Computer Hardware & Troubleshooting 

Course Duration - 3 Months

ATHMOJYOTI CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Week 1: Introduction to Computers & Components

Topics:

• What is a computer?

• Types: Desktop, Laptop, Server

• Input/Output Devices

Notes:

• Hardware is the physical part of a computer.

• Software is the set of instructions.

• Common input devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner

• Common output devices: Monitor, Printer

Example:

• CPU = Brain of the computer

• Monitor = Output device

Exercise:
Q: List 2 input and 2 output devices.
A:
Input: Keyboard, Mouse
Output: Monitor, Printer

Week 2: Motherboard, CPU, RAM

Topics:

• What is a motherboard?

• Components: CPU, RAM slots, ports

• RAM Types: DDR3/DDR4

Notes:

• CPU fits into the socket on the motherboard.

• RAM is the short-term memory of the PC.

• Common CPU brands: Intel, AMD

Example:
Intel Core i5 10th Gen + 8 GB DDR4 RAM = Typical setup

Exercise:
Q: What is the role of RAM?
A: RAM temporarily stores data used by programs while they are running.

Week 3: Storage Devices (HDD, SSD)

Topics:

• Types of Storage: HDD, SSD, NVMe

• SATA vs NVMe

• Partitioning: C:, D:\

Notes:

• HDD = slower, more storage

• SSD = faster, less power use

• NVMe = very fast, fits on motherboard

Example:
1TB HDD + 256GB SSD = Balanced setup

Exercise:
Q: Name one advantage of SSD over HDD.
A: Faster read/write speed.

Week 4: Power Supply, Cabinet & Cooling

Topics:

• SMPS (Power Supply)

• Cooling systems

• Cabinet types

Notes:

• SMPS converts AC to DC power for the PC.

• Thermal paste is applied between CPU and heat sink.

Example:
450W SMPS is enough for office use PC, 650W+ needed for gaming PC.

Exercise:
Q: Why is thermal paste important?
A: It improves heat transfer from CPU to heat sink.

Month 2: Assembling, Installation & Peripherals

Week 5: Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Printer)

Topics:

• Types of peripherals

• Drivers and installation

• Device Manager

Notes:

• Drivers allow OS to communicate with hardware.

• Use Device Manager to check connected devices.

Example:
Installing a printer using Windows “Add Device” wizard.

Exercise:
Q: What is a driver?
A: Software that enables communication between OS and hardware.

Week 6: Assembling a Computer

Topics:

• Safety rules (anti-static)

• Step-by-step assembly

• BIOS/UEFI basics

Notes:

• Always unplug power before working on hardware.

• BIOS setup is accessed by pressing DEL or F2 during boot.

Example:
Insert CPU → Add RAM → Connect Power → Boot and check BIOS

Exercise:
Q: What does BIOS stand for?
A: Basic Input/Output System

Week 7: Installing Operating System (Windows)

Topics:

• Creating bootable USB

• Installing Windows 10/11

• Partitioning and format options

Notes:

• Use tools like Rufus to create bootable USB.

• Choose correct drive (C:) for Windows.

Example:
Use 16GB USB + ISO file to install Windows on SSD.

Exercise:
Q: What tool is used to create a bootable USB?
A: Rufus

Week 8: Installing Drivers and Software

Topics:

• Driver installation

• Basic software (Office, Browser, Antivirus)

• DriverPack Solution

Notes:

• Install chipset, display, LAN, and audio drivers first.

• Use Ninite.com or DriverPack for easy software installation.

Example:
After OS, install Intel chipset driver → NVIDIA GPU driver

Exercise:
Q: Name one site to download drivers.
A: DriverPack.io

Month 3: Troubleshooting & Networking

Week 9: Common Hardware Issues

Topics:

• No power, no display, beeping sounds

• Diagnosing faulty RAM, PSU, cables

Notes:

• Beep codes indicate hardware issues (e.g., 3 beeps = RAM problem)

• Try removing and re-seating RAM if no display

Example:
PC beeps 3 times → Remove and test RAM sticks

Exercise:
Q: What do continuous beeps during boot usually mean?
A: RAM or motherboard failure

Week 10: Software & Boot Issues

Topics:

• BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)

• Safe Mode, System Restore

• Antivirus and Malware removal

Notes:

• Use "msconfig" to enter Safe Mode

• System Restore helps if drivers cause crashes

Example:
Boot into Safe Mode → Restore system to earlier date

Exercise:
Q: What is Safe Mode used for?
A: To start Windows with minimal drivers for troubleshooting.

Week 11: Basic Networking

Topics:

• LAN/Wi-Fi setup

• IP address, ping, firewall

• File and printer sharing

Notes:

• Use ipconfig and ping to check connectivity

• Ensure devices are on the same network

Example:
Share a folder across 2 computers using LAN cable.

Exercise:
Q: What does the command ping 192.168.1.1 do?
A: Tests connection to that IP address.

Week 12: Final Project & Revision

Topics:

• Assemble a PC

• Install OS & drivers

• Troubleshoot a simulated issue

Notes:

• Final assessment = Theory + Practical

• Review important tools: Device Manager, BIOS, ping, System Restore

Project:
Build and configure a working PC.
Troubleshoot a startup issue.