jw2b@watt.acc.Virginia.EDU (Sara J. Wagner) (06/07/90)
A colleague and I are responsible for 40-odd staff computer workstations and a public computer lab with another 40-odd computers at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Library. Equipment ranges from a few IBM PCs (the original) through many XTs (IBM original and clones) to some AT clones (WIN and AST). The computer lab also has some Macintosh equipment, but for this posting, let's just consider the IBM-compatibles. Some machines are under service contract, but others (particularly the computer lab) are not, and must be serviced through the University. This situation frequently presents problems for us. We decided that we need to learn more about both hardware maintenance and upgrades, and software maintenance (recovering corrupted files, etc.) so we can do some of our own maintenance and file repair. Both of us are experienced with software, but relative novices when it comes to hardware. The Fix-It Kit thread of a few weeks ago was of great interest, and gave us some ideas. We'll be assembling our own kits. We'd appreciate suggestions in the following areas -- please e-mail to me (Jane Wagner, jw2b@virginia.edu) and I'll summarize if there's interest. HARDWARE: We'd like recommendations for specific technical reference books on the level of "this is what a power supply (floppy drive, video card) looks like. Plug this into here." Manuals are needed for XT and AT class machines (the PCs are being phased out). We would also be interested in books covering dot matrix printers (mostly Epsons), daisywheel printers (mostly NECs), and laser printers (HP Series II). Please give us an idea of whether the recommended book is likely to be readily available or ordered at major bookstores, or only available from the equipment manufacturer. In addition, does anyone know of training classes offered by service companies or others in the Mid-Atlantic region? Any other suggestions for do-it-yourself training? SOFTWARE: We'd appreciate recommendations between Norton Utilities and Mace Utilities (or an overwhelmingly good reason to go with something else, bearing in mind difficulties of state contract purchase). We want the product that will best enable us to rescue computers from the mistakes of their users.:-) Many thanks! Jane Wagner, Information Specialist BITNET: jw2b@virginia The Claude Moore Health Sciences Library INTERNET: jw2b@virginia.edu Box 234, UVA Health Sciences Center PHONE: 804-924-0188 Charlottesville, VA 22908 Opinions expressed are my own