Computer laboratory care and maintenance

A computer laboratory is a room specially designed to enable setting up of computers and to

provide a safe environment for computer use.

Factors to consider when preparing a computer laboratory

1. Security of computers, programs and other resources
2. Reliability of the power source
3. The number of computers to setup and the available floor space
4. The maximum number of users

Why must there be safety rules and precautions in the computer laboratory?
1. To avoid accidental injuries to the users
2. To avoid damage of computers
3. To provide a safe environment for computer use

Factors to consider when buying computers

1. Needs/purpose of the organisation like different needs like curriculum, students,
teachers
2. Nature of the organisation e.g. a school for the deaf would need some hardware
for the deaf.
3. Cost of hardware components given the available school budget like installation,
initial hardware cost and maintenance plus repair.
4. After sale services provision such as free maintenance, warrants/guarantees for a
period of time like one year.
5. Source of hardware given the school foundation body and virtues
6. School and government policy governing procurement laws and procedures.
7. Data/information security provisions/concerns
8. System specifications like Computer hard disk, RAM capacity, Processor speed
and Consider Resolution for high Graphics
9. Compatibility with the existing infrastructure
10. Provision for future growth and development (upgradeability)
11. Past experience of working state of the nature of the computer.
12. Reputation of the supplier
13. Environmental concerns
14. Technical advice and support
15. Space for storage

Computer literacy
Computer literacy refers to having the knowledge and understanding of computers and their
uses.

Computer laboratory rules and regulations

1. Avoid smoke and dust that can damage computer components
 2. Avoid carrying food and beverages to the computer room
3. Avoid unnecessary movements to avoid accidentally knocking down peripheral
devices.
4. Follow the right procedures while starting and shutting down
5. Do not open up the metallic covers of computers without permission and
particularly when the computer power is still on.
6. Any repairs to the computer should be done by someone who has knowledge
regarding computer repairs.
7. Any connections to the computer should be done when the computer power has
been switched off.
8. Computers should be regularly serviced and keep a regular record of computer
servicing
9. Guard your computer against new users who might spoil the computer or delete
data
10. Cover the computers after using them or when not in use.
11. The computers should be cleaned on a regular basis
12. Keep computers away from excessive sunshine and heat.

Basic requirements for setting up a computer laboratory

1) UPS- Uninterruptible Power Supply

To save work when the main power is off/insufficient/unstable
To safely turn off the computer
To complete work at hand

2) Air conditioner
Used to regulate temperature in a computer room

3) Fire extinguisher
Used to stop fire outbreaks

4) CCTV cameras
Record and playback activities for reference purposes
Surveillance-act as a deterrent to theft and other crimes
Monitor security at data centers

5) Blower/sucker/soft brush/wiper/ dry cloth

Used to remove dust from computing equipment

6) Antiglare screens
Regulate excess light from monitors especially CRT monitors.

7) Water proof covers

Protect computers from moisture, water and liquids.
 8) First aid box
Contains the necessary items for providing emergency care so as to:
Prevent infection
Prevent excessive blood loss
Prevent death.

9) Wool carpet
Absorbs moisture from the floor
Absorbs sounds from movements
Protects devices from damage when they fall
Protects users from electrocution
Absorbs dust and prevents it from entering the computers

10) Internet gateway

An internet gateway is your modem or router or any other peripheral which allows you to access
the internet.

11) Burglar proofing

Burglar proofing provides protection against any forced physical entry into the computer
laboratory.

12) LCD projector

To provide a display on a wider view to learners
To minimize electro-magnetic radiations
To eliminate use of chalk that leads to dust accumulation

Secure computer laboratory environment

Protection against fire

Have gaseous fire extinguishers
Avoid over loading power sockets or units

Cable insulation
Prevents electric shock
Prevents power disconnections

Stable power supply

Protect computers from being damaged and to prevent data loss due to power problems by
having:

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Enables users to save work when the main power source is off, insufficient or unstable
 Enables users to complete work at hand
Enable users to turn off the computer correctly

Power stabilizers maintain power at required voltages

A surge protector used to protect computer equipment against under voltage and over voltage

Measures to improve on the electricity power supply

Installation of UPS
Installation of circuit breakers
Proper connection of cables
Use or installation of surge suppressors/stabilizer
Turning off the power switches when no device is in use
Installing a power fuse

Protection against forced physical entry

1. Install security alarms at access points
2. Fit strong padlocks, metallic grills and locks on doors, windows
3. Use Desktop locks, system unit enclosures and laptop locks.

Ensuring good air circulation

Having enough ventilation points like windows
Installing an air conditioning system
Avoid overcrowding of machines and users.

Need for a well ventilated environment

To have enough fresh air to avoid user suffocation
To avoid machine crash

Ensuring good lighting

A computer laboratory must be well lit with appropriate wall paints
Fit radiation filter screens to reduce light that reaches the eyes

Need for good lighting system

To guard against eyestrains
To avoid unnecessary damages to the lab devices
For proper visibility
To enable proper surveillance or monitoring users in the lab

Standard furniture
Tables should be wide and strong enough to bear the weight and accommodate all peripherals.
Provide adjustable chairs for users

Need for appropriate furniture

To prevent devices from falling during use
To guard against irritable desk syndrome
To guard against back strains/pains

Physical security
1. Employ security guards to keep watch over data centers.
2. Apply burglar proof to access points like windows, doors, and roofing with metal grills
and use strong padlocks.
3. Set up alarms to alert you in case of break-ins.
4. Use system locks to protect internal components like hard disks and memory sticks.
5. Use cables to lock the equipment to desk, cabinet or floor.
6. Electronic locking mechanism with keys, swipe cards, finger print recognition.
7. Set up CCTV Cameras to monitor data centers
Software security measures
1. Install security software like deep freeze to limit and block certain activities
2. Remote administration software should be considered with high number of computers in
a computer center.
3. Computer management software to monitor and limit web browsing should be installed
for example K9 web protection.
4. Group policy or security software to prevent malicious software from being executed
and installed.
5. Assigning unique authorised log-in for authentication before granting network access.

General measures taken to ensure that computers in a laboratory are safe

1. The computers should be properly switched on or off
2. Avoid illegal connections and disconnections
3. Avoid exposing computers to heat/direct sunlight
4. Keep away with bags
5. Foods and drinks should not be allowed in the computer laboratory
6. Keep the computers in a dust free environment
7. The repairs should be done by technical persons
8. The computers should be connected to the UPS or stabilizer
9. Keep fire extinguishers to guard against fires
10. Computers should be allowed to cool down before covering them
11. Lock the laboratory after use of computers
12. Use burglar proofing
13. Install and update antivirus
14. Have usernames and passwords to access the computers
15. Setup lightening arrestors to guard against thunder
16. Use firm tables to hold the weight of hardware