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This article explores the biggest hazards for
computers being used in industry

Computers
are fragile pieces of equipment yet more and more computers are being used in
environments that prove hostile to a PC. One of the main reasons is that many
administrators find it cheaper to use inexpensive PCs that don’t last very long
rather than buying a specialist industrial PC

 

However a
happy medium in the shape of an industrial PC enclosure which will offer the
same protection of an industrial computer for a fraction of the cost, allowing the
off-the-shelf computer to last just as long whilst offering the same flexibility
of an industrial machine, particularly when it comes to upgrades and repairs.

 

The top ten
hazards for PCs in Industry are:

 

 10.      User errors ? From
not powering down properly to skipping scan disks, a user can seriously damage
a computer’s hardware, particularly drives and processors by not following
correct guidance in using their machine.

 

9.         Faulty manufacture ? years ago there
were only a handful of companies producing PCs now it seems there are an almost
infinite number of manufacturers and assemblers, 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 new.

 

8.         Bad upgrades. It is not
just computers themselves that are victims of bad workmanship, upgrades by
inexperienced computer fitters can cause horrendous problems and faulty add-ons
such as RAM can kill a processor instantly. Also attempting to ?overclock’ a
processor can often lead to a fatal melt-down.

 

7.         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.

 

6.         Power surge/cut. Power surges or
unexpected power cuts can not only cause instant loss of data but can also fry
a processor rendering it useless. It is not just power from the grid that
causes problems either,  lightning can
surge through cables (even phone wires) frazzling your system and a build up of
static can cause similar results.

 

5.         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.

 

4.         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.

 

3.         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. 

 

2.         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.

 

1.         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.

 

About the author

Tags: assemblers, computer systems, computers hardware, correct guidance, environments, fragile pieces, handful, happy medium, industrial computer, inexpensive pcs, infinite number, operating system, pc enclosure, power surge, power surges, processors, short circuit, two guys, usb device, workmanship

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