Timothy Simpson

Work place: Directorate of ICT Services, Takoradi Technical University, Ghana

E-mail: enusimpson@gmail.com

Website:

Research Interests: Machine Learning, Optimization, Computer Security

Biography

Timothy Simpson is a Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, Takoradi Technical University. He is also the Deputy Director of ICT Services at the Directorate of ICT Services. He holds an MPhil Degrees in Industrial Mathematics and Information Technology His research interests include but not limited to Machine Learning, Optimization Techniques, Computer Programming and Computer Security.

Author Articles
Survival Analysis of Computers at a University’s Computer Laboratory and Implication on Maintainability

By Timothy Simpson Joseph Danso John Awuah Addor Stephen Graham Anaman

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5815/ijeme.2024.02.02, Pub. Date: 8 Apr. 2024

Research has shown that, after extensive use, digital devices like computers often suffer performance declines, and some even experience sudden, complete breakdowns without warning. This phenomenon is particularly disturbing for individuals who heavily rely on these devices to carry out critical tasks. Although researchers have extensively probed the causes of computer breakdowns, detailed parameters influencing the lifespan of computers remain underexplored. This paper, therefore, aims to estimate the probability associated with the continuous functioning or failure of a computer system over a specified duration, and to examine risk factors associated with failure. Delving into the mysteries of computer longevity, data on 100 computers in a designated lab at an academic environment were examined.  Data was drawn from maintenance records as well as in-depth hardware assessments. Analysis revealed that, after a 4-year period of active usage, 73 of the computers remained operational, while 27 had malfunctioned. Survival analysis methods were employed to determine the probability of computers failing at specific points in time and to identify various factors contributing to early computer failure. The findings disclosed that at the two-year mark, the probability of computers remaining operational is 80%, decreasing to 62% at the three-year juncture. The median survival time was established at 3 years and 4 months. Furthermore, an analysis of causative factors revealed that computers with faulty motherboards and power supply units associates with a lower rate of survival, while computers with issues of hard drives, operating systems, and miscellaneous components has a higher rate of survival. This study provides comprehensive data-driven evidence that offers insights on the need to implement maintenance strategies to proactively extend the lifespan of computers.

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