote-control toys. Batteries often contain some of these materials:

  • Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd)
  • Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
  • Lithium ion (Li-ion)
  • Lead (Pb)

These chemicals are highly toxic!

In an organisation, they may have set policies of what to do with hazardous components in computers. The policies typically include reusing, recycling or exchange.

In your time as a technician technology may become outdated or more features are needed, so you will have to dispose of them. An alternative to recycling parts is to donate them to other people or organizations. Some companies exchange used computer equipment for part payment of newer technology.

Potential Safety Hazards and Proper Safety Procedures for Computer Components February 12, 2010 No Comments

Most computer circuits use low-voltage power. A few components, however, may use high voltage circuits and may be unsafe if you do not follow the correct safety rules. A few of the components, listed below, should only be repaired by competent technicians:

  • Power Supplies

Repairing a power supply often costs more than the purchase of a newer model. Because of this most power supplies you will deal with may have to be replaced. Only properly trained technicians should open power supplies

  • Display Monitors

A monitors internal parts may not be repaired, but they are often replaced. Monitors operate using extremely high voltages. Only a properly trained technician should open them.

  • Laser Printers

Laser printers are very expensive. It is cheaper to fix printer by replacing or repairing broken areas. This printer mostly uses high voltages and has very hot areas inside. Use caution when servicing.

Names, Purposes, Characteristics and Safe Use of Tools February 11, 2010 No Comments

When working with computers you need the correct tools to work safely and prevent undue damage to computer equipment. There are many tools that are used to diagnose and repair repair computer problems:

  • Straight-head screwdriver, large and small
  • Phillips-head screwdriver, large and small
  • Tweezers or part retriever
  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Chip extractor
  • Hex wrench set
  • Torx screwdriver
  • Nut driver, large and small
  • Three-claw component holder
  • Digital multimeter
  • Wrap plugs
  • Small mirror
  • Small dust brush
  • Soft, lint-free cloth
  • Cable ties
  • Scissors
  • Small flashlight
  • Electric tape
  • Pencil or pen
  • Compressed air

Static electricity is one of the largest dangers for you when working in a computer based environment. Tools you use and your own body can collect and conduct static electricity. Going across static prone surfaces like carpets and rugs before touching any computer parts may serious damage the component.

To control static you will use anti-static devices. Anti-static devices are used to prevent damage to electrical components. Before you touch any electrical component, you must ground yourself by touching a grounded computer or mat. There are some of the antistatic devices you may use:

  • Antistatic wrist strap – Conducts static electricity from your body to ground
  • Antistatic mat – Grounds computer frame
  • Antistatic bag – Keeps sensitive computer components safe when not installed inside a computer
  • Cleaning products – Maintains components without creating a buildup of static electricity

Always be aware that you cannot use an anti-static wrist strap when working with printers, monitors and other high powered electronics.

Safe Working Environments and Procedures No Comments

Safety in the workplace is needed to protect you, your co-workers and everyone around you from danger or injury. In the workplace you should always:

  • Use anti-static mats and wrist straps to reduce the chance of static damage
  • Keep the floor around you clear of anything that may trip or injure someone
  • Make sure you clean work areas on a regular basis
  • Remove all jewelry and watches when working with electronics
  • Never open a computer monitor or power supply unless properly trained
  • Know the location of suitable fire extinguishers and first aid kits
  • Never eat or drink in the workplace
  • Do not directly look at laser beams in a computer

When moving computer equipment from one place to another be cautious. Make sure that all customers know, understand and follow the safety rules in your workplace. In some cases you may need to explain these rules and assure customers that they are there to protect them.

Follow all local regulations and law on how to dispose of batteries, solvents, computers and monitors. If this is not done it may discredit and cause fines who you are working for or your own company. To find out how to dispose of used chemicals and products referrer to its Material Safety Data Sheet.

Field, Remote and Bench Technicians February 10, 2010 1 Comment

If you pass the IT essentials course you may move into any computer maintenance career, but primarily they are in three different categories. The roles are referred to as Field, Remote and Bench jobs. Different computer knowlege is often needed for each of these area’s. In the IT essentials course you are expected to learn most of these skills:

  • Building and upgrading computers
  • Performing installations
  • Installing, configuring and optimizing software
  • Performing preventative maintenance
  • Troubleshooting and repairing computers
  • Communicating correctly with customers
  • Recording customer feedback and how problems were solved

The skills you need differ from what job you work in, for example:

In a Field Technician Job you work on site in a variety of places. You might work on repairing a company’s network, or you could provide onsite repairs for customers of that company. For this role you need well trained troubleshooting skills and basic training on how to deal with customers.

Meanwhile, in a Remote Technician Job, you work in an office answering calls from customers with computer problems. You cannot physically access the users computer except by software tools. For this role you need well tuned communication skills, computer knowlege and an idea of how to use remote access tools. You will often work in a group with other technician’s for an organisation or at home.

A bench technician does not directly work with customers. You are often hired to perform computer repair in a central work area or depot. You need good knowledge of computer repair and maintenance.

Summary:

  • Bench: In a factory away, from the customer
  • Field: On-site, working with the customer
  • Remote: Off-site, working with the customer

Late for lunch is in the Netherlands? February 4, 2010 1 Comment

I just looked into the Late for lunch site and guess what i found? It’s in the Netherlands! The website name should have been more like “laat voor lunch” than late for lunch. They said it was located offsite, but how far they did not say. Below is a little bit of what my browser caught of it:

LFL in the Netherlands?

Welcome to Muluirruc Slaitnesse Ti February 3, 2010 2 Comments

Welcome to my new blog!

(No the title isn’t welsh, its just a bit backwards!)

In this blog I plan to summarize the meaty IT Essentials Curriculum into easily digested chunks. I hope this helps anyone who is working on the curriculum in England, Wales and even those who have dug a hole through to china!

Yours Gladly

A. Blogger