10 Most Common Reasons for Computer Failure in Business and Industry
Computers are performing more and more tasks in the office and workplace than they ever have before. Computers can conduct many tasks more efficiently than human workers but the more we rely on them the more vulnerable we find ourselves when the machines fail.
Each year, companies have an average of 501 hours of computer downtime, costing them millions in annual productivity and revenue and according to a recent study; computer downtime is responsible for the loss of 3.6% of annual revenue. Which is almost has high as the revenue loss by employee absence (6 %)!
The average life of an office PC is 3-4 years yet a computer’s life can be cut down to a fraction of that amount if the machine is expected to work in less than perfect conditions.
Yet the majority of causes for a computer failure can be prevented by adhering to some simple steps:
1. User errors – Any tool is only as good as the workman who uses it and computers are no different. Actions such as not powering down properly, skipping scan disks or continual button pushing while a computer is processing can damage a computer’s hardware, particularly drives and processors. Always follow the correct guidance in using a computer machine.
2. Faulty manufacture –It seems there are an almost infinite number of manufacturers and assemblers making computers and while some have vast experience and resources, others are no more than two guys in a garage so it is not surprising that an increasing number of computer systems are faulty when bought.
3. Bad upgrades – It is not just computers themselves that are victims of bad workmanship, upgrades by inexperienced computer fitters can cause horrendous problems. Faulty add-ons such as RAM can kill a processor instantly, also attempting to ‘overclock’ or interfere with a processor can often lead to a fatal melt-down.
4. USB Device Mishaps. It seems everything can be plugged into a USB these days. However, it maybe that your USB device is not suited to the operating system you use or it may be faulty leading to a fatal short circuit.
5. Power problems – Power surges or unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data but can fry a processor. It is not just power from the grid that causes problems either – lightning can surge through cables (even phone wires) frazzling your system and so can static.
6. Dirt/Dust. A dusty environment will clog a computer and block cooling vents causing a computer to overheat. Dust can also contain conductive material and particles can stick to circuit boards and cause a short circuit. A cloud of dust can also explode if it comes into contact with a source of ignition (like a computer). Even home computers if not properly cleaned can succumb to problems caused by too much dust.
7. Water/fluids. Of course computers are electrical and with all electrical equipment, computers and water do not mix, just one spilt cup of coffee could see the end of your PC.
8. Heat. Processors can run exceptionally hot and if a computers cooling system is inadequate (because the machine has been upgraded, overclocked or just clogged up with dust and grime) it will only be a matter of time before it packs up for good.
9. Cold. Just as with heat, computers don’t enjoy the cold too much either. Processors will not operate at all if the operating temperature is too cold as condensation inside the machine can freeze and expand damaging the processor and electronics.
10. Knocks/bangs. Computers are sensitive machines, simply moving a PC to another room can cause havoc, disrupting the delicate circuitry and hard drives. Dropping a computer or severe knocks and bangs will permanently damage the circuits and processors or dislodge wiring.
The easiest way to protect a PC in business applications from uncontrollable hazards such as heat, dust or vibrations is to use an industrial computer enclosure. These industrial PC enclosures allow a conventional PC to be used whilst housed in a protective cocoon which can be dust, water and even explosive proof.
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer enclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about industrial pc solutions.
Six Steps to the Perfect Computer Room
As more and more businesses rely on computers for the day to day success of their business, businesses are packing more computers in to offices, so that each member of staff has a PC and is truly efficient.
This is excellent, as the businesses are investing in the Technology, but eventually these businesses will discover they computers begin to run slow, then stop! The reason being, most organizations, do not invest in the actual computer room, this is the room dedicated to accommodating the servers and where the network infrastructure is terminated. It’s just the same as having a Formula 1 car and putting standard unleaded fuel in it, it will run but the performance will be no were near what it should be.
An independent survey illustrated this, by poling 50 top UK manufacturers, only 16 had a dedicated Computer Room, that had the relevant security in place to protect their investment, 3 used what you would call a cupboard to house the main server. 1 in particular stored the server in a room 3 feet x 4 feet, with the monitor balanced on the server while the keyboard was on the floor and this was a leading Global manufacturer worth over $5 billion!
To build the ideal Computer Room, you will need;
1. An access control solution. This can be a simple keypad entry system set a 4 digit access code and press the digits to gain access, or a more complete swipe card system, that logs each entry in to the room and sends an email to the Network administrator when someone tries to gain access when they don’t have the necessary privileges.
2. A false floor or suspended ceiling, either one of these are necessary for both structured cabling that runs the army of computers in the offices and air conditioning for cooling of the servers, to ensure the servers don’t crash.
3. KVM switches, these are the devices that can be used to monitor banks of servers from a single monitor and keyboard. KVM stands for Keyboard, video and mouse. The switches can be daisy chained together so that they can control and manage up to 345 servers per monitor, keyboard and mouse. These switches have a fantastic ROI, as they save money on the monitor, keyboards and mice that the business would purchase, as well as the extra expense of increased air conditioning to reduce the heat from the monitors and most importantly save a huge amount of space.
4. Storage of the servers. There are 2 types of storage, rack mount cabinets for rack mount servers and open LAN racking units that store free standing servers, monitors and keyboards etc. These units can be arranged, so they store 20 free standing servers with 1 monitor, KVM switch and keyboard controlling them, they are modular and more flexible for the ever expanding computer room and most importantly the most cost effective solution.
5. Air conditioning: If you have ever been in a computer room when 40 servers have been running for 2 hours, you will know how much cooling they require and this is paramount!
6. Structured cabling: These are the cables that connect each computer and if you were to trace each cable, they would run back to the computer room and to the server. These are normally classified as Category 5e or Category 6 data cabling and there are many Global manufactures of data cabling solutions.
Offering Computer Security & Solutions for your Server Racks and more.
Spot Cooling Systems Inc. © 2011