tech_guy Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 I have been asked to write an article about computer workshops / computer repair labs and I am struggling a bit. I know what I use in our computer lab, equipment wise, but what else should I talk about?
mattx Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 How about Keynesian economics and macroeconomic theory and how it leads to inefficient aggregate outcomes whilst causing economic downturn with unnecessarily high unemployment due the the fact that no one can afford to buy anything ? Should go down a real hoot...... 1
synaesthesia Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Different types of repair - software, hardware, and then if its replacing a part or component level - use of oscilloscopes and other testing equipment, soldering etc. What is the context of the article? Would it be appropriate to write about the difficulties you may face that may not be obvious. People are very aware of the "Gary Glitter" effect, for want of a better name - what do you do if you come across something dodgy etc. Obviously you've mentioned about the tools needed for the job, maybe a little about the biggest tools in the trade (sic) - the technicians themselves; what sort of people they are, what backgrounds, average salary perhaps. Without knowing the context for the article it's a little broad Oh, and how much time is wasted in the average technical office playing Peggle/Bejewelled. 1
tech_guy Posted February 28, 2011 Author Posted February 28, 2011 I already described myself as a tool (stop sniggering at the back) - seriously though what equipment and spares do you think a repair lab should hold?
penfold Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 For spares I find I keep anything that isn't broke that could be used elsewhere in the event of a failure. I found that stripping out the good bits of computers when they died gave me a growing supply of spares. 1
Popular Post mthomas08 Posted March 1, 2011 Popular Post Posted March 1, 2011 Magic Wand Crystal Ball Paper Clip 5
Domino Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 You can never have enough screwdrivers - different heads/sizes/types A method of secure erasing Mulitmeter/network tester Pliers/snips Soldering iron errr...blank media? 1
teejay Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Sledge hammer and gaffer tape, one of those will be solution to most things in a repair lab... 3
sonofsanta Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Compressed air? Just for the entertainment, if nothing else. Cloth & ethanol nicked from Science to clean stuff up, particularly stupid stickered laptops. Cable crimpers & punch down tool. Insulation tape. Kettle and mug-so-stained-you-just-top-it-up-with-boiling-water-and-it-makes-new-tea 3
cpjitservices Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 RAM Testing disks such as MemTest 3 or GoldMem use them a bit in my workshop................... and plenty o' screwdrivers!!! and a tft monitor or two! 1
penfold Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Memory stick full of all the useful software to clean/repair machines such as the EG Admin Bar. 1
elsiegee40 Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 A selection of cables... doesn't matter what kind, but brightly coloured CAT5 is good... so you can hurry across the school site clutching them and looking like you're very busy and thinking hard. It works for me as a means of deterring people from stopping me when I don't want to be interrupted! 1
mattx Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Memory stick full of all the useful software to clean/repair machines such as the EG Admin Bar. Talking of which - if anyone wants the source drop me a pm - I won't be doing anything else with this now. [ Warning - it's Spaghetti code x50 ] 1
Trillion11 Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Vga cables, various power cables, Compressed air, external cd/dvd drive and a hammer for decomissioning old HDD's 1
russdev Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 How about open sourcing the code matt just an idea? Russ 1
timzim Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Surgical clamp (opens like scissors and locks closed - great for soldering & picking up tiny items through small holes). Also an IC puller - invaluable for pulling keys off keyboards. 1
mattx Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 How about open sourcing the code matt just an idea? Russ Don't have a problem with that - it's a real mess though !! 1
difinity Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 I normally clone hardives before i work on a customers computer, that way i can do a better virus scan, and there is also a copy if something goes wrong. Internet access for the latest drivers/advice etc. I use a dell mini 9 with a sim card. USB sticks with software Copies of all operating systems. Screwdrivers, pliers 5mm nut driver, soldering iron, multimeter, PSU tester. Plenty of spare wireless cards, memory, gfx cards, PSUs, HDDs for old/dead PCs and laptops. Network testing kit.
elsiegee40 Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Escaped goats... definitely the ground-staff's problem!
FragglePete Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 Not forgetting the infamous 'Magical Fix-It Button' Pete
LosOjos Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 (edited) Plasters, a towel and a hair dryer... The amount of times I've cut my hands up trying to remove heat sinks is unbelievable, and it can get rather hot in those rooms, one drip of sweat and you can really bugger up a mobo... EDIT: and for added effect, a bottle of your favourite spirit (whisky, vodka or rum only though please) for when things get really tough... Edited March 1, 2011 by LosOjos
bondbill2k2 Posted March 1, 2011 Posted March 1, 2011 PSU testers were useful on some occasions and often let you connect most cables inc sata and 4pin molex's to check their power output is good so can help locate an issue at times Also often used a small laptop hdd sata connection to pc sata and power so you can actually use a laptop hdd outside your pc, also have a usb 2.0 to 2.5" sata hdd, proved useful for data recovery on busted laptops.
jedmondson Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 PC tool kit, cable tool kit, external hdd readers sata/ide, usb floppy, spare pc, air duster, instant coffee .... What do people carry about in there pc repair tool bag?
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