Introduction
Computers have transformed the way most present day activities are carried out. The use of computers has been expanded to cover almost all aspects of our lives. As with most other inventions, the computer is not flawless in nature. Errors are inherent and if they are not resolved, they may be lead to inconvenience or even catastrophic results. These errors can be as a result of human mistakes, software or hardware issues with the computer. To ensure that minimal damage is done, this problems need to be fixed as soon as possible so as to resume normal operation. Jarvis and Lawson acknowledge that to be able to troubleshoot, one has to locate and repair faults utilizing appropriate fault-finding techniques (70). This paper shall outline the various sources of technical information and their applicability.
Sources of Technical information
There exist a number of sources that are at one’s disposal to aid in the identification of errors. These include:
- The fault log
- System Tools
- Monitoring tools.
Validity of the sources in error solving
Each of these tools has its various strengths and weaknesses in problem identification. The fault log is one of the most important tools for resolving errors. While one may chose to keep a manual fault log of the system that gives a brief description of the faults incurred, most operating systems provided for automated error logs (Jarvis and Lawson 70). These logs maintain a record of all the errors that occur during computer operation. Some of these errors may be resolved by the system on its own but the fault log will still record this occurrence. In error resolution, one consults the fault log and by use of the details contained therein, one can find the faulty component. One of the key problems that might arise while using a fault log is the large number of errors that may be contained insides. Fault logs typically contain multiple lines of fault code and narrowing down which particular fault caused the anomaly may be hard.
Monitoring Tools are another versatile source of technical information. These tools check the system performance sometimes in real time and provide a knowledge base of the performance. If a problem occurs, one can consult the tools to identify which element of the system is not functioning as it should be. Monitoring tools provide the best way to monitor the consumption of the computer (Gookin 283). By use of monitoring tools e.g. the task manager in Microsoft, one can spot troublesome software applications at a glance. This greatly assists in error detection and correction. However, monitoring tools may consume a significant proportion of the system’s resources thereby degrading the overall performance of the system especially when the system has limited resources.
System tools which are tools that comes with the operating system. The system tools that is applicable for as sources of technical information are the error reporting tools. Clark states that error reporting tools allow for various levels of reporting which can be used both by the user and by IT technicians (821). These messages almost always contain error codes which are useful for the technician in error handling. The main strength of error reports is that they effectively narrow down the scope of the problem thereby leading to a more focused trouble shooting. Error reporting tools provide a summary of the error mostly in the form of a dialog. While this may be an advantage since the user can quickly point out the fault, it may prove inadequate when more detailed information is needed to resolve an error.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the above information, there exist a number of sources for technical information that can be utilized for problem solving by both the user and professional personnel. Each of these methods have their respective merits and shortcomings. However, they are all very important and make the task of troubleshooting much more efficient and successful.
Works Cited
Clarke, G, E. “CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One for Dummies.” For Dummies, 2008. Print.
Gookin, Dan. “Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your PC All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies.” For Dummies, 2009. Print.
Jarvis, Alan, and Lawson, Jenny. “TEC National IT Practitioners: General.” Heinemann, 2003. Print.