The Design And Implementation Of An Automated Maintenance System For Operating System (PDF/DOC)
This research study focused on design and implementation of an automated maintenance system for operating system, using Computer Science Laboratory, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as a case study. Maintenance of system’s operating system is necessary if the system must perform well for a long period of time. Since the operating system resides on the hard disk, it is important to carry out regular disk maintenance to avoid damage to the disk and consequently the computer system. Most times users are not aware of what they should do to maintain their system unless they are taught maintenance. However, to solve this problem, an automated maintenance software system can be developed that will enable the user to perform maintenance utilities such as disk clean up and defragmentation with few button clicks. This will enable the operating system and the computer system as a whole to function properly. The software development methodology used is spiral model and the programming language used is Visual Basic 6.0.
1.1 Introduction
It is very important to maintain the operating system so as to create a system configuration that will provide a desired system response. In the context of this research study, an automated maintenance system for operating system is an interconnection of software modules, making up a system that enables users to monitor and perform maintenance activities on the computer system on which the operating system is installed so that it can give the desired system response. Just like a car and a house, a computer also needs maintenance to ensure its durability. Most times, users do not remember to perform maintenance operations on their systems hence, a control system that will ensure it is done becomes very necessary. The condition of a system or asset is the physical ability considered relevant for fulfillment of the functions of its functions. As the condition deteriorates due to aging, use and other factors, the system or asset may loose its capability to fulfill it function and a failure occurs. Maintenance assists organizations in controlling, preventing and reducing periods of unavailability (Arnold, 1992).
Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) is very important to preserve the reliability of a computer system and it peripherals. Through careful inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, our computer workstations will perform better and last longer than those that are neglected. The PMI is a type of control system for the maintenance of computers that allow system users to detect serious problems before they occur and perhaps prevent system crashes and reduce equipment down time. Preventive maintenance is also periodic in nature. In fact, PMI sometimes stands for Periodic Maintenance Inspection. This information can be programmed so as to have a computerized system that will facilitate monitoring of computer maintenance activities.
1.2 Theoretical Background
The computer system has grown to become an indispensable tool in the processing, storage, retrieval and transmission of information. In view of these vital functions of the computer system, it is adequate that the maintenance of computer systems is performed to enable the system last longer. To ensure this, computer maintenance engineers perform some regular routine activities to monitor the state of the computer system so that it performs its expected functions. In the light of the importance of computer maintenance activities, it is adequate for a control system for the maintenance of computers to be developed. It will go a long way to ensure that the systems are in good condition and it will also help to monitor the maintenance state of the systems.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Many computer users are troubled over the rate of breakdown and malfunction of their computer systems. Most times the problems arise as a result of the lack of regular maintenance activities. In addition, since a computer system may contain important files, the lack of proper maintenance may bring about data loss if the system breaks down because of virus attacks and other system threats. Also, the inexperience of computer users on how to maintain the computer system also brings about the problem of system breakdown it is in view of these problems that this research study is carried out to design and implement a control system for the maintenance of computers.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement an automated maintenance system for operating system.
The following are the objectives of the study:
To develop an application software that will handle the proper maintenance of the computer system
To develop a system that will perform disk maintenance for the operating system
To develop a system that will maintain maintenance log.
1.5 Research Questions
The following research questions were formulated to help the researcher achieve the aim and objectives of the study;
What is the concept of a control system for the maintenance of computers?
What is the need for maintenance control of computers?
What are the activities involved in maintenance control?
What are the benefits of a control system for the maintenance of computers?
What are the limitations of a control system for the maintenance of computers?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The significance of the study is that it will provide an effective means to control, perform and monitor the maintenance activities of computer systems. The study is also significant in that it will serve as a useful research material for other researchers seeking information pertaining to the subject. It will provide an easy avenue to perform maintenance routine on computer systems
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study covers the design and implementation of automated maintenance system for operating system, using Computer Science laboratory, Akwa Ibom state polytechnic as a case study.
1.8 Organization of the Research
This research work is organized into five chapters.
Chapter one is concerned with the introduction of the research study and it presents the preliminaries, theoretical background, statement of the problem, aim and objectives of the study, significance of the study, scope of the study, organization of the research and definition of terms.
Chapter two focuses on the literature review, the contributions of other scholars on the subject matter is discussed.
Chapter three is concerned with the system analysis and design. It presents the research methodology, analyzes the present system to identify the problems and provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed system. The system design is also presented in this chapter.
Chapter four presents the system implementation and documentation. The choice of programming language, analysis of modules, choice of programming language and system requirements for implementation.
Chapter five focuses on the summary, conclusion and recommendations are provided in this chapter based on the study carried out.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Maintenance:
Work that is done regularly to keep a machine, building, or piece of equipment in good working condition.
Control System:
An interconnection of components forming a system configuration that will provide a desired system response.
Troubleshooting:
The act or process of identifying and eliminating problems or faults, especially in electronic or computer equipment.
Virus:
A contagious computer program that is part of another and inserts copies of itself, often damaging the integrity of stored data.
Antivirus:
A program that if installed in a computer system will fight against computer virus and prevent them from infecting or corrupting the files in a computer system.
Utility Program:
A computer program that performs routine tasks and supports operations, that helps in the maintenance of the computer system
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the summary, conclusion, constraints of the study and offers useful recommendations.
5.1 Constraints of the study
In carrying out the research work, some challenges were faced that limited the study such as:
Time:
The time given for the completion of the research work was too short hence the researcher had speed up the research work to meet up and this has an impact on the study.
Limited Materials:
Few materials were found pertaining to the research area and this limited the bulk of the literature review.
Finance:
The high cost of textbooks, internet browsing and transportation to different libraries to gather materials stood as a constraint to the research work.
5.2 Summary
A control system for the maintenance of computers is an interconnection of software modules, making up a system that enables users to monitor and perform maintenance activities on the computer system on which it is installed so that they give the desired system response. Preventive Maintenance is very important to preserve the reliability of a computer system and it peripherals. Through careful inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, our computer workstations will perform better and last longer than those that are neglected. The PMI is a type of control system for the maintenance of computers that allow system users to detect serious problems before they occur and perhaps prevent system crashes and reduce equipment down time. Control of maintenance is easier when maintenance operations are activated with regular intervals. This results in a general preference for repetition of preventive maintenance.
5.2 Conclusion
A control system for the maintenance of computers is very important if the durability of the computer system is to be achieved. So therefore, research into the area of control system for the maintenance of computers should be encouraged.
5.3 Recommendations
The following recommendations are made based on the findings of the study;
Research into the development of control system for the maintenance of computers should be encouraged.
Management of organizations should be enlightened on the dangers of not controlling the maintenance of computers.
Seminars and workshops should be conducted on the need for the development of automated computer maintenance system.
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