6 common working tools for a computer technician

Computer has become a day-to-day device that is used to facilitate almost all activities in all fields of human endavour because of its versatility. Most people think, computers being electronic devices, do not require any mechanical maintenance, but this is not so. Many computer faults are caused by overheating, accumulation of dust on the computer components, virus attack, or sudden power failure among others. It’s worthwhile cleaning your computer annually or even more often particularly if it is in a dusty environment.

Just like human beings are made of different parts that form the body, a computer also is made of two major parts that form the computer system. These are hardware and software. Computer hardware refers to the physical and mechanical components of the computer (that you can see, touch and feel). These include the monitor, system unit, keyboard, mouse etc. Whereas Software refers to a written program that causes the computer hardware to work. And programs, on the other hand are set of instructions that direct a computer to carry out a specific task. So when you are dealing with the computer system, these two parts must be taken into consideration.

  

Computer Repairing Tools

There is always a right tool for every job. Make sure that you are familiar with the correct use of each tool and that the correct tool is used for the current task. The Toolkit should contain all the tools necessary to complete hardware repairs. As you gain experience, you will learn which of the tools to have available for different types of jobs. These working tools include:

•    The antistatic wrist strap - it protects computer equipment when grounded to a computer chassis.

•    Antistatic mat – it protects computer equipment by preventing static electricity from accumulating on the hardware or on the technician.

•    Set of screwdrivers: this is a collection of screw-drivers that are used to tighten or loosen screws.

•    Flashlight: it is used to light up areas that you cannot see well.

•    Soft cloth: it is used to clean different computer components without scratching or leaving debris

•    Software working tools: there are a variety of software tools just like in hardware tools that can be used to help technicians pinpoint and troubleshoot problems. This ranges from protection software tools such as anti-virus program, windows firewall, and antispyware program among others to application software and system software.

When you want to disassemble your computer, it is advisable to discharge yourself from static electricity otherwise known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

What is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?

It is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short or dielectric breakdown. The ESD occurs when differently-charged objects are brought close together.

Many electronic components, especially microchips, can be damaged by ESD. Sensitive components need to be protected during device assembly and disassembly. Like the shock you receive when rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching something metal, ESD can occur when working on your computer and can cause damage to components. ESD can occur without the user feeling a shock and only occurs while working on the inside of the computer or handling an expansion card or other hardware components.

The best method to prevent ESD is to use an ESD wrist strap, grounding mat or grounding workbench.

Alternatively: before you touch any internal component of the computer system, touch your hands on any metallic object that is grounded to discharge any static electricity on your hands.

Download: How To Disassemble Your Laptop With No Step Skipped