Computer maintenance

 1 Computer cleaning

 2 Backup

 3 Disk maintenance

 4 Dust

 5 Law

 6 Registry

 7 Security

 8 Service intervals

 9 Software updates

Computer cleaning
Computer cleaning is the practice of physically cleaning the interior, and exterior, of a computer
including the removal of dust and debris from cooling fans, power supplies, and hardware
components. Dust is a problem that affects everyone no matter where you live and even more if you
live in a area where the dust is bad. If you have not cleaned the inside of your computer case in 6
months or longer than you need to get right on it.  Dust build up is the number 1 computer killer/
problem causer in my humble opinion. Buy yourself a can of compressed air. Buy a 1 inch paintbrush
for brushing off things.

Recommend: Start by unplugging your system from it’s power source. Then start from the top and
brush all the dust off that you can with the paintbrush and work your way down to the bottom of the
case.  Brush all the dust into a pile and use a piece of paper as a dust pan and remove the dust. Then
take the can of compressed air and  blow out your cd drive and floppy drive then start from the top
again and blow the system down to the bottom of the case.  Stop every 10 seconds or so and take a
damp cloth and wipe the dust up on the bottom of the case Keep it up until you have all the dust
cleaned up. Use a Q-tip or pencil to block the fan blades so they do not turn while you blow them off.

Backup
Important data stored on computers may be copied and archived securely so that, in the event, of
failure, the data and systems may be reconstructed. When major maintenance such as patching is
performed, a backup is recommended as the first step in case the update fails and reversion is
required. a backup or the process of backing up refers to making copies of data so that these
additional copies may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. The verb form is back
up in two words, whereas the noun is backup (often used like an adjective in compound nouns).[1]

Backups have two distinct purposes. The primary purpose is to recover data as a reaction to data
loss, be it by data deletion or corrupteddata. Data loss is a very common experience of computer
users. 67% of internet users have suffered serious data loss. [2] The secondary purpose of backups is
to recover data from a historical period of time within the constraints of a user-defined data
retention policy, typically configured within a backup application for how long copies of data are
required. Though backups popularly represent a simple form of disaster recovery, and should be part
of a disaster recovery plan, by themselves, backups should not alone be considered disaster
recovery. [3] Not all backup systems and/or backup applications are able to reconstitute a computer
system, or in turn other complex configurations such as acomputer cluster, active directory servers, or
a database server, by restoring only data from a backup.

Since a backup system contains at least one copy of all data worth saving, the data
storage requirements are considerable. Organizing this storage space and managing the backup
process is a complicated undertaking. A data repository model can be used to provide structure to the
storage. In the modern era of computing there are many different types of data storage devices that
are useful for making backups. There are also many different ways in which these devices can be
arranged to provide geographic redundancy, data security, and portability.

Before data is sent to its storage location, it is selected, extracted, and manipulated. Many different
techniques have been developed to optimize the backup procedure. These include optimizations for
dealing with open files and live data sources as well as compression, encryption, and de-duplication,
among others. Many organizations and individuals try to have confidence that the process is working
as expected and work to define measurements and validation techniques. It is also important to
recognize the limitations and human factors involved in any backup scheme.

Disk maintenance
Disk storage, such as your hard drive, fills up with unwanted files over time. Disk cleanup may be
performed as regular maintenance to remove these. Files may become fragmented and so slow the
performance of the computer. Disk defragmentation may be performed to combine these fragments
and so improve performance.

 Disk cleanup:

First off you need to delete all your trash, temp files, and files you no longer need. While in an ideal
situation these temp files are deleted when the applications close but they aren’t. With poorly written
programs, computer crashes, hanging programs and improper shutdowns always leave unneeded
temporary files on your hard drive. These files pile up and start eating up hard disk space and start
impairing computer performance. If your computer is moving at a snail pace then deleting the
accumulated temp files may help to speed it up. You can  fix some shutdown and download problems
by cleaning up your temp files. Do the following:

 Start > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup

 Select the drive you want to clean. When it has finished, select the items that you no longer
want.
Recommend: Clean 'Downloaded Program Files', 'Temporary Internet Files', 'Recycle Bin' and
'Temporary Files'.

 Disk Defragmentation :

Your computer writes to the first available area on your hard drive. Then over time your files start to
be rearranged on your hard disk or fragmented as most will say.  When your hard drive is fragmented
and you try to load a program it may have to get 1 file from the inside of the hard drive, 1 file from the
middle, then maybe 1 from the outside. This will cause a slower running system. When defrag your
hard drive it tries to put the files back in order by organizing them in similar groups. That way the hard
drive is hunting all over looking for them and that speeds up your system. Do the following:

 Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter/Check Now.
 Select the drive you want to defrag. When it is done you can close the window or select
another drive to defrag.

Recommend you defrag at least once a month

Dust
Dust and other cruft may accumulate as a result of air cooling. If filters are used to prevent this then
they will need regular service and changes. If the cooling system is not filtered then regular Computer
cleaning may be required to prevent short circuits and overheating.

Law
Computer maintenance activities are specifically exempt from the Digital Millennium Copyright
Act and so copies of copyright files may be made in the course of maintenance provided that they are
destroyed afterwards.

Registry
Operating systems files such as the Windows registry may require maintenance. A utility such as a
registry cleaner may be used for this.

 Clean and Defrag your registry:

With time your registry becomes fragmented and bloated with obsolete and invalid data that causes
errors slowdowns and freezing of your system. Windows will try to load things that do not exist any
more because of invalid registry entries so it then slows  down your system leads to errors. Use
Advanced Registry Optimizer. Select all 3 of the programs options and run them. Be sure to make a
backup, just in case of a problem.

Security
Computer security is a branch of computer technology known as information security as applied
to computers and networks. The objective of computer security includes protection of information and
property from theft, corruption, or natural disaster, while allowing the information and property to
remain accessible and productive to its intended users. The term computer system security means
the collective processes and mechanisms by which sensitive and valuable information and services
are protected from publication, tampering or collapse by unauthorized activities or untrustworthy
individuals and unplanned events respectively. The strategies and methodologies of computer
security often differ from most other computer technologies because of its somewhat elusive objective
of preventing unwanted computer behavior instead of enabling wanted computer behavior.

Service intervals
Depending on your environment computers should be serviced at least once per quarter, though
monthly service is optimal. This will ensure your computers run at their peak performance.

Software updates
Software packages and operating systems may require regular updates to correct software bugs and
address security weaknesses. An automated or semi-automated program such as Windows
update may be used for this.

Information Technology for Sports

Introduction

This article will address the topic of information technology for sports management and will attempt to
provide an overview of how information technology (called IT) is changing the nature of management
practices in sport. The discussion of IT applications in the profession can be done in a few broad
areas:

1st How the tools of today's "technological revolution" can be applied to the administration of sport.

2nd How developments such as the Internet and world wide web help in specific management
functions such as training and marketing

3rd How e-commerce can make participation in sports more available through lower priced equipment
and lastly,

4th The digital divide: and underlying condition that keeps some from participating fully in the benefits
in the IT revolution.

The Technological Revolution

We are living in the midst of one of those very unusual occurrences that come along once every few
generations: a society wide paradigm shift. The close of the last millennium has seen a fundamental
change that is moving society the age of industry to the age of information. The currency in this new
society that is being formed is information and the medium of exchange is called IT (and sometimes
computer technology - CT). IT is simply the tools and methods used for the identification, organization
and manipulation of facts that we call data. IT has become the engine that is driving all sectors of
today's economy be it industry, government, education or indeed, sports.

The most important piece of equipment that lies at the heart of the whole IT process is the computer.
The computer and the software that it runs is an essential element in the new societal paradigm and it
is a key to success for the modern sports manager. It is THE piece of equipment that allows the
sports administrator to maximize the return on scarce resources whether this is people, facilities and
equipment or finances. In turn, it is also perhaps the single most important tool to the sports
administrator to extend the reach of sport and recreational programming to as many potential
participants as possible.

Just as money has been the currency and a source of power in the old paradigm, information is the
currency and a source of power in the new paradigm. No where is the old saying "that knowledge is
power" more true than in a society where information or data is the force that drives the new
economy. The secret to managing knowledge and information is in the development and maintenance
of computer databases.

A database is nothing more than an organized collection of common records that can be searched,
accessed and modified. Database software is very widespread as most standard office computer
software packages will typically have a simple database program in addition to word processing,
spreadsheet and presentation applications.

There is, however, a far more powerful and useful kind of database for sport managers than the one
that comes in the standard software suite: the relational database. A relational database is a data
management system that stores information in a series of tables consisting of rows and columns of
data. When the operator conducts a search, a relational database allows the individual to match data
from one table with data from a second to produce a third table or a report.

An illustrative example is that of an individual charged with overseeing a complex sports competition,
the details of which have been entered into a relational database. The time for a scheduled event can
be pulled from one table, a roster that has the names of qualified referees who can officiate the event
from another table, their availability from a third table resulting in a report that lists all of the personnel
who can undertake the officiating task at the appointed place at the appointed time. This task which
could take hours of manual manipulation from paper records can be done in a fraction of the time from
digital records. Similar event management software can assist the sports manager with a myriad of
other tasks associated with the competition ranging from facility scheduling, equipment set up and
knock-down, or even ordering soft drinks for the concession stand.

From the foregoing the value of using IT tools can be readily seen for the organization of a
competition. These tools are even more important for the day-to-day operation of the sport
organization as can be seen by the kinds of sport program information that can be contained within
these databases:

First are athlete specific information such as team rosters that include biographic information including
name, sex, age, contact information and even clothing sizes for team uniforms. The same database
may also contain details on medical conditions, performance history, or other participation
characteristics of the athletes.
Another common use is the development of rosters of program support personnel such as officials,
timekeepers, drivers, or medical staff. Aside from details such as their addresses, a database of this
type might also contain information about availability and reliability. For example, do they actually
show up when they volunteer?

Money is always an issue for today's sport management professional. Databases are particularly
useful for tracking donors or potential donors whether and they contribute money or in-kind services.
In addition to the expected biographic information will be other keys to successful fund rasing such as
the source of their motivation or affiliation and the frequency with which they give.

Databases are also essential for other types of administrative information. Examples include
accounting and business records, employee files, equipment inventories or facility maintenance
records. The organizational marketing information system (MIS) is also typically a database program
in which are tracked information such as season ticket sales, gate receipts or merchandising sales. It
is particularly useful if different software applications interface with each other seamlessly which is to
say, "do the programs talk to each other?" Can, for example, the data entered in the MIS resulting
from ticket sales be imported directly to the accounting program?

To be effective, databases can and should be regularly updated to record changes. Bear in mind that
the passage of time presents a more comprehensive picture of most activities and the ability to record
change and make sense of it is essential for long term survival. Further, there is nothing so constant
as change, particularly in sports organizations, and a well thought out and maintained database is a
great way to develop and maintain an "institutional memory"; a record of those changes and the
impact they have had on the organization.

As great as databases are for effective sport program management, the real power of information
technology comes when individual computers are tied together through the medium of a network. This
is truly a case where there are synergies created as in 2 + 2 = 6. A computer network simply is the
hardware and software required to connect two or more machines together so to allow the sharing of
data and other resources. Most larger enterprises, use computer networks to link together their
operatives in a common computing environment. All of the permeations and configurations available
to the sports administrator are clearly beyond the scope of this presentation except to note that the
most common configuration of these kinds of networks are of the client - server variety. This type of
network is has a main server that houses most of the information and database files. The individual
operatives access the server through their desktop terminals or workstations which are called clients.

Aside from sharing data, a network can share other resources as well. For example, a network can
have any number of computers sharing a very good quality printer instead of a using a number of
mediocre workstation printers. A powerful server can substantially increase computing speed and
effectiveness throughout an organization. So what are the key issues to be addressed when
considering the acquisition and implementation of an organizational IT system?

First and foremost, once the decision is made to introduce IT systems to the organization, the table of
organization and staffing patterns will need to change. The new IT system cannot simply be "layered
on" to the existing structure; it must be imbedded into the organizational processes. The adoption of a
IT strategy and associated changes in procedures usually means extensive training for the staff.

The next consideration is that of hardware. What is the computer system configuration and computing
capacity that the organization will need? Capacity should not be underestimated as a relational
database can consume huge amounts of memory. So do other strategies that enhance organizational
effectiveness such as moving data files off the hard drives of individual work stations and onto a file
server on a computer network.

Another crucial decision revolves around operating software. Standard vendor prepared software
packages are usually developed on the basis of the lowest common denominator for a group of
potential clients. It is not uncommon that only about 80% of an organization's needs are met by an off-
the-shelf product. So the sport administrator is left with the choice of writing their own software
programs or adapting organizational operating procedures to some degree around the software
package. The former can be hugely time consuming, very expensive and the end result is not always
assured. Generally, the more extensive the modification required for a software product, the more
expensive the product becomes and the more difficult it will be to accommodate software upgrades
from the vendor.

The Internet

It is important to note that computer networks need not be limited to a single site or facility. Wide Area
Networks (WANs) can link together sports administrators located throughout a country. For example,
all of the regional offices of a national sports governing body such as the National Football
Association can be linked together regardless of their geographic location. All of the operatives so
linked can share administrative and programming information and communicate with each other
cheaply and efficiently through the medium of e-mail.

The computer network with which the public is most familiar is the Internet and the World - Wide -
Web, known simply as "the Web", is what most people think of when we say the "the Internet". While
the Internet has been around for decades going all the way back to ARPAnet in the 1960s, the Web is
a comparatively new innovation first introduced in the mid 1990s. It is a digital medium which presents
information in text, audio and graphics in a simple hyper-text computer language readable by a
browser. This medium has simply exploded and today there are more than 15 million web addresses
called Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), many with hundreds of individual pages on their sites.
Thousands or applications for new URLs are received every week.

The ways that the Web has changed society are almost too numerous to mention. Suffice to say it has
become an extremely important medium of communication, education and commerce and its
importance in these areas will only continue to grow in the future. In terms of communication, for
example, USA Today which is the closest thing a national newspaper in America, gets more than
three million visits per day. Some 60% of these visits are to its sports pages. In terms of education,
the concept of "distributed learning" or "distance education" gains more adherents with every passing
day. Through the U.S. Sports Academy, for example, one can do the entire course of study for an
accredited Master of Sport Science degree through the Web without leaving their home. The same
possibilities exist at the undergraduate level through the International Sports Academy.

But most significant at this juncture is the marketing and commerce applications of the web. There are
virtually no professional sports teams in the United States that do not have a Website and most are
linked together through networks of Websites coordinated through the various league offices. Just
how tight these linkages are is driven in part by agreements between the league teams on activities
such as revenue sharing for media broadcasting rights and merchandise sales.

The Web is currently used by professional sports teams in ways that the developers of this technology
never envisioned. For example, there are no English language radio broadcasts in Montreal for the
Montreal Expos professional baseball team. Fans wanting hear the play-by-play in English can only
do so by calling up the team's Website and listen to it coming across as an audio feed. Another
example of how deeply the Internet has penetrated professional sports is how some pro hockey
teams now require their players to have e-mail addresses as a means to interact with both the team
administration and their fans.

These examples lie at the heart of how the Internet will affect sports in the future: through the
changing of the way that the sports fan will consume the sport product. Where in its infancy sport
marketing did not extend much beyond putting out a sign on the side walk saying "Game Today", now
sports teams have well developed and extensive Websites to more effectively market to their
customers. The trend in this regard is also clear. What will emerge is networks of teams and users
bound together by a common interest and driven in part by advances in information technology.

These developments are not limited to the upper end of the sports hierarchy. Compared to the
extremely high cost of traditional television broadcast, the comparatively low cost of "webcasting" will
bring to sports fans events that could never before be seen on traditional broadcast media. A simple
example of how this can occur is an annual sailboat race from Mobile to Tampico across the Gulf of
Mexico. Last summer the skipper of a local boat participating in the event took photos every four
hours with a digital camera of the race activities and uplinked them by a satellite phone to his own
website. Thus his friends in the community, or anyone else in the world who stumbled onto the
website, could participate in this event as they never could before. Sports events of a distinctly local
flavor without the mass appeal that make them economical for television broadcast can so be
distributed through the web to anyone with an interest. The web is not constrained by the limited
availability of broadcast channels and high production costs. And while bandwidth is currently an
issue for the web, this will resolve itself in the near future with the introduction of broadband
technologies. 
E-Commerce

It is also appropriate to briefly examine how the web will change the sale and distribution of sporting
goods which is central to running sport programs. The relative cost for sports equipment can be an
issue for the profession, particularly in terms of trying to broaden the appeal of sport to the greatest
number of participants. E-commerce through the Internet holds the potential for containing costs for
sports equipment as illustrated by the following example.

In the traditional model of manufacture and distribution through a sporting goods store, it is not
uncommon for a tennis racquet which cost $40 to manufacture to be marked up as much as 300 to
400% to as much as $160 as it moves through various wholesalers and retailers in the distribution
chain to a tennis player. With an e-commerce arrangement whereby the manufacturer can reach the
player directly without going through middlemen, the mark-up in distribution can be reduced to as little
as 50% of the traditional retail price resulting in a sale price to the end user of about $80. Very simply,
the more middle men in a distribution chain, the greater the benefit derived to the end user from using
e-commerce distribution.

E-commerce is well on its way to becoming a force in the world economy as it serves to remove
barriers both natural and artificial. The barriers that will vanish include those of time and space as well
as national borders both physical and ideological. That this will occur is underscored by the fact that
this year e-commerce will employ more than 2 million people and create a turnover in excess of $500
billion. By next year, the turn over is expected to pass $1 trillion.

The Digital Divide

In closing I would be remiss if I didn't call attention to one important problem: technological tools can
be expensive, which has resulted in what we call in the United States the "Digital Divide". In the U.S.,
approximately 60% of American adults are connected to the Internet and are on-line. These users are
largely from the upper and middle class and have the financial wherewithal to purchase computers
and Internet services. It is a matter of great concern that the very people who stand to benefit the
most from economies to be realized through information technology as outlined earlier in my
discussion on e-commerce are the ones least able to afford it. It is the economically disadvantaged
that are currently being left out of the IT revolution.

This Digital Divide also transcends national borders. While 60% of American adults are connected to
the Internet, only about 5% of the global population can make that claim. Some areas, Africa for
example, are almost totally disconnected and can only be considered disadvantaged as a result.
Herein lies the challenge for the future.

IT applications in sports management is dramatically changing the way that we do business. Thinking
through how we can use this kind of equipment and these tools greatly enhances outcomes. The
bottom line is that these IT tools are rapidly becoming a necessity for the sports administrator at
whatever level in the sports hierarchy they are working.

National organizations
Currently the following national associations on computer science in sport exist :

 Indian Federation of Computer Science in Sport Austrian Association of Computer Science in

Sport
 Croatian Association of Computer Science in Sport
 Section Computer Science in Sport of the German Association of Sport Science
 Austrian Association of Computer Science in Sport
 Turkish Association of Computer Science in Sport
 Chinese Association of Computer Science in Sport