computer systems maintenance for computer

Computer Systems Maintenance
Lecture 1 - Sections & Objectives
 1.1 Personal Computer Systems
 Explain how personal computer systems work together
 1.2 Select Computer Components
 Select appropriate computer components
 1.3 Configurations for Specialized Computer Systems
 Explain how hardware is configured for task-specific computers
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What Is A Computer?
 A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of
instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that can
accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce
information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is
used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a
system.
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Basic Personal Computer System
 A computer system consists of hardware and software
components.
 Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case,
storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers,
and printers.
 Software is the operating
system and programs.
 The operating system
instructs the computer how
to operate.
 Programs or applications
perform different functions.
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Computer Cases and Power Supplies
Computer case
 Provides protection and support for internal components.
 Should be durable, easy to service, and have enough room for
expansion.
 The size and layout of a case is called a form factor.
 NOTE: Select a case that matches the physical dimensions of the power supply
and motherboard.
Power supply
 Converts AC power from the wall socket into DC.
• Provides power to all computer components.
• Must be chosen based on current and future needs.
• Deliver different voltage levels to meet different internal component needs.
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System Case Overview
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Four Basic Units of Electricity
 Voltage (V) is a measure of the force required to push electrons
through a circuit.Voltage is measured in volts (V).A computer
power supply usually produces several different voltages.
 Current (I) is a measure of the amount of electrons going through
a circuit. Current is measured in amperes, or amps (A). Computer
power supplies deliver different amperages for each output voltage.
 Power (P) is voltage multiplied by current.The measurement is
called watts (W). Computer power supplies are rated in watts.
 Resistance (R) is the opposition to the flow of current in a
circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). Lower resistance
allows more current to flow through a circuit.
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Internal PC Components
 Motherboards
• Backbone of the computer
• Interconnects computer components
 CPU
• The brain of the computer
• Most processing is done by the CPU
 Cooling Systems
• Dissipates the heat generated by computer
components.
 Memory (ROM and RAM)
• RAM: Stores data temporarily, aiding processing
• ROM: Stores data permanently; often storing
firmware and low level programs.
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Internal PC Components (Cont.)
 Adapter Cards and Expansion Slots
• Adapter Cards extend computer functionality
• Adapter Cards connect to the motherboard through Expansion
Slots
 Storage Devices
• Designed to permanently store user data, user applications and
the Operating System
• Can be internal or external to the computer
 Video Ports
• Connects a video system to an external display device such as a
monitor or projector
• Video systems are often designed as an adapter card.
 General Ports
• Provide connectivity between the motherboard and various
external devices such as printers, external storage and video
cameras.
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External Ports and Cables
 Video Ports and Related Cables
• A few different standards govern video traffic between the
computer and external video devices.
• HDMI and displayPort are examples of video ports that require a
specific cable to operate.
 Other Ports and Related Cables
• Motherboards have a number of other ports used for device
connectivity; USB is a common example.
 Adapters and Converters
• Adapters and converters can be a solution if a motherboard does
not have the proper port to connect to a device.
• Adapters do not usually process the signal; they simply redirect
it to another pin.
• Converters are more likely to process and transform the signal,
converting it to be accepted by an existing port.
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Motherboard Components
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Memory Modules
 Memory modules are memory chips that have been soldered on to a special
circuit board for easy installation and removal.
 Dual Inline Package (DIP) is an individual memory chip.
 Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) is a small circuit board that holds several
memory chips.
 Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) is a circuit board that holds SDRAM,
DDR SDRAM, and DDR2 SDRAM chips.
 RAM Bus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) is a circuit board that holds RDRAM
chips.
 Small Outline DIMM (SODIMM) is a smaller, more condensed version of
DIMM which provides random access data storage that is ideal for use in laptops,
printers, and other devices where conserving space is desirable.
 The speed of memory has a direct impact on how much data a processor can
process because faster memory improves the performance of the processor.As
processor speed increases, memory speed must also increase.
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Adapter Cards
 Adapter cards increase the functionality of a computer by
adding controllers for specific devices or by replacing
malfunctioning ports.
 Examples of adapter cards:
•Sound adapter and video adapter
•USB, parallel, and serial ports
•Network Interface Card (NIC),
wireless NIC, and modem adapter
 Types of expansion slots:
•Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
•Advanced Graphics Port (AGP)
•PCI-Express
•Mini PCI (laptops)

Optical Drives, Flash Drives and Drive
Interfaces
 An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to
read data on the optical media. The three types are CD,
DVD, and BD (Blu-ray).
 A flash drive is a removable storage device that
connects to a USB port. A flash drive uses a type
of memory that requires no power to maintain the
data.
 Common drive interfaces are:
•Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
•Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE)
•Parallel ATA (PATA)
•Serial ATA (SATA) and External SATA (eSATA)
•Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

Internal Cables
 Power supply connectors- SATA, Molex, and
Berg.
 Front panel cables connect the case buttons
and lights to the motherboard.
 Data cables connect drives to the drive
controller.
• Floppy disk drive (FDD) data cable
• PATA (IDE) data cable (40 conductor)
• PATA (EIDE) data cable (80 conductor)
• SATA data cable
• SCSI data cable

Video Ports and Cables
 A video port connects a monitor cable to a
computer. Video ports and connector types:
DVI, Displayport, RCA, DB-15, BNC, RJ-45, MiniHDMI,
Din-6
 Display cables transfer video signals from the
computer to display devices. Display cable
types:
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DVI, Video
Graphics Array (VGA), Component/RGB, Composite,
S-Video, Coaxial, Ethernet,

Ports and Cables
 Serial ports transmit one bit of data at a time.
 A telephone cable (RJ11) is used to connect a modem to
a telephone outlet.
 USB is a standard interface for connecting hot-swappable
peripheral devices to a computer. Some devices can also
be powered through the USB port.
 FireWire is a high-speed, hot-swappable interface that can
support up to 63 devices. Some devices can also be
powered through the FireWire port.
 A parallel cable is used to connect parallel devices, such
as a printer or scanner, and can transmit 8 bits of data at
one time.

Ports and Cables (Continued)
 A SCSI port can transmit data at rates in excess of 320
Mbps and can support up to 15 devices. SCSI devices
must be terminated at the endpoints of the SCSI chain.
 A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port, connects
a computer to a network. The maximum length of
network cable is 328 feet (100 m).
 A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or a mouse to a
computer. The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN female
connector.
 An audio port connects audio devices to the computer.
 A video port connects a monitor cable to a computer.

Test : Computer Care and maintenance
Attempt the following questions
1) a) write short notes about the following internal
components of a personal computer
i. Mother board (4 marks)
ii. Central processing unit (4 marks)
iii. Memory (4 marks)
b) using a table outline the difference between video
ports, adapters and converters
(8 marks)
2) Explain the purpose of safe working conditions
and procedures (10 marks)

1.2 Select Computer
Components

Select PC Components
 Select the Motherboard, CPU, Case and
Memory
• CPU, memory, motherboard and case choices are
inter-related.
• The motherboard should support all customer
required applications and still fit properly in the
case.
• The case should host the motherboard, the proper
power supply and provide good airflow for the
internal components.
• The CPU must be compatible with motherboard
CPU slot and voltage; it should be compatible with
the chosen memory speed for maximum
performance.
• The memory must also be compatible with
motherboard memory slots and voltage.
• The amount of memory will depend on the type of
applications requested by the customer.

Select PC Components (Cont.)
 Select the Case and Fans
• Case and fans must be chosen to maximize internal
airflow.
• The fans must fit the case and be within the power
limits provided by the power supply.
 Select the Power Supply
• The power supply should be selected based on the
maximum amount of power required by all the internal
components.
• Remember that some components will draw more
power while under heavy load.
 Select Adapter Cards
• Make sure the motherboard has compatible expansion
slots to support the adapter cards.
• The motherboard must also have enough expansion
slots to receive all the required adapter cards.
• Customer needs will define what adapter cards must be
procured and installed.

 Select Hard Drives
• Important hard drive factors to be
considered are speed, storage space and
communication interface type.
• The drive’s underlying technology (HDD
vs SSD) directly impacts speed.
 Select a Media Reader
• The media reader must be compatible
with customer media.
 Select Optical Drives
• Make sure the drive is compatible with
customer media.
• Other factors to consider are speed,
communication interface type and the
ability to write to the media.

 Select External Storage
• Important factors when selecting external
storage are storage space, speed and
communication interface.
• Make sure the computer has enough ports to
accommodate the external devices and
peripherals.
• Note: Some external devices do not require an
external power supply but rely on a second
USB port for power.
 Select I/O Devices
• The selection of I/O devices is application
specific and will depend on customer
requirements.
• Make sure the computer has enough
communication ports and that they are
compatible with the types required by the I/O
devices.

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1.3 Configurations for
Specialized Computer Systems

Specialized Computer Systems
 Thick andThin Clients
• Thin clients have little processing power and are
designed to act as a terminal to a server (thick
client).
• Thick clients have more powerful CPUs, more
memory and their own storage.They serve as
processing stations for thin clients.
 CAxWorkstations
• Designed to support CAD and CAM applications.
• Plenty of RAM, fast disks, powerful CPU and
special input devices are common resources.
 Audio andVideo EditingWorkstations
• Common editing workstation resources include
much RAM, fast disks, powerful CPU and special
adapter cards such as audio and video capture.
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Specialized Computer Systems (Cont.)
 VirtualizationWorkstations
• These workstations are designed to run virtual computers
• Virtual computers use and share the workstation’s physical resources
such as CPU, memory and disks.
• The selection of physical resources will depend on the number and
purpose of the virtual machines.
 Gaming PCs
• Due to high resource requirements of modern games, gaming PCs are
very resource demanding.
• A few requirements of gaming PCs are: top end CPU, lots of fast RAM,
fast disks, high performance input devices and audio systems.
 HomeTheatre PCs
• These computers must be able to play various media formats and, in
some cases, receiveTV signals.
• Common HTPC requirements include powerful CPU, fast RAM, large
disks, fast NIC and video card withTV input.
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Safe Lab Procedures and
Tool Use
Lecture 2

Lecture 2 Objectives
 Explain the purpose of safe working
conditions and safe lab procedures
 Identify tools and software used with
personal computer components and
their purposes
 Demonstrate proper tool use
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Safe Lab Procedures
The workplace should have safety guidelines to:
 Protect people from injury.
 Protect equipment from damage.
 Protect the environment from contamination.
 Stay current on issues related to safety and health in the workplace.
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Characteristics of a Safe Workplace
 Clean, organized, and properly lit workspace
 Proper procedures for handling equipment
 Proper disposal or recycling of components containing
hazardous materials
Safety guidelines
• Most companies require reporting any injuries,
including description of safety procedures not
followed.
• Damage to equipment may result in claims for
damages from the customer.
• Types of safety guidelines: General, Electrical, Fire.
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Safe Lab Procedures
Procedures to Protect People
 General Safety
• Make sure a first-aid kit is available.
• Unsecured cables create tripping hazards.
• Food and drinks should not be in the workspace.
• Remove jewelry.
 Electrical Safety
• Computer power supplies are dangerous when disassembled.
• Watch for printer areas that are hot or that use high voltage.
• Check the voltage output ofAC adapters and chargers before connecting
them to devices.
 Fire Safety
• Turn off the power and unplug equipment before performing service.
• Different types of fires require different types of fire extinguishers; make
sure to use to correct one.
• Be alert for odors emitting from computers and electronic devices.
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Safe Lab Procedures
Procedures to Protect Equipment and Data
• ESD can cause damage to computer equipment if
not discharged properly.
• ESD can build up on you as you walk on a carpeted
floor.
• EMI distorts the signals, degrading computer
communication.
• EMI can be generated by large motors, power lines,
electrical storms, or any other source of
electromagnetic energy.
• Wireless networks are affected by RFI.
• RFI is caused by radio transmitters transmitting in
the same frequency.
 Environmental temperature and
humidity levels also affect
computers
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI)
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Safe Lab Procedures
Procedures to Protect Equipment and Data (Cont.)
 Power FluctuationTypes
• Power fluctuations may impact the
operation of computer components.
• Blackouts, brownouts, noise, spike and
power surge are types of power fluctuations
that can cause data loss or hardware failure.
 Power Protection Devices
• Surge suppressors, UPSs, SPSs are devices
designed to protect computer systems from
power fluctuations.
• Laser printers should not be plugged to
UPSs
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The types of AC power fluctuations can cause data loss or hardware
failure :
 Blackout: Complete loss ofAC power.A blown fuse, damaged transformer, or downed power
line can cause a blackout.
 Brownout: Reduced voltage level ofAC power that lasts for a period of time. Brownouts occur
when the power line voltage drops below 80 percent of the normal voltage level. Overloading
electrical circuits can cause a brownout.
 Noise: Interference from generators and lightning. Noise results in poor quality power, which
can cause errors in a computer system.
 Spike: Sudden increase in voltage that lasts for a short period and exceeds 100 percent of the
normal voltage on a line. Spikes can be caused by lightning strikes but can also occur when the
electrical system comes back on after a blackout.
 Power surge: Dramatic increase in voltage above the normal flow of electrical current.A power
surge lasts for a few nanoseconds, or one-billionth of a second .
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Safe Lab Procedures
Procedures to Protect the Environment
 Safety Data Sheet
• Use an SDS to obtain information about a material, including
procedures for proper disposal.
• The SDS contains information on the material’s composition,
how it can affect personal health, fire hazards, and first-aid
requirements.
• It also includes protective measures for the safe handling and
storage of materials and spill, leak, and disposal procedures.
 Equipment Disposal
• Computer equipment contains hazardous materials and
should be properly disposed.
• Follow regulations to protect the environment and avoid
fines.
• Batteries, monitors, toner kits, cartridges, developers,
chemical solvents and aerosol cans are examples of
equipment that must be properly disposed.
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Lecture 3
Proper Use ofTools
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Proper Use of Tools
Hardware Tools
Hardware tools are grouped into:
 ESD (electrostatic discharge)Tools
• Antistatic wrist strap and antistatic mat
 HandTools
• Include screwdrivers, flashlights and pliers.
 CableTools
Include wire cutters and strippers, crimpers and punch
down tool.
 CleaningTools
• Include special cloths, chemicals and cable ties.
 DiagnosticTools
• Include digital multimeters, loopback adapters,WiFi
analyzer, external HDD enclosure
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Proper Use of Tools
Software Tools
 Like hardware tools, software tools are task-
specific.
 Used to diagnose problems, maintain
hardware, and protect the data stored on a
computer.
 Disk ManagementTools
• Used for disk management, formatting, error checking,
drive optimization, disk cleanup and more.
 Protection SoftwareTools
• Malicious software can damage or compromise operating
systems, applications, and data.
• Software protection tools include antivirus, antispyware,
firewalls and update manager software.
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Proper Use of Tools
Organizational Tools
It is important that a technician document all
services and repairs for future reference.
 Personal ReferenceTools
• Include troubleshooting guides, manufacturer manuals, quick
reference guides, and repair journals.
• History of repairs and a notepad can be extremely useful as a
technician performs troubleshooting and repairs.
• The Internet can be a great reference tool by providing access to
specialized forums, search engines, manufacturer’s FAQs, and
more.
 MiscellaneousTools
• Additional secondary items can be added to the toolkit.
• Masking tape, a working computer and even pencil eraser can be
very useful additions to a technician’s kit.
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 Open the case
 Install the power supply
 Attach the components to the motherboard and install the motherboard
 Install internal drives and drives in external bays
 Install adapter cards
 Install and connect all internal cables
 Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer
 Boot the computer for the first time
 Configure BIOS
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 Describe reasons for upgrading computer components
 Select and install replacement or upgraded motherboard, CPU,
heat sink and fan, and RAM
 Upgrade and configure BIOS
 Select and install replacement or upgraded hard drives
 Select and install replacement or upgraded input and output
devices
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Assemble the Computer
Open the Case and Connect the Power Supply
 Open the Case
• Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case.
• There are also different methods for opening cases.
• Consult the case’s documentation to learn how to open a particular computer case.
 Install the Power Supply
• Modern cases include a specific area for the power supply.
• Consult the case and power supply’s manuals for more information.
• Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws.
• Make sure that all the screws are in place and tightened correctly.
• Use a cable tie to secure all the cables out of the way.
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Open the Case
 Computer assembly is a large part
of a technician's job.
 Prepare the workspace before
opening the computer case.
 There are different methods for
opening cases. Consult the user
manual or manufacturer's website.
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Install the Power Supply
Power supply installation steps include the following:
1. Insert the power supply into the case.
2. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in
the case.
3. Secure the power
supply to the case
using the proper
screws.
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Attach Components to the Motherboard
 CPU on Motherboard
• The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
• The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly.
• CAUTION:When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts.
 Thermal compound
• Helps keep the CPU cool.
• To install a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol
to remove the old thermal compound.
 Heat Sink/Fan Assembly
• The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly is a two-part cooling device.
• The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU.
 Install RAM
• RAM provides temporary data storage for the CPU and should be installed in the
motherboard before the motherboard is placed in the computer case.
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The Motherboard
 After installing the previous components, the
motherboard is now ready to install in the computer
case.
 Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the
motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal
portions of the case.
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Install Internal Drives
 Drives that are installed in internal bays are called
internal drives.
 A hard disk drive (HDD) is an example of an
internal drive.
 HDD installation steps:
1. Position the HDD so that it aligns with
the 3.5-inch drive bay.
2. Insert the HDD into the drive bay so
that the screw holes in the drive line up
with the screw holes in the case.
3. Secure the HDD to the case using the
proper screws.
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Install Drives in External Bays
 Drives in external bays allow access to the
media without opening the case.
 Some devices that are installed in this type
of drive are:
• An optical drive is a storage device
that reads and writes information to
CDs, DVDs, or BDs.
• A floppy disk drive (FDD) is a storage
device that reads and writes
information to a floppy disk.
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Install Adapter Cards
 Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer.
 Some examples of these adapters are:
• A Network Interface Card (NIC) which enables a computer to connect
to a network. It uses PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
• A wireless NIC enables a computer to connect to a wireless network.
Wireless NICs use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
Some wireless NICs are installed externally with a USB connector.
• A video adapter card is the interface between a computer and a display
monitor.An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic
capabilities for games and graphic programs.Video adapter cards use PCI,
AGP, and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard.
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Connect Internal Cables
 Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the
power supply to the motherboard and other components.
ATX
AUX Berg
SATA Molex
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Connect Internal Cables
 Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and
storage devices, such as hard drives. Some of examples
of this type of cables are:
• PATA cable
• SATA cable
• Floppy drive data cable
 Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on
the front of the computer case to the motherboard.
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Complete Physical Installation
 Now that all the internal components and the power supply
have been installed and connected to the motherboard, the
following tasks should be completed:
• Re-Attach the side panels: Most computer cases have two
panels, one on each side. Some computer cases have one three-
sided cover that slides down over the case frame.
• Connect the External Cables: These cables are normally
connected to the back of the computer. Here are some common
external cable connections: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, USB,
Ethernet, Power.
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Boot the Computer
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Boot the Computer
POST, BIOS, UEFI
 BIOS Beep Codes and Setup
• As the computer boots, it checks its own critical components
(POST).
• The firmware (BIOS or UEFI) uses beep codes to indicate any
errors.
• Critical components include: video card(s), memory and I/O
devices.
• A POST card can be used to help debugging POST problems.
 BIOS and CMOS
• BIOS is a firmware; all motherboards need a firmware to
operate.
• Some aspects of BIOS can be configured by the user.
• BIOS settings are stored in CMOS to survive reboots.
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Boot Computer for the First Time
 When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS)
will perform a power-on self test (POST) to check on all of the
internal components.
 The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for
hardware devices.The configuration data is saved to a special memory
chip called a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) or can be saved in nonvolatile memory which does not
need power to retain settings.
 POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is
operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep
code alerts the technician that there is a problem.
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What Is BIOS?
 BIOS = Basic Input Output System
 BIOS is firmware that
 Identifies connected system devices.
 CPU
 RAM
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 CD-ROM
 Display
 Tests system devices (Power-On Self-Test)
 Initializes the system devices
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BIOS Configuration
 Technicians use the BIOS information to learn about installed components:
• CPU – Manufacturer and speed
• RAM - Manufacturer and speed
• Hard Drive - Manufacturer, size, and type
• Optical Drive - manufacturer and type
 Technicians use BIOS to:
• SetTime and Date
• Disable Devices
• Set Boot Order
• Adjust Clock Speed
• EnableVirtualization
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BIOS Configuration
 Technicians can set the following BIOS security features
BIOS passwords
Drive encryption
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Lojack
• Lock the computer remotely.
• Display a message so that a lost computer can be returned to
the owner.
• Delete sensitive data on the computer if stolen.
• Locate the computer using geotechnology.
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BIOS Configuration
Bios Built-in Hardware Monitoring
Temperatures
Fan Speeds
Voltages
Clock and Bus Speeds
Intrusion Detection
Built-in Diagnostics
Start test, Hard drive test, Memory test
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There are several ways to determine who the BIOS manufacturer is:
 Watch the monitor when the computer boots.
 Check the computer or motherboard manual.
 Remove the cover of the computer and look at the chip.
 Reboot the computer and hold down several keys at once or
unplug a drive.
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BIOS Settings and Screens
 Common methods to access the BIOS/CMOS editor during bootup:
 Esc
 Del
 F1
 F2
 F10
 Ctrl+Alt+?
 Most system splash screens provide information on which key to press.
 When in doubt, consult the motherboard manual.
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Motherboard Component Upgrades
 If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced, the CPU may
need to be replaced
 CPU architectures are installed in these common socket
connection designs:
• Zero-Insertion Force (ZIF)
• Land Grid Array (LGA)
• Pin Grid Array (PGA)
• Single-Edge Connector (SEC) – no longer commonly used
• Low-Insertion Force (LIF) - no longer commonly used
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Upgrading the CPU
The new CPU must:
 fit into the existing CPU socket.
 be compatible with the motherboard chipset.
 operate with the existing motherboard and power supply.
 must operate with the existing RAM.The RAM may need to be
upgraded or expanded to take advantage of the faster CPU.
 might require a different heat sink and fan assembly.
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Upgrading RAM
Prior to upgrading or replacing the RAM, answer the following
questions.
 What type of RAM does the motherboard currently use?
 Can the RAM be installed one module at a time or must it be grouped
into matching banks?
 Are there available RAM slots?
 Does the new RAM chip match the speed, latency, type, and voltage of
the existing RAM?
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Storage Devices
Reasons for installing an additional drive:
• Install a second operating system
• Provide additional storage space
• Provide a faster hard drive
• Hold the system swap file
• Back up the original hard drive
• Increase fault tolerance
 When two PATA hard drives are connected to same data cable, one
drive must be jumpered as the master, other drive must be
jumpered as the slave drive.
 Each SATA hard drive has its own data cable, therefore, there is no
master-slave relationship between drives
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RAID
 A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)
installation can provide data protection or increased performance
when connecting multiple hard drive.
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Input and Output Devices
 Replacement and/ or upgrade examples:
• Change to an Ergonomic keyboard or mouse
• Add privacy and antiglare filters to a monitor
• Add additional monitors
 Use the existing expansion slots or sockets.
 May use a USB connection.
 Add USB connections by installing a USB adapter card or add a USB
hub.
 Install drivers if necessary.
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Preventive Maintenance and the Technician
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 Preventive Maintenance
 Why preventive maintenance must be performed on personal
computers.
 Troubleshooting Process
 How to troubleshoot computer problems.
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The Purpose of Preventive Maintenance
 Reduce the possibility of hardware or software problems by
implementing a preventive Maintenance Plan based on at least
two factors:
• Computer location
• Computer use
 Benefits of Preventive Maintenance are:
• Reduced computer down time and repair costs.
• Increased data protection.
• Extended life of the components.
• Increased equipment stability.
 Preventive Maintenance can be divided into:
• Hardware maintenance
• Software maintenance
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Preventive Maintenance Tasks
 Hardware Maintenance
• Check the condition of cables, components, and peripherals.
• Repair or replace any components that show signs of excess wear.
• Keep components clean to reduce the likelihood of overheating.
 Software Maintenance
• Verify current version.
• Review security, software, and driver updates.
• Update virus definition files.
• Scan for viruses and spyware.
• Remove unwanted programs.
• Scan hard drives for errors.
• Defragment hard drives.
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Preventive Maintenance
PC Preventive Maintenance Overview (Cont.)
 Clean the Case and Internal Components
• Dust or dirt can accumulate inside the computer.
• Accumulated dirt and dust block airflow inside the case.
• Use a low-air-flow ESD vacuum cleaner
• Make sure to keep the following internal components
clean: Heat sink and fan assembly, RAM, adapter
cards, motherboard, fans, power supply and internal
drives.
 Inspect Internal Components
• Examine the computer on a regular schedule.
• The main components to inspect are: CPU heat sink and fan
assembly, RAM, storage devices, adapter cards, screws, cables,
power devices, keyboard and mouse.
81

Preventive Maintenance
PC Preventive Maintenance Overview (Cont.)
 Environmental Concerns
• Computers should not be operated in harsh environmental
conditions.
• Due to their mobile nature, laptops are subject to various
environmental conditions.
 Guidelines to help ensure optimal computer
operating performance include:
• Do not obstruct vents or airflow to the internal
components.
• Keep the room temperature between 45 to 90 degrees
Fahrenheit (7 to 32 degrees Celsius).
• Keep the humidity level between 10 and 80 percent.
82

The Troubleshooting Process
 Follow an organized and logical
procedure.
 Eliminate variables one at a
time.
 Troubleshooting skills get better
with experience.
 Before troubleshooting, protect
user data.
Step Troubleshooting Process
1 Identify the Problem
2 Establish aTheory of Probable Cause
3 Test theTheory to Determine Cause
4 Establish a Plan ofAction to Resolve
the Problem and Implement the
Solution
5 Verify Full System Functionality and, if
Applicable, Implement Preventive
Measures
6 Document Findings,Actions, and
Outcomes
83

Troubleshooting Process
Troubleshooting Process Steps
 Identify the Problem
• Ask the customer questions and be respectful.
• Use both open-ended and closed-ended questions.
• Listen to beep codes.
• Use BIOS or UEFI to identify POST problems.
• Use EventViewer, Device Manager,Task Manager
and other diagnostics tools to help identifying the
problem.
84

Troubleshooting Process Steps (Cont.)
 Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
• Create a list of the most common reasons for the error.
• List the easiest or most obvious causes at the top and more
complex causes at the bottom.
• Research the symptoms.
 Test the Theory to Determine Cause
• Test your theories one at a time.
• If none of the theories can be confirmed, create new ones.
 Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the
Problem and Implement the Solution
• Write down a plan to solve the identified problem.
• May require simple or complex procedures.
85

Troubleshooting Process Steps (Cont.)
 Verify Full System Functionality and, if
applicable, Implement Preventive
Measures
• The troubleshooting process is not over until full system
functionality is confirmed.
• If the system is working properly, implement preventive measures
if needed.
 Document Findings, Actions and
Outcomes
• Explain the problem to the customer, both verbally and in writing.
• The customer should try to reproduce the problem after the
solution has been implemented.
• Document the entire process for future reference.
86

Common Problems and Solutions
 PC Common Problems and
Solutions
• Computer problems can be attributed to hardware,
software, networks, or some combination of the
three.
• Common PC hardware problems include:
 Storage device problems
 Motherboard and internal components
problems
 Power supply problems
 CPU and memory problems
87

PC Common Problems and Solutions
 Storage device problems - loose or incorrect cable
connections, incorrect drive and media formats, and incorrect
jumper and BIOS settings.
 Motherboard and internal component problems -
incorrect or loose cables, failed components, incorrect drivers, and
corrupted updates.
 Power supply problems - faulty power supply, loose
connections, and inadequate wattage.
 CPU and memory problems - faulty installations, incorrect
BIOS settings, inadequate cooling and ventilation, and
compatibility issues.
88

Lecture 5 Summary
 Regular preventive maintenance reduces hardware and
software problems.
 Before beginning any repair, back up the data on a
computer.
 The troubleshooting process is a guideline to help solve
computer problems in a logical and efficient manner.
 Document every solution that is tried, even if it fails.The
documentation that is created will become a useful
resource.
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