WORKING WITH MICROCOMPUTERS

Microcomputers are everywhere. They stand alone. They communicate with minis and mainframes. They communicate with other micros through local-area networks. This communication is accomplished by the use of software designed to make your computer system function. The operating system software enables you to install, select, and execute a variety of programs. It does this through system/job control languages and/or commands.

Microcomputer users are not often computer specialists. They are end users in the functional areas doing computer processing specific to their requirements. They need to know about the software: the operating system, the communication software, and the applications programs. They need to know about the hardware: the microcomputer, the hard disks and the floppies, the monitor, the keyboard, and the printer. You will need to help them configure (set up) the system, install the operating system and/or applications program, and troubleshoot problems.

You need to know more than just merely how to operate them if you are to become a communications specialist. To be effective, you must keep up with the latest changes in microcomputer technology and terminology. You must have a good working knowledge of microcomputer hardware components (the computer, peripherals, and accessories). You should also be able to explain and demonstrate how to use the different types of systems and applications software to both computer and noncomputer personnel. Last, but not least, you should know how to use the various types of documentation supplied by the manufacturer and software vendors.

As a communications specialist, you must be able to set up, configure, upgrade, and initialize microcomputer systems. You will need to know how to install applications software so it works with the system's unique configuration. It will be your job to help noncomputer users, end users, learn and understand everything they need to know to work in a microcomputer environment. This includes how to interconnect various peripheral devices (keyboard, monitor, printer) to the computer or system unit. It also includes how to tailor the software for the operating system and the applications software to each user's unique hardware configuration. You need to teach them how to format and label diskettes; how to properly manage, back up, clean up, and store their files. You need to demonstrate routine operator maintenance and explain security procedures. When users are having problems with their micros, you may be called upon to troubleshoot the systems using system diagnostics to help isolate and determine whether the problem is hardware or software related. You will also be expected to make recommendations and/or arrangements to have repairs made. There will be times when you will be expected to make repairs if spare parts are available.

On microcomputers, you will need to be familiar with all types of productivity software\the program packages (or packaged software). These include word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs at a minimum. You also need to learn how to use local-area network software, communications programs, graphics programs, computer-aided design (CAD) programs, desktop publishing programs, and so on. You, as a professional data processor, may also be involved with the construction and modification of batch files. This provides a convenient way to save numerous keystrokes for the user and allow the computer to run unattended for some periods of time. All of these software functions can and have been implemented on both large and small scale computers.

On large computer systems, you maybe executing programs through system/job control language commands and processing jobs with multi-reel tape files or files that reside on disk packs. You will be responsible for ensuring that system control commands are correct for a job, selecting a utility program to copy a file or create a new file by specifying the parameters, and working with an online database management system that keeps up-to-date information on inventory management or personnel.

In looking over these last few paragraphs, possibly you see yourself as a worker, a supervisor, a teacher, and a troubleshooter, and rightly so. Microcomputers make up a significant part of your profession; and because of this, you will be the person that others will come to looking for answers to their questions. The mere fact that you are a communications specialist gives the outside world, the end users, the impression you know it all; that is, all there is to know about mainframes, minis, and particularly microcomputers.

WORKING WITH HARDWARE

Microcomputers come in many shapes and sizes with a variety of capabilities. A microcomputer can be designed to operate in a stand-alone configuration or as a component, an intelligent terminal, a server for a complex local-area network (LAN) or large distributed system. In this chapter, we will focus our attention on desktop microcomputers that operate in a stand-alone environment. Most stand-alone, desktop microcomputer systems contain at least five hardware components. They are as follows: 

. The computer or system unit, which normally houses the microcomputer (microprocessor chip[s]) along with other hardware components and secondary storage devices; 

. Secondary storage devices (floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, and magnetic tape units), housed either in the system unit or separately; 

. A monitor (standard output device); 

. A keyboard (standard input device); and 

. A printer (an additional output device\for hard copy).