| Task |
Likely time
( mins ) |
Here
is what we do. |
| Remove Hard Drive |
5 -
10
|
Get the computer
from storage, put it onto the bench and take the drive out.
This can be the hardest part with some computer cases.
The next few steps are best done with your hard drive(s) on our
machines.
|
| Clone Hard Drive |
30 - 60
|
In case of
problems, we take a backup. For security, it's stored on an encrypted
volume with restricted access.
|
| Clean inside PC
case |
5 - 10
|
As dirt and dust
can cause overheating, causing system slowness, errors and even
failure, we use compressed gas to remove dust and debris from the case,
and particularly from cooling heatsinks and fans. This also serves as
an oppertunity to look and check inside the case.
|
| Scan the Hard
Drive for surface damage |
30 - 60
|
Hard drives get
damaged. If you wait until the operating system finds the damage in
normal use, you risk losing data. With the cost of drives now so low,
if you value your data, consider RAID as a great aid against this
danger.
|
| Remove malware |
30 - ??? |
Malware includes
computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware,
dishonest adware, and other malicious and unwanted software. We remove
it.
|
| Replace
HDD in customer’s PC |
5 - 10 |
The next few steps
are best done with your hard drive(s) in your machines.
|
| Check
memory usage and add some
if needed |
5 - 10 |
If your computer
needs more physical memory (RAM) than you have in the computer, Windows
uses an area of hard drive space to create "Virtual Memory" to trick
the computer programme into thinking it has all the RAM it needs.
Unfortunately, Virtual Memory is much slower than real RAM. About 10
times!
|
| Defrag
Hard drive |
30 - 60 |
In use, the files
on a hard drive get broken up into many small parts, or fragments. As a
result, a map is needed inside the drive, to keep track of the
fragments. It takes longer to find files if there are large numbers of
fragments to track. Defragmenting is returning these fragments to the
rest of their files, so making the loading or finding of files much
quicker. It also reduces drive and motor wear.
|
| Check
Drivers installed |
5 - 60 |
Computers are only
as good as the software installed, so we make sure that you have the
best available.
|
| Check
Windows updates |
30 - ??? |
If anyone tells
you otherwise, they're mistaken. Microsoft don't spend
millions making the software service packs, patches and updates for
fun. You need them.
|
| Check
Office updates |
30 - ??? |
You also need the latest Office updates, if
running Microsoft Office. |
| Prepare
PC for Dispatch |
5 - 10 |
Move your computer
to our dispatch area and call you, either to let you know your computer
is ready for collection, or to arrange with you for our delivery person
to return at your convenience with your system.
|
