CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preliminaries

According to Dorf and Bishop (2011), a control system is an interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response. In the context of this research study, a control system for the maintenance of computers is an interconnection of software modules, making up a system that enables users to monitor and perform maintenance activities on the computer system on which it is installed so that they give the desired system response. Just like a car and a house, a computer also needs maintenance to ensure its durability. Most times, users do not remember to perform maintenance operations on their systems hence, a control system that will ensure it is done becomes very necessary. The condition of a system or asset is the physical ability considered relevant for fulfillment of the functions of its functions. As the condition deteriorates due to aging, use and other factors, the system or asset may loose its capability to fulfill it function and a failure occurs. Maintenance assists organizations in controlling, preventing and reducing periods of unavailability (Rign, 2004).

Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) is very important to preserve the reliability of a computer system and it peripherals. Through careful inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, our computer workstations will perform better and last longer than those that are neglected. The PMI is a type of control system for the maintenance of computers that allow system users to detect serious problems before they occur and perhaps prevent system crashes and reduce equipment down time. Preventive maintenance is also periodic in nature. In fact, PMI sometimes stands for Periodic Maintenance Inspection. This information can be programmed so as to have a computerized system that will facilitate monitoring of computer maintenance activities.

1.2 Theoretical Background

The computer system has grown to become an indispensable tool in the processing, storage, retrieval and transmission of information. In view of these vital functions of the computer system, it is adequate that the maintenance of computer systems is performed to enable the system last longer. To ensure this, computer maintenance engineers perform some regular routine activities to monitor the state of the computer system so that it performs its expected functions. In the light of the importance of computer maintenance activities, it is adequate for a control system for the maintenance of computers to be developed. It will go a long way to ensure that the systems are in good condition and it will also help to monitor the maintenance state of the systems.

1.3 Statement of Problem

Many computer users are troubled over the rate of breakdown and malfunction of their computer systems. Most times the problems arise as a result of the lack of regular maintenance activities. In addition, since a computer system may contain important files, the lack of proper maintenance may bring about data loss if the system breaks down because of virus attacks and other system threats. Also, the inexperience of computer users on how to maintain the computer system also brings about the problem of system breakdown it is in view of these problems that this research study is carried out to design and implement a control system for the maintenance of computers.

1.4 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to design a workable control system for the maintenance of computers.

1.5 Aim and Objectives of the study

• To develop an application software that will handle the proper maintenance of the computer system
• To determine the need for maintenance control of the computer system
• To determine the activities involved in maintenance control system
• To determine the limitations of a control system for the maintenance of computers.

1.6 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to help the researcher achieve the aim and objectives of the study;

• What is the concept of a control system for the maintenance of computers?
• What is the need for maintenance control of computers?
• What are the activities involved in maintenance control?
• What are the benefits of a control system for the maintenance of computers?
• What are the limitations of a control system for the maintenance of computers?

1.7 Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is that it will provide an effective means to control, perform and monitor the maintenance activities of computer systems. The study is also significant in that it will serve as a useful research material for other researchers seeking information pertaining to the subject. It will provide an easy avenue to perform maintenance routine on computer systems

1.8 Scope of the Study

This study covers the design and implementation of a control system for maintenance of computers using Digital Center, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as a case study.

1.9 Organization of the Research

This research work is organized into five chapters. Chapter one is concerned with the introduction of the research study and it presents the preliminaries, theoretical background, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.

Chapter two focuses on the literature review, the contributions of other scholars on the subject matter is discussed.

Chapter three is concerned with the system analysis and design. It presents the research methodology, analyzes the present system to identify the problems and provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed system. The system design is also presented in this chapter.

Chapter four presents the system implementation and documentation. The choice of programming language, analysis of modules, choice of programming language and system requirements for implementation.

Chapter five focuses on the summary, conclusion and recommendations are provided in this chapter based on the study carried out.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Maintenance: Work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or piece of equipment in good working condition.

Control System: An interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response.

Troubleshooting: The act or process of identifying and eliminating problems or faults, especially in electronic or computer equipment.

Virus: A contagious computer program that is part of another and inserts copies of itself, often damaging the integrity of stored data.

Antivirus: A program that if installed in a computer system will fight against computer virus and prevent them from infecting or corrupting the files in a computer system.

Utility Program: A computer program that performs routine tasks and supports operations, that helps in the maintenance of the computer system.