Mr Christopher Forrest
Computing Development Officer
Extension: 4100
Telephone: 01392 724100
I have the sole responsibility for maintaining a bespoke computer/electronics repair workshop, including keeping stocks of new and s/h parts and consumables to enable same day repair for the majority of common faults and breakdowns. Facility includes advanced diagnostic and fault finding equipment, including logic analyser, signal generators and other equipment essential for trouble shooting on the computer controlled data acquisition and control equipment used extensively within Physics research groups. I provide hardware support and liaise with the Mac sys-admins to maintain approximately 150 Apple computers situated in student classrooms and Astrophysics. I also liaise with authorised Mac repairer for warranty repairs and carry out on site repairs for ex warranty equipment. I provide and maintain computer hardware and software for the 1st and 2nd year student laboratory, including specialist and bespoke software related to experimental equipment used for course work. I provide on hand support for students in the use of the aforementioned during term times. I provide advice, obtain best prices and arrange purchase of IT and electronic equipment ranging from basic desktop, printing, storage and network equipment, to high performance computers and data acquisition systems used in research.
I specify, purchase and build bespoke high end PC's for specific research applications, and keep and maintain comprehensive electronic records of all such purchases in order to facilitate future service, repair or warranty issues. I liaise with building network admin to maintain the building network hardware infrastructure, both wired and wireless, keeping stocks of spare components, cables etc to ensure equipment downtime is kept to an absolute minimum. I maintain and repair printers throughout the building, both open and personal, keeping stock of consumables for open printers. I provide on hand frontline Helpdesk/Desktop support, MS Windows, Mac and Linux for all staff and students. I keep and maintain a software library of products used within Physics, including varied range of Operating Systems, Microsoft products and specialist software used for research applications such as High Frequency Simulation Software, Comsol, Labview etc, along with maintaining licence servers. I assist with the provision and maintenance of AV facilities within the building. Deal with collection, storage and removal of WEEE according to regulations. I regularly clean and sanitize open access PC's to help ensure a pleasant and healthy environment for students.
