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Pinched cables
Cut/broken cables
Connectors/plugs pulled apart
Bent pins
Loose connections
Most of these problems can be avoided by taking your
time when installing the cables, avoiding setting
equipment on the cable, not pulling the cables, and
tightening the connectors down.
The repairs that you will be expected to perform
most often are:
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Straightening bent pins
Tightening the connections
Replacing broken cables
You will not be expected to repin a cable, since the
equipment to perform this operation is very expensive.
It is cheaper and easier to just replace the cable when it is
determined that the cable is bad.
Preparing the Computer for Shipment
From time to time, you will be expected to prepare a
computer for shipping out of the command. This occurs
when a piece of equipment has to be returned to the
manufacturer for some reason, or if the computer has to
be sent to another command. In either case, the
equipment must be packed up and shipped out. When
possible, use the original packing material, if available.
Otherwise, make sure the equipment is wrapped and
packed to avoid any damage. This can be accomplished
by using heavy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and
other cushioning packing material.
SUMMARY
With the completion of this chapter, you should
gain a basic understanding of how digital computer
systems work. A computer system is composed of
hardware and software. Electronic digital computer
systems consist of a central processing unit (CPU) with
its primary storage and input/output (I/O) devices. The
arithmetic-logic unit and control unit process both data
and program instructions.
Computers use stored
programs to process data and solve problems. This
provides a powerful method of automatic control. In
addition to operating microcomputer system, you
should become proficient at setting up, configuring,
upgrading, and initializing them. It is important that
you become familiar with computer system
documentation, including user manuals and any
software training materials and help aides. Among the
microcomputer-related tasks you will be expected to
perform are: inspecting, repairing, and installing cables;
running system checks; and troubleshooting error
conditions.
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