Hardware and Software Tools Report- M2
Troubleshooting is a procedure which has to be done using both hardware and software as
different errors can occur with the users computer whether they be internal or to do with
software used on the computer. For example hardware such as a screwdriver will be used
on a users computer for removal of the outer case or other components inside the
desktop/laptop. This is done for part replacement or so that the technician can get a better
look inside of a machine to make sure the physical components are running well. In
comparison a software such as a disk defragger is used to help rearrange the information on
a drive so that it is more efficient, this can help to improve performance if a large amount of
programs/ files have been installed and subsequently deleted. This kind of fix is aiming to
help how data is stored on a machine whereas a screwdriver would be used to help gain
access to certain areas of a machine/ to replace hardware because of this the defragging
software would be much easier to use for someone who didn’t know much about computing
as there is a much lower risk of anything going wrong.
Anti-static equipment is used to reduce the risk of a static shock to the technician however
more importantly it is to stop damage occurring to the hardware from said shock. This anti-
static equipment includes a mat which can be stood on by the technician as well as a wrist
band which can be worn, both of these items are used to ground the technician. However
there are other ways to stop static build up such as regularly touching a metal object such as
a radiator or simply using a canister of air to clean the computer rather than anything else
like a vacuum can reduce the static build up. In comparison something like an antivirus
software is used to protect the machine from malicious damage which could be cause by
other software/ scripts. These programs aim to destroy/ steal data or to damage the
hardware of the computer by putting a strain on the components, An antivirus helps to make
sure these programs never make it onto your computer by stopping suspicious downloads,
flagging suspicious activity as well as quarantining any program which it detects as
malicious. Therefore both of these tools aim to stop hardware damage however the antivirus
software has more of a focus on protecting data.
Spare parts are needed in computers if old parts are broken or running extremely slowly/
inefficiently. These old parts can stop a computer from running all together or can make a
computer run very slowly. A test utility is similarly used if a computer is starting to run slowly
to try and find out which part or problem is causing the computer to run so slowly, therefore
these tools can often be used in conjunction. However test utilities can also be used to test
things such as the computers effectiveness at running certain programs.
Maintaining Data Security/Integrity Report- M3
Troubleshooting is a procedure which has to be done using both hardware and software as
different errors can occur with the users computer whether they be internal or to do with
software used on the computer. For example hardware such as a screwdriver will be used
on a users computer for removal of the outer case or other components inside the
desktop/laptop. This is done for part replacement or so that the technician can get a better
look inside of a machine to make sure the physical components are running well. In
comparison a software such as a disk defragger is used to help rearrange the information on
a drive so that it is more efficient, this can help to improve performance if a large amount of
programs/ files have been installed and subsequently deleted. This kind of fix is aiming to
help how data is stored on a machine whereas a screwdriver would be used to help gain
access to certain areas of a machine/ to replace hardware because of this the defragging
software would be much easier to use for someone who didn’t know much about computing
as there is a much lower risk of anything going wrong.
Anti-static equipment is used to reduce the risk of a static shock to the technician however
more importantly it is to stop damage occurring to the hardware from said shock. This anti-
static equipment includes a mat which can be stood on by the technician as well as a wrist
band which can be worn, both of these items are used to ground the technician. However
there are other ways to stop static build up such as regularly touching a metal object such as
a radiator or simply using a canister of air to clean the computer rather than anything else
like a vacuum can reduce the static build up. In comparison something like an antivirus
software is used to protect the machine from malicious damage which could be cause by
other software/ scripts. These programs aim to destroy/ steal data or to damage the
hardware of the computer by putting a strain on the components, An antivirus helps to make
sure these programs never make it onto your computer by stopping suspicious downloads,
flagging suspicious activity as well as quarantining any program which it detects as
malicious. Therefore both of these tools aim to stop hardware damage however the antivirus
software has more of a focus on protecting data.
Spare parts are needed in computers if old parts are broken or running extremely slowly/
inefficiently. These old parts can stop a computer from running all together or can make a
computer run very slowly. A test utility is similarly used if a computer is starting to run slowly
to try and find out which part or problem is causing the computer to run so slowly, therefore
these tools can often be used in conjunction. However test utilities can also be used to test
things such as the computers effectiveness at running certain programs.
Maintaining Data Security/Integrity Report- M3
