CORE 4

Maintaining and Repairing Computer Systems and

Networks (MRCN)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Maintenance and/or Diagnosis of faults is planned and prepared in line with job requirements.

2. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed for the maintenance are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety.

3. Materials necessary to complete the work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements.

4. OHS policies and procedures are followed in line with job requirements.

5. Computer systems and networks for maintenance are checked against job/service order or instructions and specifications.

6. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used in line with standard procedures.

7. Normal function of computer systems and networks are checked in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Scheduled/periodic maintenance is performed in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements.

9. Where necessary, needed repairs/replacements are made in accordance with established procedures.

10. Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures.

11.Appropriate personal protective equipment is used in line with standard procedures.

12.Faults or problems in the computer systems and networks are diagnosed according to requirements and in line with the standard procedures.

13.Contingency measures are managed and implemented in accordance with established procedures.

14.Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures.

15.Appropriate personal protective equipment is used in line with standard procedures.

16.Defective components or parts are replaced or corrected without damage to the surrounding environment or services.

17.Adjustments, if necessary are made in accordance with established procedures.

18.Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordnance with established procedures.

19.Final inspections are undertaken to ensure that the testing conducted on the device conforms with the manufacturer’s instruction/manual.

20.Computer systems and networks are checked/tested to ensure safe operation.

21.OHS standards and 5S principles are followed according to enterprise policies.

22.Work site is cleaned and cleared of all debris and left in safe condition in accordance with company procedures.

23.Excess components and materials are disposed of based on WEEE directives and 3Rs waste management program.

24.Report is prepared and completed according to company requirements.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

GENERAL

1.) Certification - It is the process of verifying and validating the competencies of a person through assessment.

2.) Certificate of Competency (COC) – It is a certification issued to individuals who pass the assessment for a single unit or cluster of units of competency.

3.) Common Competencies -  The skills and knowledge needed by all people working in a particular industry.

4.) Competency - is the possession and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform work activities to the standard expected in the workplace.

5.) Competency Assessment - It is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved.

6.) Competency Standard (CS) - It is the industry-determined specification of competencies required for effective work performance.

7.) Context of Assessment - Refers to the place where assessment is to be conducted or carried out.

8.) Core Competencies - Are the specific skills and knowledge needed in a particular area of work - industry sector/occupation/job role.

9.) Critical aspects of competency - Refers to the evidence that is essential for successful performance of the unit of competency.

10.) Elective Competencies - Are the additional skills and knowledge required by the individual or enterprise for work.

11,) Elements - Are the building blocks of a unit of competency. They describe in outcome terms the functions that a person performs in the workplace.

12.) Evidence Guide - Is a component of the unit of competency that defines or identifies the evidences required to determine the competence of the individual. It provides information on critical aspects of competency, underpinning knowledge, underpinning skills, resource implications, assessment method and context of assessment.

13.) Level - Refers to the category of skills and knowledge required to do a job.

14.) Method of Assessment - Refers to the ways of collecting evidence and when, evidence should be collected.

15.) National Certificate (NC) – Is a certification issued to individuals who achieve all the required units of competency for a national qualification defined under the Training Regulations. NCs are aligned to specific levels within the PTQF.

16.) Performance Criteria - Are evaluative statements that specify what is to be assessed and the required level of performance.

17.) Qualification - Is a cluster of units of competencies that meets job roles and is significant in the workplace. It is also a certification awarded to a person on successful completion of a course in recognition of having demonstrated competencies in an industry sector.

18.) Range of Variables - Describes the circumstances or context in which the work is to be performed.

19.) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Is the acknowledgement of an individual’s skills, knowledge and attitudes gained from life and work experiences outside registered training programs.

20.)Resource Implications - Refers to there's sources needed for the successful performance of the work activity described in the unit of competency. It includes work environment and conditions, materials, tools and equipment.

21.) Basic Competencies - Are the skills and knowledge that everyone needs for work.

22.) Training Regulations (TR) – Refers to the document promulgated and issued by TESDA consisting of competency standards, national qualifications and training guidelines for specific sectors/occupations. The TR serves as basis for establishment of qualification and certification under the PTQF. It also serves as guide for development of competency- based curricula and instructional materials including registration of TVET programs offered by TVET providers.

23.) Underpinning Knowledge - Refers to the competency that involves in applying knowledge to perform work activities. It includes specific knowledge that is essential to the performance of the competency.

24.) Underpinning Skills - Refers to the list of the skills needed to achieve the elements and performance criteria in the unit of competency. It includes generic and industry specific skills.

25.) Unit of Competency – Is a component of the competency standards stating a specific key function or role in a particular job or occupation; it is the smallest component of achievement that can be assessed and certified under the PTQF.

SECTOR  OF SPECIFIC

1.Computer System - The complete computer made up of the CPU, memory and related electronics (main cabinet), all the peripheral devices connected to it and its operating system. Computer systems fall into two broad divisions: clients and servers. Client machines fall into three categories from low to high end: laptop, desktop and workstation. Servers range from small to large: low-end servers, midrange servers and mainframes.

2. Computer Network, or simply a Network, is a collection of computers and other hardware interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information. Where at least one process in one device is able to send/receive data to/from at least one process residing in a remote device, then the two devices are said to be in a network. It is a group of devices connected to each other. Networks may be classified into a wide variety of characteristics, such as the medium used to transport the data, communications protocol used, scale, topology, benefit, and organizational scope.

3. Configuration - The makeup of a system. To "configure" is to choose options in order to create a custom system. "Configurability" is a system's ability to be changed or customized.

4. Connector - Any plug and socket that links two devices together. Although taken for granted and rarely in the limelight, connectors are a huge industry, and the quality of these components is more critical than most people would imagine. When not designed or constructed properly, they often become the weakest element in an electronic system.

5. Display Adapter - A plug-in card in a desktop computer that converts the images created in the computer to the electronic signals required by the monitor. It determines the maximum resolution, refresh rate and number of colors that can be displayed, which the monitor must also be able to support. On many PC motherboards, the display adapter circuits are built into the chipset, and an AGP or PCI card is not required.

6. Expansion Board - A printed circuit board that plugs into an expansion slot and extends the computer's capability to control a peripheral device. All the boards (cards) that plug into a computer's bus are expansion boards, such as display adapters, disk controllers, network adapters and sound cards.

7. Expansion Bus - An input/output bus typically comprised of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) are plugged into the bus. ISA and PCI are the common expansion buses in a PC.

8. Graphical User Interface - A graphics-based user interface that incorporates movable windows, icons and a mouse. The ability to resize application windows and change style and size of fonts are the significant advantages of a GUI vs. a character-based interface. GUIs have become the standard way users interact with a computer, and the major GUIs are the Windows and Mac interfaces along with Motif for Unix and the GNOME and KDE interfaces for Linux.

9. LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media. The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks (WANs), include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.

10. Motherboard - Also called the "system board," it is the main printed circuit board in an electronic device, which contains sockets that accept additional boards. In a desktop computer, the motherboard contains the CPU, chipset, PCI bus slots, AGP slot, memory sockets and controller circuits for the keyboard, mouse, disks and printer. It may also have built-in controllers for modem, sound, display and network, obviating the need to plug in a card.

11. Networks – See Computer Network.

12. Operating System - The master control program that runs the computer. The first program loaded when the computer is turned on, its main part, the "kernel," resides in memory at all times. The operating system sets the standards for all application programs that run in the computer. The applications "talk to" the operating system for all user interfaces and file management operations.

13. Peripheral -Any hardware device connected to a computer, such as a monitor, keyboard, printer, disk, tape, graphics tablet, scanner, joy stick, paddle or mouse.

14. Server - A computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users. Servers come in all sizes from x86-based PCs to IBM mainframes. A server may have a keyboard, monitor and mouse directly attached, or one keyboard, monitor and mouse may connect to any number of servers via a KVM switch. Servers may be also be accessed only through a network connection as well.

15. Sound Card - Also called a "sound board" or "audio adapter," it is a computer expansion board that records and plays back sound, providing inputs from a microphone or other sound source and outputs to speakers or an external amplifier. The de facto standard for sound card compatibility in PCs is Creative Labs' Sound Blaster.

16. User Interface - All graphics based today, the user interface includes the windows, menus and method of interaction between you and the computer. Prior to the Mac, Windows and Motif (UNIX) interfaces, all interaction was based on commands entered by the user. Operating systems may support optional interfaces and allow a new shell N or skin, to be used instead.

17. Virus - Software used to infect a computer. After the virus code is  written, it is buried within an existing program. Once that program is executed, the virus code is activated and attaches copies of itself to other

programs in the system. Infected programs copy the virus to other programs.

18. WAN - A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a broad area (i.e., any telecommunications network that links across metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries) using private or public network transports. Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location

19. WEEE Directives - The prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in addition, the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce the disposal of waste. It also seeks to improve the environmental performance of all operators involved in the life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment, e.g. producers, distributors and consumers and in particular those operators directly involved in the treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Plan and Prepare Maintenance Procedures

Introduction:

Planning and preparing systematic maintenance procedure will save time, money and frustration. It is a good idea and opportunity to learn the proper care and maintenance of your computer.

PC maintenance is an important topic for anyone who owns a PC. Looking after your PC properly ensures you of trouble-free use. Regular PC maintenance also keeps the machine’s performance optimal.

A. Plan Maintenance Procedures for Computer System and Networking.

1. Design a systematic maintenance plan for hardware.

• Monitoring, evaluating and updating plan.

• Place your computer in a well-ventilated area.

• Schedule use of computers for its longer life.

• Move computers only when it is turned off and unplugged.

• Treat your computer properly.

• Maintain your hard disk.

2. Design a systematic maintenance plan for your software.

• Backup your files.

• Install or secure passwords.

• Delete temporary files.

• Update antivirus and spy ware.

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM DEFINITION OF TERMS

Maintenance Program- Is a comprehensive list of maintenance and its incidents. This would include all maintenance activities to be undertaken, manpower needed, maintenance methods to be used, all the

materials and supplies needed for the maintenance and cost involved in the maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule- Is a list allocating specific maintenance of an area. Equipment and tools to a specific period. The maintenance schedule is just a part of the maintenance program. 

Quality management- Is a method for ensuring that all the activities necessary to design, develop and implement a product or service are effective with respect to the system and its performance. 

The following diagram is the Shewhart cycle (PDCA) for quality improvements. Made popular by Dr. Deming.

The Quality Management Cycle(delete)

The philosophy is to keep improving the quality of an organization.

It is defined by the four key steps:

Plan: Design and revised business process components to improve results.

Do: Implement the plan and measure its performance.

Check: Assess the measurements and report the results to decisions makers.

Act: Decides on changes needed to improve the process.

The consolidation phase enables the organization to take stock of what has been taking place and to ensure made to processes that require documentation (both to allow processes to be repeatable and to facilitate recognition of the achievement of some form of quality standard).

1. Plan. Here in this stage an organization must be able to prepare a good maintenance program which will define the standards for Best Management Practices. The maintenance program must clearly answer the

question on WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW.

Why Maintain?

1. General Objective:

To maintain the optimum condition of physical facilities at acceptable levels and minimum cost to satisfy the expected demands of TVET programs and activities.

2. Specific Objectives:

• To extend the useful life of physical facilities.

• To assure the operational readiness of installed equipment and maximum possible return on investments.

• To properly discard hazardous wastes.

• To ensure the safety of personnel using the facilities, physical properties and the environment.

What can we gain from maintaining our facilities?

• Ensured SAFE environment

• Improve MORALE of human resources

• Reduced operational COST

• Increased PRODUCTION

• Prolonged LIFE facilities

• Prompt DELIVERY of services/ product

WHO?

Who will manage the activities?

Who will monitor and evaluate the operations?

Who will prepare the maintenance schedule? 

Who will implement the progamill? conduct inspection?

Who will certify and accept the work? 

Who will prepare the report?

What, Where, When?

What routine actions must be done to keep the device on working order?

Where is the maintenance activity to be carried out?

When do you perform the maintenance activities?

How to maintain?

The question on how do we implement the maintenance program will center on the 5Ms are as follows:

Manpower

Money (Financial Resources)

Methods and System

Machines (Facilities)

Materials and Supplies

INFORMATION SHEET 4.2-1

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to be familiar and use the Personal Protective Equipment properly.

Personal Protective Equipment

It refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other gear designed to protect the wearer's body or clothing from injury by electrical hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational safety and health purposes.

PPE can also be used to protect the working environment from pesticide application, pollution or infection from the worker (for example in a microchip factory).

Students e v e n during t heir laboratory period should require to use of personal protective equipment. Some of these are:

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to

Maintain Computer System and network.

TO DEFRAGMENT YOUR HARD DISK

1. Open Disk Defragmenter by clicking the Start button  In the search box, type Disk Defragmenter, and then, in the list of results, click Disk Defragmenter.

2. Under Current status, select the disk you want to defragment.

3. To determine if the  disk needs to be defragmented or not , click Analyze disk.

If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Once Windows is finished analyzing the disk, you can check the percentage of fragmentation on the disk in the Last Run column. If the number is above 10%,you should defragment the disk.

4. Click Defragment disk. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type

the password or provide confirmation.

Disk Defragmenter might take from several minutes to a few hours to finish, depending on the size and degree of fragmentation of your hard disk. You can still use your computer during the defragmentation

process.

Notes

• If the disk is already in exclusive use by another program or is formatted using a file system other than NTFS file system, FAT, or FAT32, it can't be defragmented.

• Network locations can't be defragmented.

• If a disk that you're expecting to see under Current status is not showing up there, it might be because it contains an error. Try to repair the disk first, then return to Disk Defragmenter to try again.

Delete files using Disk Cleanup

Windows 8.1/Windows RT 8.1

You can use Disk Cleanup to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your drives, which can help your PC run faster. It can delete temporary files and system files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove a variety of

other items that you might no longer need.

TO DELETE FILES

The following procedure deletes files associated with your user account.

You can also use Disk Cleanup to delete system files on your PC.

1. To open Disk Cleanup from the desktop, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings (or if you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up,

and then click Settings), tap or click Control Panel, type Admin in the Search box, tap or click Administrative Tools, and then double-tap or double-click Disk Cleanup.

2. In the Drives list, choose the drive you want to clean, and then tap or click OK.

3. In the Disk Cleanup dialog, select the checkboxes for the file types that you want to delete , tap or click OK, and then tap or click Delete files.

TO DELETE SYSTEM FILES

The following procedure deletes system files on your PC. This option, in addition to cleaning up the files associated with your account, allows you to delete previous Windows installations, Windows Defender files, and Windows upgrade log files that you might no longer need.

1. To open Disk Cleanup from the desktop, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings (or if you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then click Settings), tap or click Control Panel, type Admin in the Search box, tap or click Administrative Tools, and then double-tap or double-click Disk Cleanup.

2. In the Drives list, tap or click the drive that you want to clean up, and then tap or click OK.

3. In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, tap or click Clean up system files. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

4. In the Drives list, choose the drive you want to clean, and then tap or click OK.

5. In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, select the checkboxes for the file types you want to delete , tap or click OK, and then tap or click Delete files.

6. If you want to free up even more space on your PC, tap or click More Options and choose from the options:

Programs and Features. Uninstall programs you no longer use.

The Size column shows how much space each program uses.

System Restore and Shadow Copies. Delete all but the most recent restore point on the drive. System Restore uses restore points to return your system files to an earlier point in time. If your PC is running normally, you can save space by deleting the earlier restore points. In some editions of Windows, restore points can include previous versions of files, known as shadow copies, and backup images. These files and images will also be deleted.

How to Run Disk Cleanup on a Windows 7 Computer

The Disk Cleanup utility removes unnecessary files to free up space on the disk drive of your choice. To run Disk Cleanup on a Windows 7 computer, follow these steps:

1. Click Start.

2. Click All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup.

3. Select Drive C from the drop-down menu.

4. Click OK.

5. Disk cleanup will calculate the free space on your computer, which may take a few minutes.

6. After the calculation is complete, you should see a dialog box that looks similar to the following:

Add Disk Cleanup in Server 2008

Keeping your hard drive clutter-free is essential to having a well-run server. The tool to accomplish this is Disk Cleanup, but it is conspicuously missing in Server 2008… or is it?

To enable Disk Cleanup, we’ll first open Server Manager by clicking on the Server Manager icon next to the Start button.

In Server Manager, scroll down to the Features section and click on Add Features in the upper right area.

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Perform Diagnostic procedures

Diagnose a Computer Problem

Many people are faced with everyday computer problems that are easy to fix, but are unable to diagnose the actual problem. While there are many problems a computer will be faced with, this article will tell you

where to look for common problems.

Steps

1. Check the POST. POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is generally the first or second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before the operating system

begins to load. The POST will display any problems found with hardware that makes the computer unable to boot, POST may also display problems with hardware that allow the computer to boot, but

not operate at its full capacity during operation.

2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than usual load time may indicate seek errors (or other errors) in the hard drive.

3. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.

4. Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still effective way of judging how hard a computer is working. With the computer on and running, play any decent length audio file (usually above 30 secs). If the audio is choppy or slow, it usually means that the processor is working at an elevated level, or there is not enough RAM to run all programs loading. Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue associated with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to DMA allows for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.  

5. Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems, especially Windows, can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly written, or it may conflict with another process. Windows will usually notify you about devices that are causing a problem, or have a problem. To check this use the Device Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control Panel, clicking the System icon, clicking the Hardware tab, and clicking on Device Manager. Use this to check and arrange the properties of hardware.

6. Check any newly installed software. Software may require more resources than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software starts, the software is causing it. If the problem

appears directly upon startup, it may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy or sluggish system. If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program is consuming more resources than the computer can

provide. An easy way to check this is to use the Task Manager, right click on the taskbar select Task Manager, and click the Processes tab. The CPU column contains a number that indicates the percentage of

CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.

8. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its capacity.

9. Run a virus and malware scan. Performance problems can be caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated virus scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus) and a commonly updated malware scanner (such as Spybot Search & Destroy).

10. Check for the problem in safe mode. As a last ditch effort, check the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating system itself is to blame.

Troubleshooting Plan for Personal Computers

How to Troubleshoot the Computer?

 Here you will learn the basic troubleshooting methods of your computer.

• Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your computer, check it with the other computers so that you can make sure whether the fault is in the component or not.

• Check cables: In case of any device failure, check all the cables of your computer such as data cables, power cable, internal circuitry cables and make sure that all these are plugged in and working fine.

• Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the CMOS and in the device manager of the system and make all the device drivers are up to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.

• Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error in your computer, determine what was changed before the problem occurred.

• Event viewer: In the event viewer, you will find the error or warning messages associated with any faulty hardware or software.

• Make notes: Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we can learn a lot when we face any kind of troubleshooting in our computer. Make notes including the error messages and their solutions, so that you have a record on how a certain problem occurred and how did you solve it.

Sample Diagnostic Plan

List down all possible components to be checked based on the symptoms.

Common Trouble for Computer Units

1. Double check the power connections.

2. Voltage Regulator and power supply could cause power failure in the computer unit.

3. Check the power cords and cable connectors in your computer unit.

4. Unseated card. Loose cards could cause it to malfunction.

5. Do you have ink or toners in your printer? Check the ink toners/cartridges in your printers.

6. Check the boot sequence configuration in the advance BIOS (Basic Input/output Unit) setup.

Diagnosing Network Connection

These are the things to look for if a PC will not connect to the internet or network.

• First check the cable connecting to the network card into the network hub.

• Check the back of the computer to see if the network card light is on

• Check the network cable

• Check the network HUB

INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-2

Identifying and isolating faults/ problems

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Identify and isolate faults/ problems.

Techniques for diagnosing computer system

1. Computer Diagnosis

2. Rules In Diagnosing Computer System

3. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

4. Problem Isolation

5. Component Isolation

Computer Diagnosis

Sometimes when the problem with a system is not totally apparent and the problem may be intermittent, using a basic common diagnostic procedure may help determine what is wrong. This procedure has a

number of steps that, if followed each time, can be of help.

Rules in Diagnosing Computer System

1. Know the facts Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.

Continuous learning on computer technology.

2. Use your common sense.

3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for replacement

or subassembly.

4. Proper assembly and disassembly.

Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

1. Peopleware

2. Firmware

3. Software

4. Hardware

5. Static (ESD)

6. Electricity

Peopleware

• Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.

Firmware

• Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.

Software

• Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.

Hardware

• Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.

Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers performance.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge)

• Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components in your computer.

Electricity

• Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated, power surges can damage computer units.

Problem Isolation

Problem isolation is a detective work in which you need to determine what is out of the ordinary by making detailed observation of what is not working normally and record any information as you proceed.

The information you will be able to gather will help diagnose your computer. You need to observe wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in smell or foreign smell, listen to all the sounds, and

error codes.

Component Isolation

This section will aid in determining components in your system which are failing. First, most systems have 3 major components; monitor, system unit, and printers. Some have multiple external devices. To

troubleshoot, you need to isolate major components which are failing to operate.

INFORMATION SHEET 4.4-1

Defects in Computer Systems & Networks

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify

defects in computer systems & networks

Testing Procedures

• Deciding When to Test the System. Identify computer symptoms and defects.

• Preparing to Test the System . It’s recommended that you should not plug your computer and monitor directly to a wall outlet. Rather, you should purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The UPS serves as a surge protector to prevent your system from being damaged if a power spike is delivered to it and when power will fail unexpectedly. The UPS gives you time to save your work and properly shut down your system. If a system is turned off and back on rapidly, it’s probably not good for the system. A very short power drop could mimic this effect and could be hard on both the computer and the monitor.

Test Your Computer Memory RAM

Most Computer Memory comes with a life time warranty from the manufacturer but this can be very inconvenient. You can return memory easily to the seller in the 1st 2 weeks but most problems show

themselves much later and it always seems to happen when you need your computer the most. Learn how to detect problems in the 1st 8 hours after you install memory and save yourself from headaches and inconvenience down the road.

Memory is an easy upgrade but how do you know its running at the advertised speed? Do you know for sure its running error free? Memory can arrive from the seller and have a defects that won't be seen for weeks or a months. But then it happens. Blue screens, freezing, memory errors, spontaneous reboots. All signs of defective memory. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from buying bad memory.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New memory

• CD burner

• Blank CD-R or CDRW

1. We will assume you know how to buy the right memory. If not, visit my article on buying the right memory.

2. Shut down your PC, unplug your computer, and Open the cover. TIP: If you have toggle switch on the back of your power supply, you can add more safety by turning the switch off and leaving the computer plugged into the wall outlet. Yes, leave it plugged with the hard power switch off. This provides an excellent ground to your computer with no actual power applied.

3. We have 2 sticks of new memory rated for our computer. Lets assume our computer has 4 slots. 2 slots are filled, 2 are empty. With the case open, open the levers on the side of the installed memory sticks and remove them. Put them in a safe place.

4. Insert the new memory sticks in the same place the old sticks were and lock the levers. The reason we are doing these extra steps is so we can test the new memory. Leaving in the old memory can affect the new memory's speed reading or even errors in the old memory will not be clearly the fault of the old memory.

5. Turn on the power and boot up. Watch for the prompt to access SETUP or BIOS. Most popular keys for this are DEL, F2, or F10.

6. Inside the BIOS or Setup screen, look for the section called memory. Check to see the memory is running at the speed you purchased and displays the full amount you purchased. Exist setup and allow computer

to boot up fully.

7. Download Memtest86+ 2.11. Its free and supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory. Unzip the file and create a CD using the ISO file using your favorite cd burner program. This is a bootable CD.

8. Reboot the PC and insert the CD you just made before the post screen is done. Assuming your PC is set to boot from the CD first,(most are), the CD will start up the MEMTEST program and start running. This will run over and over. It will also count how many times its run and the number of errors it encounters. The number of errors should be zero.

9. Let it run for up to 8 hours. Once you are satisfied, exit the program using the legend on screen. Remove the CD, and turn off the computer.

10. You now know you have reliable memory that will likely last for years to come.

The motherboard is the backbone of your computer as it is the piece that all of the other components are connected to. If your computer will not boot up properly or power on at all the problem may potentially lie with the motherboard. Because so many other components are connected to the motherboard you will need to troubleshoot each other part first.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver

• Replacement processor

• Replacement RAM modules

• Replacement video card

1. Turn the computer off and then remove the power cable from the electrical wall outlet. Plug a power cable from a different electrical device into the outlet and power it on so that you can rule out the outlet as your problem. Connect the computer's power cable back into the outlet.

2. Power the computer back on and place your hand behind the case near the power supply. Wait a few moments to see if any air is pushed out of the power supply by the cooling fan. Replace the power supply

instead of the motherboard if the fan is not working.

3. Shut down the computer again and pull out all of the cables from the back side of the case. Remove any other devices you have connected to the front ports on the computer such as a USB printer or jump drive.

4. Set down the computer so that the left side panel is facing towards you. Unlock the side panel from the computer case by removing the case screws if there are any. Twist of the thumbscrew or pull up on the

metal holding latch if the computer does not use case screws.

5. Remove the screws holding any expansion cards to the case and then pull them off the motherboard. Pull out all of the cables running from the motherboard to the power supply and drive bays. Pull out the

screws holding the motherboard to the case. Pull the motherboard straight up out of the case and set it down carefully on a flat non- metal surface.

6. Check to make sure that there is no physical damage to the motherboard such as bent pins or burnt transistors. Purchase a new motherboard and place it back in the case if there is any visible damage.

7. Remove the screws holding the power supply to the case and slide it out of the drive bay. Set it down near the motherboard and connect the SATA cable from the motherboard to the power supply. Connect

the power cable from the power supply to a wall outlet. Plug cable from the computer's monitor into the corresponding port on the motherboard.

8. Remove the RAM modules and replace them with another set. Press down the power button on the motherboard with a screwdriver or another flat object. Wait to see if the computer loads up without error,

which will indicate that the problem is with the RAM modules instead of with the motherboard.

9. Power the motherboard back off and replace the processor with a different one. Turn the motherboard back on and see if the system boots up normally, which will indicate a defective processor.

10.Turn the motherboard off and replace the video card with a different one. Power the motherboard on and see if the system boots up, which will indicate a defective video card.

11.Replace the motherboard if the system still will not boot up after all of the other components have been checked.

You turn on your computer one morning, hoping to listen to the morning news, but there's one tiny little problem. You're not getting any sound out of the speakers. A few simple steps will determine what is wrong.

Instructions

• Things You'll Need:

• Extra set of speakers

• Another computer

• Internet access

1. Try restarting the computer to see if it does it again. It may be a freak incident.

4. The next step is to rule out the speakers. Either take them and hook they up to another computer to see if they work or you can take different speakers and hook it up to the computer to see if they work.

If they do work chances are the card is defective.

5. Before ruling out the sound card is toast, try rolling Windows back to an earlier date by using System Restore which is located under accessories > System Tools. Restore the computer to a few days before

the problem started to happen.

INFORMATION SHEET 4.4-2

Replacing or correcting defective components or parts

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Replace or correct defective components or parts.

Computer Parts Replacement

Replacing computer parts and peripherals you need to consider the following factors:

1. Compatibility of the component or part

2. Consider the component specification

3. Components form factor

Compatibility of the Component

When replacing computer parts you should check if it is compatible with your unit. Double check on your computer manual if the component you are replacing is compatible or not with the unit because this may lead to system crash.

Component Specification

This focuses on the specification of the component. Check if the voltage rating, current rating, memory size and frequency matches your computer unit.

Form factor

The components’ manufacturer should be considered. Check if the unit you are trying to repair or upgrade is generic or branded units. Branded units have their own set of components compatible only to their units, while genetic types can be used only to generic type of units.

General Safety Tips and Reminders

• Observe good housekeeping in the area of the machines during and after maintenance.

• Place removed covers and other parts in a safe place, away from all

   o personnel, while you are servicing the machine.

Dress for the Job

• Keep your tool case away from walk areas so that other people will not trip over it.

• Do not wear loose clothing that can be trapped in the moving parts of a machine. Ensure that your sleeves are fastened or rolled up above your elbows. If your hair is long, use hair net or hair cap.

• Insert the ends of your necktie or scarf inside clothing or fasten it with a nonconductive clip, approximately 3 inches from the end.

• Do not wear jewelry, chains, metal-frame eyeglasses, or metal fasteners for your clothing.

Remember: Metal objects are good conductors

• After service, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires. Replace any safety device that is worn out or defective.

• Finally, reinstall all covers correctly before returning the unit to the customers.

Electrical safety

Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables can be hazardous. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems, networks and modems before you open the server/workstation covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedure.

Precautions

• Disconnect all power before:

  • • Performing a mechanical inspection

    • Working near power supplies

    • Removing or installing main units

    • Before starting work on the machine, unplug the power cord.

    • Never assume that power has been disconnected from a circuit.

     o First, check that it has been powered-off.

• Always look carefully for possible hazards in your work

  • • Moist floors

    • Non-grounded power extension cables

    • Power surges.

• If an electrical accident occurs:

  • • Use caution

    • Switch off power

    • Send another person to get medical aid

Safety Inspection Guide

1. These steps will help you to identify potentially unsafe conditions on these products:

• Check exterior covers for damage (loose, broken, or sharp edges)

• Power-off computer. Disconnect the power cord.

• The power cord should be the appropriate type.

• Insulation on the power cord must not be frayed or worn out.

• Remove the cover.

• Check for any obvious alteration. Use good judgment as to the safety of any alterations.

• Check for worn out, frayed or pinched cables.

• Check that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have not been removed or tampered with.

Upgrading Your Computer Components

To upgrade means to change some parts with faster and better performing ones. These parts may even cost less and more powerful.

Commonly Upgraded Computer Parts:

How to Speed up the Computer

Upgrade Desktop Memory

Installing memory can be done in a matter of minutes, but there’s no need to feel rushed. Work at your own pace and consult this guide or the video as often as you need to!

Step 1 - Gathering Supplies

Clear off your installation space and make sure you’re working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. Then, you’ll need the following items:

Step 2 - Shut Down Your Desktop Computer

Because your files, documents, and data are on your storage drive, not your Random Access Memory (RAM), they remain unaffected during this.

Step 3 - Unplug the Power Cable

Step 4 - Hold the Power Button for Five Seconds

This discharges any residual electricity still in the system

Step 9 - Close the Computer Case

Step 10 - Plug the Power Cable in

Note: If your system does not boot up, check the following items:

• If you receive an error message or hear a series of beeps, your system might not be recognizing the new memory modules. Remove and reinstall the modules. Push down hard on the modules until the clips fold back up.

• If your system won't boot, check all the connections inside your computer. It is easy to bump a cable and pull it out of its connector, which will disable devices such as your hard drive or CD-ROM.

• When restarting your system, you might get a message prompting you to update the configuration settings. Refer to your owner's manual for information. If you are still unsure, please call Crucial Technical Support for assistance.

• If you get a memory mismatch message, follow the prompts to enter the Setup menu, and then select Save and Exit. (This is not an error—some systems must do this to update the system settings).

• If the groove on the memory module and the ridge in the computer do not match up, do not force the module into the slot. You might have the wrong type of memory.

Your system recognizes only half of the new module's memory. To make sure the computer is registering the memory you’ve added, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu or Windows button

2. Right-click on Computer or My Computer

3. Select Properties

4. You will see the Installed Memory (RAM) listed. It should match the amount you installed.

Video card Upgrade

1. Installing a graphics card

Installing a graphics card is a straightforward process that requires three things: a new graphics card, your computer, and a Phillips-head screw driver. Be sure to turn off your PC and unplug it from the wall before you begin.

You can now install your new graphics card into the open and unobstructed PCI- E x16 slot. Firmly insert the card into the slot, then push down the plastic lock on the end of the PCI-E slot to hold it in place. Next, use a screw to secure the graphic card's metal retention bracket to your PC's case. You can reuse the same

screw(s) that held the cover bracket or your former graphics card in place.

2. Wrapping up

With your graphics card secured and powered up, finish the job by sliding your case's side panel back into position and plugging your display cable into your new graphics card. Turn on your computer.

Now it’s time to take care of the software side of upgrading your graphics card.

If your new graphics card is the same brand as your old card, this process is simple. Just go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver package for you operating system. Keep in mind that graphics drivers are quite large, generally about 300MB in size, and it make take some time for them to download depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Install the driver, restart your computer, and now you're ready to enjoy the buttery-smooth framerates your new graphics card will no doubt deliver. If you’re switching manufacturers (from Intel to AMD, from AMD to Nvidia, or vice-versa), uninstall your old graphics driver and restart your computer before installing the driver for your new graphics card. If you don’t uninstall the old driver it may conflict with the new driver.

How to upgrade a hard drive

In a computer, the hard drive is the primary storage device that provides storage space for files. If a computer is low on storage space and you want to increase the size of the hard drive, there are many options available.

It may seem the best option is to upgrade the existing hard drive in the computer. Unfortunately, upgrading a hard drive is not possible without also purchasing a hard drive duplicator.

A hard drive cannot have additional space added to it, making it impossible to upgrade an existing hard drive. Replacing the existing hard drive or installing an additional hard drive are the only options for adding more storage space in a computer.

Replace existing hard drive

1. To add more storage space, you can choose to replace the existing hard drive in the computer. Replacing the hard drive requires you to do the following.

2. Purchase a new hard drive that has more storage space than the existing one. We recommend checking the total storage space of the existing hard drive first before purchasing a new hard drive. Also, check if the existing hard drive uses IDE or SATA to determine the type of hard drive needed.

3. Backup your files, to later copy to the new hard drive.

4. Remove the existing hard drive by taking out the screws and disconnecting the cable.

Install the new hard drive.

• Using the computer restore discs, re-install the operating system and original software that came with the computer. If you do not have a set of restore discs, you need to contact the computer manufacturer.

• Copy the personal files you backed up in step 2 above onto the new hard drive.

Install additional hard drive

• The most common option chosen by computer users to add more storage space is to install an additional hard drive. Doing so does not require the existing hard drive to be removed, which saves you time. To install an additional hard drive, do the following.

• Determine if the existing hard drive uses IDE or SATA connections. Your computer must support the type of hard drive you want to install. Most computers built since 2012 support SATA. Computers older than 2012 may only support IDE.

• Purchase the new hard drive.

• Install the new hard drive.

• After the new hard drive has been installed, enter My Computer or File Explorer, to ensure it is being read properly. In this case, it's the Extra Space (F:) drive.

INFORMATION SHEET 4.4-3

Hardware & software configuration

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to configure computer hardware & software

Computer configuration

In communications or computer systems, a configuration is an arrangement of functional units according to their nature, number, and chief characteristics. Often, configuration pertains to the choice of hardware,

software, firmware, and documentation. The configuration affects system function and performance.

Hardware Configuration

Hardware configuration references the details and system resource settings allotted for a specific device. Many computer specialists improve hardware performance by adjusting configurations, which may also include settings for the motherboard and the BIOS, as well as the bus speeds.

With newer technology, most computers have plug-and-play (PnP) allowing the OS to detect and configure external and internal peripherals, as well as most adaptors. PnP has the ability to locate and configure hardware components without needing to reset jumpers and dual in-line package (DIP) switches.

Each device has a hardware configuration setting, which may include the following:

• Interrupt Request (IRQ) Lines: These are hardware interrupt lines, which signal the CPU whena peripheral event has stopped or started.

• Direct Memory Access (DMA) Channels: This is a method for transferring data from the main memory to a device without going through the CPU.

• Input/Output Port: This connects the input and output devices to the computer. There is amemory address for each port.

• Memory Address: There is a unique identifier used for each memory location. The memoryaddress is typically a binary number, which is numbered sequentially.

All hardware devices have configuration settings that can affect performance and system function. Hardware configuration information may include:

• Available memory

• Power management features

• Devices that are connected such as modems, disc drives and serial ports

During power-on-self-test (POST), basic input/output system (BIOS) searches system configurations to determine what devices are present and how they interface with the CPU. After POST, when the computer and system configurations are found, the CPU uses the information to process instructions and data. Configuration information is stored in several ways using DIP switches, jumpers and complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS).

Today most peripheral devices use PnP, which will auto-configure the DMA, IRQ and I/O address. Older systems that do not have PnP require a new device to be set by using jumpers or DIP switches. Using Msconfig to troubleshoot software issues in Windows 7 Msconfig helps Windows control the software that automatically loads while Windows is starting. For troubleshooting purposes, use the following steps to prevent all software programs from automatically opening when Windows starts.

CAUTION:

Use the following steps to prevent all startup items from opening, including antivirus software and other software that provides important functions. Follow these steps for troubleshooting purposes only. If preventing all startup items from loading resolves the problem, you can use the Startup tab ( see following section) to prevent an individual software item from loading.

1. Click Start, and then type msconfig into the Search box. Click msconfig.

If you are prompted for an Administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Figure : Opening the System Configuration tool. The System Configuration tool displays.

2. lick the General tab.

3. Select Selective startup, and then remove the checkmark next to Load startup items. Click the Services tab.

4. Select Hide all Microsoft services, and then click the Disable all button.

5. Click OK.

6. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

7. If you find the problem no longer occurs after you prevent all software from loading, you can use the startup tab to try and find the exact software title that is causing the problem. Select all but one title

from the startup tab and restart. Continue doing this, deselecting software and restarting each time until the problem no longer occurs. Uninstall or prevent software from loading that cause problems.

8. When you have finished using the System Configuration tool, open it again and select Normal startup. Click OK.

Figure : General tab Normal startup

opening with Windows. The following selections are on the General tab:

Selective startup - allows you to choose which programs and services you want to open, and which you want to keep from opening at startup tab.

Boot tab

The Boot tab shows configuration options listed inside the system information file. Some options in the Boot tab follow. Safe boot: Minimal - Disables networking. Boots to the Windows user interface (Explorer) in safe mode, running critical system services only. Safe boot: Alternate shell - Disables networking. Boots to the command prompt in safe mode, running critical system services

only.

Safe boot: Active Directory repair - Similar to minimal safe boot, except the Active Directory is enabled.

Safe boot: Network - Similar to a minimal safe boot, except the network is enabled.

• No GUI boot - The Windows splash screen is disabled when

booting

Boot log - Stores all information from the boot process in a file.

Base video - Boots to Windows user interface in minimal VGA mode.

• OS boot information - Shows each driver name as each driver is loaded during the boot process.

Make all boot settings permanent - Changes made in System Configuration are not tracked. If you want to make changes later, you will have to do so manually. Selecting Normal startup in the General tabwill not work if this feature is selected.

• Timeout field - Using Msconfig can cause the operating system selection screen to display for thirty seconds; as a result, thirty seconds is added to the overall startup time. To prevent the

operating selection screen from appearing for thirty seconds on startup, change the timeout line in the Timeout field to zero.

Startup tab

The Startup tab lists software applications that open automatically after Windows opens. It also shows their current status (Running or Stopped). Disable individual software applications by removing the checkmark next to the name and path. Do not disable the following startup items except for diagnostic purposes only:

NOTE:

This list is not comprehensive. For a more thorough list of software tasks, refer to Preventing Programs from Opening When Windows Starts.

• HD Audio Control Panel

• HP KBD EXE

• hp digital imaging - hp all-in-one series

• HPRun

• hpsysdrv

• HP Total Care Advisor

• Microsoft Windows Operating System

• NVIDIA products

• Symantec Technologies products

The following is a list of some of the types of software applications that open from the Startup tab:

• Anti-virus software - Disable Anti-virus software only when troubleshooting. Make sure to enable the Anti-virus software when finished troubleshooting.

• Keyboard managers - Disable to prevent the extended multimedia keys and volume control knob from working.

• Systems tray icons - Disable to prevent a software application tray icon from displaying on the systems tray (next to the time).

HOW TO ENABLE AND DISABLE THE ACTIVE DESKTOP

To enable the Active Desktop, right-click an empty area on the desktop, point to Active Desktop, and then click View As Web Page (a check mark appears). To disable the Active Desktop, click View As Web Page to clear the check mark.

HOW TO ADD AN ACTIVE DESKTOP ITEM TO THE DESKTOP

An Active Desktop item is simply a Web page. It can contain active content that can change, such as a stock ticker or a weather map. To add an Active Desktop item, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- K click Display.

2. Click the Web tab, and then click New.

3. If you want to use an Active Desktop item from the Desktop Component Gallery on Microsoft's Web site, click Yes. If you want to use a Web site as an Active Desktop item, click No, and then either type the Web address for the Web site you want to use, or click Browse to search your hard disk.

HOW TO MAKE A WEB PAGE THE DESKTOP WALLPAPER

To make a Web page the desktop wallpaper, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- click Display.

2. On the Background tab, click Browse.

3. In the Browse dialog box, click HTML Document.

4. Search for the .htm or .html file on your hard disk that you want to use, and then click Open.

5. Click OK.

NOTE:

 You can also right-click any graphic in a Web page, and then click Set As Wallpaper to make that graphic the desktop wallpaper.

HOW TO DELETE AN ACTIVE DESKTOP ITEM FROM THE DESKTOP

To delete an Active Desktop item, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- click Display.

2. Click the Web tab.

3. Click appropriate Web site, and then click Delete.

4. Click Yes to confirm deletion.

5. Click OK.

NOTE: For Internet Explorer 4, this deletes all subscription content. For Internet Explorer 5, this deletes all content from the "Items to Synchronize" box. Customize your Windows 7 desktop.

Regardless of the theme you choose, you can setup different Windows colors and backgrounds.

INFORMATION SHEET 4.5-1

Testing methods/procedures, Documentation and making reports

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify testing methods/procedure and make documentations and reports.

Checking the Maintained Computer Systems:

The effectiveness of checking maintained computers depends on the quality of inspection. A quality inspection of computer systems must include the following:

• Powering On the Computer

         Testing all the computers’ devices

• Check if all the devices are working properly

• Monitor

• Keyboard

• Mouse

Checking the computers’ performance

• Check if the computer is performing at its best.

• Inspecting the cables attached on the computer.

• Check if the Cables are fixed properly

          Power Cables

          LAN Cables

          PS2 Cables

          USB Cables

          Monitor Cables

Reasons for Running Computer to Computer Communications:

The effectiveness of running computers to computer communications is to make sure that the computers in a network is connected properly for effective and easier sharing files and information. A quality inspection of computer communications must include the following:

• Pinging - The ping command is the basic tool for testing TCP/IP connectivity. It sends a special packet (called ICMP Echo) to a particular

IP address and looks for a reply.

• Determining TCP/IP Settings - TCP/IP settings that are used in network settings are:

1. IP Address – Unique address assigned to a network adapter. A computer with multiple network adapters has an IP address for each.

2. One, and each one must be in a different subnet.

3. Subnet Mask – Used in conjunction with the IP address to determine which subnet an adapter belongs to.

4. Default Gateway - IP address of a computer or router, on one of this computer’s local area networks, that knows how to communicate with subnets not present on this computer.

5.  DHCP Server – If an adapter is configured to obtain an IP address automatically, this is the address of the server that provides it.

6.DNS Servers – IP address of one or more.

7. Domain Name Server computers.

Burn In - To run a system or device for a period of time to ensure that all components are working properly;

- The intention is to detect those particular components that would fail as a result of the initial, high-failure rate portion of the bathtub curve of component reliability. If the burn-in period is

made sufficiently long (and, perhaps, artificially stressful), the system can then be trusted to be mostly free of further early failures once the burn-in process is complete.

Bathtub Curve - An equipment failure-rate curve with an initial sharply declining failure rate, followed by a prolonged constant-average failure rate, after which the failure rate again increases sharply.

REPORT - Is a piece of information describing, or an account of certain events given or presented to someone. Importance of Making a Report - It enables you to practice your skills of presentation, argument, evaluation, and calculation, and provides a permanent record of your work.

Importance of Making a Report - It enables you to practice your skills of presentation, argument, evaluation, and calculation, and provides a permanent record of your work.