LubeSoft® requires several pieces of computer hardware to run properly. Where you place and how you clean the equipment is essential to keep it as problem-free as possible. Each piece of equipment you use is defined in the following sections with instructions on how to properly clean and maintain it.
The computer, or CPU, is responsible for all the processing necessary to run the Point-of-Sale software. The computer should be in a location where it cannot be bumped or jarred, and no more than six feet (2 meters) from the desk or counter where the monitor, keyboard, and printers will be placed. The computer should never rest on the ground. It should be placed on a shelf or countertop at least 6 inches (15 cm) off the floor to avoid contact with water and dust and protect it from drawing in dirt and dust. Allow 6 inches (15 cm) in the back, 3 inches (8 cm) around the sides, and enough room on the top for adequate ventilation. Plug the computer directly into the Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS).
If the computer is placed in an enclosed cabinet, provisions must be made for adequate cooling. Optimum operating temperature for the computer is 70° – 75° Fahrenheit (21° – 24° Celsius). The computer generates a great amount of internal heat and must have adequate ventilation. If temperatures inside the computer reach 106° – 110° F (41° – 43° C), damage can occur. If the internal temperatures reach 118° – 120° F (48° – 49° C) , the computer processor, RAM memory, and motherboard will begin to fail.
Before cleaning the computer, turn it off using the proper procedures. See Shutting Down the System for instructions. The grill on the front of the computer can gather dust and should be cleaned regularly. Clean the computer case by wiping it down with glass cleaner sprayed on a cloth. Never spray directly onto the computer.
LCD flat panel monitors and keyboard are used to view and enter information into the system. If you purchased an LCD flat panel monitor from ISI, it will include a video cable and a power cord. The monitor is affected by magnetic fields and should not be placed near one (for example, a radio). Magnetic fields can cause the console monitor to exhibit a “wavy” screen. To clean the monitor, wipe the screen gently with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. This removes dust and other particles. If still not clean, apply a small amount of an LCD cleaning solution or a non-ammonia, non-alcohol based glass cleaner onto a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe the screen with only slight pressure. Too much pressure may damage the screen.
Do not use the keyboard without a cover to protect the keys. The cover is sent separately in the ISI Care Package. To clean the keyboard, you must do a controlled shutdown first. If you have a keyboard cover, you can spray directly on the keyboard cover and wipe it down. If you do not have a cover, spray a soft clean cloth with glass cleaner and wipe down the keyboard. Use canned compressed air (not the shop’s air compressor) to blow any dust out of the keyboard.
The thin clients and keyboards allow you to enter vehicle information from the bays, instead of entering it all at the cashier station. You can tell the difference between the thin client and the console by looking at the keyboard. The thin clients have keyboards that are programmed and labeled for specific jobs and parts lookup.
Use canned compressed air to blow any dust out of the Thin Client, Keyboard, and Mouse. Do not use the shop’s compressed air, as it contains contaminants and moisture. Next, spray glass cleaner onto a soft cloth and wipe down the Thin Client, Keyboard, and Mouse.
Make sure that you have enough room to allow for ventilation of the printer. You can purchase laser printer paper from any office supply store. Clean the outside of the printer with glass cleaner on a cloth. ISI recommends that you follow the printer manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning instructions.
The cash drawer holds the money from the point-of-sale system. Dust or wipe off your cash drawer occasionally with a damp cloth.
The router/firewall provides the connection between the Server and Thin Clients, as well as firewalled access to the Internet if the location has a broadband connection. The router/firewall is required for all LubeSoft® installations. The router always needs to be between the LubeSoft® computer system and the Internet connection for the store.
The UPS is a battery backup system that supplies power for proper system shutdown in the event of a power outage. The UPS also provides some protection from line noise, power surges, and voltage spikes. When your power fails, the UPS switches to battery power and an alarm sounds (beeping). When this happens, do a controlled shutdown and leave the system off until the power is restored. See Shutting Down the System for instructions. When the UPS is shipped to you, make sure a power cord is included. The UPS serves as a limited surge protector, but it is recommended that the UPS be plugged into a ZeroSurge or other type of surge protection.
The UPS should be located in an environment free of moisture, dust, and excessive smoke. The UPS should be off the ground and in a room with the temperature between 32º and 104º Fahrenheit (0° – 40° C). Do not block the side vents on the unit. Dust or wipe off the UPS occasionally with a damp cloth.
The ZeroSurge is a hardware device that plugs into the power line between the wall socket and the UPS. It is a surge eliminator rather than a surge suppressor. Do not place the ZeroSurge next to the monitor or computer. Dust or wipe off the ZeroSurge occasionally with a damp cloth.
The USB Jump Drive is a small portable storage device which is used to store the information created within LubeSoft®, such as the vehicle information. We strongly recommend taking a recent backup off-site every week to protect your data against theft or fire. It plugs directly into the computer’s USB port and is used as a backup media for your Point-of-Sale system.
Thermal Sticker Printer
If you are using ISI’s Thermal AutoSticker® add-on product, you would have purchased a Cognitive or GoDex thermal sticker printer. If you are interested in the Thermal AutoSticker product, call ISI Sales at 1.800.922.3099.
