Information Technology (IT) Support Technician

Software and Hardware Problems

Introduction & Working Thesis Statement

Software is a pool of information that directs the digital computers of what to do and how to proceed. Software consists of numerous computer programs or appropriate data performing the role of giving instructions to the computer on how to interpret the input into useful information. Software or computer programs forms the component of the storage section of the digital device (computer). In scientific terms, software represents programs, algorithms, documentation, and procedures in relation to the functionality of the computer. Software is intangible unlike its contrast 'hardware'. It mainly concentrates on the operating systems as offering direct and indirect instruction. Computer hardware consists of the tangible components of the digital computer. Some of these components include keyboard, mouse, and hard disk among the rest. The main difference between software and hardware is that hardware is tangible while software exists in the form of ideas or concepts. Software and hardware have some issues that hinder their operations in conversion of raw data into useful information. In order to enhance the performance of digital computer, software and hardware problems or issues should undergo elimination after identification. This research paper aims to offer clear insight into common software and hardware problems and methods of their elimination. The function or job description of an IT Support Technician is to identify and repair these software and hardware related problems or issues.

Annotated Bibliography

Guidry, T. (2009). When you yearn to smash your computer: Here are 10 common technical problems writers might face -- and some suggested solutions. Writer, 122(12), 38-39.

This article aims at providing the common computer issues or technical problems and how to solve them. The article offers vital or significant methods rather than smashing the computer for common issues. The article is very resourceful and valid since it is scholarly reviewed. This indicates that the article is a research tool crucial for unveiling the common computer problems that might enable IT support technician to act appropriately. In this research paper, the article would offer great insight into the common computer software and hardware issues.

Fee, S.B., & Holland-Minkley, A.M. (2010). Teaching computer science through problems, not solutions. Computer Science Education, 20(2), 129-144. doi:10.1080/08993408.2010.486271

In this article, the author focuses on common computer issues rather than solutions in order to pass critical information to the students. Through this article, problems related to the functioning of the computer system. The article is valid and reliable since it is scholarly reviewed and enjoys free room for falsification. The article illustrates the importance of this method of passing computer information through evidence-oriented procedure. In this research paper, the article would act as an informative agent in offering insight to determine the common issues and problems of the computer system. Researchers can adopt the use of this article to understand effectively the digital computer system and related problems or issues.

Patches issues for Windows XP, ME. (2001). eWeek, 18(50), 9.

The focus of the article is on the issues of Windows XP & ME operating systems. This includes the problems related to the software in context. Through the article, solutions to the problems or issues related to the software become attainable. Patches are in place to help combat the issues or problems. The article is vital for the development of this research paper because common software issues undergo identification and solution procedures. The source of information in this article is reliable and valid hence significant for this research.

Zakin, R. (1998). The 10 most common computer problems. Family Life, 50.

The article discusses the ten most common computer problems. The author also provides vital solutions on how to curb the problems in context. In this research paper, the article would offer crucial information on the common computer issues. The paper also would be vital for adopting solutions to the common computer issues following illustrations from this resourceful information or article. The source of this information is reliable and valid hence useful for this research paper.

Rao, A.V., Benson, D.A., Darby, C., Patterson, M.A., Francolin, C., Sanders, I., & Huntington, G.T. (2011). Algorithm 902: GPOPS, MATLAB Software for Solving Multiple-Phase Optimal Control Problems Using the Gauss Pseudo spectral Method. ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software, 37(2), 22-2239. doi:10.1145/1731022.1731032

The article focuses on the software problems that might cause harm to the functionality to the digital computer. Through the article, this research paper can obtain the vital information on the common software problems in relation to the digital computer development. The source of this article is reliable and valid hence crucial for the development of this research paper. Researcher studying computer related topics could apply the use of this article in composing value-oriented paper. The article is a stepping-stone to development of other research papers in the topic of computer problems and solutions.

Discussion

Most of the problems or issues related to digital computer results into malfunctioning of the device. This calls for identification and elimination of the problems or issues limiting the capacity of the digital device. For IT support technician to be effective and efficient in his work or execution of roles, it is vital to know the source of the problem. From this perspective, the technician would have a clear view on how to curb or tackle the computer related problems or issues. This research paper discusses considerably some of the common computer problems and issues. Through this research paper, effective measures for tackling the problems become available and applicable.

The first common computer problem or issue is usually in connection with the fan. This is a component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). For the digital computer to work efficiently and effectively, the fan must be in decent shape. Most of the computer problems originate from this source or component (hardware) of the digital device. Systems usually crash out of the effect of the fan. Overheating of this component is problematic to the functioning of the digital device. The main consequence of overheating of the fan is crashing of the computer. It might also lead to lockups of the system. In case of the problem or issue related to fan component, the device appears to be exalted in application of cold start. The system would experience failure in the moments of operation (Guidry, 2009). During restarts of the digital device, variable results are attainable. The consequence of the fan might appear irregular but usually depend on the computational load on the operating system as well as the specific ambient temperature or season. In order to identify or diagnose the problem or issue related to overheating fan, the operating system or the digital device runs with the opened case. This action is to determine if the fan is functioning properly or through difficulty. Since the fan as one of the moving parts of the digital computer, there is a high probability of failure in its operations. In order to solve the problem of failure of the fan, it is necessary to replace the moving component or repair through cooling agents. This would offer enough time for the fan to regain the normal operating condition or state. This problem comes down as one of the main common issues in the problems or issues in relation to digital computers. In cases of crashing of the operating system, it is vital to format the device to offer new systems.

The other issue might be on the airflow system within the computer system. When the fan operates effectively and efficiently, it should be able to distribute or deliver airflow to areas of concern. Airflow throw the system is responsible for accumulation of dust or lint over a given period. This indicates that the airflow system should be efficient to avoid malfunctions that might arise because of the accumulation of dust or lint in the operating system or digital computer. Dust accumulation of the dust creates thermal insulation to the components. There are also disruptions on the airflow in the event of case openings. In order to solve the problem or issue of dust accumulation in the encased operating system, it is essential to remove the pile or lint. This is through the use a vacuum usually away from the components. Removal of the dust accumulation is also possible in the application of pressurized air or gas. The later would create minor dust cloud and a mess in the exterior of the case in the moment of application (Holland, 2010).

The other issue related to computer functioning might be on DVD or CD drives. In order to determine the source of the problems within the system, it is crucial to determine the efficiency of the CD or DVD drives. This aims at determining if they are working according to their main purposes. In the process of verification, read or write laser undergoes thorough checking while determining if they are effective in their application. The lens system should also be free from dust accumulation to reduce malfunctioning of the digital computers. In order to solve problems related to CD or DVD drives, lens-cleaning CD would be vital in removal of the dust accumulation. Laser problems depend on the confirmation that a disc is legible on all CD or DVD drives with the exception of the doubtful ones (Guidry, 2009). The appropriate measure in case of the malfunctioning of the drives is to acquire new components. This would help eliminate the dust influence or readability of the lens or the laser within the digital computer. Drives should undergo continuous checks in order to anticipate the issue of the lens or laser failure. Continuous checks offer the opportunity to adopt appropriate measure one the identification process (Zakin, 1998).