10 Most Common Reasons for Computer Failure in Business and Industry
Posted on June 20, 2008
This article gives advice on how to extend a
computer’s life in industry and business.
Computers
are performing more and more tasks in the office and workplace than they ever
have before. Computers can conduct many tasks more efficiently than human
workers but the more we rely on them the more vulnerable we find ourselves when
the machines fail.
Each year, companies
have an average of 501 hours of computer downtime, costing them millions
in annual productivity and revenue and according to a recent study; computer
downtime is responsible for the loss of 3.6% of annual revenue. Which is almost
has high as the revenue loss by employee absence (6 %)!
The average life of an office PC is 3-4 years yet a computer’s
life can be cut down to a fraction of that amount if the machine is expected to
work in less than perfect conditions.
Yet the majority of causes for a computer failure can be
prevented by adhering to some simple steps:
1. User
errors Any tool is only as good as the workman who uses it and computers are
no different. Actions such as not powering down properly, skipping scan disks
or continual button pushing while a computer is processing can damage a
computer’s hardware, particularly drives and processors. Always follow the
correct guidance in using a computer machine.
2. Faulty manufacture
It seems there are an almost infinite number of manufacturers and assemblers
making computers and while some have vast experience and resources, others are
no more than two guys in a garage so it is not surprising that an increasing
number of computer systems are faulty when bought.
3. Bad
upgrades - It is not just computers themselves that are victims of bad
workmanship, upgrades by inexperienced computer fitters can cause horrendous
problems. Faulty add-ons such as RAM can kill a processor instantly, also
attempting to overclock’ or interfere with a processor can often lead to a
fatal melt-down.
4. USB Device Mishaps. It seems everything can be plugged
into a USB these days. However, it maybe that your USB device is not suited to
the operating system you use or it may be faulty leading to a fatal short
circuit.
5. Power problems
- Power surges or unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data
but can fry a processor. It is not just power from the grid that causes
problems either - lightning can surge through cables (even phone wires)
frazzling your system and so can static.
6. Dirt/Dust.
A dusty environment will clog a computer and block cooling vents causing a
computer to overheat. Dust can also contain conductive material and particles
can stick to circuit boards and cause a short circuit. A cloud of dust can also
explode if it comes into contact with a source of ignition (like a computer).
Even home computers if not properly cleaned can succumb to problems caused by
too much dust.
7. Water/fluids.
Of course computers are electrical and with all electrical equipment, computers
and water do not mix, just one spilt cup of coffee could see the end of your
PC.
8. Heat.
Processors can run exceptionally hot and if a computers cooling system is
inadequate (because the machine has been upgraded, overclocked or just clogged
up with dust and grime) it will only be a matter of time before it packs up for
good.
9. Cold.
Just as with heat, computers don’t enjoy the cold too much either. Processors
will not operate at all if the operating temperature is too cold as
condensation inside the machine can freeze and expand damaging the processor
and electronics.
10. Knocks/bangs.
Computers are sensitive machines, simply moving a PC to another room can cause
havoc, disrupting the delicate circuitry and hard drives. Dropping a computer
or severe knocks and bangs will permanently damage the circuits and processors
or dislodge wiring.
The easiest
way to protect a PC in business applications from uncontrollable hazards such
as heat, dust or vibrations is to use an industrial computer enclosure. These
industrial PC enclosures allow a conventional PC to be used whilst housed in a protective
cocoon which can be dust , water and even explosive proof.
About the author
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a
specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer
enclosures and protection for all environments.
Please visit us for more information about computer enclosure
solutions.
Tags: assemblers, business computers, computer downtime, computer failure, computer machine, computer systems, computers hardware, correct guidance, employee absence, fraction, infinite number, processors, productivity, simple steps, study computer, two guys, workman, workmanship
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