CONDUCT TEST ON THE INSTALLED COMPUTER SYSTEM
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In the previous lesson, you were introduced with all the necessary knowledge and skills on installation of computer devices and operating system. Now, after executing the correct procedures I am sure that installation is a very easy task for you. Those skills will be very essential for the next lesson.
In the next phase of your learning it will focus in conducting test on the installed computer components. After reading all the required topics and performing the essential skills you must be able to:
· Follow OHS policies and procedures in conducting tests;
· Check circuits and systems being isolated using specified testing procedures;
· Test devices, systems and/or installation to determine its conformity with the requirements;
· Undertake final inspections on the installed devices, systems to ensure conformity with the requirements;
· Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted; and
§ Follow procedures in forwarding documentation to appropriate personnel and/or 599 authority on the test conducted.
TESTING INSTALLED EQUIPMENT / DEVICES (COMPONENTS)
As computer technician you will need a good understanding of the health and safety regulations from early on in your career, so that you understand the good practices demanded by law. In particular, you need to:
report any accidents
take reasonable care of your own health and safety when moving heavy components
not cause any electrical hazards
make sure that workstations meet safety requirements. You need to adhere to health and safety regulations as they will help to protect you and others and will avoid any unnecessary legal action for reckless and unsafe working practices. If you identify any health and safety problems, you should tell your line manager or the health and safety representative immediately.
The most basic test is to switch the system on to check it starts without errors. ICT professionals are also likely to use tools and utilities to check that all is well with the system after an installation. The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing installed hardware components and other peripherals Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose equipment. Diagnostic tools include the following:
Digital multimeter is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components. A digital multimeter displays the information on an LCD or LED.
A loopback adapter, also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of computer ports. The adapter is specific to the port that you want to test.
The toner probe, is a two-part tool. The toner part is connected to a cable at one end using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. The toner generates a tone that travels the length of the cable. The probe part traces the cable. When the probe is in near proximity to the cable to which the toner is attached, the tone can be heard through a speaker in the probe.
Software Tools - Like hardware tools, there are a variety of software tools that can be used to help technicians pinpoint and troubleshoot problems. Many of these tools are free and several come with the Windows operating system.
Disk Management Tools - Software tools help diagnose computer and network problems and determine which computer device is not functioning correctly. A technician must be able to use a range of software tools to diagnose problems, maintain hardware, and protect the data stored on a computer.
You must be able to identify which software to use in different situations. Disk management tools help detect and correct disk errors, prepare a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted files.
The following are some disk management tools:
· FDISK: A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive. The FDISK tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been replaced with the Disk Management tool.
· Disk Management Tool: Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats partitions.
· Format: Prepares a hard drive to store information.
· ScanDisk or CHKDSK: Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the file system. These tools might also check the disk surface for physical errors.
· Defrag: Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and data.
· Disk Cleanup: Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be safely deleted.
· System File Checker (SFC): A command-line tool that scans the operating system critical files and replaces files that are corrupted.
Use the Windows 7 boot disk for troubleshooting and repairing corrupted files. The Windows 7 boot disk repairs Windows system files, restores damaged or lost files, and reinstalls the operating system.
Test procedures
A test procedure is a set of steps to guide you through what needs to be done to thoroughly test the installation. It is designed to help you work more effectively and to make sure you test everything that needs testing. Test procedures are created in-house and could include these steps:
1. Gathering test information. The first step is to run the tests required by the procedure and find out what happens. You should record all the results of your tests in a log so that you know which pass and which fail, thereby requiring further action.
2. Validating the test information. The next step is to check the data you gathered from the tests to make sure it is correct. This is usually done by running the tests again.
3. Responding to test information. This step is important because you need to be able to recognize when a test shows problems or is successful. For example, if ping is used to test a network connection then ‘Request timed out’ shows the test was not successful.
4. Checking specification. The final step is an important end to testing. You need to check the specification for the installation to make sure that it has been met. For example, if a user requested an upgrade to make their display run at 1920 x 1200, then the ICT professional should check that the graphics card and screen can do this.
External Visual Inspection
The external visual inspection consists of a quick inspection of the exterior of the computer, the monitor, the keyboard, any peripherals, and cables. While performing the visual inspection, make any necessary corrections. To perform the external visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.
2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the computer, the monitor and peripherals, and their power sources.
3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly attached to the proper connectors on the back of the computer.
For a PS/2-compatible mouse, the keyboard and mouse interface cable connectors are identical except for their labels.
For a serial mouse, the mouse interface cable must be firmly attached to one of the serial port connectors, and its captive screws must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.
4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.
5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port connectors are properly connected.
Each of the serial and parallel port interface cables must be firmly attached to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as to the interface connector on the device. The captive screws that secure these connectors at each end of the interface cable must be secure enough to ensure a firm connection.
6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached to the video connector on the back panel or to a video expansion card, and also to the connector on the back of the monitor. For proper connection of the video monitor, see the documentation for the monitor.
7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious damage or improper settings. For proper settings of the video monitor controls, see the documentation for the monitor.
8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are sticking. If one or more keys are sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all controls and indicators, and all user-accessible data storage devices for any signs of physical damage.
Does the inspection reveal any problems?
Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure in "Removing and Replacing Parts."
No. Proceed to
To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:
1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the computer.
2. Check the power supply fan.
Does the fan run normally?
Yes. Proceed to step 3.
No. Troubleshoot the system power supply.
3. Watch the <Num Lock>, Caps Lock>, and <Scroll Lock> , and indicators on the upper-right corner of the keyboard. After all three indicators flash momentarily, and following a long pause (approximately 30 seconds), the Num Lock indicator should light up and remain on (unless the Num Lock option is set to Off in the System Setup program).
Do these indicators flash on and off within approximately 10 seconds after the boot routine starts?
· Yes. Proceed to step 4.
· No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the troubleshooting procedure indicates that the system power supply is operational, troubleshoot the memory.
4. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:
· Beep codes — A beep code is a series of beeps that indicates an error condition.
· System error messages — these messages can indicate problems or provide status information.
· Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators — These indicators light up in response to data being transferred to or from the drives. If either of these indicators fails to light up during the boot routine, troubleshoot the diskette drive or hard-disk drive subsystem, as appropriate
5. Observe the monitor screen for the Diagnostics menu.
Internal Visual Inspection
Internal Visual Inspection
A simple visual inspection of a computer’s interior hardware can often lead to the source of a problem, such as a loose expansion card, cable connector, ormounting screw. To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the 780 AC power cables from electrical outlets.
2.Remove the computer’s right side cover.
3.Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or connectors.
4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press firmly on the top of each chip.
5. Verify that all jumpers are set correctly.
6. Check all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they are firmly attached to their appropriate connectors.
7. Reinstall the computer cover.
8. Reconnect the computer and any attached peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.
Suppose that you are in the workshop carrying out hardware installations, the owner are very impressed with you. There has been a lot of telephone time spent recently explaining to customers how to test installed components of their computer systems. The shop has decided to create their own video that will be uploaded to the website and YouTube. You have been asked to create this video.
1. Create a video to demonstrate how to install the hardware components. Make sure you include everything you need to do to work safely.
2. Show how to configure any device installed in the computer.
3. Create another video on the following:
a. Undertake final inspection on the assembled computer system for functionality. This will be to test that the newly installed hardware components work without problems;
b. Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted; and
c. Follow procedures in forwarding documentation to appropriate personnel or authority.
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