Lumame TVET College

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICE

Level II

Learning Guide # 20

Administer Network Hardware

Unit of Competence:-
and Peripheral
Administering Network Hardware and
Module Title:-
Peripheral
LG Code:- ICT ITS1 M06 LO3
TTLM Code:- ICT ITS1 TTLM06 1019

LO3 Connect hardware peripherals

3.1 Verifying installation schedule

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When you install peripherals for clients it is important to ensure that it is done in a structured
manner.
Good planning will go a long way to ensure that the installation goes as smoothly as possible and
minimise disruption to the client.
Pre installation
Prior to installation you should do the following.

 Contact the client to arrange a suitable time for the installation and ensure that they make
a backup of any critical data before your arrival.
 Give the client an approximate assessment as to how long the installation will take.
 Ensure that you have all the required tools and documentation for the job including any
cable diagrams and power requirements, a pen and paper to make notes of every step you
take so that you can back retrace your steps in case of problems.
Timeframe for installation schedule is verified with the client requirement.
Site preparation
Preparing the site before commencing work is critical not only to the installation process but
above all else for safety reasons.

 On arrival ensure that the installation can go ahead and will not disrupt the clients work.
 Clear your work area and ensure that you have adequate space and light to work with.
 Explain to the client the process so they understand what is going to take place this will
help them understand the procedure.
Use the following steps when unpacking and installing.

 Unpack and check all the components and documentation is in the box.
 Note down the serial numbers and check against your invoice.
 Obtain and use the setup documentation
 Place the new peripheral on a stable surface and remove any shipping retention devices
such as those found on printers and check that this is the location the client wants the
peripheral in.
 Connect any cables to the peripheral and system according to manufacturer’s instructions.
 Connect any power units and cables to the power strip (DO NOT POWER UP)
3.2 Removing old peripherals
 Old peripherals are removed and new peripherals are connected with minimum
disruption to clients, taking into account operating system procedures, environmental
considerations and OHS standards.
 The computer configured to accept the new peripherals based on business requirement.
If you remove a current hardware device or upgrade drivers, it may be necessary to remove an
old version of a driver. It is very easy to accidentally remove the wrong driver, so extreme
caution needs to be taken before you proceed with removal. Once you have removed a driver, the
change you have made will be permanent and it will be very difficult to restore the system.
Some powerful operating systems (such as Windows XP) provide functions that will allow you
to uninstall a driver and also Roll back driver. The Uninstall Driver function will delete any
reference to the driver on the current computer system. This is a better option than trying to

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manually remove the driver yourself. The Roll back function will allow you to go back to using
the driver that was being used previously. This is a great tool if you have accidentally installed
an incorrect driver as it can easily return you to the old driver version.
To uninstall a driver through the Windows operating system, perform the following steps.
1. Select Settings from the Windows Start menu.
2. Select Control Panel
3. Double-click the System icon (usually right at the bottom of the Control Panel)
4. Select the Device Manager tab.
5. Click the plus sign next to the hardware type of the device.
6. Select the device you want to remove, and then click Remove.
7. In the Confirm Device Removal dialog box, click OK.
Shut down the system when you have removed the device. At this point you can disconnect the
old peripheral and place it somewhere safe. If you are using an operating system with a
command line interface, removing a driver will need to be done manually. Before deleting a
driver ensure that you have read any manuals that came with the driver to make certain you are
deleting the correct file. An example of a command to delete a driver using the DOS operating
system is: DEL CDROM.SYS
3.3 Environmental considerations
Definition of packaging

Packaging is anything used to contain, protect, handle, deliver or present raw materials and
processed goods. It includes items such as:

 boxes
 pallets
 crates
 labels
 containers
 tubes and cores
 bags and sacks
 tape and materials for wrapping, binding and tying

If an item is integrated into packaging and intended to be used and thrown away with it, it is still
considered as packaging. For example, a mascara brush which forms part of the container closure
would be considered as packaging.

An item is not considered to be packaging if it is either:

 part of a product and is necessary to preserve, contain or support the product during its
lifespan and use, eg tea bags and pots for house plants intended to stay with the plant
throughout its life
 a disposable item designed to be used at the point of sale which does not fulfil a
packaging function, eg drinks stirrers and plastic cutlery.

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 3.3.1 Safety procedures
 Safety Procedures are available across all industries and for all types of
equipment and processes.
 It is becoming more commonplace (usual) in the Construction and Building
Industries.
How to Develop a Safety Procedure
Safety Procedures are not complicated to develop. Some common steps include:
 Risk Assessments
 Site Safety
 Personal Protective Equipment
 First Aid
 General Safety Information
 Maintenance
3.3.2 Physical hazards
What is hazard?
A hazard is generally unsafe condition that can cause injury, illness and death.
- Hazard may be arising from the material, operational, or occupational characteristics of
an insured property.
- It is a most common problem in most workplaces due to lack of knowledge.
What is physical hazard?
Physical hazard is those substances which threaten your physical safety.
The most common types of physical hazards are:
 Fire
 Explosion
 Chemical reactivity
Examples of physical hazards include:
 electrical hazards: missing ground pins, improper wiring
 unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts: moving parts that a worker can
accidentally touch
 constant loud noise
 high exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, heat or cold
 Working from heights, including ladders, roofs, or any raised work area.
3.3.3 Chemical hazards
What Is a Chemical Hazard?
A chemical hazard is any substance that can cause harm, primarily to people.
- Chemical hazards are present (occur) when a worker is exposed to any chemical
preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid or gas).
- It arises from contamination of an area with harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.

Possible sources of chemical hazards include: - the burning of fossils

- Materials and chemicals used in construction
and industry
- Pollution of the environment
- Industrial accidents, and
- the deliberate release of toxic materials.

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3.1.1.1 Ergonomics

Ergonomics (from the Greek word ergon meaning work, and nomoi meaning natural laws), is
the science of refining the design of products to optimize them for human use. ... Computers and
related products, such as computer desks and chairs, are frequently the focus of ergonomic
design.

Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace, keeping in minds the capabilities and
limitations of the worker. ... A systematic ergonomics improvement process removes risk factors
that lead to musculoskeletal injuries and allows for improved human performance and
productivity.

The term “ergonomics” means the study of work.

What is ergonomic hazard?
Ergonomic hazards refer to unsafe workplace conditions that pose (cause) the risk of injury to
the musculoskeletal system of the worker.
The type of things that cause to ergonomic hazards includes:
 Repetitive and forceful the same movements.
 poor lighting
 improperly adjusted workstations and chairs
 improper work methods
 Use of too much force, especially if you have to do it
frequently.
 poorly designed equipment
3.3.4.1 Psychological factors
What is a psychological factor?
Psychological factor is thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or other cognitive or affective characteristics
of an individual that influence his/her behaviour.
3.3.4.2 Physiological factors
What is physiological factor?
Physiological factor is level of arousal (stimulation), which refers to the overall readiness of the
organism to engage in activity.
Physiological Factor is the factor relating to physiology that includes: -
 Related to the mind and its processes
 Characteristic of an organism's healthy or normal functioning
3.3.4.3 Burglary
What is burglary?
Burglary means breaking and entering or housebreaking.
Burglary is the unlawful entrance to someone’s property and the removal of items not theirs,
without permission of the owner.
3.3.4.4 Fire

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Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat,
light, and various reaction products.
3.3.4.5 Power accidents
It is widely considered as the worst nuclear power accident in history.
Example: -Power tool eye injuries

3.4 Adding new peripherals

Hardware compatibility List

Compatibility testing is a type of software testing used to ensure compatibility of the

system/application/website built with various other objects such as other web browsers, hardware
platforms, users (in case if it's very specific type of requirement, such as a user who speaks and
can read only a particular language).

Compatibility is nothing but the capability of existing or living together. In normal life, Oil is not
compatible with water, but milk can be easily combined with water.

Compatibility Testing is a type of Software testing to check whether your software is capable of
running on different hardware, operating systems, applications, network environments or Mobile
devices.

Let's look into compatibility testing types

 Hardware: It checks software to be compatible with different hardware configurations.

 Operating Systems: It checks your software to be compatible with different Operating
Systems like Windows, Unix, Mac OS etc.
 Software: It checks your developed software to be compatible with other software. For
example, MS Word application should be compatible with other software like MS
Outlook, MS Excel, VBA etc.
 Network: Evaluation of performance of a system in a network with varying parameters
such as Bandwidth, Operating speed, Capacity. It also checks application in different
networks with all parameters mentioned earlier.
 Browser: It checks the compatibility of your website with different browsers like
Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer etc.
 Devices: It checks compatibility of your software with different devices like USB port
Devices, Printers and Scanners, Other media devices and Blue tooth.

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  Mobile: Checking your software is compatible with mobile platforms like Android, iOS
etc.
 Versions of the software: It is verifying your software application to be compatible with
different versions of the software. For instance checking your Microsoft Word to be
compatible with Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP2, Windows 7 SP3.

The Hardware Compatibility List is a list of products maintained by Microsoft that note devices
that have been tested for compatibility with Windows OS.
The Hardware Compatibility List will also note those products that have been tested to pass
Microsoft standards of compatibility, reliability and security and will work with all PCs running
Windows Vista
A hardware compatibility list (HCL) is a list of computer hardware (typically including many
types of peripheral devices) that is compatible with a particular operating system or device
management software. In today's world, there is a vast amount of computer hardware in
circulation, and many operating systems too. A hardware compatibility list is a database of
hardware models and their compatibility with a certain operating system.
Hardware requirements

 Minimum of 512 MB of RAM

 Minimum of 500 MB of disk space
 DVD-ROM drive
 Stata for Unix requires a video card that can display thousands of colors or more (16-bit
or 24-bit color)

3.4.1. Operating system compatibility

Compatibility mode creates the environment of an earlier operating system for applications that
are not compatible with the current operating system.
Compatibility mode allows an older program written for an earlier version of Windows to
possibly run in new Operating System.
Warning: - Do not use Compatibility mode on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other
system programs
because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.
 To Run a Program in Compatibility Mode:
1. Right click on the program's shortcut in the start or program menu.
2. Click on Properties.
3. Click on the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for box.

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 5. Click on the drop down menu arrow and select which version of Windows the program
was made for.

6. To Change the Settings for a Program

A) Check or uncheck the settings you want for the program.

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7. To Change the Privilege Level of a Program
NOTE: Runs the program as an administrator. Some programs require administrator privileges
to run properly. If you are not currently logged on as an administrator, this option is not
available.
A) Check or uncheck the Run this program as an administrator box to enable or disable this
option.

8. To Change All of These Settings Above for All Users

NOTE: Lets you choose settings that will apply to all users on this computer.
A) Click on the Change settings for all users button.

B) Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 in this window to apply them to all users on the computer.
C) Click on OK.

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8. Click on OK to apply the changes.
3.4.2 Install device drivers
A driver is a small software program designed to control an input or output hardware device.
Every device needs a driver in order to interact properly with the operating system. Drivers
provide the instructions for the operating system to understand how the device works. There are
drivers that are used to control devices such as the mouse, CD-ROM drive and printer. Each time
you add or change a device you may need to include a driver.
Many drivers, such as the driver for the keyboard, are automatically contained within the
operating system. These devices are known as ‘plug and play’. For other devices, such as a
printer, you may need to load a new driver when you connect the device to your computer.
When you buy a new input or output device to use with your computer, the device usually comes
with either a CD-ROM or floppy disk which contains the driver software. Although some
operating systems may already have a list of available drivers for you to use, chances are that not
all the available drivers are up-to-date. It is better to use the driver that you have received from
the device manufacturer.

You can have Windows automatically download recommended drivers and detailed information
for your hardware and devices. This is a good way to make sure all your hardware and devices
work properly.
Drivers and information
 A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with a particular type of
hardware device that is attached to your computer.
 Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you
connect to your computer.
Example: device drivers for: - displays (graphic cards) - NIC/modem
- printers - sound
Note: When you buy an operating system, many device drivers are built into the product.
A device driver essentially converts the more general input/output instructions of the operating
system to messages that the device type can understand.

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In certain Microsoft operating systems, a virtual device driver is a program that handles software
interrupts from the operating system (rather than hardware interrupts) for each of the computer's
main hardware devices, including the hard disk drive controller, keyboard, and serial and parallel
ports.
A virtual device driver is used to maintain the status of a hardware device that has changeable
settings.
Installing a device driver
The device that is to be installed and the operating system that you are currently using will
determine how you will install a device driver. Two possible ways a device driver may be
installed are to:

 install
 manually install the driver.
Install using the driver disk from the manufacturer
After you have plugged your new device into the computer’s system unit, many operating
systems will automatically detect that a new device has been installed. After recognising that
there is a new device, the operating system will prompt you to install a driver. It is at this point
that you can either choose from a list of the operating system’s list of devices or choose the
driver disk provided by the manufacturer.
Sometimes a manufacturer’s driver disk may also self load. Once you have inserted the disk, a
program will run automatically. It may ask you a couple of questions, then it installs the driver
for you.
Manually installing the driver
Some operating systems and drivers do not load in an automatic manner. Sometimes you may
need to manually install a driver. Many graphical user interfaces include a function that allows
you to manage your device drivers. It is here that you can install a new driver.

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Figure 4: Screenshot of Microsoft XP Device Manager – this will allow you to add, upgrade and
delete I/O devices and their drivers

In a command line user interface, there may be a specific file (such as CONFIG.SYS) that
contains the names of all device drivers. The below example displays the instruction to include a
CD-ROM device driver within the DOS operating system:
DEVICE = C:\HXCD-ROM\CDROM.SYS
It is important that you read any instructions from the manufacturer of the device before trying to
change these types of files.
3.4.3 Test peripherals
 Hardware peripherals are tested and confirmed to client satisfaction, pay particular
attention to possible impact on other systems and make adjustments as required.
Testing a device driver
Once you have installed a driver it is important that you test the device to ensure that it is
working correctly. Try testing all different functions of the device to check that it will work
correctly in all circumstances. Examples could include:
Mouse
 Make sure that you can perform basic functions such as click, double-click, and drag.
 Make sure that you can configure the mouse for both a left and right-handed user.
Monitor
 Ensure that you can change the resolution of the screen.
 Ensure that you can change the available colours.

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