ITIL 101: Understanding the Basics
In the world of IT management, ITIL is the buzzword being heard around the globe. So what is ITIL and how does it affect your organization? Let’s take a closer look!
Today’s IT management has become more and more complex causing organizations worldwide to seek a standards based approach to IT management. The \”IT Infrastructure Library\”, commonly referred to as ITIL(r), has become the most popular framework for best practices standardization worldwide.
While ITIL(r) is now embraced globally; it was originally created by the United Kingdom Government. ITIL (r) was developed in the 1980’s by the CCTA, a predecessor of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). There, a team of CCTA staff embarked on documenting a common sense approach to managing IT services that would improve consistency while maintaining cost efficiency. Using a compilation of then best practices and their experience, the first IT Infrastructure Library(r) was developed. The OGC, still owns ITIL(r).
So what exactly is ITIL(r)? ITIL(r) is a series of best practice documentation materials that are used to aid the implementation of a framework for IT Service Management, or quoting the OGC: \”a consistent and comprehensive documentation of best practice for IT Service Management\”. Since its development in the 1980s, ITIL(r) has undergone two major revisions:
Process-based practice of 8 ’sets’ and the globally accepted best practice framework for ITSM (Information Technology Service Management). The sets include:
Soon to be released in 2007 is Version 3. This new updated version will include:
Service lifecycle-based practice will incorporate the essentials of V1 and V2 and tested current best practice for ITSM. Five lifecycle titles forming the core of V3 ITIL(r) practice will include:
While Version 3 will include improved and modernized practices, tried and true standards from Versions 1 and 2 will be preserved. \”These practices are still best of breed in our industry and still used every day. We have surrounded, enhanced and updated them with a broader scope for ITSM that widens the visibility of ITIL(r) and onto the radar of senior business and IT executives.\”
ITIL(r) is a registered trademark of OGC. This article and its author are independent and are in no way related to the OGC.
About The Author:
Written by: Anne Sych, Marketing Manager for Novo Solutions, Inc.
Novo Solutions, Inc. is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) in Virginia Beach, Virginia specializing in Customer Support Software. Free trial versions of the Novo Help Desk Software, Knowledge Base Software and suite of web-based Customer Support Solutions are available. Contact: sales@novosolutions.com for more information. http://www.novosolutions.com/
Do-It-Yourself Automotive Axle Assembly Repair Tips and Tricks
Replacing an axle assembly is not as difficult as you may think. For front-wheel drive cars, and for some rear-wheel drive cars, this can be a do-it-yourself job. You will want to review the repair manual of your vehicle to decide, based on your own mechanical skill, whether you feel comfortable tackling this project yourself.
A common repair that often must be done after general wear on a vehicle is the replacement of a CV joint. In many cases, it makes good financial sense to replace the entire axle assembly instead of repairing the joint alone. Since replacing a CV joint can be a labor-intensive job, it may also be easier to replace the entire axle assembly. Doing so will save time and thus cut labor costs-you can often replace the entire assembly for the same cost as replacing only the joints. This will, however, depend on how much your mechanic charges you-unless you decide to attempt the installation on your own.
New axle assemblies generally come with fresh CV joints and boots already installed, so you do not have to buy both the assembly and the joints. Since the entire assembly works through the boots, it is important that all parts are well-maintained and work in harmony with one another.
Again, read the installation instructions for your vehicle’s make and model. If you are fairly comfortable working on your own car, then this may be a project that you want to tackle yourself. Doing so would save you the money you would otherwise pay a mechanic.
An axle assembly is used mainly in front-wheel and four-wheel drive cars to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. Most rear-wheel drive cars do not use an axle assembly, though there are a few exceptions, primarily high-end German sports cars. One reason that CV boots and axle assemblies fail, is due to the access of debris and contaminants. Debris can get inside of the boot if the boot comes loose or becomes cracked. When this happens, CV joints will quickly degenerate and fail.
If you own a four-wheel drive vehicle and take it off-road on a regular basis, you are more likely to experience problems with debris getting inside of the seals. This is even more common if you like to go \”mudding\” and do not wash all of the mud out from the undercarriage of your vehicle.
Choosing a manufacturer for your new axle assembly is important. For many vehicles, you can go with OEM or aftermarket parts. If you own a specialized vehicle like a Bertone, you will want to go with Bertone parts, because keeping original Bertone parts would help to maintain such a vehicle’s value.
If maintaining all original-brand parts is not important to you, then you have many choices when it comes to replacement manufacturers. Many of these aftermarket replacement parts can be found at a lower price-sometimes of a higher quality, as well. When buying auto parts, it pays to shop around and find the best quality and price.
Most of the time, a new axle assembly will come with a solid warranty, so that you do not have to be concerned about part failure in the immediate future. It is important as both a buyer and a mechanic to be selective and to get the right part the first time. Doing so will prevent having to remove newly-installed equipment, because it is not the right one for your vehicle.
Research and investigation can help you determine the best replacement parts for your vehicles. And using the internet to make your purchases will allow you to save a lot of money, while improving the quality of products you are able to buy within your budget.
About The Author:
Quinton Becker writes about cars, trucks and motorcycles. Quinton is one of many writers who contribute automotive information to: http://www.AutomotiveWebmasters.com – a website where you can uncover the lowest gasoline prices in your state, loads of automotive information, and a free gas savings tips ebook. Also for auto parts, please consider: http://www.drivewire.com
Do-It-Yourself With a Automotive Service Or Repair Manual
It can be quite expensive to have your car in a mechanic’s garage these days. Even fees for oil changes and tire rotations have increased dramatically over the years. One way to save money on these types of expenses is to buy the parts and tools needed and do the maintenance or make the repairs by yourself.
The owner’s manual that came with your vehicle can tell you everything you need to know about how to operate your vehicle. It may also tell you how often general maintenances should be performed, how many pounds of air to put in your tires, etc. However, these manuals do not usually explain how to perform the service requirements or how to replace broken parts. In order to become an expert do-it-yourselfer, you will need to buy a service and repair manual for your specific car or truck.
Manuals such as these can be found all over the Internet. There are websites that boast of being factory-authorized distributors that carry only the manufacturers’ manuals. Other websites offer manuals that group the vehicles by model, year, and/or make. Some are even classified between imported and American made automobiles. It really doesn’t matter which type of manual you purchase, just as long as it is for the vehicle you need to repair.
These manuals come in two different formats. Some car owners prefer the standard book format because it can be taken right out to the vehicle being repaired. This allows the information and diagrams to be right at your fingertips. The possible problems with using the book format are that the book may be bulky to handle, or it could get increasingly dirty or oily with each subsequent use. If these are concerns of yours, the manuals are also available on Compact Discs (CDs). The benefit of this format is that you can look up specific information on the CD and print out exactly what you need at that moment. After the repairs are made, the printed instructions can be thrown away.
Either form of manual will be extremely helpful in explaining anything you need to know about how your car works, or how to work on your car. The price for a new manual in either book or CD format varies according to the model of your vehicle; however, it is possible to find used ones online for a little less money. Of course, purchasing a used book for car repairs is kind of like buying a used textbook. If the person who owned it before you knew what they were doing, the notes in the margins could be very helpful. But, if the past owner was a complete idiot, you are better off ignoring the \”tips\” he left behind. The trouble is, how do you know the difference if you don’t know anything yourself?
These manuals cover topics ranging from how to replace your windshield wiper blades to how to rebuild your engine. They can help with troubleshooting and diagnostics, engine performance, fuel systems, and even body parts. If you have always wanted to be your own mechanic, this type of do-it-yourself manual may be all you need to get started.
There are a couple of things to look for before settling on a particular service and repair manual. One of the most important things to find out is who wrote or put together the manual. You want to make sure whoever it was, had plenty of prior experience working on cars, such as an independent repair shop owner or certified technician. The second thing to look for is pictures and diagrams. Some people can learn just by reading the information, but being able to see what the parts look like and how they fit together is going to make things much easier for the do-it-yourself person.
Even if you don’t plan on servicing your own vehicle or making your own repairs, a service and repair manual can come in very handy. It is always good to have some idea of what things are and how they work, especially before taking your car in to be worked on by someone else. If the repairs are expensive, you will understand why. If someone is trying to rip you off, you may actually be able to figure it out before that big check is written.
Knowledge is a beautiful thing. When you have the right information at hand, you can make educated and informed decisions. The knowledge that you gain by having a manual for your particular make and model of vehicle could realistically save you the expense of the repair manual in very short order. If the information that you learned by reading your manual prevents you from being ripped-off, or it helps you to make one repair on your own, it can easily pay for itself the first time you use it.
About The Author:
Quinton Becker writes about cars, trucks and motorcycles. Quinton is one of many writers who contribute automotive information to: http://www.AutomotiveWebmasters.com – a website where you can uncover the lowest gasoline prices in your state, loads of automotive information, and a free fuel mileage tips ebook. Also for auto parts, please consider: http://www.drivewire.com
