Troubleshooting and Maintenance Issues for Operating Systems
Troubleshooting an OS for either a personal computer or workplace, can be a lengthy and multifaceted process, if one does not know what they are doing. However, with certain logical and systematic steps, this can be simpler task for even the novice of users. Since there are many different problems that can occur with an OS, there is not one type of step that can be done, but often with a simple process of elimination, the problem can be solved. With newer users and tech, a though process is often needed, yet with a more knowledgeable technician, they have the benefit of experience. More often than not, maintenance can be the cause of such problems, which is why an emphasis on preventive maintenance is advised. Preventative maintenance is paramount in PC functionality, yet it the most overlooks aspect of PC care. When conducting maintenance of a PC, one can help save costly fixes in the future, as well as safeguarding your information saved on your PC.

Troubleshooting techniques for operating-system-related problems
There are basically two different types of ways one can determine what needs to be fixed with an operating system: Trial and-error and systematic troubleshooting.
“Trial-and-error troubleshooting is based on the idea that you have a problem and do not have enough information to give you a viable starting point. The trial-and-error method is a great for attempting to solve intermittent problems. When you use trail-and-error troubleshooting, begin by asking yourself, "What might work? What can I try?" You make assumptions based on the information that you do have” (Stap, 2004). This method is decided upon the user and the information that they may or may not see with their trail-and-error process. They will base a large majority of how to fix the problem with any messages that pop up, client error messages, and any malfunctions that the user physically sees. Trial-and-error problem solving can be effective to a certain extent, yet a large portion of this technique is just assumptions.
“Systematic troubleshooting involves breaking the error/problem into the smallest possible pieces” (Stap, 2004). When systematic troubleshooting is used, the user is using certain steps to figure out where the problem lies with the PC. When doing these steps, the user must keep the actions simple; otherwise it was be difficult to determine what is wrong.
Log updates – Logging updates is as important in a test environment as it is with networks. If you do not know the steps to get where you are, how are you to know what is causing them?
Stop non-critical 3rd party software or components - Stopping non-critical processes helps simplify the situation as much as possible. Then, it might become obvious what is responsible for the error. This step in troubleshooting facilitates reducing the number of variables you must consider.
Access the types of errors you are seeing - Accessing the types of error begins by making a list of possible causes. Refer to the list often to keep your self-thinking and brainstorming. When you maintain a list of error alternatives, you will to begin see a correlation of events.
Enter information into a chart or spreadsheet - Entering information into a chart or spread sheet is important, especially if you are a visually oriented person. Whatever your choice, chart or spreadsheet, remember to document your findings.
Devise a plan of attack - Obtain a complete, accurate symptom description. Reproduce the symptom, and then start asking questions to narrow the possibilities (Stap, 2004).
These two methods are ways that can help certify any problems you may have within your PC. Trial-and-error trouble-shooting is a combination of both experience and there you think the problem may be located, while systematic relies on steps being followed and breaking those step down into smaller functions.

Maintenance issues for operating systems
Maintenance for an operating system is one of the most cost effective actions you can take to help save future expenses with PC’s. Maintenance is the process of correcting and spotting any potential problems before they become an even bigger problem for the user. This is also one of the most ignored steps in PC care, even though it can help “save time and money, not to mention helping to safeguard data and help performance to have a preventative maintenance plan” (2009). There are two different types of computer maintenance definition, virtual and physical. Physical maintenance is the basic cleaning of your PC, such as keyboard cleaning, mouse upkeep and removal of dust inside your PC. Maintenance for operating systems can also mean the virtual definition. Its ranges from virus protection, to cleaning junk and temporary files, to any updates the PC has and can include OS’s and applications.

Upgrading an operating system compared to a clean installation
“Should you upgrade your operating system? Computer users are faced with this question every time Microsoft, Apple or one of the other operating-- system developers release a new version. It's a crucial question. Answering "yes" could make productive new operating-system tools available to you, or it could create headaches if your existing programs or devices aren't compatible with it. Answering "no" could save you money and avoid hassles, or it could prevent you from upgrading your other programs” (Goldsborough, 2001). There are advantages to both upgrading the software, as well as a clean install; however both have their disadvantages as well. When you are installing the upgrade, any data that you already have should not be touched, you may not have to load drivers, and you may be able to uninstall any newer software that you do not wish to use. The disadvantages for an upgrade install are that if you run into any problems with the upgrade, the time it would take to upload would be longer than the clean install, if there is an incompatible program or driver, then the still can crash and there could be a problem with the previous system that would cause new problems with the upgrade.
A clean install is when the user has a drive that is completely clean and wiped out, so the chances of corruption is less, there might be less or a problem with the install down the life of the PC, and the chances of a better install is higher. Since basically starting from a clean slate, the chances of a malfunction with the install decrease and become more reliable in the install. Clean installs also take longer to install and there is more involved in the process. When doing a clean install, the user must save their data that they want because all information will be lost when the install in occurring.

References

Goldsborough, R. (2001). A tricky decision: Upgrading your operating system. Black Issues in Higher Education, 18(8), 94. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/194194967?accountid=35812
Stap, Cindy. 2004. Novell Cool Solutions: Feature: Troubleshooting Operating System Software. Retrieved from https://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/feature/526.html#methods

http://www.sqa.org.uk/e-learning/HardOSSupp02CD/page_42.htm (2009)