Welcome to “Workstation Evaluation and Setup” After watching this video, you will be able to: Identify the user’s computing needs, Evaluate computers based on their hardware specifications, and Perform basic hardware setup tasks Let’s begin evaluating the user’s workstation requirements First, identify the user’s job location. Does the user work onsite at an office, work from home, work mobile from a jobsite or a client’s site, or work at multiple locations? Once you know where the user works, what are their workspace conditions? Do they have access to a desk and chair? How many electrical connections are available? What kind of lighting does the workspace have? How will the user secure the computer? And finally, does the user have accessibility needs that require additional hardware? Today’s work relies on connectivity. If the job function is highly confidential or is moving large amount of data a wired network connection might be required. Most users can use a Wi-Fi connection, but users who are away from an office and need to maintain connectivity will need access to a cellular network. Next, will your user store their data on their local machine, within an onsite network of servers, or using hybrid cloud? Applications have memory and storage requirements. Based on the cumulative number of applications what are the storage, RAM, connectivity and backup requirements? To meet company or job requirements or to accommodate user accessibility requirements, users might need peripheral devices including additional keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, headphones, microphones, and scanners, among others. You’ll need to know what connection types these peripherals require before shopping for the user’s new computer. Desktop units generally provide the most versatile and powerful computing solutions. However, laptops are powerful enough for most tasks including some big data related tasks. For users who work for multiple locations or work primarily with cloud-based applications laptops and two in one laptop tablet combinations often are more appropriate and cost-effective. This table displays some minimum specifications you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for your user’s new workstation. In most instances 16 gigabytes of RAM is adequate. However, power users may need an upgradable solution and web and cloud-based users may be able to work with a minimum of 8 gigabytes of RAM. Users who work with big data and graphic intensive design processes usually need a machine with a more powerful and possibly upgradable GPU and storage, adequate ports and peripheral connections, connectivity options, and the ability to physically secure and lock the computer. Purchasing decisions then weigh four important considerations: user requirements, business requirements, available technology, and the company’s budget. After the purchasing decision is made and your user’s new workstation arrives, the following six-step process facilitates successful workstation setup. First, reassess your user's physical environment. Next, follow the instructions to unbox the workstation and any peripherals. Then, follow recommended cable management practices. Connect the workstation and peripherals to the appropriate electrical outlet or a power strip. Recheck the user's ergonomics and complete the workstation setup by configuring the workstation hardware and software. When you arrive with new workstation, begin by assessing the user’s environment including the sturdiness of the desk and chair, the availability of work appropriate lighting, electrical outlet access and outlet amperage, and the ability to physically secure the computer. When unboxing, read the instructions and follow the manufacturers' practices. As you unbox the equipment, move boxes and packing materials into a safe location, out of the user’s workspace. A part of environmental safety, cable management also reduces support calls. Here are three easy to remember practices. Install shorter cable lengths when possible. If you have an extra-long cable, loop the cable, and use a zip tie to secure the cable into its shorter length. Securely attach and identify each cable as you work. Collect and tie multiple cables together out of the way of the user. Electrical management is about safety for you and your user. Label each electrical cable connected to each computing device for peripherals. Then, verify that the electrical connections are away from the user and are accessible for later IT support. Connect power supplies to their assigned wall or power strip location. Remember to note the wall outlet number. New computers often require ergonomic adjustments so that the user can work comfortably. Check the user’s foot placement, monitor height, arm placement, shoulder placement, lighting, and cord and cable placement. Next, it’s time for workstation setup. Power on the workstation and peripherals. Next set up the user’s operating system options including User logon credentials Keyboard options Monitor resolution Printer connections Sound options Security options, and Network connections Next, select the user’s default browser. Uninstall unnecessary software. Install and configure additional productivity software. And, if the user requests, modify the desktop productivity pane. And, set up backup options. In this video you learned that: Job needs, location, connectivity and accessibility are essential user considerations Ranking user requirements, the company’s requirements, current technology offerings, and the company’s budget are factors that determine which device is purchased Workstation setup can be summarized as a six-step process.