9

Information and Communications

Technology

Learners Material
Computer Hardware Servicing

GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
NOT FOR SALE
ALLOTTED TO

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 Department of Education
Republic of the Philippines

Technology and Livelihood Education Grade 9

Learners Material
First Edition, 2013
ISBN: ___________

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the
Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every
effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective
copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC
Undersecretary: Dina S. Ocampo, Ph.D.
Assistant Secretary: Lorna Dig Dino, Ph.D.

Development Team of the Learners Material

Authors:
Owen M. Milambiling, Cesar T. Arriola, Dante B. Bermas, Ronaldo V. Ramilo, Rosalie
P. Lujero, Diana Marie B. Dagli, Dr. Virgilio O. Guevarra Jr., and Maria Angelica G.
Mates
Editors: Dr. Paraluman R. Giron, Ofelia C. Flojo, and Perla H. Cuanzon
Reviewers: Romeo B. Gacutan, Simfroso C. Robles II and Marion I. Alinas
Illustrator and Layout Artists:
Subject Specialist: Owen M. Milambiling

Management Team: Dr. Lolita M. Andrada, Jocelyn DR Andaya, Bella O. Marias,

Dr. Jose D. Tuguinayo, Jr.

Printed in the Philippines by ____________

Department of Education-Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (DepEd-IMCS)

Office Address: 2nd Floor Dorm G, Philsports Complex, Meralco Avenue,
Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (02) 634-1054, 634-1072
E-mail Address: imcsetd@yahoo.com

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 Technology and Livelihood Education
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Module 1: PERSONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES

Explore your Understanding ....................................................................... 1

Guide Questions ........................................................................................ 2
Pre-Assessment ........................................................................................ 3
Self-Assessment ................................................................................... 5
Lesson 1 .................................................................................................... 6
Firm Up ................................................................................................ 8
Deepen ................................................................................................ 10
Transfer ................................................................................................ 12
Post-Assessment ................................................................................. 13
Feedback ............................................................................................. 15

Module 2: ENVIRONMENT AND MARKET

Explore your Understanding ........................................................................ 16

Lesson 1: Needs and Wants of People .................................................... 18
Lesson 2: Generating Ideas for Business ................................................ 19
Lesson 3: Selecting the Right Ideas .......................................................... 21
Lesson 4: Environmental Scanning .......................................................... 21
Firm Up ............................................................................................... 22
Deepen ............................................................................................... 23
Transfer .............................................................................................. 25
Post-Assessment ................................................................................ 26
Feedback ............................................................................................ 27

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Module 3: INSTALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
Introduction ................................................................................................ 29
Objectives .................................................................................................. 30
Pre- Assessment ........................... 31

Lesson 1: PLAN AND PREPARE FOR INSTALLATION .............................. 33

1.1 Safety Measures: OHS Policies and Procedures ................................. 33
1.2 Understanding Computer System ........................................................ 37
1.3 Computer Systems, Devices and Peripheral ........................................ 42
1.4 Network .............................................................................................. 58
1.5 Materials, tools, equipment and testing devices ................................... 63

Lesson 2: INSTALL EQUIPMENT / DEVICES and SYSTEMS ...................... 67

2. 1 Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 68
2.2 System Specification ........................................................................... 72
2.3 Installation of Hardware components and other peripherals ............... 76
2.4 Installing Operating System ................................................................ 95
2.5 Windows 7 installation ........................................................................ 113
2.6 Basic Computer Configuration Set- up ............................................... 127

Lesson 3: CONDUCT TEST ON THE INSTALLED

COMPUTER SYSTEM ................................................................. 135

3.1 Testing Installed equipment/devices/system ....................................... 136

Summative Test ................................................................................. 143
Post- Test .......................................................................................... 147
Glossary of Terms ............................................................................. 148
Acronyms ......................................................................................... 150
References ....................................................................................... 151

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Module 4: DIAGNOSE AND TROUBLESHOOT
COMPUTER SYSTEM .................................................................. 153

Pre- assessment ...... 156

Lesson 1: PLAN AND PREPARE FOR DIAGNOSIS

OF COMPUTER SYSTEM .......................................................... 157

1.1 Safety Precautions .............................................................................. 157

1.2 Types of Computer System Error .......................................................... 160
1.3 Diagnosing Computer Systems ..................................................... 162

Lesson 2: DIAGNOSE AND CONFIGURE COMPUTER SYSTEMS

AND NETWORKS .... 168
2.1 Safety Precautions ............................................................................... 168
2.2 Basic Concepts of Electricity ................................................................ 169
2.3 Techniques for Testing Computer System ........................................... 175
2.4 Tools for Testing Computer System ..................................................... 187
2.5 Troubleshooting Computer System Network ....................................... 190
2.6 Computer System and Network Configurations ................................... 196

Lesson 3: INSPECT AND TEST THE CONFIGURED COMPUTER

SYSTEM AND NETWORKS .......................................................... 205

3.1 General Safety Tips and Reminders .................................................... 205

3.2 Replacing Different Components ......................................................... 210
3.3 Upgrading your Computer Components ............................................... 213
3.3 Basic Network Errors ........................................................................... 221
3.4 Award BOS / CMOS Setup .................................................................. 230

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Lesson 4: TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS ............................................. 240
4.1 Testing Computer System ................................................................... 240
4.2 Error Beep Codes ................................................................................ 246
Post Assessment ....................................................................................... 255
Summative Test ........................................................................................ 256
Glossary .................................................................................................... 261
References ................................................................................................ 264

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 Entrepreneurship

Module 1: Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies

Have you ever thought running your own business? Entrepreneurship has brought
great success to some, but it's not a career path for all. Do you think you can handle the
stress and hard work that go with running a small business enterprise? The key to
succeed in a small business enterprise is your entrepreneurial ability to produce the
desired results. Before embarking on your first business, it's worth spending some time
evaluating your own preparedness for entrepreneurship. Try to examine your own
personality and compare it with the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) of a
successful entrepreneur. Ask yourself if you are ready to enter into the world of business.
If your answer is yes, take this reminder: Successful entrepreneurs continuously
develop and improve their PECs.

EXPLORE Your Understanding

Essential Question

- How does one ensure success in a chosen career?

Content Standard

- The learner demonstrates understanding of Personal Entrepreneurial

Competencies (PECs)
Performance Standard

- The learner prepares an activity plan that addresses his/her development areas
based on his/her PECs and improves further his/her areas of strength.

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Guide Questions:

1. Why is there a need to assess ones personal characteristics, attributes, lifestyles,

skills and traits?

2. What are the personal entrepreneurial competencies of a successful

entrepreneur?

3. Why is it necessary to compare ones personal characteristics, attributes, lifestyles,

skills and traits to the personal entrepreneurial competencies of a successful
entrepreneur?

4. How do you relate your PECs to the PECs of a successful entrepreneur?

5. Based on the data that you have gathered from the interview with the successful
entrepreneur in your community, how do you develop your PECs?

6. Can you prepare an action plan that addresses your areas of development and
strength based on your PECs?

7. How does your action plan help sustain your strong areas and or address your
development areas based on your PECs?

Hello there! Are you ready to assess yourself to become a

successful entrepreneur in the future? As honest as you could,
please answer the pre-assessment below.

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Pre- Assessment

A. Matching Type

Directions: Column A lists the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.

Draw a line from the items in Column A that connects the correct
definition of terms listed in Column B.

Column A Column B

1. Hardworking a. Ability to set realistic targets.

b. Interest in money generation.
2. Self-confident c. To succeed, one must believe in ones
self.
3. Profit-Oriented
d. Working diligently and industriously.
4. Goal-Oriented e. Being able to listen to the advice of
others.
5. Persistent f. Obtaining useful feedback and advice
from others.
6. Responds to feedback g. Being patient and strives to achieve the
goal.
7. Willing to listen
h. Ability to take measured or calculated
8. Committed risks.
i. Being honest, fair and trustworthy.
9. Reliable and has integrity j. A major priority in the entrepreneurs
life.
10. Risk-taker

Are you done? This time you will do another set of pre- assessment
which could give you a better understanding of what this module is all about.
Are you ready? So, lets begin!

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B. Multiple Choice.

Directions: Read and study the situation that describes the entrepreneurial
characteristics or attributes. Answer the question by writing the letter of
your choice in your assignment notebook or in the answer sheet
provided.

Mrs. Gina Magno opens up her own retail business. She knows that her personal
entrepreneurial characteristics are insufficient to ensure a successful
operationalization of a business that she has in mind. Your answers to the questions
below will help in developing her PECs.

1. What PECs must she possess if there are customers who complain about the
quality of her product?
a. Patience
b. Hardworking
c. Versatile
d. All of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT considered as a characteristic of an entrepreneur?
a. Copes with failure
b. Dependent
c. Persistent
d. Opportunity seeker
3. If she wants to ensure a profitable business operation, what characteristic will she
maintain?
a. Commitment
b. Goal oriented
c. Futuristic
d. Opportunity seeker
4. Mrs. Magno follows the advice of a friend to be flexible especially if she intends to
open a retail business. What PECs has been demonstrated by Mrs. Magno?
a. Self- confidence
b. Reliable and has integrity
c. Open to feedback
d. Persistent

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5. She tells Mary, her best friend that she has a strong will and does not give up to
find a solution to a business problem. What PECs has been demonstrated by Mrs.
Magno?
a. Hard work
b. Persistence
c. Self-confidence
d. Risk- taking

This time evaluate your own personal entrepreneurial

characteristics to determine whether you too, can become an
entrepreneur. If you are ready, you may begin!

C. Self- Assessment

Directions: Below is a list of Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) of a

successful entrepreneur. Put a check mark on the 2nd column that indicates
your strong PECs. The check mark on the 3rd column are those PECs that
need to be developed.

My Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies

Personal Entrepreneurial
Competencies of an
Entrepreneur Strength Needs to be Developed

Hardworking
Self-confident
Builds for the future
Profit-oriented
Goal-oriented
Persistent
Copes with failure

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 Responds to feedback
Demonstrates initiative
Willing to listen
Sets own standards
Copes with uncertainty
Committed
Builds on strengths
Reliable and has integrity
Risk-taker

Did you enjoy examining yourself? You can become a successful

entrepreneur someday. Please dont feel bad when you discover
that there are still to be developed. Continue your exploration to find
answers to these underdeveloped PECs.

Lesson1. Important Entrepreneurial Traits

The following are the fundamental characteristics of an entrepreneur:

1. Hard working: If you are determined to run your own business, you must
concentrate on your work either as a producer or a seller. The success of your
business depends on how much time and effort you will spend on it.
2. Self- Confidence: You must have a strong faith in your ability despite the
problems that you will encounter along the way.
3. Future-Oriented: Once a person enters in a line of business, you must
understand that you are in a non-stop contract that an entrepreneur should
understand. It may take several years to build up a business to a reasonable
standard. The goal for most successful business people is to build a secure job
and stable income for themselves based on their own ability.

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4. Profit-Oriented: When you enter into the world of business, obviously, you are
looking for income because you know that this will be your bread and butter not
only for you but also for your family. Therefore, you must see to it the business can
generate income. Another plan of action is to expand your own business through
the use of your generated income.
5. Goal-Oriented: An entrepreneur is forward looking. You have an advanced
preparation for your business. You set a long-term goal for the activities that are
needed, an extensive preparation for the production process and procedures that
you need to go through to acquire, human and non-human resources. Everything
in your business will have to be set clearly, organized, and planned depending on
the goal you want to achieve.
6. Persistence: Differences in opinion and judgment. Your opponent can be a part
of the rejection on what you intend to do for your endeavor. As an entrepreneur,
you must be firm, strong-willed, and stick or follow your own belief.
7. Copes with Failure: Learn from your mistakes. As an entrepreneur, you must
learn how to deal with the frustrations and failures instead, turn these into
productive learning experiences.
8. Responds to Feedback or Open to Feedback: You must be concerned to know
how well you are doing and keep track of your performance. You must obtain useful
feedback and advice from others.
9. Take the Initiative: A successful entrepreneur takes the initiative. You must put
yourself in a position where you personally are responsible for the failure or
success of your business.
10. Willing to Listen: Take time to listen to the advice, suggestions, and
recommendations of fellow entrepreneurs. It will help your business grow.
11. Set your Own Standards: This involves developing and using logical, step-by-
step plans to reach the goals, or offering evaluation alternatives, monitoring
progress, and switching to successful strategies for the goal you want to achieve.
To be a successful entrepreneur you must take into consideration that sales and
production depend on your own standards.

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 12. Copes with Uncertainty: Pursue your vision to be a successful entrepreneur,
you should know how to handle unusual events that may happen in the business
which include problems in managing the workers, problems on the delivery of
goods and services, and the problems on demand and production. You must be
patient in dealing with these uncertainties.
13. Committed: You should know that in your business, personal needs, attachment
to your friends, families and relatives are set aside. You must separate the money
for your business from the amount that you need to spend for personal obligations
and lifestyles.
14. Builds on Strengths: Successful business people base their work on strengths.
Use your manual skills, knowledge in creating products or services, knowledge in
trade and industry, ability to make and use of a wide network of contacts to build
your business.
15. Reliable and has Integrity: An entrepreneur must build a good reputation,
possess the courage to do the right thing, do what you say, walk your talk, be loyal,
and be fair in dealing with the subordinates and costumers.
16. Risk-Taker: Risk sometimes cannot be anticipated. When misfortunes happen,
consider these as challenges and work them out and set good alternatives. Risks
may result to loss of your business or even bankruptcy.

FIRM UP your Understanding

Activity1: Aligning ones PECs

Directions: Choose from the list below the characteristics and traits that best describe
your own personal entrepreneurial characteristics. Find ways on how to
align them according to the personal entrepreneurial characteristics of an
entrepreneur which were discussed earlier. Write your answers in the
activity sheet provided.

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 Creative Resourceful Persistent Organized Independent

Confident Risk taker Observant Competent Trustworthy

Optimistic Passionate Flexible Sensitive Committed

Dynamic Efficient Hardworking Decision-maker Reliable

Knowledgeable Persevering Decisive Strongminded Courteous

Example: My PECs

My PECs My simple definition Things to do to align with PECs

of a successful entrepreneur
1. Creative
2. Organized
3. Competent
4. Observant

Try to design a concept map that indicates your traits,

characteristics and skills that you need to possess in order to
become a successful entrepreneur.

Activity 2. My PECs that need to be further improved

Directions: At the center of the street are arrows where positive and negative
characteristics and traits are written. Pick out the positive PECs that you
are already strong at, and write them down on the blank arrows on the left
side. PECs written on the arrows at the right side are the negative
characteristics that need to be further improved.

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 DEEPEN Your Understanding

Lesson 1 Strengthening your Identified PECs

Here are your guides on how to strengthen your own PECs.

1. React positively to criticisms and open to feedback.

2. Always demonstrate positive attitude to achieve a desired goal.
3. Always project strong and well-balanced behavior.
4. Always exercise the assertive style in your work environment.
5. Avoid being too passive and too aggressive.
6. Dont let anyone worsen your business life.
7. Prioritize your business goal rather than personal goal in order to become a
successful entrepreneur.
8. Acquire specific skills for creating and maintaining a conducive work environment.
9. Be responsible in everything you do in your business.

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 10. Always observe business ethics in putting up a business.

Hello! Im here once again reminding you whether you have

achieved a certain point that you could honestly tell that you are
already successful in strengthening your own PECs.

Let s see!

Activity 1: My techniques to strengthen PECs

Directions: From the given chart below, write at least six techniques on how you would
strengthen your own PECs. Write the PECs that you feel that you still need
to focus on to strengthen these.

Example: Self-confidence

Self-
confidence

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 TRANSFER Your Learning

Preparation of an Action Plan

Culminating Activity

Directions: Examine yourself once again. Make a short list of PECs that you need to
strengthen. From this activity, prepare of an action plan that requires further
development. You may opt to follow the suggested format below. You may improve or
change it as long as it suits your own plan of action.

Sample Action Plan

Specific Purpose Statement: ( Your vision of your future)

Ex. Developing self-confidence in retail business.

Focus Current Measures Actions Time Reward/

Goal
Area Situation of Success Required Frame Recognition

My PECs I need to - To exercise Achieve -Selling -During -Earns

develop my my own 100% finished culminating expected
undefined PECs completion products activities income
characteris during of derived from -After -Outstanding
-tics need selling and development culminating learning performance
for my producing of my own activities in the in selling and
retail products/ PECs any of principles, promoting
business. services through chosen theories, products and
such as: -To become selling and career. process and services
_________ proficient in production of -Participate of any
_________ my chosen products, in skills chosen
_________ skill. proper competition career
_________ manner sponsored
_________ when dealing by the NGO
with people. and GO

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Post-Assessment

Answer the post assessment below to determine whether

there is significant increase in your understanding of PECs. The
feedback to this post assessment is appended on page 16.
Good Luck!

A. Matching Type

Directions: Column A lists the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.

Draw a line from the items in Column A that connects the correct
definition of terms listed in Column B.

Column A Column B

1. Hardworking a. Ability to set realistic targets.

b. Interest in money generation.
2. Self-confident c. To succeed, one must believe in ones self.
d. Working diligently and industriously.
3. Profit-oriented
e. Being able to listen to the advice of others.
4. Goal-oriented f. Obtaining useful feedback and advice from
others.
5. Persistent g. Being patient and strives to achieve the
goal.
6. Responds or open to h. Ability to take measured or calculated risks.
i. Being honest, fair and trustworthy.
feedback
j. A major priority in the entrepreneurs life.
7. Willing to listen

8. Committed

9. Reliable and has integrity

10. Risk-taker

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B. Multiple Choice.

Directions: Read and study the situation that describes entrepreneurial

characteristics. Then answer the question by writing the letter of your
choice in your assignment notebook or in the provided answer sheet.

Mrs. Gina Magno opens up her own retail business. She knows that her personal
entrepreneurial characteristics are insufficient to ensure a successful
operationalization of a business she has in mind. Your answers to the questions below
will help in developing her PECs.

1. What PECs must she possess if there are customers who complain about the
quality of her product?
a. Patience
b. Hardworking
c. Versatile
d. All of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT considered as a characteristic of an entrepreneur?
a. Copes with failure
b. Dependent
c. Persistent
d. Opportunity seeker
3. If she wants to ensure a profitable business operation, what characteristic will
she maintain?
a. Commitment
b. Goal oriented
c. Futuristic or future-oriented
d. Opportunity seeker
4. Mrs. Magno follows the advice of a friend to be flexible especially if she intends
to open a retail business. What PECs has been demonstrated by Mrs. Magno?
a. Self- confidence
b. Reliable and has integrity
c. Responsive to feedback
d. Persistent

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 5. She tells Mary, her best friend that she has a strong will and does not give up to
find a solution to a business problem. What PECs has been demonstrated by
Mrs. Magno?
a. Hard work
b. Persistence
c. Self-confidence
d. Risk- taking

Feedback

Pre-assessment/ Post- assessment

A. Matching Type

1.d 6. f

2.c 7. e

3.b 8. j

4.a 9. i

5.g 10. h

B. Multiple Choice

1. a

2. b

3. d

4. c

5. b

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 Technology and Livelihood Education
Entrepreneurship

Module 2: Environment and Market

One of your greatest dreams in life is to become a successful entrepreneur. As a

person, you are capable of developing your character and personality and how to respond
to some business challenges and opportunities. You can make things happen by
identifying the opportunities around you. You may ask yourself these questions: What do
people need? What products and services are available in the market today? Can they
be improved? How are they made or delivered? Can things be done better? cheaper?
faster? cleaner? Can a product which is used for specific purpose be also used for some
other purposes?

You slowly find answers to these questions as you decide to do the first step in
launching a business enterprise. Be cautious however, that you should develop a habit
of identifying opportunities around you. Only then, you will find the activity both exciting
and easy.

EXPLORE your Understanding

Essential Question
How does one select an entrepreneurial activity?

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 Content Standard

- The learner demonstrates understanding of environment and market that

relates with the career choice.

Performance Standard

- The learner formulates a business idea based on the analysis of the

environment and market

Guide Questions:

1. How does one determine the product to be produced or services to be offered and
delivered to the target market or customers in a particular community?

2. How does one select an entrepreneurial activity?

3. How can one respond effectively to a business enterprise?

Hello there! Are you ready to assess yourself if you are ready to
generate potential business ideas? Lets try by answering the
succeeding pre-assessment.

Pre-assessment

1. The following are examples of peoples basic needs, except:

a. Recreation
b. Clothing
c. Shelter
d. Food

2. Which of the following should be considered first by a prospective entrepreneur

in choosing the right location for his/her store?

a. Types of merchandise
b. Access of the target customers
c. The attractiveness of the store layout
d. The prevailing prices of goods in the area

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 3. Thong plans to put a digi-print studio in their locality. Which of the following
will help him determine a successful plan for setting up of his business?

a. Survey of consumer associations

b. Checking for similar business to avoid competition
c. Getting feedback on the quality of service
d. Conduct a SWOT analysis

4. Ceasar studies the population in his immediate community. He is doing this to

a. identify his would be suki.

b. predict his biggest buyer.
c. select his favorite costumers.
d. determine whom to sell his product or service.

5. When an entrepreneur improves and alter products to make it more appealing to

target consumers, he/she is doing an -------- of the product.
a. alteration
b. invention
c. innovation
d. improvisation

Lesson 1 Needs and Wants of People

Everyone has his or her own needs and wants. However, people have different
concepts of needs and wants. Needs in business are important things that every
individual cannot do without in a society. These include:

1. Basic commodities for consumption

2. Clothing and other personal belongings,
3. Shelter, sanitation and health
4. Education and relaxation
Basic needs are essential to every individual so he/she may be able to live with
dignity and pride in the community of people. These needs can obviously help you
generate business ideas.

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 Wants are desires, luxury and extravagance that signify wealth and an expensive
way of living. Wants or desires are considered above all the basic necessities of life.
Some examples are the eagerness or the passion of every individual which are non- basic
needs like; fashion accessories, shoes, clothes, travelling around the world, eating in an
exclusive restaurant; watching movies, concerts, plays, having luxurious cars, wearing
expensive jewelry, perfume, living in impressive homes, and others.

Needs and wants of people are the basic indicators of the kind of business that
you may engage into because it can serve as the measure of your success. Some other
good points that you might consider in business undertakings are the kind of people, their
needs, wants, lifestyle, culture and tradition, and social orientation that they belong.

Lesson 2 Generating Ideas for Business

Here are some ways by which you may generate possible ideas for business.

1. Examine the existing goods and services. Are you satisfied with the product?
What do other people who use the product say about it? How can it be improved?
There are many ways of improving a product from the way it is made to the way it
is packed and sold? You can also improve the materials used in crafting the
product. In addition, you introduce new ways of using the product, making it more
useful and adaptable to the customers many needs. When you are improving the
product or enhancing it, you are doing an innovation. You can also do an invention
by introducing an entirely new product to replace the old one.
Business ideas may also be generated by examining what goods and services
are sold outside by the community. Very often, these products are sold in a form
that can still be enhanced or improved.

2. Examine the present and future needs. Look and listen to what the customers,
institution, and communities are missing in terms of goods and services.
Sometimes, these needs are already obvious and felt at the moment. Other needs
are not that obvious because they can only be felt in the future, in the event of
certain developments in the community. For example, a town will have its
electrification facility in the next six months. Only by that time will the entrepreneur
could think of electrically- powered or generated business such as xerox copier,
computer service, digital printing, etc.

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3. Examine how the needs are being satisfied. Needs for the products and
services are referred to as market demand. To satisfy these needs is to supply
the products and services that meet the demands of the market. The term market
refers to whoever will use or buy the products or service, and these may be people
or institutions such as other businesses, establishments, organizations, or
government agencies.

There is a very good business opportunity when there is absolutely no supply to

a pressing market demand.

Businesses or industries in the locality also have needs for goods and services.
Their needs for raw materials, maintenance, and other services such as selling
and distribution are good sources of ideas for business.

4. Examine the available resources around you. Observe what materials or skills
are available in abundance in your area. A business can be started out of available
raw materials by selling them in raw form and by processing and manufacturing
them into finished products. For example, in a copra-producing town, there will be
many coconut husks and shells available as waste products. These can be
collected and made into coco rags/doormat and charcoal bricks and sold profitably
outside the community.
A group of people in your neighborhood may have some special skills that can be
harnessed for business. For example, women in the Mountain Province possess
loom weaving skills that have been passed on from one generation to the next
generation. Some communities there set up weaving businesses to produce
blankets, as well as decorative items and various souvenir items for sale to tourists
and lowland communities.

Business ideas can come from your own skills. The work and experience you may
have in agricultural arts, industrial arts, home economics, and ICT classes will
provide you with business opportunities to acquire the needed skills which will earn
for you extra income, should you decide to engage in income-generating activities.
With your skills, you may also tinker around with various things in your spare time.
Many products were invented this way.

5. Read magazines, news articles, and other publications on new products and
techniques or advances in technology. You can pick up new business ideas
from Newsweek, Readers Digest, Business Magazines, Go Negosyo, KAB
materials, Small- industry Journal. The Internet serves as a library where you may
browse and surf on possible businesses. It will also guide you on how to put the
right product in the right place, at the right price, at the right time.

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 Listing of possible businesses to set up in an area may also be available from
banks or local non-government organizations.

Lesson 3 Selecting the Right Idea

Once you have embarked on identifying the business opportunities, you will
eventually see that there are many possibilities that are available for you. It is very
unlikely that you will have enough resources to pursue all of them at once. Which
one will you choose?

You have to select the most promising one from among hundreds and one
ideas. It will be good to do this in stages. In the first stage, you screen your ideas
to narrow them down to about five choices. In the next stage, trim down the five
choices to two options. In the final stage, choose between the two and decide
which business idea worth pursuing.

In screening your ideas, examine each one in terms of the following factors:
1. How much capital is needed to put up the business?
2. How big is the demand for the product? Do many people need this product
and will continue to need it for a long time?
3. How is the demand met? Who are processing the products to meet the need
(competition or demand)? How much of the need is now being met (supply)?
4. Do you have the background and experience needed to run this particular
business?
5. Will the business be legal, not going against any existing or foreseeable
government regulation?
6. Is the business in line with your interest and expertise?
Your answers to these questions will be helpful in screening which ones
from among your many ideas are worth examining further and worth pursuing.

Lesson 4 Environmental Scanning

There is a need to conduct environmental scanning to identity the needs

and wants of people, the niche for your business mission, and to give attention to
trends and issues. This may also serve as an evaluation of the type of the
entrepreneurial activity appropriate in the community.

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 Environmental scanning is defined as a process of gathering, analyzing,
and dispensing information for tactical or strategic purposes. The environmental
scanning process entails obtaining both factual and subjective information on the
business environments in which a company is operating.

Environment in the community can be viewed according to its technological,

political, economic, and social aspects. For example, in the past, people in the
community used personal computers but the transmission of development in terms
of technology was interrupted because people were not satisfied with what they
have today. They still look for the changes in their life and the corresponding in
their environment.
As a future entrepreneur, you must be well-versed in this kind of
advancement and progression of your environment particularly in technology so as
to secure the success of your future business. Always think of something new,
something novel, authentic, reinvent the existing ones, and create your new version
of goods/products, and services. For instance, your own hair straightening is herbal,
while in the other salons it is made of synthetic chemicals. This kind of changes
being made will effect the existing principles in business and industries that can be
easily adapted to the changes in producing the products/services to meet the
needs and wants of people in the community.

FIRM UP Your Understanding

In generating business idea, you should first identify

what type of business is suited to your business idea. You should analyze and scan
the potential environment, study the marketing practices and strategies of your
competitors, analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and the
Threats in your environment to ensure that the products/goods and services you
are planning to offer will be patronized within the easy reach by your target
markets/consumers.

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Bear in mind these simple rules for successful SWOT analysis.

Be realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of your business when

conducting SWOT analysis.
SWOT analysis should distinguish between where your business is today,
and where it could be in the future.
SWOT should always be specific. Avoid any grey areas.
Always apply SWOT in relation to your competition i.e. better than or
worse than your competition.
Keep your SWOT short and simple. Avoid complexity and over analysis
SWOT is subjective.

DEEPEN Your Understanding

People keep on searching for new things, new trends, and new issues. For these
reasons, an entrepreneur hurriedly responds to these needs and wants of people.
As generations come and go, another set of new trends will come or will
exist. In order to adapt to the rapid changes in the business environment, the
existing industries need to improve their products and services. But how can you
generate business ideas with those strong competitors? There are three main sets
of decisions that you need to make - what to produce, how to produce, and how to
share or sell out the product to the market.

Activity 1 Mini survey

Directions: Conduct a mini survey in your immediate community. Gather pertinent

data on population across age brackets as suggested in the matrix below.
Opposite each age group, indicate their probable needs and wants.

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Age Bracket Population Needs Wants
Example: 35 Toys, coloring books, Wooden toys, glossy
pajama coloring books, etc.
5 and below fashionable pajama
6- 10 years
old
11-15 years
old
16-20 years
old
21-25 years
old
26-35 years
old
35-45 years
old
46-55 years
old
56-65 years
old
66 and above

Activity 2 Screening business ideas

Directions: After filling out the chart above, try to list down all the probable
business opportunities which you may wish to venture in. Remember to consider
the ideas and suggestions discussed in Lesson 3. Use the suggested matrix below
to indicate your choice. Write your answers in your notebook.

Example: Selling wooden toys

Positive Factors
Negative Factors
Strengths Opportunities Weaknesses Threats

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 TRANSFER Of Learning

Now that, you have all the information, are you ready to test your ability
to generate your own business idea? If your answer is yes, start studying the
sample vicinity map of a community with a population of two thousand people. A
new housing project will be constructed adjacent to Daang Hari St, close to Old
Molino St., its main road. This housing project targets the homeowners who are
young couples with two kids.

In this activity, you need to answer the questions that may lead to the
generation of a probable business. Your answers to these questions will serve as
the bases in formulating your own business ideas.

1. Who do you think are your target consumers/markets?

2. Where is the most ideal location to situate your business?
3. Which products or services would appeal to your target
consumers/markets?
4. Can you say that you have seized the most feasible business
opportunity?

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Post-assessment

1. The following are examples of peoples basic needs, except:

a. Recreation
b. Clothing
c. Shelter
d. Food

2. Which of the following should be considered first by a prospective entrepreneur

in choosing the right location for his/her store?

a. Type of merchandise
b. The access of the target customers
c. The attractiveness of the store layout
d. The prevailing prices of goods in the area

3. Thong plans to put a digi-print studio in their locality. Which of the following
will help him determine his plan for a success setting up of his business?

a. Survey of consumer associations

b. Checking for similar business to avoid competition
c. Getting feedback on the quality of service
d. Conduct a SWOT analysis

4. Ceasar studies the population in his immediate community. He is doing this to

a. identify his would be suki.

b. predict his biggest buyer.
c. select his favorite costumers.
d. determine whom to sell his product or service.

5. When an entrepreneur improves and alter products to make it more appealing to

target consumers, he/she is doing an -------- of the product.

a. alteration
b. invention
c. innovation
d. improvisation

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Feedback

Pre-assessment and Post assessment

1. a
2. b
3. d
4. c
5. b

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 Technology and Livelihood Education
Entrepreneurship

Module 3: INSTALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

Number of Sessions (Time Allotment): 60 Hours (2 Quarters)

Content Standard Performance Standard

The learner independently

The learner demonstrates
provides quality and marketable
understanding of basic
service in computer hardware
concepts, underlying
servicing in terms of computer
theories and core
systems and networks installation
competencies in computer
and diagnose and trouble shoot
systems and networks.
computer systems as prescribed
in the TESDA Training
Regulation.

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 Welcome to the next level of your modular training in Computer Hardware
Servicing (CHS) under the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Course.
In this module you will have a great deal of understanding of Installing Computer Systems
and Networks. At the end of this module you will be able to apply the knowledge and skills
on installing computer hardware, operating system, software components and networks.
Those skills are essential for you to pass the National Certification II in Computer
Hardware Servicing.

In this module, topics will be introduced progressively lesson by lesson for easy
understanding. After carefully answering the diagnostic assessment, reading all the
lessons, answering all the guide questions, masterfully performing all the activities,
showing evidences of learning and finally answering the summative test, then you will
have a considerable knowledge and skills in installing computer systems and networks
essential to be successful in computer hardware servicing as one of the career option in
ICT.

Reminder! Just follow the instructions given in this module. Now let us start
exploring new things in this module.

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 In this module, there will be three (3) major topics that you will encounter: (1) plan
and prepare for installation; (2) install hardware and software components and operating
systems; and (3) conduct test on the installed computer system. The three major topics
contain sub-topics that discuss the details on installing computer systems and
networks. This module contains what to KNOW, what to PROCESS, what to REFLECT
and UNDERSTAND as well as what to TRANSFER. The competencies for this module
are:

LO 1. Plan and prepare for installation

Observe Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures in planning for
installation activity in accordance with requirements
Familiarize with computer hardware, software component and other peripherals in
accordance with established procedures on correct operation and safety policies
Consult appropriate/ technical personnel to ensure that work is coordinated with
others who are involved in the activity
Obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with established
procedures
Check the materials received against job requirements

LO 2. Install equipment/devices (hardware, software components and peripherals)

and operating systems
Follow OHS procedures in installing devices, systems, networking devices, and
peripherals
Comply with the requirements in installing devices,/systems, networking devices,
and peripherals
Install computer systems, networking devices and peripherals in accordance with job
requirements
Perform installation of devices and variety of operating systems in accordance with
customer/clients requirements
Obtain approval from appropriate personnel before implementing contingency
procedures
Respond to unplanned events or conditions in accordance to established procedures

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 Check the quality of the work undertaken in accordance with the established
procedures
LO 3. Conduct test on the installed computer system

Follow OHS policies and procedures in conducting tests

Check circuits and systems being isolated using specified testing procedures
Test devices, systems and/or installation to determine its conformity with the
requirements
Undertake final inspections on the installed devices, systems to ensure conformity
with the requirements
Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted
Follow procedures in forwarding documentation to appropriate personnel and/or
authority on the test conducted

In order to master the above listed competencies, you must be knowledgeable of

the topics under what to KNOW, perform activities required under what to PROCESS,
accomplish additional meaningful tasks under what to REFLECT and UNDERSTAND and
finally show some evidences of your learning by transferring what you have learned in a
different context under what to TRANSFER.

You will be challenged to dig deeper into your prior knowledge and previous
experiences about computer hardware servicing.

SKILLS TEST

Direction: Listed below are some of the most important skills that you must gain
in order to render quality service when you enter the real world of Computer Hardware
Servicing. Read the skills carefully. Write YES if you are familiar with the skill and NO
if not. Feel free to answer each skill. Write your answers in your notebook.

Skills in Computer Hardware Servicing YES NO

I can open a computer case.
I can connect the mouse.
I can connect the keyboard.
I can connect the monitor.

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 I can apply occupational health and safety precautions while working.
I can remove the system fan.
I can detach the power supply from the system unit.
I know how to remove the RAM from the motherboard.
I can remove the hard drive from the system unit.
I can install the power supply.
I know how to install the motherboard.
I can install the internal drives in a system unit.
I know how to attach RAM in the memory socket.
I can install CD / DVD drives.
I know how to install an operating system
I know how to configure a hardware components and its related software
I know the procedures in testing the installed computer components

The following topics will enable you to be familiar with planning and preparing for
installation, install equipment and devices, and conduct test on the installed computer
system. All you need to do is to read carefully all the topics and apply the skills youve
gained through the distinct activities provided in this module.

LESSON 1: PLAN AND PREPARE FOR INSTALLATION

This lesson is intended to develop your skills in planning and preparing for
installation of computer devices and operating system. At the end of this lesson you are
expected to:

Observe OHS policies and procedures in planning for installation activity in

accordance with requirements
Familiarize with computer peripheral/ devices/systems in accordance with
established procedures correct operation and safety
Consult appropriate/ technical personnel to ensure that work is coordinated with
others who are involved in the activity
Obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with established
procedures
Check the materials received against job requirements

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Policy An Information and communication

technology (ICT) student should know how to behave when working in the computer
laboratory, as well as implement a safe way of accomplishing every task. Safety practices
should be learned early and always adheres in working with any electrical and electronic
device, including personal computers and its peripherals. This is for your protection as
well as to the people working with you, and for the devices that you are using. The basis
for this process begins with Occupational Health and Safety Policies.

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a planned system of working to prevent illness
and injury where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks. Health and
safety procedure is the responsibility of all persons in the computer and technology
industries. You must identify the hazards where you are working and decide how
dangerous they are. Eliminate the hazard or modify the risk that it presents.

Occupational Health and Safety standards

Each student has a responsibility to their colleagues and their organization to

report and act upon any potential workplace hazard. Students need to be aware of the
type of hazards that are possibly present in their work environment.

Procedure
1. Identify the hazard
2. Clear the area close to the hazard
3. Partition the hazard off or clearly identify the area to protect other people from
harm
4. If the hazard is easily and safely cleared, then do so
If not
5. Report the hazard to the appropriate person (such as teacher in charge,
principal etc.) to obtain assistance
6. Following clearing of the hazard fill out the correct documentation to assist in
identifying improved practice to reduce further incidence of hazards.

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 All hazards must be reported using Accidental Report form. This enables us to
track the kinds of hazards we have in our workplace, and take action where necessary to
make it safer for all student and clients.

Accident reports

Forms are used to give specific details with regards to the accidents happened in
the laboratory during experiments.

Accident reports contain the following details:

Name of the person injured

Date and time of the accident
Type of injury
First aid given
Action taken to prevent further accidents

Accident report sample form

Date:

Form No: Accident Report Form

Rm. No:

Name: Yr/Sec:

Type of Injury Cause of Injury Remedy

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Hazardous substances

If the workplace hazard appears to be dangerous to staff and clients and

professional assistance is required:

A. Call the supervisor or manager and advise them of the problem and the urgency
of the matter.
B. Depending on the risk it may be called as an evacuation.
C. Follow the evacuation procedure.
D. The supervisor or manager will call in the fire brigade or specialized personnel
who will deal with the spill.

Fire exits

All fire exits should be kept clear of from obstacles. All students have a
responsibility to make sure that chairs, empty boxes or any other type of obstacle are not
placed in or near fire exit doorways.
All corridors also need to have equipment stored on one side only to ensure that
in the event of an emergency there is a clear exit.

Fire Safety Procedure

Each work area has a designated fire warden, who in the event of a fire will take charge.
They are recognized by the wearing of a red hard hat.

If you find the fire

Assess the danger prior to doing anything.

If it is safe to move assist anyone in the vicinity of the fire away from danger.
If it is possible close the door to the fire area.
Call for assistance. Verbally call FIRE, FIRE, in a loud and clear voice.
Break the glass section of the fire alert call point.
Call to the switch; ensure you know where the fire is, any other details that may be
of assistance to the fire brigade. Details could be size of the fire, cause or type of
fire, any people hurt or trapped, has anyone tried to put it out.
If safe to do so, attack the fire with the correct extinguisher or fire hose.

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 If the designated fire officer is not present, someone quickly needs to take
responsibility and:

1. Locate the source of the fire.

2. Locate any people.
3. Remove all people from the building.
4. Once outside do a head count?
5. Notify the authorities.

Personal Safety While Working with PCs

Computer equipment can be dangerous, and you or others can be injured or even
killed if you dont follow proper safety guidelines when working along with PCs. The
following are some precautionary measures to take before working with any computer
equipment:

Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to help reduce the chance of being
shocked or seriously injured in an electrical accident.
Do not work on components that are plugged into their power source.
Do not remove expansion cards from a computer when it is turned on.
Remove jewelries when working inside any computer related equipment.
Be sure not to mix electronic components and water.

Applying OH&S Policies

1. Group yourselves into six members.

2. Conduct a simulation on: Applying OHS Policies and Procedures.

3. The performance will be rated according to the following:

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 Performance Criteria:

5 - Have shown five OHS policies in different areas

4 - Have shown four OHS policies in different areas
3 - Have shown three OH&S policies in different areas
2 - Have shown two OH&S policies in different areas
1 - Have not shown any OH&S policies

UNDERSTANDING COMPUTER

A computer is one of the most brilliant inventions of mankind. Thanks to the

computer technology, we were able to achieve storage and processing of huge amounts
of data; we could rest our brains by employing computer memory capacities for storing
information. Due to computers, we have been able to speed up daily work, carry out
critical transactions and achieve accuracy and precision in work. Computers of the earlier
years were of the size of a large room and were required to consume huge amounts of
electric power. However, with the advancing technology, computers have shrunk to the
size of a small watch. Depending on the processing power and size of computers, they
have been classified under various types. Let us look at the classification of computers.

Different Types of Computers

Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog,
digital and hybrid computers.

Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital
computer because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes
mechanical or electrical energy.

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 Figure1. Different Types of Computer

Digital Computers: They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states,
namely bits 0 and 1. They are analogous to states ON and OFF. Data on these computers
is represented as a series of 0s and 1s. Digital computers are suitable for complex
computation and have higher processing speeds. They are programmable. Digital
computers are either general purpose computers or special purpose ones. Special
purpose computers, as their name suggests, are designed for specific types of data
processing while general purpose computers are meant for general use.

Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog
computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments perform process control by
conversion of analog signals to digital ones.

Classification of Computers
The following are the classification of the different types of computers based on
their sizes and functionalities:

Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical

applications such as bulk data processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe computers
have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a number of virtual
machines and can substitute for several small servers.

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Minicomputers: In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie in between
mainframes and microcomputers. Minicomputers are also called mid-range systems or
workstations. The term began to be popularly used in the 1960s to refer to relatively
smaller third generation computers.

Servers: They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a

computer network. They have larger storage capacities and powerful processors.
Running on them are programs that serve client requests and allocate resources like
memory and time to client machines. Usually they are very large in size, as they have
large processors and many hard drives. They are designed to be fail-safe and resistant
to crash.

Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed by

means of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather forecasting, molecular
theory are best studied by means of supercomputers. Their ability of parallel processing
and their well-designed memory hierarchy give the supercomputers, large transaction
processing powers.

Figure2. Classification of Computer

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Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit it is
known as a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as mainframes do. When
supplemented with a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers can be called personal
computers. A monitor, a keyboard and other similar input output devices, computer
memory in the form of RAM and a power supply unit come packaged in a microcomputer.
These computers can fit on desks or tables and prove to be the best choice for single-
user tasks.

Personal computers come in different forms such as desktops, laptops and

personal digital assistants (refer to Figure 3). Let us look at each of these types of
computers.

Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on a single location. The spare parts of a

desktop computer are readily available at relatively lower costs. Power consumption is
not as critical as that in laptops. Desktops are widely popular for daily use in the workplace
and households.

Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are miniaturized and

optimized for mobile use. Laptops run on a single battery or an external adapter that
charges the computer batteries.

Figure3. Types of Personal Computer

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Netbooks: They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller
in size. They had a smaller feature set and lesser capacities in comparison to regular
laptops, at the time they came into the market.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): It is a handheld computer and popularly known as

a palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory card for storage of data. PDAs can also
be used as portable audio players, web browsers and smart phones. Most of them can
access the Internet by means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication.

Tablet Computers: Tablets are mobile computers that are very handy to use. They use
the touch screen technology. Tablets come with an onscreen keyboard or use a stylus or
a digital pen. Apple's iPod redefined the class of tablet computers.
Wearable Computers: A record-setting step in the evolution of computers was the
creation of wearable computers. These computers can be worn on the body and are often
used in the study of behavior modeling and human health. Military and health
professionals have incorporated wearable computers into their daily routine, as a part of
such studies. When the users' hands and sensory organs are engaged in other activities,
wearable computers are of great help in tracking human actions. Wearable computers do
not have to be turned on and off and remain in operation without user intervention.

Direction: Identify the type of computer being described in the following sentences and
write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use.

2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network.
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit.
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in size.
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location.
7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1.
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate
as a number of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a palmtop.
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of behavior
modeling and human health.

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COMPUTER SYSTEM, DEVICES AND PERIPHERALS

As an aspiring computer technician, it is very important to know the system that

runs your computer and different devices attached to it. Each device plays an important
role, without each other computer system will not work properly.

What is an Operating System?

The operating system is the most
important program that runs on a computer. Every
general-purpose computer must have an operating
system to run other programs. Operating systems
perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from
the keyboard, sending output to the display screen,
keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and
controlling peripheral devices such as disk
drives and printers.
For large systems, the operating system has
even greater responsibilities and powers. It is like a
traffic cop -- it makes sure that different program and users running at the same time do
not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security,
ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

Operating systems can be classified as follows:

o Multi-user: Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some
operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.
Linux
Unix
Windows 2000

o Multiprocessing : Supports running a program on more than one CPU.

Linux
Unix
Windows 2000

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 o Multitasking : Allows more than one program to run concurrently.
Unix
Windows 2000 and Windows multi point

o Multithreading : Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.

Linux
Unix
Windows 2000 and Windows 7

o Real time: Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems,

such as DOS and UNIX, are not real-time.

Operating systems provide a software platform on which

other application programs can run. The application programs must be written to run on
top of a particular operating system. Your choice of operating system, therefore,
determines to a great extent the applications you can run. For PCs, the most popular
operating systems are DOS, OS/2, and Windows, but others are available, such as Linux.

What are the devices of a computer?

The physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of a computer are called
the hardware which is composed of different devices attached to the computer.

The following list represents a basic set of devices found in most Personal
Computers.
1. System Unit- The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes called the chassis.
It includes the following parts: Motherboard, Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses,
Ports, Expansion Slots and Cards.

Figure4. Tower Type System Unit

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2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board- The main circuit board of a computer. It
contains all the circuits and components that run the computer.

Figure5. Modern Motherboard

3. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The processor is the main brain or heart of a
computer system. It performs all of the instructions and calculations that are needed
and manages the flow of information through a computer.

Figure6. Examples of CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Athlon)

4. Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is the computer's

working storage space that holds data, instructions for processing and processed data

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 (information) waiting to be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary storage is a
collection of RAM chips.

Two (2) Types of Memory

a. ROM (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning it holds data even
when the power is ON or OFF.
b. RAM (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only
when the power is on. When the power is off, RAM's contents are lost.

Figure 7.Examples of RAM

5. Expansion Bus - A bus is a data pathway between

several hardware components inside or outside a
computer. It does not only connect the parts of the CPU to
each other, but also links the CPU with other important
hardware.

Figure 8.Expansion Bus

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 6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface
cards) that enable the computer to use a peripheral device for
which it does not have the necessary connections or circuit
boards. They are often used to permit upgrading to a new
different hardware.

Figure 9. Adapter (Network Adapter)

7. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - Installed in the back corner of

the PC case, next to the motherboard. It converts 120vac
(standard house power) into DC voltages that are used by
other components in the PC.

Figure10. Power supply

8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive,

is a magnetic storage device that is installed inside the
computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage
for data. In a Windows computer, the hard drive is
usually configured as the C: drive and contains the
operating system and applications.

Figure 11.Hard Disc

9. Optical Drive- An optical drive is a storage device that

uses lasers to read data on the optical media. There are
three types of optical drives: Compact Disc (CD), Digital
Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BD).

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 Figure12. CD ROM

10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to

optically access data stored on a DVD. A laser
moves back and forth near the disk surface and
accesses data at a very fast rate.

Figure 13.DVD ROM

What are the input and output devices of a computer?

The devices attached to a personal computer can be classified into two- the input
and output devices. Input Device is composed of a device that accepts data and
instructions from the user or from another computer system. While, output device is any
piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer has processed the
input data that has been entered.

Two (2) Types of Input Devices

1. Keyboard Entry Data is inputted to the computer through a keyboard.

Keyboard - The first input device developed for the PC. Data is transferred to the
PC over a short cable with a circular 6-pin Mini-din connector that plugs into the
back of the motherboard.

Figure14. Keyboard

2. Direct Entry A form of input that does not require data to be keyed by someone
sitting at a keyboard. Direct-entry devices create machine-readable data on paper, or
magnetic media, or feed it directly into the computers CPU.

Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices

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1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen.
Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used
in PCs. Every mouse has two buttons and most
have one or two scroll wheels.

Figure15. Mouse

Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or

stylus. Used in myriad applications, including ATM machines, retail point-of-
sale terminals, car navigation and industrial controls. The touch screen became
wildly popular for smart phones and tablets.

Figure16. Touch Screen Devices

Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal used to draw
pictures or select menu options. The user brings the pen to the desired point
on screen and presses the pen button to make contact.

FiFigure17. Light Pen

Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new images or
tracing old ones. Also called a "graphics tablet," the user contacts the surface
of the device with a wired or wireless pen or puck. Often mistakenly called a
mouse, the puck is officially the "tablet cursor."

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 Figure18. Digitizer Tablet

2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and
translates the information into a form the computer can use.

Figure19. Image scanner Figure20. Bar Code Reader

3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as speech or voice recognition
systems that allow a user to send audio signals to a computer for processing, recording,
or carrying out commands. Audio input devices such as microphones allow users to speak
to the computer in order to record a voice message or navigate software.

Figure 21. Microphones

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Output Devices

1. Computer Display Monitor- It displays information in visual form, using text and
graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen
or video display terminal.

Types of Monitor
a. CRT Monitors - Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) were the only type of displays for use with
desktop PCs. They are relatively big (14" to 16" deep) and heavy (over 15 lbs).

Figure22. Types of Monitor

b. LCD Monitors Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology has been used in laptops
for some time. It has recently been made commercially available as monitors for
desktop PCs.

c. LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode) - A display and lighting technology used in
almost every electrical and electronic product on the market, from a tiny on/off light to
digital readouts, flashlights, traffic lights and perimeter lighting.

2. LCD Projectors- utilize two sheets of polarizing

material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An
electric current passed through the liquid causes the
crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them.
Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing
light to pass through or blocking the light.

Figure23. LCD Projector

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3. Smart Board - A type of display screen that has a touch sensitive transparent panel
covering the screen, which is similar to a touch screen.

Figure24. Smart Board

4. Printer - A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.

Types of printer

a) Ink-Jet or Bubble-Jet Printer - spays ink at a sheet of paper. Ink-jet printers produce
high-quality text and graphics.

b) Laser Printer - Uses the same technology as copy machines. Laser printers produce
very high quality text and graphics.

c) LCD and LED Printer- Similar to a laser printer, but uses liquid crystals or light-
emitting diodes rather than a laser to produce an image on the drum.

d) Line Printer - Contains a chain of characters or pins that print an entire line at one
time. Line printers are very fast, but produce low-quality print.

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 Figure 28.Types of Printer

(e) Thermal Printer- An inexpensive printer that works by pushing heated pins against
heat-sensitive paper. Thermal printers are widely used in calculators and fax
machines.

5. Speakers - Used to play sound. They may be built into

the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow
you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your
computer.

Figure 29.Speaker

What is a Storage Device?

Aside from the devices attached on a PC, there are also the so called storage
devices that perform a special task in computing system. Storage device is any apparatus
for recording computer data in a permanent or semi-permanent form.

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 Figure 30.Storage Devices

Types of storage devices

Floppy diskette- is a random access, removable data storage medium that can be used
with personal computers. The term usually refers to the magnetic medium housed in a
rigid plastic cartridge measuring 3.5 inches square and about 2millimeters thick. Also
called a "3.5-inch diskette," it can store up to 1.44 megabytes (MB) of data.

Compact disc (CD) also called optical disc is a nonmagnetic, polished metal disk
used to store digital information. The disc is read by the CD- ROM.

Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)- an optical disc technology with a 4.7 gigabyte storage
capacity on a single-sided, one-layered disk, which is enough for a 133-minute movie.

Jump drive and USB flash drive- is a plug-and-play portable storage device that uses
flash memory and is lightweight enough to attach to a key chain. A USB drive can be
used in place of a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD.

Hard drive- is the main, and usually largest, data storage device in a computer.
The operating system, software titles and most other files are stored in the hard disk drive.

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LS-120- is a drive which supports a special floppy diskette which can store up to 120MB
of information as well as being backwards compatible and still supporting the standard
1.44MB floppy diskettes.

Zip drive-is a small, portable disk drive used primarily for backing up and archiving
personal computer files.

Direction: In the puzzle below, look for the 10 hidden computer devices and determine
whether it belongs to INPUT, OUTPUT or STORAGE DEVICE.

REVEAL THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

C G M M Q F Y L W K C P A H K H G C N H
P O R K I R X N A A O A U A K B M P H U
Z A M Z W G W P X W A F V R Q V X U M Y
Q U I P R Y P T E X V I R D B W A O R B
I R T B A R S R U Y L G R D V J B O C U
A O N R D C S G S I L N H I Q S M I L X
C U H L Q U T Z G D C J F S E E J K O U
N H X S P U P D A K O Z X K M T Y U Z S
G H L P F H G P I Z T A F D O U U F T R
A S L W W T R A O S Q F A R E H B G M O
R Y B E A E M J I X K P I I X E C F H T
E S A C M E T S Y S D D E V W T I D V I
K W M I Q K K I S I O R R E I L D F F N
L E I O M E H Y A S K S A I I D G Z K O
M Q U N D H M R W O Q U H O V K T M J M
W P T H E R M K Z W J U B J B E A P Q Z
K Z Z M L H M O U S E C K Y C Y V Y S D
Y B Y V X E W P L Q Q Y O V N H E Z H D
R N F H T U B U G L S N P F J W N K N J
M J G N Y H V J D U G F L U X O M K D A

1. ________________________ ______________________
2. ________________________ ______________________
3. ________________________ ______________________
4. ________________________ ______________________

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 5. ________________________ ______________________
6. ________________________ ______________________
7. ________________________ ______________________
8. ________________________ ______________________
9. ________________________ ______________________
10. ________________________ ______________________

Matching Type. Match column A with Column B and write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

A. B.
1. It serves as the brain of computer. a. Adapter
2. Printed-circuit boards (also called interface b. CD- ROM
cards) that enable the computer to use a c. CPU
peripheral device d. Floppy disk
3. Also called read/write memory e. Microphone
4. a small, portable disk drive used primarily f. Monitor
for backing up files g. Motherboard
5. The main circuit board of a computer h. Mouse
6. Also called diskette i. Optical Drive
7. Acts as a pointing device j. RAM
8. Device that makes sounds, clips and any k. ROM
audio materials be heard. l. Speaker
9. Component that reads and record data in m. Zip Drive
CDs and DVDs.
What is a Network?
10. it is a visual device that displays the
information

To deepen your understanding with regard to the different components /

devices of a computer, utilize the Internet and the website
www.professormesser.com, view the video regarding parts of the computer. Use
the URLs below:

1. http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/an-overview-of-
motherboard-types/

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2. http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/an-overview-of-
cpu-socket-types/

3. http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/an-overview-of-
cpu-socket-types/

4. http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/an-overview-of-
display-device-types/

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5. http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/an-overview-of-pc-
input-devices/

After watching the videos, answer the following questions:

1. What are the different types of motherboard shown in the video?

2. What are the different sizes of a motherboard?
3. What are the different types of CPU?
4. Describe the different types of memory cited in the video.
5. What do you think is the most efficient monitor used in our computers
nowadays?
6. Give at least 5 input devices featured in the video presentation.

Role Playing

The class will be divided into 5 groups (depending on the class size), each
group will have a minimum of 5 members and maximum of 10. Each member
should have a special role pertaining to the devices of a computer and their
functions. Each group will be tasked to showcase their talents in front of the class.
Each presentation will be rated using the following criteria:

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 PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

CRITERIA PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accuracy (Accurate role and function of a 30%
device was accurately shown)
Presentation (Organization or sequence of 30%
the play, appropriate gestures was used)
Clarity (Clearly delivered each topic) 30%
Team work (cooperation of each member) 10%
Performance Rating

NETWORK

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone
lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

There are three basic types of networks which includes the following:

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area.
It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building. Rarely
are LAN computers more than a mile apart.

In a typical LAN configuration, one computer is designated as the file server. It

stores all of the software that controls the network, as well as the software that can be
shared by the computers attached to the network. Computers connected to the file server
are called workstations. The workstations can be less powerful than the file server, and

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they may have additional software on their hard drives. On most LANs, cables are used
to connect the network interface cards in each computer.

Wide Area Network

Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect larger geographic areas, such as Florida,
the United States, or the world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite uplinks may
be used to connect this type of network.

Networking Devices
Consist of, but are not limited to non-local printers, workstations, servers,
webcams, data loggers, instruments, dial-in devices, and, in general anything that
requires an Ethernet connection. These devices are supported on a best-effort basis
limited by the staffing and equipment level available.

Hub is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins

multiple computers together. Many network hubs
available today support the Ethernet standard. Other
types including USB hubs also exist, but Ethernet is the
type traditionally used in home networking.

Ethernet switch is a device that gathers the signals

from devices that are connected to it, and then
regenerates a new copy of each signal.

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 Bridge is a device filters data traffic at a network boundary.
Bridges reduce the amount of traffic on a LAN by dividing it
into two segments.

Routers are small physical devices that join multiple

networks together.

Network gateway is an internetworking system capable of

joining together two networks that use different base
protocols. A network gateway can be implemented
completely in software, completely in hardware, or as a
combination of both.

Modem is a contraction of the terms modulator and

demodulator. Modems perform a simple function:
They translate digital signals from a computer into
analog signals that can travel across conventional
phone lines. The modem modulates the signal at the
sending end and demodulates at the receiving end.

Network interface is a device that connects a client

computer, server, printer or other component to your network. Most
often, a network interface consists of a small electronic circuit
board that is inserted into a slot inside a computer or printer.
Alternatively, some computers, printers, or other services include
network interfaces as part of their main circuit boards
(motherboards).

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Network firewall protects a computer network from
unauthorized access. Network firewalls may be
hardware devices, software programs, or a
combination of the two. Network firewalls guard an
internal computer network (home, school,
business intranet) against malicious access from the
outside. Network firewalls may also be configured to
limit access to the outside from internal users.

Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It protects a computer network from unauthorized access.

2. Type of network that connect larger geographic areas, such as Florida, the
United States, or the world.
3. This is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks that
use different base protocols.
4. It is consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources
(such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications.
5. They translate digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can travel
across conventional phone lines.
6. It is a device that connects a client computer, server, printer or other component
to your network.
7. A device filters data traffic at a network boundary.
8. It is a device that gathers the signals from devices that are connected to it, and
then regenerates a new copy of each signal.
9. It is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together.
10. Type of network that is confined to a relatively small area.

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 Now, that you are done with the introduction of network as well as the networking
devices, to enlighten your understanding and knowledge have some more readings about
it thru books and other resources. You should consider the following topics for research:
1. Different types of Network Topology
2. Common networking tools

After the research, you can also deepen your understanding by watching a video
presentation using the URL below:
o http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/network-
devices/

o http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/network-
topologies-3/

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After the video presentation here are your tasks:
1. List down all the network devices and their advantages cited in the video.
2. List down the different network topologies and their differences.

MATERIALS, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT and TESTING DEVICES

The following tools and equipment are classified according to their functions and uses.

Equipment and
Tools Materials
Accessories
LAN Card Screwdriver(standard) Software applications
UPS Screwdriver(Philips) Network OS Software
Server Long nose pliers RJ 45
24 port-hub Mechanical pliers UTP Cat 5 cable
Modem Allen wrench Motherboards manual
Fax machine Multitester and installer
PC Video camera Crimping tools Sound device driver
USBExternalCD writer Soldering iron (30 watts) installer
USB scanner Wire stripper
USB printers LAN Tester
USB Flash Drive Anti-static wrist wrap
Device drivers/installers

LAN Card is a network interface card. This is a

computer circuit board or card that is installed in a
computer so that it can be connected to a network.

Server is a part of a network. It is a special

computer that users on the network can access to
carry out a particular job.

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 Port hub /Port is a connector on the back of a
computer or other device. A port is either a serial
port or a parallel port.

Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem

is a device that allows a given computer to share
data or otherwise a device which let computers
exchange information

Scanner- it is an input device that read text or

illustration printed on paper, translates the
information into a form that a computer can use

Flat Screw Driver is used to drive or fasten

negative slotted screws

USB Universal Serial Bus, a hardware interface

for low-speed peripherals such as the keyboard,
mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and telephony
devices.

Printer - is a piece of hardware that produces a

paper copy (also known as hardcopy) of the
information generated by the computer.

RAM Random Access Memory, is a primary

memory. This memory is used inside the computer
to hold programs and data while it is running.

BIOS Basic Input / Output System, chip that

controls the most basic functions of the computer
and performs a self-test every time you turn it on.

Flash drive RAM that can retain data without

electrical power. It is widely used for BIOS chips
and for digital camera and digital music storage

Video Camera - camera using videotape: a

camera that records onto videotape

Long nose Pliers is used for holding, bending

and stretching the lead of electronics component or
connecting wire.

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 Soldering Iron is used to join two or more metal
conductors with the support of soldering lead
melted around it.

Desoldering Tool is used to unsolder unwanted

parts or component in the circuit with the support
of soldering pencil

Philips Screw Driver- is used to drive or fasten

positive slotted screws

LAN Tester- for RJ11,12,45 & BNC w/ Remote

Unit This ergonomic tester is designed to test most
network cable wiring. You can either conduct an
auto or manual test.

UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair, is a popular type

of cable used in computer networking that
consists of two shielded wires twisted around
each

Using Testing Tools and Equipment

A. Direction: Identify the following tools and materials, give their uses.

1.

2.

3.

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4.

5.

B. Identification.
Direction: Identify the appropriate term described in each sentence. Use a separate
sheet for your answers.
________1. It is a connector at the black of a computer or other device.
________2. A computer circuit board installed in a computer so that it can be connected
to a network.
________3.A device that allows a given computer to share a data.
________4. An input device that read text or illustration printed on paper, translated the
information into a form that a computer that can use.
________5.The least expensive and most popular network media.

For you to deepen your knowledge and skills and understanding in planning and
preparing for installation, you need to determine the location of the devices / systems to
be used, obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with established
procedures and check the materials received against job requirements . Your task is to
have a research, find as well and watch video presentations relating and showing the
following:

1. Consult appropriate technical personnel to ensure that work is coordinated with

others who are involved in the activity;
2. Proper location / storage of the devices / systems and materials;
3. Correct way of obtaining the necessary materials to complete the work;
4. Fill up job order forms, request form and report sheets; and
5. Appropriate procedures in in checking the materials received.

After doing the above tasks, make sure that you have a detailed documentation of
it. Write your reflections on your notebooks or other sheet of paper.

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 After reflecting on the task given to you, its your chance now to transfer what you
have learned from the activity by having a presentation in front of the class. You will be
grouped with 5 members during the presentation. Make use of your creativity in
presenting each topic to awaken the interest of your classmates.

LESSON2. INSTALL EQUIPMENT / DEVICES and SYSTEMS

This lesson is designed to give you the proper procedures used in installing
devices and operating system of a personal computer, alongside with it is the basic
computer configuration set up. At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

a) Apply OHS procedures in installing devices, systems, networking devices, and

peripherals;
b) Comply with the requirements in installing devices,/systems, networking devices,
and peripherals;
c) Install computer systems, networking devices and peripherals in accordance with job
requirements;
d) Perform variations in installing devices and systems in accordance with
customer/clients requirements;
e) Obtain approval from appropriate personnel before implementing contingency
procedures;
f) Respond to unplanned events or conditions in accordance to established
procedures; and
g) Check the quality of the work undertaken in accordance with the established
procedures.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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).

It is important that students and teachers during their laboratory period should be
required to use personal protective equipment. Some of these are:

Goggles A large spectacles, with

shields around the rims, for protecting
the eyes from dust, excessive light,
wind, etc.
Rubber Sole A special type of shoes
used to prevent electrical shock and for
waterproofing and insulating purposes.

Apron A garment worn over the front of

the body as a protection for ones cloth.

Face Mask A covering for the face to

prevent the inhaling or absorbing dust
and other chemicals

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 Gloves The covering material with a
separate sheath for each finger used for
hand protection.

Anti-Static and Safety Precautions

The little shock you experience while you are walking across a carpeted floor or
when you touched a door knob, table, counter or even another person is a result of static
electricity. Static electricity is the discharge of electricity between two objects with
different electrical potential. Humans can't feel a static shock until it is several thousand
volts strong, but it takes less than 30 volts to fry a sensitive computer component, such
as a stick of RAM or a processor.

That's why computer technicians and home computer builders have to guard
their computers against the deadly ravages of static electricity, as well as take steps to
avoid injury.

Safety and Anti-Static Rules

Always use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a computer (except when
working on monitors)
Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and from any powered
peripherals while you are working on it.
Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis with your bare hand before you
touch anything inside. Do this even if you are wearing an anti-static wristband.
Always handle electronic components by a non-conducting (non-metallic) edge.
Don't touch the pins or other connectors.
Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power unless it is connected either to a
computer's motherboard or to a dummy test load.
Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply that
incorporates surge and spike protection.
Never eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.

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True or False
Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE otherwise.

1. Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and from any powered
peripherals while you are working on it.
2. Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis with your bare hand before you
touch anything inside. Do this even if you are wearing an anti-static wristband.
3. Always handle electronic components by a non-conducting (non-metallic) edge.
Don't touch the pins or other connectors.
4. Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply that
incorporates surge and spike protection.
5. Never use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a computer (except when
working on monitors)
6. Everyone is allowed to eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.
7. Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power unless it is connected either to a
computer's motherboard or to a dummy test load.
8. Static electricity is the discharge of electricity between two objects with different
electrical potential.
9. Apron is a garment worn over the front of the body as a protection for ones cloth.
10. PPE can also be used to protect the working environment from pesticide
application, pollution or infection from the worker.

Directions: The class will be divided into five (5) groups. Each group has its own
respective leader. The group will perform a task regarding familiarizing the personal
protective equipment. After the activity they will be graded using the given Performance
Score Card below:

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 PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

Performance Criteria Percentage Grade

1. The student clearly identified personal protective

20%
equipment.

2. The student utilized actual tools/device in performing

15%
the actual procedures.

3. The student applied safety precautions during the task. 25%

4. The task gave students more critical thinking on the

30%
personal protective equipment.

5. The student cooperatively performed the task. 10%

Performance Rating

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SYSTEMS SPECIFICATION

Whenever you purchase software or hardware for your computer, you should first
make sure your computer supports the system requirements. These are the necessary
specifications your computer must have in order to use the software or hardware. For
example, a computer game may require your computer to have Windows XP or later, a
2.0 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, a 64 MB graphics card, and 500 MB or hard drive
space. If your computer does not meet all of these requirements, the game will not run
very well or might not run at all.
It is just as important to check system requirements for hardware devices. For
example, if you buy a printer, it may require either Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
It may also require a USB port and 80 MB of available hard drive space. If your computer
does not have any USB ports, you will not be able to physically connect the printer. If your
machine does not have Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.3 or later, the printer drivers may
be incompatible with your operating system. This means your computer will be unable to
recognize the printer.
Most hardware and software products have the system requirements printed on
the side or bottom of the product packaging. When you are shopping for computer
software or hardware, it is a good idea to first find out exactly what your system's
specifications are and write them down on a piece of paper. The important information to
record includes:
1. Operating System (i.e. Windows XP, SP 2 or Mac OS X 10.3.8)
2. Processor Speed (i.e. Pentium 4, 3.2 GHz or Power PC G5, 2.0 GHz)
3. Memory, a.k.a. RAM (i.e. 512 MB)
4. Graphics Card (i.e. ATI Radeon 9800 w/ 256 MB video memory)
5. Hard Disk Space (i.e. 80 GB available)
6. I/O Ports (i.e. USB, Firewire, Serial, Parallel, SCSI, VGA, DVI ports)
By recording these specifications from your computer, you will be able to make
sure your computer supports the products you are buying. In terms of installation,
systems specification is a big consideration in order for a computer to run and work
properly for the most efficient way it could be.
In broad terms, the performance of a computer depends on four factors: the speed
and architecture of its processor or "central processing unit" (CPU), how much random
access memory (RAM) it has, its graphics system, and its internal hard drive speed and
capacity. Also of importance to most users will be the specification of
its Internet connection. Most computer users and in particular those working with a lot of

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photographs, music files or videos should also think about the most
suitable storage devices they will need in order to keep and back-up all of their valuable
data.

Processor speed and architecture

The speed of a computer's processor chip (technically known as its "clock speed")
in measured in gigahertz (GHz), with the fastest modern processors currently running at
up to 4.7GHz. However, for most computing tasks, including web browsing, sending e-
mails, word processing and spreadsheet work any processor running at 1GHz or more
remains perfectly sufficient.

For applications such as video editing, 3D graphics work and (for the majority of
"power users") playing computer games, higher processor speeds is highly required. CPU
performance is now determined by far more than raw speed alone. Intel made this very
clear when it introduced its system of processor numbers. These provide an indication of
a processor's "architecture", "cache" and "front side bus (FSB) speed" in addition to its
clock speed.

The architecture of a processor is the most important factor to determine its

performance, and refers to its basic design and complexity. Some processors are simply
more sophisticated than others, with Intel (for example) producing "basic" processors
called Celerons and Pentiums, as well as more powerful processors under its "Core"
processor family. The later include the Core 2, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, with the last
of these being the most powerful.

In addition to clock speed and architecture, a processor's cache and front side bus
(FSB) speed also determine a computer's overall power. Cache is a form of very fast
memory integrated into the processor chip, and used to store up instructions (work for the
processor) so that it has to slow down as little as possible between tasks. Cache is
measured in megabytes (MB), with (for example) low-end Celeron processors having as
little as 0.25MB of cache (256KB), and high-end Itaniums having up to 24MB. The simple
message is, the more cache the better- though high levels of cache still come at a very
significant price.

Front side bus (FSB) speed is a measure of how fast a microprocessor

communicates with the computer's main circuit board (or "motherboard") into which it is
physically connected. Again, the higher the measure the better for overall performance,
with FSB speeds currently ranging from 533MHz (still perfectly sufficient for the vast
majority of applications) up to 1600 MHz.

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RAM

To a large extent, the more RAM a computer has the faster and more effectively it
will operate. Computers with little RAM have to keep moving data to and from their hard
disks in order to keep running. This tends to make them not just slow in general, but more
annoyingly intermittently sluggish.
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), as detailed on
the storage page. Just how much RAM a computer needs depends on the software it is
required to run effectively. A computer running Windows XP will usually function quite
happily with 1GB of RAM, whereas twice this amount (ie 2GB) is the realistic minimum
for computers running Windows 7.

Graphics system

A computer's graphics system determines how well it can work with visual output.
Graphics systems can either be integrated into a computer's motherboard, or plugged
into the motherboard as a separate "video card". Graphics systems integrated into the
motherboard (also known as "onboard graphics") are now quite powerful, and sufficient
for handling the requirements of most software applications aside from games playing,
3D modeling, and some forms of video editing.

Any form of modern computer graphics system can now display high-resolution
color images on a standard-sized display screen (ie any monitor up to about 19" in size).
The more sophisticated graphics cards now determines how well a computer can handle
the playback of high definition video, as well as the speed and quality at which 3D scenes
can be rendered. Another key feature of separate graphics cards is that most of them
now allow more than one display screen to be connected to a computer. Others also
permit the recording of video.

As a basic rule, unless a computer is going to be used to handle 3D graphics or to

undertake a significant volume of video editing or recording, today there is little point in
opting for anything other than onboard graphics (not least because separate graphics
cards consume quite a lot of electricity and create quite a lot of heat and noise). Adding
a new graphics card to a computer with onboard graphics is also a very easy upgrade if
required in the future.

Hard Drive Speed and Capacity

Today 40GB is an absolute minimum hard drive size for a new computer running
Windows 7, with a far larger capacity being recommended in any situation where more
than office software is going to be installed. Where a computer will frequently be used to

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edit video, a second internal hard disk dedicated only to video storage is highly
recommended for stable operation. Indeed, for professional video editing using a program
like Premiere Pro CS5, Adobe now recommend that a PC has at least three internal hard
disks (one for the operating system and programs, one for video project files, and one for
video media).

Two key factors determine the speed of traditional, spinning hard disks. The first
is the rotational velocity of the physical disk itself. This can currently be 4200, 5400, 7200,
10000 or 15000 rpm (revolutions per minute). The faster the disk spins, the quicker data
can be read from or written to it, hence the faster the disk the better (although faster disks
consumer more power, make more noise, and generate more heat). Most desktop hard
disks run at either 5400 or 7200 rpm, whilst most laptop hard disks run at 4200 or 5400.

The second key factor that determines performance of a traditional, internal hard
disk is the interface used to connect it to the computer's motherboard. Three types of
interface exist: Serial Advance Technology Attachment (SATA), which is the most
modern and now pretty much the norm on new PCs; Integrated Device Electronics
(IDE) (also known as UDMA), which is a slower and older form of interface, and
finally SCSI, which happens to be the oldest but in it most modern variant is still the fastest
disk interface standard.

Now, in order for you to better understand the topics under systems specification,
dig deep into your mind and answer the following essential questions:

1. In your point of view, describe system specification?

2. How does it affect the performance of the computer?
3. What is the relevance of understanding system specification in computer
hardware servicing?
4. Why do you think that system specification is one of the most important
considerations during installation?

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INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE COMPONENTS AND OTHER PERIPHERALS

One of the basic skills that you must acquire in computer hardware servicing is to
independently assemble and disassemble a personal computer or simply setting up a PC.
After familiarizing with all the tools, devices, peripherals and safety precautions I believe
that you are now ready to gain another experience in CHS by going through this lesson.

Personal Computer Disassembly

Before starting computer disassembly, make sure you have the tools you need and
they're all close by and handy and be sure to have a container to keep the screws in so
you have them when you want to put things back together.

Step1. Unplugging - The first thing you do is to unplug every cable that is plugged in to
your computer. That includes the cables such as Power, USB, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet,
Ethernet, Modem, AM\FM Antenna, Cable TV, etc. Just unplug all the cables for safety
purposes.

Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space.

Step2.Opening the Outer Shell/Case- First, unscrew the four screws at the back of the
computer. On most computer cases, there will be large knobs that you can unscrew by
hand or by screw driver on the back-right side of the computer. The left side has small
screws because on that side you can't access much on the inside.

Figure 32. Screw at the back of computer chasis

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 Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On most
computers, they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once had the
knobs), slide it towards the back of the computer. Now you can remove the left panel.
Just like the other side, slide it towards the back of the computer.

Side
Panel

Figure 33. Removing the side panel

NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minutes touch something that is grounded
(Sink faucet / pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall outlet). This is done so
you do not shock your motherboard or other parts.

Step3. Removing the System Fan - First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can
find the plug by following the wire from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next,
you will have to unscrew the fan from the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan
out of the PC.

System Fan

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 Figure 34. Removing the system fan

Step4. Removing the CPU Fan- The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU heat
sink, which is a large piece of metal with fins on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the
motherboard in an awkward place that is hard to access. But just follow the wires and you
should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink,
remove the four screws securing it in place.

CPU Fan

Figure 35. Removing the CPU fan

Step5. Power Supply - The first thing to do is unplug every wire coming from the power
supply. You must disconnect the motherboard (very large connector/plug), CD/DVD
drive(s) power, internal hard drive power and portable hard drive slot power.

Once everything is unplugged,

unscrew the four screws holding the power
supply in place, on the back of the
computer. Next, push the power supply
from the outside, and then lift it out.

Figure36. Unscrew the power supply

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Step6. CD/ DVD Drive(s)-First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive. Once that
is completed, pull on the tab
securing the drive in place, then
push it out from the inside.

CD / DVD
Drive

Figure 37. Location of CD / DVD Drive

Step7. Hard Drive - First, unplug the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the
other end from the motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and
the hard drive. The portable hard drive slot is secured the same way the CD/DVD drive
is, with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the slot out.

Figure 38. Unplugging the Hard Drive connector

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To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in
place. You must be very careful not to drop the hard drive, since it is very delicate!

Figure 39. Removing the hard drive from the side of the slot

Step8. Memory (RAM) - To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding the RAM
in place, which are located at both ends of the RAM.

Figure 40. Removing the Memory

Step9. Motherboard - The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the frame, which
are indicated by large white circles around them. Remove them and then lift the
motherboard out of the frame.

Figure 41. Removing the Motherboard

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Personal Computer Assembly
Now that you have the skills in disassembling a personal computer, Ibelieve that
you are ready to take another step of this module which is assembling a personal
computer. All you need to do is to follow the step by step procedures provided in this
module.

Step 1. Prepare your workplace

1. Take Inventory:
Before you start, take an inventory of your parts. Do not begin assembling your
computer if you don't have everything you need. Begin the step-by-step process once you
are ready with everything you need.

Figure 42. Take inventory of the Different Computer Parts

2. Make Space, Make Time:

Building a PC takes up space - about a dining room table worth. So make sure
you have plenty of working room and a few hours to proceed with minimal interruption.
Work on a flat, stable table top surface, or bare floor, where you have room to layout all
of the items.

3. Prepare Grounding Protection:

Use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap. Make sure you are wearing your
antistatic wrist strap correctly (it does you no good at all if you do not wear it!), and you
are ready to proceed. Look at Figure 43 for details.

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 Figure 43. Wearing the Anti- static Wrist Strap Correctly

4. Have the Drivers Ready:

Assuming you have another internet connected PC, download the latest drivers
from the vendors' websites for each component you will be installing. Sometimes drivers
are updated between the time the component was manufactured and the time you are
installing it. It is always best to have the latest. Copy them to a CD for easy access.

Step 2. Prepare the Motherboard

1. Great care should be taken when

installing the motherboard. First, take the
board out of its packaging and put it on
top of the antistatic bag it came in (see
Figure 45). Remember, you always want
to safeguard your components from
potentially hazardous static electricity
(wear your strap).

Figure 44. Motherboard in an Antistatic Bag

2. Before you secure the motherboard onto the PC case/chassis, inspect it carefully
for any visible defects.
3. Next, review the motherboard manual, to make sure you are familiar with the
motherboard layout and understand which socket is which. Manuals are extremely
helpful, usually easy to read, and include illustrations. Below you can find
instructions on how to install the processor, the heat sink and the memory modules
on the motherboard. You should not place the motherboard in the computer case
until you are told to do so.

Step 3. Install the CPU

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 1. Use the unlocking mechanism to
open the CPU socket which is
usually a lever.
2. Carefully line up the pins and place
the chip in its socket; it will fit only
when oriented the proper way. An
arrow or a missing pin on one
corner of the chip will show you
how to line things up.
3. Align Triangular CPU and socket
key marks as shown in Figure 46.
4. Lower the lever to lock the CPU
into place.
Figure 45. Install CPU

Step 4. Install the CPU Heat Sink

1. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the heat sink and the fan that will
cool the processor. If you bought an OEM CPU and a separate heat sink, you may
need to spread a thin layer of the thermal grease that came with the heat sink over
the chip to ensure proper transfer of heat (some heat sinks come with this grease
already applied).

Figure 46. Install CPU Heat Sink

2. Attach the clip that holds the heat sink in place keeping in mind that it may require
a fair amount of force. Again, follow the instructions that came with the heat sink.
They will show you how to fit it correctly. If you are in doubt, you can visit the
manufacturer's website for more information.
3. Plug the CPU fan's power connector into the proper connector on the motherboard.

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Step 5. Install Memory (RAM Modules)

In order to install the memory

modules, insert them into the proper
sockets (Figure 48) and push down
firmly but evenly until the clips on both
sides of the socket pop into place. If
your motherboard supports dual-
channel memory, consult the user
manual to determine which pairs of
RAM sockets you should use. The
motherboard and the CPU are the brain
and nerve center of your PC, so
selecting these components is the most
important decision you'll make.
Figure 47. Install RAM Memory

Step 6. Place the motherboard into the case

1. Some PC cases have a removable motherboard tray. If yours does, remove the screws
holding it in place and pull it out of the case (Figure 49).

Figure 48. Remove Motherboard Tray

2. Note the pattern of the holes in your motherboard (Figure 50), and screw brass
standoffs into the motherboard tray or into the PC case in the correct locations (ALWAYS
check the manual and follow their instructions to the letter).

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 Figure 49. Screw Brass Standoffs Into the Motherboard

3. Check the layout of the sockets on the motherboard, and confirm that the ports on your
motherboard's back panel match the holes on the case's Input/Output (I/O) shield that is
installed in your case. If necessary, remove the old I/O shield by tapping it firmly a few
times with the butt-end of a screwdriver, and then replace it with the shield that came with
the new motherboard.

4. Carefully position the motherboard on top of the brass standoffs (Figure 51), line up all
the holes, and use the screws that accompanied the case to fasten down the
motherboard. If you are using a removable tray in your system, slide the tray and
motherboard back into the case and then secure the tray.

Figure 50. Cases I /O Shield

Figure 51. Mount the Motherboard

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Step 7. Connect the Power Supply

Making the proper connections is crucial to successfully assembling your PC

system. Fortunately, manufacturers provide color-coded power cables and unique
connector shapes to make the job easy.

1. First, plug the large ATX power connector (Figure 53) from your power supply into the
matching port on your motherboard. Look Figure X for details.
2. Locate the smaller, square processor power connector (Figure 54) (you cannot miss it
- it is the one sprouting the yellow and black wires) and attach it to the motherboard.
Note: your connector is usually located near the processor. As always, refer to
your motherboard's manual for the exact locations.
3. Use your motherboard user manual and find the description about front-panel
connectors.

Figure 52. Connect the ATX Power in the Motherboard

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 Figure 53. Square Processor Power Connector

NOTE:
You are going to be doing work that requires attention to detail and can be quite
frustrating if you do not go into it with the right attitude.

4. Attach each of the tiny leads from the power and reset switches (Figure 56), the hard-
disk activity lights, the PC speaker, and any front-panel USB and FireWire ports to the
corresponding pin on your motherboard. The needle-nose pliers are useful for
manipulating small pieces.

Figure 54. Connect the different Leads

Step 8. Install Graphics / Video Cards

1. Begin by removing the backplane cover from the AGP or PCI Express X16 slot
(the metal piece where the monitor connector will emerge) (Figure 55).

Figure 55. Remove the backplane cover

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 2. Install the graphics board in that slot, and then secure the card with a screw (Figure
56).

Figure 56. Install the Graphics Board

Step 9. Install Internal Drives

Now it is time to install your drives. This is an easy process, but it requires attention to
detail.

1. Make any necessary changes to jumpers on the drives before mounting them in
the case. A two-drive system (one or two SATA (Serial ATA- is a standard
hardware interface for connecting hard drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer)
hard drives, plus one parallel ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) optical
drive, for example) is easy to set up; the SATA drives are jumper less, and the
optical drive can be set as master on its own parallel ATA channel. Many cases
have removable drive rails or cages to house drives.

2. Use the included screws to attach your drives to the rails or cage, and slide them
into the case. For externally accessible drives such as a DVD recorder, you can
save time by installing one drive rail and sliding the drive in for a test fitting to make
sure that its front is flush with the case (Figure 57).

3. When the drives are installed, connect power and data cables to each one. Parallel
ATA drives use wide, flat data cables that can be installed only in the correct way.
Floppy drives use a similar but smaller cable; SATA drives use a thin, 1cm-wide
data cable. SATA drives use a new type of power connector that many power
supplies don't come with. Fortunately, many motherboards ship with adapters for
converting a standard four-pin power connector to a SATA power
connector (Figure 57).

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Figure 57. Attach your devices

Figure 58. Connect Power Connector

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Step 10. Install the Add- in Cards

1. For each add-in card, you must choose a free PCI slot.
1. Remove its backplane cover to allow access from the rear of the case.
3. Carefully position the card above the slot, and press down firmly to seat the
card (Figure 59).
4. Secure the card with a screw.

Figure 59. Add- in Cards

Many motherboards have additional sound connectors or ports housed on small

add-in boards. Some of these plug into slots on the motherboard; others screw into the
back of the case in place of slot covers. Usually the additional ports are not essential to
your PC's operation. For example, if you install a sound card, you do not need connectors
to the motherboard's built-in sound chip. Check your motherboard manual to determine
what each of these boards does.

Connecting Peripherals of a Personal Computer

When attaching hardware and peripherals of the computer, ensure that they are
connected to the correct locations or ports. For example, some mouse and keyboard
cables use the same type of PS/2 connector. So, you must know first the different ports
that can be found in the back panel of the computer.

Keep in mind:
1. When attaching cables, never force a connection.
2. Plug in the power cable after you have connected all other
cables.
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 Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

Step 1.Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

Step 2.Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector.
Step 3.Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port.
Step 4.Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.
Step 5.Plug the USB cable into a USB port.
Step 6.Plug the network cable into the network port.
Step 7.Plug the power cable into the power supply.

Figure 60. Steps in Connecting Peripherals of a PC

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 After connecting all the cables into their proper places, the picture in the next page
should be the appearance of the back panel of your PC.

Figure 61. Appearance of the PCs Back Panel

Rearrange the Procedures

Direction: Rearrange the following procedures in their proper order. Use numbers to
indicate their order of precedence. The first number is done for you.

A. Personal Computer Disassembly

__7_1. Detaching the Hard Drive
____2. Detaching the power supply
____3. Opening the outer shell / case
____4. Pull Out the Motherboard
____5. Removing the CD / DVD Drives
____6. Removing the CPU fan
____7. Removing the system fan
____8. Unplugging all the cables and wires

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B. Personal Computer Assembly
__7_1. Connect the Power Supply
____2. Install Graphics / Video Cards
____3. Install Internal Drives
____4. Install Memory (RAM Modules)
____5. Install the Add- in Cards
____6. Install the CPU
____7. Install the CPU Heat Sink
____8. Place the motherboard into the case
____9. Prepare the Motherboard
____10. Prepare your workplace

Performance Test

Direction: Follow and perform the given procedures on Activity A, B and C. Safety
precautions must be observed when working. You will be rated in accordance with the
rubrics provided after the activity:

A. PC Disassembly

Unplug all the Remove

Remove CD/
cables and Memory
DVD Drives
wires Module

Open the outer Remove the Remove the

shell / case power supply Motherboard

Remove the Remove the

system fan CPU Fan

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B. Personal Computer Assembly

Prepare your Prepare the Install the CPU

Install the CPU
workplace Motherboard Heat Sink

Install Place the Install

Connect the
Graphics / motherboard Memory (RAM
Power Supply
Video Cards into the case Modules)

Install Internal Install the

Drives Add- in Cards

C. Connecting PC Peripherals

Attach the monitor cable to the video port.

1

Secure the cable by tightening the screws on the connector

2

Plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port

3

Plug the mouse cable into the PS/2 mouse port.

4

Plug the USB cable into a USB port.

5

Plug the network cable into the network port.

6

7 Plug the power cable into the power supply.

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 Rubrics for your performance Test

Criteria Percentage Grade

Accuracy 50 %

Adherence to the procedures 20%

Workmanship(applied safety precautions) 20%

Speed 10%

Performance Rating

INSTALLING OPERATINFG SYSTEM

Before the installation process undertake, a technician must be aware of the

minimum requirements of a computer hardware that is compatible with the operating
system to be installed. Following the systems requirements means an efficient computer
system. The list below shows the windows XP minimum requirements for installation:

Pentium 233 Mhz or compatible processor or faster; 300MHZ or faster

recommended
64MB of RAM minimum; 128MB or more recommended
4.3GB hard hard disk space or more
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
Super VGA (800X600) or higher-resolution monitor
Keyboard and mouse

Windows XP Installation

1. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM and reboot the computer

If you see a message about press any key to boot the CD, do so now. Otherwise,
you will see a message about Setup inspecting your system.

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 Figure 62. Boot from CD

2. MS-DOS portion of Setup begins

In the first stage of setup; you will see a series of blue and gray MS-DOS-based
screens.
In the first step, you will be asked to press F6 if you need to install any third-party
or RAID drivers.

Figure 63. Windows Set-up

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3. Welcome to Setup

Finally, Setup begins. In this step, you can set up XP, launch the Recovery Console
(another, more complicated system recovery tool), or quit.
Press ENTER to continue Setup, and it will examine your hard drives and
removable disks.

Figure 64. Welcome to Set-up

4. Read the license agreement

Next, you'll have to agree to Microsoft's complex licensing agreement. Among

the highlights: You don't actually own Windows XP and you can only install it on
one PC.
Hit F8 to continue.

Figure 65. License and Agreement

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5. Choose an installation partition

This crucial step lets you choose where to install XP.

On a clean install, you will typically install to the C: drive, but you might have other
ideas, especially if you plan to dual-boot with 9x.
Setup will show you all of your available disks (in this case, just one) and let you
create and delete partitions as needed. So, for example, if you have one disk, but
would like to create two partitions, one for XP and one for your data, you can do
that here.

Figure 66. Choose an Installation Partition

6. Select the file system

If you created a new partition, or wish to change the file system of an existing
partition, you can do so in the next step. NTFS (New Technology File System) file
system is more secured than FAT (File Allocation System).
Regardless of which file system you choose, be sure to select one of the "quick"
format options (the top two choices), if you do need to format, since these will work
much more quickly than a full format.

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 Figure 67. Select the File System

7. Optionally format the partition

If you did choose to change or format the file system, this will occur next. First,
you'll be asked to verify the format. If you're installing XP on a system with more
than one partition, especially one that still holds your data on one of the partitions,
be sure you're formatting the correct partition.
Hit F to continue, and a yellow progress bar will indicate the status of the format.
When this is complete, Setup will again examine your disks, and create a list of
files to copy.

Figure 68. Optionally Format the Partition

8. Setup folder copy phase and reboot
Setup will now copy system files to the system/boot partition(s) you just created.
This will allow the PC to boot from the C: drive and continue Setup in GUI mode.
When the file copy is complete, Setup will initialize and save your XP configuration.

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 It will then reboot your PC.When the system reboots, you will probably see the
"Press any key to boot from CD" message again. If this happens, do not press a
key: Setup will now boot from your C: drive. In the event that you cannot prevent
the CD-based Setup from reloading, eject the CD and reboot. Setup will ask for
the CD when needed.

Figure 69. Setup Folder Copy Phase

9. GUI Setup begins

Once the system reboots, you will be presented with the GUI Setup phase, which
is much more attractive than the DOS-mode phase. As you progress through GUI
Setup, you can read promotional information on the right side of the screen about
XP.
Next, your hardware devices are detected. This could take several minutes.

Figure
70. GUI
Setup
10. Regional and language Options

In the first interactive portion of GUI Setup, you can choose to customize the
regional and language settings that will be used by XP, as well as the text input

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 language you'd like. Users in the United States will not normally need to change
anything here.
Click Next to continue.

Figure 71. Regional and Language Options

11. Personalize your software

Now, enter your name and your company.

The name you enter is not the same as your user name, incidentally, so you
should enter your real name here (i.e. Rosalie Lujero or whatever).
Click Next to continue.

Figure 72. Software Personalization

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12. Enter your product key

Now you must enter the 25-character product key that is located on the orange
sticker found on the back of the CD holder that came with Windows XP. You cannot
install XP without a valid product key. Later on, you will be asked to activate and
optionally register your copy of Windows XP. A product key can be used to install
XP on only one PC.
Click Next to continue.
Figure
73.
Enter

Product Key

13. Enter a computer name and administrator password

In the next phase of Setup, you can create a name for your computer (which is
used to identify it on a network) and, optionally in Pro Edition only, a password for
the system Administrator, the person who controls the PC (this will generally be
you, of course).

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 Figure 74. Enter Computer Name and Administrator Password
14. Supply your date and time settings

Next, you can supply the date and time, which are auto-set based on information
in your BIOS, and the time zone, which is irritatingly set to PST, which is where
Microsoft is. Change these as appropriate.
Click Next to continue.

Figure 75. Enter Date and Time Settings

15. Network setup

If you have a networking card or modem, Setup now install the networking
components, which include the client for Microsoft networks, File and Print

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 Sharing, the Quality of Service (QoS) Packet Scheduler, and the TCP/IP
networking protocol by default.

Figure 76. Network Set-Up

16a. Choose networking settings

In this phase, you can choose to keep the default settings (recommended) or
enter custom settings.

Note that XP doesn't include the legacy NetBEUI protocol out of the box. If
you want to use this protocol, you will need to install it later from the XP
CD-ROM.
Click Next to continue.

Figure 77. Choose Networking Settings

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Windows XP Professional only:

16b. Enter workgroup or domain information

In Windows XP Professional only, you will be able to select a workgroup or

domain name next. Home Edition doesn't work with Windows domains, however,
and Setup will automatically supply the workgroup name MSHOME, which you
can change later. The default workgroup name in XP Pro is, imaginatively,
WORKGROUP.

Click Next to continue.

Figure 78. Enter Workgroup or Domain Information

17. Set-up completion

From this point on, Setup will continue to completion without any further need for
interaction. Setup will now copy files, complete installation, install your Start Menu
items, register system components, save settings, remove any temporary files
needed by Setup, and then reboot.

Again, you will probably see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message on
reboot. If this happens, do not press a key, and your new XP install will boot up.
You can remove the XP Setup CD now.

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 Figure 79. Set- Up Completion

18. First boot

Youll be greeted by the XP splash screen on first boot (this actually appears briefly
when you rebooted into GUI Setup as well).The splash screens for XP Pro and
Home are subtly different.

Figure 80. First Boot

19. Change display settings

Users with CRT monitors and some LCDs (such as laptops and flat panel displays)
will see a Display Settings dialog appear, which asks whether you'd like XP to

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 automatically set the resolution. This will generally change the resolution from 800
x 600 to 1024 x 768 on a CRT monitor, or to the native resolution of an LCD display.
Click OK and let XP change the resolution. Then, accept the settings if the screen
display changes and can be read. If you can't see the display, it will time out after
30 seconds and return to the sub-optimal 800 x 600 resolution.
Click OK to accept the screen resolution change.

Figure 81. Change Display Settings

20. Welcome to Microsoft Windows

Now, you are presented with XP's "Out of Box Experience," or OOBE, which
presents a silly wizard to guide you through the final set up of your PC.
Click Next to continue.

Figure 82. Welcome to Microsoft Windows

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21. Network setup

In the opening OOBE phase, you are asked to set up your network/Internet
connection, which is required for activation and registration. If you selected the
default networking configuration during Setup and know it will work (because
you're connected directly to a cable modem, perhaps, or are on a local area
network), then select Yes (the default). Otherwise, you can select No and then
Skip.

We'll assume that your network is up and running and select Yes.
Click Next to continue.

Figure 83. Network Set- up

22. Optionally activate and register Windows

If you selected Yes in the previous step, you are asked if you'd like to activate
Windows XP. This will tie your copy of XP to the current PC semi-permanently.
Activation requires a connection to the Internet, but you can perform this step later
if you want (and don't worry, XP will annoyingly remind you of this fact every time
you boot the machine until you do so).

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 Figure 84. Windows Activation

23. Set up users

Now, you can set up the user names of the people who will be using the PC. You
will want at least one user (for you), since you shouldn't be logging on as
Administrator. Curiously, each user you do create here has administrative
privileges, however, and no password. You should set up your users correctly with
passwords as soon as possible.
This phase lets you create up to five users. You can create more later, or manage
users, using the User Accounts tool in Control Panel.
Click Finish when done creating users. At this point, OOBE ends and you're
reading to go.
Click Finish again.

Figure 85. Set-up Users

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24. Logon to Windows XP for the first time

Click your name, that account will logon and you'll be presented with the XP
desktop. After you create passwords, however, you'll be asked to enter a password
before you can logon.

Figure 86. Set-up Users

Multiple Choice: Read each question carefully and choose the letter of the best
answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is not a Windows XP minimum requirement?

a. 128MB RAM or higher c. Lower resolution monitor
b. CD- ROM or DVD ROM d. 4.3 GB hard disk space or more
2. If you see a message to press any key to boot the CD and you fail to do so, what
do you think will happen?
a. The computer will restart
b. Set up inspecting your system will appear
c. It will be prompted to BIOS setup
d. It will return to boot menu
3. What key should you press if you need to install any third- party or RAID drivers?
a. F2 c. F2
b. F6 d. F12
4. After reading the license agreement, what function key will press in order to start
the installation?
a. F6 c. F9
b. F8 d. F12

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 5. Where do we typically install the operating system?
a. Drive C c. External Drive
b. DVD d. Floppy Drive
6. What file system is usually used during installation?
a. FAT c. d. NTFS
b. FAT32 e. NTFS32
7. Suppose that you will install Windows XP on a system with more than one partition,
what important process should be done?
a. Change the file system
b. Delete the data and files on the different partition
c. Examine the partition
d. Format the correct partition
8. When the folder copy phase is complete your system will reboot, what are you
going to do if see the message Press any key to boot from CD?
a. Press any key c. Reboot the system
b. Do not press a key d. Eject the CD
9. What is the next phase after the set up folder copy phase and reboot?
a. GUI set up c. Username setup
b. Software d. Software personalization
10. What phase will immediately follow after the first boot phase?
a. Welcome to Windows c. Change display setting
b. Network Setup d. Set up users

For you to have a profound knowledge on the overview of what windows XP is,
utilize the internet and watch the following video presentations:

1. Overview of Windows XP
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-802/an-
overview-of-windows-xp/

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 2. Planning for installation
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-802/planning-a-
windows-installation-2/

3. Windows XP installation
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-802/installing-
windows-xp-3/

After watching the videos, have a documentation containing the overview of

Windows Xp and salient procedures in Planning for installation and Windows XP
installation. Use a short white bond paper and be creative for the documentation.

Windows XP Installation

Equipment:

Computer unit with CD or DVD drive

AVR / UPS

Materials:

Windows XP Installer

Procedure:

1. Work in triads or quartet (depending on the no. of computer available)

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2. Install the Operating System (OS), Windows XP.
3. Take turns in doing the above task.

You will be assessed using the criteria in the score card below.

PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

Evaluation: Percentage Score

CRITERIA

1. Operating System is installed with no errors. 40%

2. Proper disk partitioning and partition is 40%

performed.
3. Proper use of equipment and materials is 10%
observed.
4. Observance of Safety Precautions. 10%

Performance Criteria

Windows 7 Installation

As a technician you must be able to know the variations or options in installing an

operating system that is compatible with the hardware requirement of a personal
computer. Another operating system available in the market now is the Windows 7
version. Now, take a tour through the procedures in installing a Windows 7 operating
system. I believe, the procedures will be very easy for you.

1. Turn your computer on then press Del or F2 (depend on your computers

mainboard) to enter the system BIOS.
2. Go to Boot menu and choose Boot from CD/DVD.

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 Figure 87. Boot Menu

3. Press F10 to save the configuration and exit BIOS then reset your computer.

Figure 88. Save configuration settings

4. Insert Windows 7 DVD into your DVD drive then start up your computer, Windows
7 will be loading files.

Figure 89. Windows 7 loading files and Start up

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5. Select your language, time & currency format, keyboard or input method and
click Next.

Figure 90. Language, Time and Currency Set- up

6. Click Install now.

Figure 91. Install Now

7. Check I accept the license terms and click Next.

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 Figure 92. License Terms Agreement

8. Click Upgrade if you already have a previous Windows version

or Custom (advanced) if you dont have a previous Windows version or want to
install a fresh copy of Windows 7.

Figure 93. Windows 7 Options for Installation

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9. (Skip this step if you chose Upgrade and have only one partition) Select the
drive where you want to install Windows 7 and click Next. If you want to make any
partitions, click Drive options (advanced), make the partitions and then
click Next.

Figure 94. Drive Options

10. It will now start installing Windows 7. The first step, (i.e. Copying Windows files)
was already done when you booted the Windows 7 DVD so it will complete
instantly.

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 Figure 95. Windows 7 Starts Installation

11. After completing the first step, it will expand (decompress) the files that it has been
copied.

Figure 96. Expanding Windows Files

12. The third and fourth step will also complete instantly like the first step.

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 Figure 97. Installing Features and Updates

13. After that it will automatically restart after 15 seconds and continue the setup. You
can also click Restart now to restart without any delays.

Figure 98. Restart to Continue Installation

14. After restarting for the first time, it will continue the setup. This is the last step so it
will take the most time than the previous steps.

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 Figure 99.Completing Installation
15. It will now automatically restart again and continue the setup. You can
click Restart now to restart without any delays.

Figure 100.First Start Up

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16. Type your desired user name in the text-box and click Next. It will automatically fill
up the computer name.

Figure 101.Software Personalization

17. If you want to set a password, type it in the text-boxes and click Next.

Figure 102.Password Set- up

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18. Type your product key in the text-box and click Next. You can also skip this step
and simply click Next if you want to type the product key later. Windows will run
only for 30 days if you do that.

Figure 103.Type Windows Product Key

19. Select your desired option for Windows Updates

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 Figure 104. Windows Update

20. Select your time and click Next.

Figure 105. Time and Date Settings

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21. If you are connected to any network, it will ask you to set the networks location.

Figure 106. Windows 7 Set- up Complete

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 Figure 107. Preparing Desktop

Hands- on Activity:

You are tasked to reformat / install an operating system particularly Windows 7,

however, during the process of installation a problem occurred the machine / computer
did not boot from CD. What do you think might be the reason for this unplanned incident?
Your task now is to demonstrate the correct procedures to solve and respond to this
unplanned event in accordance to the established procedures.
You will work in quartet or triads (depending on the number of computers) to solve
this problem. Your output will be rated according to the following criteria:
SKILLS SCORE CARD

CRITERIA PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accuracy 50 %
(Adherence to the correct procedure)
Workmanship 30 %
(Adherence to OHS policy, neatness and
organization of materials used)
Speed 20 %
PERFORMANCE RATING 100%

Before implementing any contingency procedures in any unplanned events you

must have a deeper understanding in obtaining approval from appropriate personnel.
Your task now is to do the following:

1. Watch video presentation on the said topic and have a proper documentation of
the procedures in obtaining approval from the appropriate personnel.

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 2. Interview a person in the field to acquire the knowledge (procedures) and skills on
the said competency.

Windows 7 Installation

Equipment:

Computer unit with CD or DVD drive

AVR / UPS

Materials:

Windows 7 Installer

Procedure:

1. Work in triads or quartet (depending on the no. of computer available)

2. Install the Operating System (OS), Windows 7.
3. Take turns in doing the above task.

You will be assessed using the criteria in the score card below.

PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

CRITERIA Percentage Score

1. Operating System is installed with no errors. 40%

2. Proper disk partitioning and partition is 40%

performed.
3. Proper use of equipment and materials is 10%
observed.
4. Observance of Safety Precautions. 10%

PERFORMANCE RATING

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BASIC COMPUTER CONFIGURATION SETUP

Configuration is the way a system is set up, or the assortment of components that
make up the system. Configuration can refer to either hardware or software, or the
combination of both.

Basic Input / Output System (BIOS)

The Basic Input Output System, usually referred to as BIOS, is software stored on
a small memory chip on the motherboard.

BIOS instruct the computer on how to perform a number of basic functions such
as booting and keyboard control. BIOS is also used to identify and configure the hardware
in a computer such as the hard drive, optical drive, CPU, memory, etc.

Figure 108. BIOS Set- up

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 The BIOS is accessed and configured through the BIOS Setup Utility. The BIOS
Setup Utility is, for all reasonable purposes, the BIOS itself. All available options in BIOS
are configurable via the BIOS Setup Utility. The BIOS Setup Utility is accessed in various
ways depending on your computer or motherboard make and model.
BIOS access and configuration on PC systems is independent of any operating
systembecause the BIOS is part of the motherboard hardware. It doesn't matter if a
computer is running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Linux, Unix, or no
operating system at all - BIOS functions outside of the operating system environment and
is no way dependent upon it.
BIOS contain a number of hardware configuration options that can be changed
through the setup utility. Saving these changes and restarting the computer applies the
changes to the BIOS and alters the way BIOS instructs the hardware to function. The
following list shows the things you can do in most BIOS systems:

Change the Boot Order Enable or Disable the Computer Logo

Load BIOS Setup Defaults Enable or Disable the Quick Power On
Remove a BIOS Password Self Test (POST)
Create a BIOS Password Enable or Disable the CPU Internal
Change the Date and Time Cache
Change Floppy Drive Settings Enable or Disable the Caching of
Change Hard Drive Settings BIOS
Change CD/DVD/BD Drive Settings Change CPU Settings
View Amount of Memory Installed Change Memory Settings
Change the Boot Up NumLock Status Change System Voltages

Device Drivers

Now that you successfully installed the operating system, youll need to configure
the devices such as Video Cards, Network Interface Cards, Sound Cards, etc by installing
the device drivers of each. In many cases, if Windows recognizes the device, drivers will
be installed automatically. In some cases, generic drivers are installed so that the devices
will work properly.

Drivers are small software programs that help the operating system use or drive
the device. Whenever a device doesnt work properly, ask if the proper driver has been
installed.

The procedures listed below describe how to obtain and install drivers for hardware
devices on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer.

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Step 1: Determine the Hardware Manufacturer

If you do not know the manufacturer of the device for which you want to install the
driver, follow these steps to determine the manufacturer:

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.

Figure 109. Manage My Computer

2. Under System Tools, click Device Manager.

The devices that are installed on the computer are listed in the right pane.

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 Device Manager

Figure 110. Device Manager

3. In the right pane, expand the category of the device that you want to configure.
For example, expand Display adapters.

NOTE: The device may be listed under other devices.

Expanded Device
Category

Figure 111. Expanded Device Category

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4. Right-click the device for which you want to install the driver, and then
click Properties.

NOTE: The device may appear as Unknown device or as a generic device.

Figure 112. Device Properties

5. Click the General tab. Make a note of the manufacturer and model of the device.

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 Figure 113. General Tab

6. Click Cancel, and then quit Computer Management.

NOTE: If the device is not displayed in Device Manager, or the device is listed
as an "Unknown device," contact the computer or device manufacturer to
obtain more information about the device.

Step 2: Obtain the Driver

To obtain the latest driver, use the following list of possible sources for the driver,
in the order in which they are presented.

Original Computer Manufacturer

If the device was installed by your computer manufacturer, contact the
manufacturer of your computer to find out how to obtain, download, and install the latest
drivers for the device.

Device Manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer of the device to inquire about how to obtain, download,
and install the latest drivers for the device.

Chipset Manufacturer

Contact the chipset manufacturer of the device to find out how to obtain, download,
and install the latest drivers for the device. It is best to first contact the manufacturer of
the device for the drivers before you contact the chipset manufacturer.

For example, if your display adapter uses a NVIDIA chipset, first contact the manufacturer
of the display adapter. If you cannot contact the display adapter manufacturer or if the
manufacturer does not have a driver, contact NVIDIA.

Some examples of chipset manufacturers (and their Web sites) include:

NVIDIA (display adapters)
PCTEL, Inc. (modems)

Installation CD or Floppy Disks

If you have the original driver CD or floppy disks that were included with the
computer or device, and if no other source for the drivers is available, use the original
driver that is included with the computer or device.

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NOTE: Whenever possible, try to first contact the Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM), device manufacturer, or chipset manufacturer to obtain the latest version of the
driver.

Step 3: Install the Driver

The driver files that you download from the OEM, device manufacturer, or chipset
manufacturer differ depending on how the driver is packaged by the manufacturer.
If the file is an executable program, run the program to extract the files. If the file
is in .zip format, you can use a third-party utility such as WinZip to extract the files.
For more information about how to extract the driver files, see the instructions that
are provided by the manufacturer of the driver.
The driver may use a setup program. The driver package may contain raw driver
files, or it may contain only raw driver files. Some examples include .inf files, and
.sys files. To install the driver, use one of the following methods
as appropriate to your situation.

Driver with a Setup or Installation Program

If the driver uses a setup or installation program, run the program to install the
driver. For more information about how to do this, see the documentation or contact the
driver manufacturer.

Device Is Displayed in Device Manager

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
2. Under System Tools, click Device Manager.
The devices that are installed on the computer are listed in the right pane.
3. Expand the category of the device that you want to configure. For example,
expand Modems.
NOTE: The device may be listed under Other devices.
4. Right-click the device for which you want to install the driver, and then
click Properties.
NOTE: The device may be displayed as Unknown device, or as a generic device.
5. Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.
The Upgrade Device Driver wizard starts.
6. Click Next.
7. Do one of the following:
o Click Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended), and
then click Next.
-or-
o Click Display a list of the known devices for this device so that I can
choose a specific driver, and then clickNext. Click Have Disk,

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 click Browse, locate the .inf files that you downloaded in Step 2: Obtain the
Driver, click an .inf file, and then click Open.

8. Follow the wizard instructions to install the driver.

9. Restart the computer.

Device Is Not Displayed in Device Manager

Use the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel to install drivers for non-Plug
and Play devices. You may have to use this method to install certain modems, serial
ports, or printer ports.
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Hardware.
3. Click Next.
4. Click Add/Troubleshoot a device, and then click Next.
5. Do one of the following:
o Click Yes, search for new hardware, and then click Next.
-or-
o Click No, I want to select the hardware from a list, and then click Next.
6. Follow the wizard instructions to install the driver.
7. Restart the computer.

Installing Device Drivers

Material: Installation CD
Direction: Given an installation CD, perform installation of a device driver.
Check the quality of your work undertaken in accordance with the established procedures
thru the Performance Score Card below.

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 PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

Performance Criteria Criteria Grade

1. The system is correctly started. 20%

2. The Installation CD is properly inserted. 20%

3. Handling and safekeeping of installation CD is observed. 20%

4. The instructions how to install device drivers are accurately

20%
followed.

5. The device drivers are successfully installed 20%

PERFORMANCE RATIING

Lesson3. CONDUCT TEST ON THE INSTALLED COMPUTER SYSTEM

In the previous lesson, you were introduced with all the necessary knowledge and
skills on installation of computer devices and operating system. Now, after executing the
correct procedures I am sure that installation is a very easy task for you. Those skills will
be very essential for the next lesson.
In the next phase of your learning it will focus in conducting test on the installed
computer components. After reading all the required topics and performing the essential
skills you must be able to:
Follow OHS policies and procedures in conducting tests;
Check circuits and systems being isolated using specified testing procedures;
Test devices, systems and/or installation to determine its conformity with the
requirements;

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 Undertake final inspections on the installed devices, systems to ensure conformity
with the requirements;
Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted; and
Follow procedures in forwarding documentation to appropriate personnel and/or
authority on the test conducted.

TESTING INSTALLED EQUIPMENT / DEVICES (COMPONENTS)

As computer technician you will need a good understanding of the health and
safety regulations from early on in your career, so that you understand the good practices
demanded by law. In particular, you need to:
report any accidents
take reasonable care of your own health and safety when moving heavy
components
not cause any electrical hazards
make sure that workstations meet safety requirements.
You need to adhere to health and safety regulations as they will help to protect you and
others and will avoid any unnecessary legal action for reckless and unsafe working
practices. If you identify any health and safety problems, you should tell your line manager
or the health and safety representative immediately.
The most basic test is to switch the system on to check it starts without errors.
ICT professionals are also likely to use tools and utilities to check that all is well with the
system after an installation.

The Use of Diagnostic Tools in testing installed hardware components and other
peripherals
Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose equipment. Diagnostic tools
include the following:
Digital multimeter is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests
the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components. A
digital multimeter displays the information on an LCD or LED.

A loopback adapter, also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of
computer ports. The adapter is specific to the port that you want to test.

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 The toner probe, is a two-part tool. The toner part is connected to a cable at one
end using specific adapters, such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. The toner
generates a tone that travels the length of the cable. The probe part traces the
cable. When the probe is in near proximity to the cable to which the toner is
attached, the tone can be heard through a speaker in the probe.

Figure 114. Diagnostic Tools

Software Tools

Like hardware tools, there are a variety of software tools that can be used to help
technicians pinpoint and troubleshoot problems. Many of these tools are free and several
come with the Windows operating system.

Disk Management Tools

Software tools help diagnose computer and network problems and determine which
computer device is not functioning correctly. A technician must be able to use a range of
software tools to diagnose problems, maintain hardware, and protect the data stored on
a computer.

You must be able to identify which software to use in different situations. Disk
management tools help detect and correct disk errors, prepare a disk for data storage,
and remove unwanted files.

The following are some disk management tools:

FDISK: A command-line tool that creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive.
The FDISK tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been replaced
with the Disk Management tool.
Disk Management Tool: Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats
partitions.

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 Format: Prepares a hard drive to store information.
ScanDisk or CHKDSK: Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by
scanning the file system. These tools might also check the disk surface for physical
errors.
Defrag: Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and
data.
Disk Cleanup: Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be
safely deleted.
System File Checker (SFC): A command-line tool that scans the operating
system critical files and replaces files that are corrupted.

Use the Windows 7 boot disk for troubleshooting and repairing corrupted files. The
Windows 7 boot disk repairs Windows system files, restores damaged or lost files, and
reinstalls the operating system.

Test procedures

A test procedure is a set of steps to guide you through what needs to be done to
thoroughly test the installation. It is designed to help you work more effectively and to
make sure you test everything that needs testing.

Test procedures are created in-house and could include these steps:
1. Gathering test information. The first step is to run the tests required by the procedure
and find out what happens. You should record all the results of your tests in a log so that
you know which pass and which fail, thereby requiring further action.
2. Validating the test information. The next step is to check the data you gathered from
the tests to make sure it is correct. This is usually done by running the tests again.
3. Responding to test information. This step is important because you need to be able
to recognize when a test shows problems or is successful. For example, if ping is used to
test a network connection then Request timed out shows the test was not successful.
4. Checking specification. The final step is an important end to testing. You need to
check the specification for the installation to make sure that it has been met. For example,
if a user requested an upgrade to make their display run at 1920 x 1200, then the ICT
professionalshould check that the graphics card and screen can do this.

External Visual Inspection

The external visual inspection consists of a quick inspection of the exterior of the
computer, the monitor, the keyboard, any peripherals, and cables. While performing the
visual inspection, make any necessary corrections. To perform the external visual
inspection, perform the following steps:

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 1. Turn off the computer, the monitor, and all peripherals.
2. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the computer, the monitor
and peripherals, and their power sources.
3. Verify that the keyboard and mouse interface cables are firmly attached to the
proper connectors on the back of the computer.
For a PS/2-compatible mouse, the keyboard and mouse interface cable
connectors are identical except for their labels.
For a serial mouse, the mouse interface cable must be firmly attached to
one of the serial port connectors, and its captive screws must be secure
enough to ensure a firm connection.
4. Verify that network cables (if present) are properly attached.
5. Verify that any devices attached to the serial and parallel port connectors are
properly connected.
Each of the serial and parallel port interface cables must be firmly attached
to an appropriate connector on the back of the computer as well as to the
interface connector on the device. The captive screws that secure these
connectors at each end of the interface cable must be secure enough to
ensure a firm connection.
6. Verify that the video interface cable is firmly attached to the video connector on the
back panel or to a video expansion card, and also to the connector on the back of
the monitor. For proper connection of the video monitor, see the documentation
for the monitor.
7. Inspect all external monitor controls for any obvious damage or improper settings.
For proper settings of the video monitor controls, see the documentation for the
monitor.
8. Inspect the keyboard to ensure that no keys are sticking. If one or more keys are
sticking, it may be necessary to replace the keyboard.
9. Inspect the exterior of the computer, including all controls and indicators, and all
user-accessible data storage devices for any signs of physical damage.

Does the inspection reveal any problems?

Yes. Proceed to the appropriate procedure in "Removing and Replacing Parts."

No. Proceed to "Observing the Boot Routine."

Observing the Boot Routine

After you have performed an external visual inspection as described in the
previous section, you should boot the system and, while the boot routine is running,
observe the system for any indications of problems.

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 NOTE: Most of the steps in this procedure require observation of system
functions and indications, some of which can occur simultaneously. It may be
necessary to reboot the system several times to complete all of these steps.

To observe problem indications during the boot routine, perform the following steps:

1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the computer.

2. Check the power supply fan.
Does the fan run normally?
o Yes. Proceed to step 3.
o No. Troubleshoot the system power supply.

3. Watch the <Num Lock>, <Caps Lock>, and <Scroll Lock> indicators on the upper-
right corner of the keyboard. After all three indicators flash momentarily, and
following a long pause (approximately 30 seconds), the Num Lock indicator should
light up and remain on (unless the Num Lock option is set to Off in the System
Setup program).

Do these indicators flash on and off within approximately 10 seconds after the boot
routine starts?
o Yes. Proceed to step 4.
o No. Troubleshoot the system power supply. If the troubleshooting procedure
indicates that the system power supply is operational, troubleshoot the
memory.
4. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:

o Beep codes A beep code is a series of beeps that indicates an error

condition.

o System error messages these messages can indicate problems or

provide status information.

o Diskette-drive and hard-disk drive access indicators These indicators

light up in response to data being transferred to or from the drives. If either
of these indicators fails to light up during the boot routine, troubleshoot the
diskette drive or hard-disk drive subsystem, as appropriate.

5. Observe the monitor screen for the Diagnostics menu.

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Internal Visual Inspection

NOTICE: Before you proceed with the internal visual inspection described in this
section, ensure that the user has saved all open files and exited all open application
programs if possible.

A simple visual inspection of a computers interior hardware can often lead to the
source of a problem, such as a loose expansion card, cable connector, or mounting
screw. To perform the internal visual inspection, perform the following steps:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the AC
power cables from electrical outlets.

CAUTION: Before beginning to work inside the computer, disconnect the

power supply from the power source and the power supply cables from the
power supply.

2. Remove the computers right side cover.

CAUTION: The heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system
operations. Be sure that it has had sufficient time to cool before touching
it.
CAUTION: When handling the heat sink assembly, take care to avoid
sharp edges on the heat sink.

3. Verify that the chips, expansion cards, and SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly
or assemblies are fully seated in their sockets or connectors.
4. To ensure that the chips are fully seated in their sockets, press firmly on the top of
each chip.
5. Verify that all jumpers are set correctly.
6. Check all cable connectors inside the computer to verify that they are firmly
attached to their appropriate connectors.
7. Reinstall the computer cover.
8. Reconnect the computer and any attached peripherals to their power sources, and
turn them on.

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 Suppose that you are in the workshop carrying out hardware installations, the
owner are very impressed with you. There has been a lot of telephone time spent recently
explaining to customers how to test installed components of their computer systems. The
shop has decided to create their own video that will be uploaded to the website and
YouTube. You have been asked to create this video.

1. Create a video to demonstrate how to install the hardware components. Make

sure you include everything you need to do to work safely.

2. Show how to configure any device installed in the computer.

3. Create another video on the following:

a. Undertake final inspection on the assembled computer system for

functionality. This will be to test that the newly installed hardware
components work without problems;
b. Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted; and
c. Follow procedures in forwarding documentation to appropriate personnel
or authority

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Test I. Identification

Direction: Identify the terms being described in the following sentences.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use.

2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network.
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit it.
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in size.
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location.
7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1.
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate
as a number of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a palmtop.
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of behavior
modeling and human health.
11. It is considered as the most important program that runs on a computer.
12. It is composed of a device that accepts data and instructions from the user or from
another computer system.
13. Any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer has
processed the input data that has been entered.
14. Any apparatus for recording computer data in a permanent or semi-permanent form.
15. It protects a computer network from unauthorized access.
16. Type of network that connect larger geographic areas, such as Florida, the United
States, or the world.
17. This is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks that use
different base protocols.
18. It is consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources
(such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications.
19. It is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together.
20. A device filters data traffic at a network boundary.

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Test II. True or false

Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE otherwise.

1. Always use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a computer (except when
working on monitors)
2. Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and from any powered
peripherals while you are working on it.
3. Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis with your bare hand before you
touch anything inside. Do this even if you are wearing an anti-static wristband.
4. Always handle electronic components by a non-conducting (non-metallic) edge.
Don't touch the pins or other connectors.
5. Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply that
incorporates surge and spike protection
6. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.
7. Whenever you purchase software or hardware for your computer, you should first
make sure your computer supports the system requirements.
8. The speed of a computer's processor chip (technically known as its "clock speed")
in measured in gigahertz (GHz).
9. A computer's graphics system determines how well it can work with visual output.
10. Today 40GB is an absolute minimum hard drive size for a new computer running
Windows 7.
11. When attaching cables, never force a connection.
12. BIOS instruct the computer on how to perform a number of basic functions such
as booting and keyboard control.
13. The external visual inspection consists of a quick inspection of the interior of the
computer.
14. Disk management tools help detect and correct disk errors.
15. The most basic test is to switch the system on to check it starts without errors.

Test III. Multiple Choices

Direction: Read each questions carefully and write the letter of the best answer.

1. These are small software programs that help the operating system use the device.
a. Application
b. Driver
2. Which of the following is software shared on a small memory chip on the
motherboard?
a. Installer c. Driver
b. Application d. BIOS
3. It is the way to set up a system or the assortment of components that make up the
system.
a. Configuration c. Driver
b. Set up d. Installation

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4. Which of the following is not a Windows XP minimum requirement?
a. 128MB RAM or higher
b. CD- ROM or DVD ROM
c. Lower resolution monitor
d. 4.3 GB hard disk space or more

5. If you see a message to press any key to boot the CD and you fail to do so, what
do you think will happen?
a. The computer will restart
b. Set up inspecting your system will appear
c. It will be prompted to BIOS setup
d. It will return to boot menu
6. What key should you press if you need to install any third- party or RAID drivers?
a. F2 c. F9
b. F6 d. F12
7. Where do we typically install the operating system?
a. Drive C
b. DVD
c. External Drive
d. Floppy Drive
8. Suppose that you will install Windows XP on a system with more than one partition,
what important process should be done?
a. Change the file system
b. Delete the data and files on the different partition
c. Examine the partition
d. Format the correct partition
9. What file system is usually used during installation?
a. FAT
b. FAT32
c. NTFS
d. NTFS32
10. Which of the following is a connector on the back of a computer or other device?
a. Modem
b. Port hub
c. Router
d. Network Gateway

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Test IV. Matching Type

Direction: Match column A with Column B and write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

A. B.
1) It serves as the brain of computer. a) Adapter
2) Printed-circuit boards (also called interface b) CD- ROM
cards) that enable the computer to use a c) CPU
peripheral device d) Flash Drive
3) Also called read/write memory e) Floppy disk
4) Small portable disk drive usually used for f) Microphone
backing up files g) Monitor
5) Main board of a computer h) Motherboard
6) Also called diskette i) Mouse
7) Acts as a pointing device j) Multitasking
8) Device that makes sounds, clips and any k) Optical Discs
audio materials be heard. l) PDA
9) Component that reads and record data in m) Power supply
CDs and DVDs. n) Printer
10) It is a visual device that displays the o) RAM
information p) Register
11) Plug- and play portable storage device q) ROM
12) Prints text and illustrations in paper r) Speaker
13) Converts AC into DC s) Tablet
14) Allows more than one program to run t) Zip Drive
concurrently
15) Handheld computer

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 SKILLS TEST

Direction: Listed below are some of the most important skills that you must gain in order
to render quality service when you enter the real world of Computer Hardware Servicing. Read
the skills carefully. Write YES if you are familiar with the skill and NO if not. Feel free to answer
each skill. Write your answers in your notebook.

Skills in Computer Hardware Servicing YES NO

I can open a computer case.
I can connect the mouse.
I can connect the keyboard.
I can connect the monitor.
I can apply occupational health and safety precautions while working.
I can remove the system fan.
I can detach the power supply from the system unit.
I know how to remove the RAM from the motherboard.
I can remove the hard drive from the system unit.
I can install the power supply.
I know how to install the motherboard.
I can install the internal drives in a system unit.
I know how to attach RAM in the memory socket.
I can install CD / DVD drives.
I know how to install an operating system
I know how to configure a hardware components
I know the procedures in inspecting operating systems and software components

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adapters - These are printed-circuit boards that enables the computer to use a peripheral
device for which it does not have the necessary connections or circuit boards.

Analog Computers- It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and

utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.

Bridge is a device filters data traffic at a network boundary

Digital Computers- They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states,
namely bits 0 and 1
Digital multimeter is a device that can take many types of measurements. It tests the
integrity

Drivers- are small software programs that help the operating system use or drive the
device
Ethernet switch is a device that gathers the signals from devices that are connected to
it
hard disk drive- Is a magnetic storage device that is installed inside the computer.

hardware- These are the tangible component of a computer system.

hazard- Is a situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the health and safety
of people or to damage plant and equipment.

Hub- is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together

Hybrid Computers- a combination of both digital and analog computers

Loopback adapter- is also called a loopback plug, tests the basic functionality of
computer ports

Mainframe Computers- these are computers have the capacities to host multiple
operating systems and operate as a number of virtual machines and can substitute for
several small servers

Microcomputers- A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit it is

known as a microcomputer

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Minicomputers- are also called mid-range systems or workstations

motherboard- The main circuit board of a computer containing all the essential parts of
a PC.
Network firewall - protects a computer network from unauthorized access

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)- is a handheld computer and popularly known as a

palmtop

smart board - Type of display screen that has a touch sensitive transparent panel
covering the screen.

static electricity - An accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body.

Servers- They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a

computer network

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ATA- Advance Technology Attachment
BIOS- Basic Input Output System
CD- Compact Disc
CHS- Computer Hardware Servicing
CRT- Cathode Ray Tube
ESD- Electro Static Discharge
DVD- Digital Versatile Disc
FAT- File Allocation Table
GB- Giga Byte
HDD- Hard Disk Drive
LAN- Local Area Networking
LCD- Liquid Crystal Display
LED- Light Emitting Diode
MB- Mega Byte
NTFS- New Technology File System
OHS- Occupational Health and Safety
OS- Operating System
PDA- Personal Digital Assistant
PPE- Personal Protective Equipment
RAM- Random Access Memory
ROM- Read Only Memory
SATA- Serial Advance Technology Attachment
USB- Universal Serial Bus
WAN- Wide Area Network
VGA- Video Graphic Array

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Books and Articles and Printed Materials:

1. Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible,

a. Desktop Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint
b. Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256

2. Ron Gilster, PC Repair Bench Book., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475

a. Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256

3. Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible, Desktop

a. Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis,
b. IN 46256

4. K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum- Technology and Livelihood Education

a. Learning Module Computer Hardware Serviciing- RONALDO V.
RAMILO and
b. DEOVER M. PASCO
5. Technology and Livelihood Education- Information and Communications
Technology Learners Manual Grade 7 & 8 - Marigen N. Leosala, Bobby P.
Caoagdan, Ronaldo V. Ramilo, and Rosalie P. Lujero

Electronic Resources:

1. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-memory-types.html
Computer Memory Types

2. http://www.athropolis.com/popup/c-comp2.htm
Measurements for Memory & Storage

3. http://www.ustudy.in/ce/hard/u1
Fundamentals of PC repair

4. http://danreb.com/sites/default/files/CHS-NC2%20Reviewer%20-
%20With%20Oral%20Questioning_0.pdf
Occupational Health and Safety Precautions

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5. http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.asp
Puzzles for Activities

6. http://info.psu.edu.sa/psu/cis/kalmustafa/CISCO/Lecture%20Slides/ITE_PC_v40
_Chapter2.pdf
Occupational Safety Precautions

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7bqBsFL0w-
Computer Hardware Basics

8. http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Computer-Hardware-
How to install Computer Hardware

9. http://www.directron.com/howtoupsys.html-
How to install Computer components

10. http://www.bechtel.com/assets/files/Environmental/ToolboxSafetyTopics/20
10/ProperToolSelection.pdf
Tool Selection

11. http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/assessment-futures/designing/assembling.html

12. http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/- Computer Basics

13. www.professormesser.com- PC Hardware, Networking ,Operating Systems and

Troubleshooting

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 Technology and Livelihood Education
Entrepreneurship

Module 4: DIAGNOSE AND TROUBLESHOOT COMPUTER SYSTEMS (DT)

Number of Sessions (Time Allotment): 60 hrs

Content Standard Performance Standard

The learner demonstrates The learner independently

understanding of the underlying diagnoses and troubleshoots
concepts and principles on computer systems as prescribed in
diagnosing and troubleshooting the TESDA Training Regulation.
of computer systems.

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 Welcome to the next level of your modular training in Computer Hardware
Servicing (CHS) under the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Course.
In this module you will have a great deal of diagnosing and troubleshooting computer
system. At the end of this module you will be able to plan and prepare for diagnosis of
computer system errors, configure, inspect and test computer system networks and
errors. Those skills are essential for you to reach the door of National Certification II in
Computer Hardware Servicing.

In this module, topics will be introduced progressively lesson by lesson for easy
understanding. After carefully answering the diagnostic assessment, reading all the
lessons, answering all the guide questions, masterfully performing all the activities,
showing evidences of learning and finally answering the summative test, then you will
have a considerable knowledge and skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting computer
system essential to be successful in computer hardware servicing as one of the career
option in ICT.

Reminder! Just follow the instructions given in this module. Now let us start
exploring new things in this module.

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 In this module, there will be four (4) major topics that you will encounter: (1) be
plan and prepare diagnosis of computer system errors; (2) diagnose and configure
computer systems and networks ; (3) inspect and test the configured computer systems
and networks ; and (4) test systems and networks. The four major topics contains sub-
topics which all leads to diagnose and troubleshoot computer systems. This module
contains what to KNOW, what to PROCESS, what to REFLECT and UNDERSTAND as
well as what to TRANSFER. The competencies for this module are:

LO 1. Plan and prepare for diagnosis of computer systems errors

Follow OHS procedures in planning and preparing diagnosis of computer systems
errors
Determine the computer systems errors using manual and software diagnosis

LO 2. Diagnose and configure computer systems and networks

Follow OHS procedures in planning and preparing diagnosis of computer systems
and network errors
Identify the diagnosed computer systems and network errors based on the job
requirements
Configure computer systems and networks

LO 3. Inspect and test the configured computer systems and networks

Follow OHS procedures in inspecting and testing configured computer systems
and networks
Inspect configured computer systems and networks
Replace defective components
Reinstall defective computer systems
Identify networks errors
Repair networks errors based on standard procedures
Test the configured computer systems and networks

LO 4. Test Systems and Networks

Follow OHS procedures in testing systems and networks
Test computer systems and networks in accordance with the job requirements
Accomplish technical reports on the tests conducted

In order to master the above listed competencies, you must be knowledgeable of

the topics under what to KNOW, perform activities required under what to PROCESS,
accomplish additional meaningful tasks under what to REFLECT and UNDERSTAND and

155 | P a g e
finally show some evidences of your learning by transferring what you have learned in a
different context under what to TRANSFER.

You will be challenged to dig deeper into your prior knowledge and previous
experiences about computer hardware servicing.

Instruction:
Read each of the statements in the left-hand column of the Knowledge Have a little
No
Knowledge
chart. able Knowledge
at All
Place a check on the column that indicates your answers.
Plan and prepare work to ensure occupational health and safety
(OHS) policies and procedures are followed
Obtain materials, tools, equipment and testing devices needed to
on form with job requirements
Interpret work instructions according to job requirements
Obtain computer components/devices/systems and determines its
location prior to installation
Install equipment/devices/systems in accordance with job
requirements
Check/Test devices/systems and/or installations to determine the
conformity to job requirements.
Check computer systems and networks for configuration in
accordance with specifications and requirements
Diagnose fault or problem in the computer systems and networks
in line with standard operating procedures (SOP)
Configure the identified systems and networks based on
specifications and job requirements
Inspect and test configured computer systems and networks in
conformity with manufacturer's instructions/manual
Correct/Adjust components or parts of computer systems and
networks in accordance with job requirements
Test computer systems and networks to ensure safe operation
Perform scheduled/periodic maintenance in accordance with
manufacturer's requirements
Make needed repairs/replacements in accordance with established
procedures, when necessary
Document tasks undertaken in accordance with SOP
Clean and clear worksite of all surplus/excess materials in
accordance with company SOP

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 LESSON 1: PLAN AND PREPARE FOR DIAGNOSIS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
ERRORS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment

Proper preparation is the key to a successful work. Before you begin, make sure
that you have the tools you will need, and secure a clear well-lit workplace. Gather all the
components youll be using and unpack them at the same time. Always keep in mind that
personal protection is one of the traits of a good computer technician.

Types of personal protective devices

1. Anti-static devices
2. Power surge protectors
3. Personal equipment

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Anti-static devices
Devices designed to protect the computer from static electricity.

Anti- static mat

Anti static wrist strap

Anti- static bag Anti-static spray

Power surge protectors

Devices designed to protect the computer from sudden power surges from
intermittent power sources.
Examples:
1. AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulators)

2. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

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Personal Equipment
Small paint brush

Screw drivers

Pliers and tweezers

Compressed air

Handheld vacuum

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Directions: Perform the activity below.

Choose a partner
Do a simulation exercise
o One will act out the role of a computer teacher.
o The other will be the student
Situation: Computer teacher will show/demonstrate to the students the Personal
Protective Devices, what they are and how they are used.
The Student keeps on asking about the Personal Protective Devices/Equipment
and how they can be maintained in good condition of PC.

Answer the following questions in your own answer/test notebook

1. For somebody who always works (do troubleshooting) with computers, what
personal protective devices do you usually use? How often do you use them?
2. Computers should be protected from static electricity to prevent component
malfunction. What anti-static devices can you utilize to avoid such malfunction?

TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEM ERROR

There are several errors in a computer from the point you open it up to the point you reach
the stand by window (reaching standby windows means boot process has no error).
Here's a list of computer error.

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1. No Video Output - When you open your PC, nothing shows up in your monitor and the
LED indicator of your monitor is flashing in yellow color.

2. No Video Output - Same as number one but now the LED indicator of your monitor is
in steady orange color.

3. Doesn't Boot - When you open your PC it will show the processor brand and/or the
motherboard brand but doesn't continue. Usually this error will result to system restart
over and over again.

4. Never Ending Loading of Operating system - The computer opens up then boots but
when the operating system loads it doesn't continue and it will take a lifetime if you're
going to wait for it to load.

5 Lots of pop up windows showing on standby mode - This also happens even if you try
disconnecting your computer set from the internet. This is what we called aftershock
virus which will continue to run even if internet is disconnected.

6. Lots of hardware installation windows appear - This happens even if you try installing
the hardware. When you restart your set it will happen again.

7. Safe mode doesn't work - When you try going to safe mode all you will see is a list of
files in Command prompt style.

8. Keyboard and mouse system restart - This will happen only in standby mode, when
you move your mouse or type something, your system will automatically restart and
the worst part is it will delete a file at random.

9. Sound on/off error - Upon loading the operating system, you will hear a loading sound
and then the sound stops, when you try running an audio file, no sound will be heard.

10. Application causes system to restart - Just like the mouse problem, when you open a
program that will take the whole screen like for example a game and/or a program
applications, when you close it, it will cause your system to restart.

Aside from the common computer errors, computers also can have different Operating
System (OS) errors. OS errors can be classified into various categories, such as:

1. System errors These are moderately dangerous types of errors among those
that can pop up on your PC. System errors are caused by malfunctioning hardware
components, corrupted operating system modules, etc.

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 2. Runtime errors Runtime errors are caused by corrupted or malfunctioning
system files or software executables. Most runtime errors cause the application
that caused it to shut down. However, more serious runtime errors may cause the
system to become unstable or unresponsive, leaving you with no choice but to
reach for the Reset button.
3. Stop errors Stop errors are caused by corrupted hardware, especially
malfunctioning RAM modules and bad sectors on hard disks. Stop errors can be
difficult to resolve at times.
4. Device Manager Errors These are usually caused by corrupted driver files or
malfunctioning hardware components. In case of the former cause, the problem is
usually solved simply by reinstalling or updating the drivers. However, the latter
cause can often be solved only by replacing hardware components.
5. POST code errors POST code errors are caused by malfunctioning hardware
components, and are characterized by short beep sounds from the tiny internal
speaker of your motherboard. POST code errors occur when you press the power
button to turn on your PC..
6. Application errors These can be caused at any point of time. As the name
suggests, these are caused by applications while those are running. These are
usually caused by glitches in the program code itself. These are usually resolved
by updating the program to its latest version.
7. Browser Status Codes These are caused by problems faced by browsers when
trying to access a website. These can be caused by misplaced web pages in the
server of the website itself, or due to connection problems. For instance, a 404
error would indicate that the browser is trying to access a webpage that does not
exist in the specified location.

DIAGNOSING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

PC Diagnosing

Probably the most frustrating problem computer users run into are
startup problems, where your computer wont boot. Equally
annoying are error messages you constantly run into during your
computers startup process. In this module you will be given a few
tips on how you can avoid some of the most common problems
that happen right after your computer is turned on.

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Here you will learn the basic troubleshooting.

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 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.

Common PC Problems and solutions

You are working away at your computer when suddenly, up comes an error
message or worse, your computer comes to a screeching halt. Here are the common
computer problems and solutions that can help you.

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 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 a computer is working. With the computer on and running, play any
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 decent length audio file (usually above 30 sec). 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 Direct Memory Access (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)

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10. Check for 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.

Common Trouble shooting 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
malfunction.
5. Check the boot sequence configuration in the
advance BIOS (Basic Input /Output Unit) setup.

Diagnosing Network Connection

Things to look for if a PC is connected 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 ( use cable
tester)
Check the network HUB
(use multi-tester) Network
HUB
Network
Network card
cable

Identify the following:

1. Moderately dangerous types of errors among those that can pop up on your PC.

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 2. Caused by malfunctioning hardware components, and are characterized by short
beep sounds from the tiny internal speaker of your motherboard.
3. Caused at any point of time. As the name suggests, these are caused by
applications while those are running.
4. Usually caused by corrupted driver files or malfunctioning hardware components.
5. Caused by corrupted or malfunctioning system files or software executables.
6. Caused by corrupted hardware, especially malfunctioning RAM modules and bad
sectors on hard disks.
7. Caused by problems faced by browsers when trying to access a website.

Task: Develop a Sample Diagnostic Plan

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

Symptoms: Dead Computer Monitor Good Defective Remedy

AC outlet

AVR

AVR fuse

Monitor Power Cable

Monitor Switch

Power Supply

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Diagnosing a Computer Power Supply

Create a diagnostic plan for troubleshooting a power supply with the use of the
following tools, materials and equipment.

You will be assessed using the following criteria

CRITERIA Passed Failed

1. Sequence of steps in diagnosing is followed.

2. Safety precaution is observed.

3. Appropriate tools are used in diagnosing.

4. Diagnostic plan for troubleshooting is created.

PERFORMANCE RATING

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LESSON 2. DIAGNOSE AND CONFIGURE COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to the legislation, policies,

procedures and activities that aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of all people
at the workplace.

Every worker has a right to healthy and safe work and to a work environment that
enables them to live a socially and economically productive life. Safety practices should
be learned early and always adhered when working with any electrical device including
personal computers and peripherals.

Personal safety while working with PCs

The following statements are some safety precautions to take before working with any
computer devices:

Before doing anything, listen to your teachers instruction to prevent accidents or

any unwanted events that may occur on your workplace.
Do not work on computer when you are wet because you might get electrocuted.
Do not remove internal devices of the computer when it is turned on.
Avoid playing or running while inside the room.
Always wear personal protective equipments (PPE) like coverall, shoes with rubber
sole, anti-static wrist strap, etc.
Ask for assistance from your teacher when it comes on dealing with computer
devices.
Applying safety measure when handling tools and equipment are necessary to
avoid certain damages.

The student is further expected to maintain good health, to be neat in personal

appearance and to practice safe working procedures at all time with appropriate
equipment.

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Basic Concepts of Electricity

This lesson will introduce us to the fundamental knowledge of electricity. It will

enable student to be equip with the basic knowledge in electricity.

Basic Electrical Terms

Electricity is define as the flow of electron or electric current. It

is an invisible form of energy that can be transform
into other form of energy like heat light and
mechanical.

Electron is the negatively charge component of an atom. It has

the ability to flow.

Proton is the positively charge component of an atom. It had

the ability to attract electron.

Matter is anything that occupy space and has mass. It can

be a solid, liquid or gas in state.

Atom Basic component of matter. It composes of a nucleus

which is the central part, the protons and electrons.

Current Same as electricity or flow of electron. The amount of

current flowing in a circuit can be measured in ampere
(I).

Voltage the amount of pulling force that makes the electron

flow. Also known as potential difference or
EMF(electromotive force). The amount of voltage can
be measured in volt (V).

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 Resistance define as the opposition to the flow of current. The
amount of resistance can be measure in ohms ().

Conductors and Insulators

Conductors are materials that easily allow the flow of current, or it has a low
resistance to current flow.
Examples; aluminum, gold, silver, copper, iron

Insulators are materials that do not easily allow the flow of current, or it has a high
resistance to current flow.

Examples; rubber, plastic, paper

Types of Current

1. Direct Current

In direct current (DC), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. This is the
type of electricity is produced by batteries, static, and lightning. A voltage is created, and
maybe stored, until it is consumed. When the current flows directly, in one direction. In
the circuit, the current flows at a specific, constant voltage (this is oversimplified
somewhat but good enough for our needs.) When you use a flashlight, pocket radio,
portable CD player or virtually any other type of portable or battery-powered device, you
are using direct current.

Most DC circuits are relatively low in voltage; for example, your car's battery is
approximately 12V, and that's about as high a DC voltage as most people ever use.

Figure 1. Direct Current

An ideal 12 V DC current. The voltage is considered positive because its potential is
measured relative to ground or the zero-potential default state of the earth.

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 Direct currents flow in one direction only, and are constant in time. Their appearance
is that of a straight line which does not vary. They are produced from power sources such
as batteries, power supplies and DC generators. Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells
also generate DC power.

2. AC Alternating Current

In alternating current (AC, also ac) the movement of electric charge periodically
reverses direction. This type of electricity is produced or generated by AC generators
commonly from a hydro electric plant. It is the commercial power that we use in homes
and offices. Delivered through a power transmission lines. AC current can be reduced
through the use of power transformer to suite for its application. It can also be converted
to DC for a specific purpose. In the Philippines AC is rated as 220V AC at 60 Hz.

Alternating currents change direction, flowing first one way and then the other.
They are sinusoidal waves, so that they change in time. They are produced from sources
such as power supplies and AC generators. In North America, AC is 120 volts and 60
hertz or cycles per second. This means it changes direction 60 times per second. In
Europe, it is generally 50 hertz with 220 to 240 volts.

Figure2. Alternating Current

Why does standard electricity come only in the form of alternating current?

There are a number of reasons, but one of the most important is that a characteristic of
AC is that it is relatively easy to change voltages from one level to another using a
transformer, while transformers do not work for DC. This capability allows the companies
that generate and distribute electricity to do it in a more efficient manner, by transmitting
it at high voltage for long lengths, which reduces energy loss due to the resistance in the
transmission wires. Another reason is that it may be easier to mechanically generate
alternating current electricity than direct current.

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PCs use only direct current, which means that the alternating current provided by
your utility must be converted to direct current before use. This is the primary
function of your power supply.

AC POWER PCs PSU DC POWER

MOTHERBOARD

DRIVES

COOLING FANS

Figure 3. Simplified block diagram of a PC power supply

Electric Circuit

Electric circuit - is the pathways for electricity to flow.

Components of Circuit

Load - commonly represented by a bulb or any electrical component that

consumes electricity.

Supply - Commonly represented by a cell or a battery

Switch - an electrical device that opens or closed a circuit.

Load

Supply

Switch

Figure4. A simple circuit

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 Types of Circuit

1. Open Circuit - a type of circuit that has an open path for current to flow. It means that
current cannot flow in open circuit.

Load
- +

Supply

Switch

Figure5. An open circuit

The switch is said to be OPEN the current cant flow into the circuit and the bulb
is OFF

2. Closed Circuit - a type of circuit that has a closed path for current to flow. It means
that current can flow in a closed circuit.

Load
- +

Supply

Switch

Figure 6. A closed circuit

The switch is said to be CLOSED the current cant flow into the circuit and the
bulb is ON

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 I. Identification:
Direction: Identify the following statement.

_________1. Define as the flow of electron or electric current. It is an invisible form of energy
that can be transform into other form of energy like heat light and mechanical.

_________2. The negatively charge component of an atom. It has the ability to flow.

_________3. Define as the opposition to the flow of current. The amount of resistance can
be measure in ohms ().

_________4. The positively charge component of an atom. It has the ability to attract
electron.

_________5. Anything that occupy space and has mass. It can be a solid, liquid or gas in
state.

_________6. Basic component of matter. It composes of a nucleus which is the central part,
the protons and electrons.

_________7. Same as electricity or flow of electron. The amount of current flowing in a circuit
can be measured in ampere (I).

_________8. The amount of pulling force that makes the electron flow. Also known as
potential difference or EMF (electromotive force). The amount of voltage can
be measured in volt (V).

_________9. Materials that easily allow the flow of current, or it has a low resistance to
current flow.

_________10. Materials that do not easily allow the flow of current, or it has a high resistance
to current flow.

_________11. A computer power supply converts AC to ___________________.

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_________12. Define as the pathways for electricity to flow.

_________13. A component of a circuit that is commonly represented by a bulb or any

electrical component that consumes electricity.

_________14. A component of a circuit that is commonly represented by a cell or a battery.

_________15. An electrical device that opens or closed a circuit.

_________16. A type of circuit that has a closed path for current to flow. It means that current
can flow in this circuit.

_________17. A type of circuit that has an open path for current to flow. It means that current
cannot flow in this circuit.

_________18. A circuit connection has only one path of current flow. In this circuit connection
the current remain constant.

_________19. A circuit connection that has 2 or more path of current. In this circuit the voltage
remains constant.

_________20. An invisible form of energy.

Techniques for diagnosing computer systems

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.

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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 sub
assembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
5. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects

People ware
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.
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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.

Diagnostics Procedure for ATX Power Supply Failure

1. Determine whether or not the power comes on.

2. Check the switch operation with a Digital Volt Meter on the continuity or
resistance setting.

3. Check the pins if the corresponding voltage are properly regulated to the
motherboard.

4. Replace the power supply unit if defective.

ATX Version 1.2 - 20 wire motherboard connector

Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 4 Pin 5 Pin 6 Pin 7 Pin 8 Pin 9 Pin 10

3.3V 3.3V Gnd 5V Gnd 5V Gnd P_OK 5VSB 12V

Oran Oran Blk Red Blk Red Blk Gray Purp Yell

Oran Blue Blk Green Blk Blk Blk White Red Red

3.3V -12V Gnd P_ON Gnd Gnd Gnd -5V 5V 5V

Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13 Pin 14 Pin 15 Pin 16 Pin 17 Pin 18 Pin 19 Pin 20

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 Flowchart for ATX Power Supply Repair

Warning! You must unplug your ATX power supply from the wall before working
inside the case.

ATX Diagnostic chart

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Things to Consider

There are many devices, parts, cords, and connections on a computer, which means
that there are many possible problems that could arise. In addition, your computer uses
a variety of software, which can also cause problems. However, no matter what the
problem is, you can use the following tips to help you find a solution:

Always check the cables: Many computer problems are related to an issue in the
cables and connections. The easiest first step you can take to troubleshoot most
problems is to check all related cables and connections.
Isolate the problem: If possible, try to isolate the problem. For example, if you can't
get the cursor to move on the screen, try to determine if the issue is with the mouse.
If you have an extra mouse, you can alternate devices to see if the one plugged in is
the issue, or use the arrow keys on the keyboard to help determine if the mouse is the
source of the problem. When trying to isolate the problem, only make one change at
a time.

Figure 7. An error message

Take notes about error messages: If your computer gives you error messages, be
sure to write down as much information as possible. If the basic troubleshooting steps
don't work, you may need the information.
Remember the steps you've taken, or write them down: Once you start
troubleshooting, you will want to remember what you have done, so you don't repeat
yourself. If you can't remember it, then write it down. If you end up asking someone
for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly which steps you've taken.

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Most of the time, problems can be fixed by using simple troubleshooting

techniques, such as closing and re-opening the program. It's important to try these
simple solutions before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed,
you can then try other troubleshooting techniques, such as reinstalling the software.

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Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right

If a program is running slowly or otherwise isn't working right, the first thing you
should try is closing the program and re-opening it.
You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it up again.
Some minor problems will work themselves out when you do this.
Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

Figure 8. Checking for updates

Program is Completely Unresponsive

If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press (and hold)
Control+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. You can then
select the program that isn't working and click End Task. If you are using a Mac, you
can press Option+Command+Esc to open a similar dialog box.

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 Figure 8. The Task Manager

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

Power Button Will Not Start Computer

Figure 9. Resetting a surge protector

If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it
is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. Often, this will require
you to plug a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to make sure it is
receiving power.
If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You
may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can
also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it is on.
If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter into
the wall and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you may need to
wait a few minutes and then try again.

"Non-System Disk or Disk Error" Message

If you get this message when you boot up your computer, it usually means
there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or floppy disk in your computer, which is
interfering with your computer's booting process. Remove the disk from the drive and
restart the computer.

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 Figure 10. The Non-System Disk or Disk Error Message

Windows Shutting Down Message Will Not Disappear

Sometimes Windows will freeze during the shutdown process. If this happens,
the Windows is Shutting Down message screen will stay active on your screen. To
finish shutting down the computer, press and hold the power button for about 10
seconds, or until the computer turns off.

Figure 11. The Windows shutdown screen

Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing

Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked. Confirm
that there is good air flow around the computer.
Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.

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 Figure 12. Virus Scanning

Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

No Picture on the Monitor

Confirm the computer is turned on.

Check the brightness control, located on your monitor or your keyboard, and make
sure it is not set too low.
Check the connections for the monitor and surge protector, and make sure the
surge protector is turned on.

Figure 13. Cable plugged into monitor

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Monitor Goes Blank Periodically

You may have the screensaver enabled.

If the screen saver is enabled, just move
your mouse back and forth and your original
screen will appear. You can change the
screensaver settings by going to your
Control Panel (or your System Preferences
if you're using a Mac).

Figure 14. Opening the Control Panel

No Sound

Figure 15. Adjusting the sound volume on a Mac

Check the volume control on your computer. In Windows, the sound icon will usually
be on the taskbar, and you can also access the sound options in the Control Panel.
On Macs, the sound options are found at the top of the screen or in System
Preferences.
Most media programs (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) have a volume
control, which will need to be turned up.
Make sure the speakers are turned on, if using external speakers.
Make sure external speakers are connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If
your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output will usually be green.

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 Connect headphones to the correct audio port and determine if sound is audible from
the headphones.

Searching the web for a solution

If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask someone
else for help. Try searching the web for the problem that you're having, as other people
may have had similar problems. Also, if you have a friend or family member who knows
a lot about computers, they may be able to help you.

Keep in mind that most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may
take some time to find them. For very difficult problems, a more drastic solution may be
required, such as reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling programs, or reinstalling your
operating system. If you're not a computer expert, it's possible that you could make the
situation worse, so it's best to consult a professional if you think a drastic solution is
needed.

Task. Examining the Motherboard in Detail

1. Look at the back of your computer. Without opening the case, list the ports that you
believe come directly from the motherboard.
2. Remove the cover of the case. List the different expansion cards in the expansion
slots. Was your guess correct about which ports come from the motherboard?
3. To expose the motherboard so you can identify its parts, remove all the expansion
cards.
4. Draw a diagram of the motherboard and label these parts: Processor (Include the
prominent label on the processor housing.)
a) RAM (each DIMM slot)
b) CMOS battery
c) Expansion slots (Identify the slots as PCI, PCIe x1, PCIe x4, PCIe x16, and
AGP.) Each port coming directly from the motherboard Power supply
connections, SATA or IDE drive connectors and floppy drive connector
5. Draw a rectangle on the diagram to represent each bank of jumpers on the board.
6. What is the brand and model of the motherboard?
7. Locate the manufacturers Web site. If you can find the motherboard manual on the
site, download it.

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8. You can complete the following activity only if you have the documentation for the
motherboard:

What do you do if a program on a PC is completely unresponsive? What about a

program on a Mac?
What should you do if you've tried everything and the problem still isn't fixed?

Diagnosing Power Supply Failure

Directions: Divide the class into five (5) groups. Choose a leader for each group. The
group will prepares a chart and perform the tasks required by the Diagnostics Procedure
of ATX Power Supply Failure. After the activity they will be graded through the given
Performance Score Card below:

PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD

Performance Criteria Passed Failed

1. The students clearly identified the problem and applied the

possible solution correctly.
2. The students utilized actual tools/device in performing the actual
usage of each tools and OHS was observed.

3. The students applied safety precautions during the Activity.

4. The activity gave students more critical thinking on the personal

protective equipment.

5. The students cooperatively performed the activity.

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Tools for Testing Computer System
Tools and equipment play vital roles in troubleshooting. They help the user
determine the errors found in their computer hardware and network.

Tools used to test hardware problems:

1. Screw drivers - are used for installing and removing screws in the computer unit.

Figure 16. Screw Drivers

2. Pliers and tweezers - are used for picking small parts in the computer unit.

Figure17. Pliers and Tweezers

3. Soldering iron- is primarily used for connecting terminals in the power supply and
circuit board with the use of a soldering lead.

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 Figure18. Soldering iron

4. Anti-static wrist strap, mat and spray- are used for eliminating electrostatic discharge
in the work area.

Figure19. Anti- static wrist strap, mat and spray

5. Lens cleaner a device used for cleaning optical media, such as DVD-ROMS and
CD-writers.

Figure20. Lens Cleaner

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6. Thermal paste-is a paste used for heat dissipation of the processor.

Figure21. Thermal Paste

Network Troubleshooting Tools

1. LAN Tester is a device used for testing the network connection.

Figure22. LAN Tester

2. Crimping tool- is a device used to crimp the RJ45 connector to the UTP cable.

Figure23. Crimping Tool

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 Direction: Answer the following question. Write your answers on your notebook.

Enumerate the six tools used for 2. Enumerate the two network
troubleshooting. troubleshooting tools.

1. a.
.
2. b.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Troubleshooting computer system network

Causes of Network Trouble

If a computer is unable to connect to a network or see other computers on a

network, it may be necessary to troubleshoot the network. A network may not work
because of any of the reasons below.

1. Network card not properly connected.

2. Bad network card drivers or software settings.
3. Firewall preventing computers from seeing each other.
4. Connection related issues.
5. Bad network hardware.

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Solution

Because of the large variety of network configurations, operating systems, setup,

etc... Not all of the below information may apply to your network or operating system. If
your computer is connected to a company or large network, or you are not the
administrator of the network, it is recommended that if you are unable to resolve your
issues after following the below recommendations that you contact the network
administrator or company representative.

Verify connections / LEDs

Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In
addition, when checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LEDs on
the network are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED
or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal.

If, however, the card does not have any lights or has orange or red lights, it is
possible that either the card is bad, the card is not connected properly, or that the card is
not receiving a signal from the network.

If you are on a small or local network and have the capability of checking a hub or
switch, verify that the cables are properly connected and that the hub or switch has power.

Adapter resources

Ensure that if this is a new network card being installed into the computer that the
card's resources are properly set and not conflicting with any hardware in the computer.

Adapter functionality

Verify that the network card is capable of detecting or seeing itself by using the
ping command. Windows / MS-DOS users ping the computer from a MS-DOS prompt.
Unix / Linux variant users ping the computer from the shell.
To ping the card or the local host, type either ping 127.0.0.1 or ping local host
This should show a listing of replies from the network card. If you receive an error
or if the transmission failed, it is likely that either the network card is not physically installed
into the computer correctly, or that the card is bad.

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Protocol

Verify that the correct protocols are installed on the computer. Most networks today
will utilize TCP/IP, but may also utilize or require IPX/SPX and NetBEUI.
When the TCP/IP protocol is installed, unless a DNS server or other computer
assigns the IPX address, the user must specify an IP address as well as a Subnet Mask.
To do this, follow the instructions below.
1. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel
2. Double-click the Network icon
3. Within the configuration tab double-click the TCP/IP protocol icon. Note: Do not
click on the PPP or Dial-Up adapter, click on the network card adapter.
4. In the TCP/IP properties click the IP address tab
5. Select the option to specify an IP address
6. Enter the IP address and Subnet Mask address, an example of such an

address could be:

IP Address: 102.55.92.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192
7. When specifying these values, the computers on the network must all have the
same Subnet Mask and have a different IP Address. For example, when using the above
values on one computer you would want to use an IP address of 102.55.92.2 on another
computer and then specify the same Subnet Mask.

Firewall

If your computer network utilizes a firewall, ensure that all ports required are open.
If possible, close the firewall software program or disconnect the computer from the
firewall to ensure it is not causing the problem.

Additional time

In some cases it may take a computer some additional time to detect or see the
network. If after booting the computer you are unable to see the network, give the
computer 2-3 minutes to detect the network. Windows users may also want to try pressing
the F5 (refresh) key when in Network Neighborhood to refresh the network connections
and possibly detect the network

Additional troubleshooting

If after following or verifying the above recommendations you are still unable to
connect or see the network, attempt one or more of the below recommendations.

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 If you have installed or are using TCP/IP as your protocol you can ping another
computer's IP address to verify if the computer is able to send and receive data. To do
this, Windows or MS-DOS users must be at a prompt and Linux / Unix variant users must
open or be at a shell.
Once at the prompt assuming, that the address of the computer you wish to ping is
102.55.92.2, you would type:
ping 102.55.92.2
If you receive a response back from this address (and it is a different computer),
this demonstrates that the computer is communicating over the network. If you are still
unable to connect or see the network, it is possible that other issues may be present.
Another method of determining network issues is to use the tracert command if
you are a MS-DOS or Windows user or the trace route command if you are a Linux / Unix
variant user. To use this command you must be at the command prompt or shell. Or trace
route 102.55.92.2
This should begin listing the hops between the computer and network devices.
When the connection fails, determine what device is causing the issue by reviewing the
trace route listing.

Networking with DHCP

Task: Setting up a local area network with a Dynamic Host Control Protocol
(DHCP) server is easy! The DHCP server provides all the information your computer
needs to get up and running on the network. Once connected, you will check network
connectivity with the router and at least one other peer on the network.

Procedure

Getting connected

1. Before connecting your PC to the network, be sure the Windows XP operating system
is running on your computer. You will use Windows XP sp2 throughout this activity.

2. Next, open a terminal window on your computer by clicking on Applications-

>Accessories->Terminal.

3. In the terminal window, type ipconfig and press Enter.

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 a. How many network devices are listed in the output? Record their names in your
worksheet.

b. Is there an IPv4 address listed for any of the network devices? If so, record your
IP address (es) in your worksheet.

4. Connect your computer to a network switch using a patch cable. Did you get a light on
the switch? Record the port number you connected to in your worksheet.

5. Draw a diagram of the entire local area network in the space below, including the router,
any switches or hubs, and all connected PCs.

6. Run ifconfig again. Do you see an IP address? If so, record it in your worksheet.

7. In the terminal window, type dhclient eth1 and press Enter. Describe what happens.

Checking your connection

1. Check connectivity with the router with the ping command. Type ping -c4 10.0.1.1 and
press Enter. Record the times listed in the last column of the output. What was the
average round trip time (rtt) from your computer to the router and back?

2. Ask another group for their IP address. Check connectivity with that group's computer
with ping. Run ping as shown above, substituting the new IP address for the one
listed in the previous item. Record the times listed in the last column below. What
was the average round trip time (rtt)?

3. When you have completed the activity, shut down your computer and return to your
seat.

Title: Networking with Static IPs

Purpose: While setting up a network with a Dynamic Host Control Protocol

(DHCP) server is very convenient, it is sometimes preferable to use static IP addresses.
In this activity, you will join the network using an IP address and netmask provided by
your instructor. Once connected, you will check network connectivity with at least one
other peer on the network.
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Procedure

Getting connected

1. Before connecting your PC to the network, be sure the windows Operating system is
running on your computer.
2. When the boot process is completed, connect your computer to the network switch
using a patch cable. Did you get a light? What port number did you connect to on the
switch?
3. Draw a diagram of the entire network in the space below.
4. To configure your network settings, click System->Administration->Network.
5. In the Network settings window, make sure the Connections tab is selected.
6. Click on Wired connection, and then click the Properties button.
7. In the Interface properties window, change the Configuration setting to Static IP
address.
8. Enter the IP address provided by your instructor in the IP address field.
9. Enter 10.0.1.0 in the Gateway address field.
10. Finally, enter 255.255.255.0 in the Subnet mask field. Click OK to close the Interface
properties window.
11. Click OK to close the Network settings window.

Checking your connection

1. Open a terminal window on your computer, if one is not already open, by clicking
Applications->Accessories->Terminal.

2. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Are your network setting correct? If not, repeat the
steps 411 in the previous section

3. Ask another group for their IP address. Check connectivity with that group's computer
with ping. For example, ping -c4 10.0.1.200. Record the times listed in the last column
below. What was the average round trip time?

4. Ask a second group for their IP address. Check connectivity to that group's computer
with ping. Record the times listed in the last column below. What was the average
round trip time?

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 Evaluation:
CRITERIA
Passed Failed

1. Sequence of steps in diagnosing is followed.

2. Safety precaution are observed.

3. Appropriate tools are used in diagnosing.

4. Diagnostic plan for troubleshooting is created.

Remarks

Computer System and Network Configurations

Computer Networks

Networks are collections of computers, software, and hardware that are all
connected to help their users work together. A network connects computers by means of
cabling systems, specialized software, and devices that manage data traffic. A network
enables users to share files and resources, such as printers, as well as send messages
electronically (e-mail) to each other.

The most common networks are Local Area Networks or LANs for short. A LAN
connects computers within a single geographical location, such as one office building,
office suite, or home. By contrast, Wide Area Networks (WANs) span different cities or
even countries, using phone lines or satellite links.

Network System Configuration

All networks go through roughly the same steps in terms of design, rollout,
configuration, and management.

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Designing Your Network

Plan on the design phase to take anywhere from one to three working days,
depending on how much help you have ad how big your network is.

Here are the key tasks:

Settle on a peer-to-peer network or a client/server network.

Pick you network system software.
Pick a network language.
Figure out what hardware you need.
Decide on what degree of information security you need.
Choose software and hardware solutions to handle day-to-day management chores.

Rolling Out Your Network

Rolling out your network requires the following steps:

Run and test network cables.

Install the server or servers if youre setting up a client/server network. (If you are
setting up a peer-to-peer network, you typically dont have to worry about any
dedicated servers.)
Set up the workstation hardware.
Plug in and cable the Network Interface Cards (NICs these connect the network to
the LAN).
Install the hub or hubs (if you are using twisted-pair cable).
Install printers.
Load up the server software (the NOS, or Network Operating System) if your
network is a client/server type.
Install the workstation software.
Install modem hardware for remote dial-up (if you want the users to be able to dial
into the network).
Install the programs you want to run (application software).

Configuring Your Network

Network configuration means customizing the network for your own use.

Creating network accounts for your users (names, passwords, and groups).
Creating areas on shared disk drives for users to share data files.
Creating areas on shared disk drives for users to share programs (unless everyone
runs programs from their own computer).
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 Setting up print queues (the software that lets users share networked printers).
Installing network support on user workstations, so they can "talk" to your network.

Managing Your Network

The work you do right after your LAN is up and running and configured can save you
huge amounts of time in the coming months.

Mapping your network for easier management and troubleshooting.

Setting up appropriate security measures to protect against accidental and
intentional harm.
Tuning up your LAN so that you get the best possible speed from it.
Creating company standards for adding hardware and software, so you dont have
nagging compatibility problems later.
Putting backup systems in place so that you have copies of data and programs if
your hardware fails.
Installing some monitoring and diagnostic software so that you can check on your
networks health and get an early warning of impleading problems.
Figuring out how you plan to handle troubleshooting educating your LAN
administrator, setting up a support contract with a software vendor, and so on.

Smooth Setup

One key advantage of a peer-to-peer network is that its easy to setup. With the
simplest sort of peer-to-peer network, you just use the built-in networking that comes with
your operating system (Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8 and so on)
and you have very little software to set up even less if you have computers that have
the operating system preinstalled, as most computers do these days.

For Windows XP and Windows 7, the basic steps to setting up a peer-to-peer

network are as follows:

(Review for Cabling) UTP Cable

A UTP cable (category 5) is one of the most popular LAN cables. This cable
consists of 4 twisted pairs of metal wires (that means there are 8 wires in the cable).
Adding RJ45 connectors at both ends of the UTP cable it becomes a LAN cable they
usually use.

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Preparation

You need a UTP Cable, Crimping Tool, RJ45, and Cutter

Figure24. Materials for Cabling

Making Cable
Follow the steps below.

1. Remove the outmost vinyl shield for 12mm at one end of the cable (we call this side
A-side).
2. Arrange the metal wires in parallel (refer the each section's wire arrangement table).
Don't remove the shield of each metal line.
3. Insert the metal wires into RJ45 connector on keeping the metal wire arrangement.
4. Set the RJ45 connector (with the cable) on the pliers, and squeeze it tightly.
5. Make the other side of the cable (we call this side B-side) in the same way.
6. After you made it, you don't need to take care of the direction of the cable. (Any cable
in this page is directionless --- that means you can set either end of the cable to either
device.)

How to see the wire arrangement

Take the UTP cable with your left hand and a RJ45 connector with your right hand.
Hold the RJ45 connector in the way you can see the contact metal face of the RJ45
connector.

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 The tables below are for the case where the UTP cable consists of green/green-
white, orange/orange-white, blue/blue-white, brown/brown-white twisted pairs.

10 Base T / 100 Base T Straight

10BaseT and 100BaseT are most common mode of LAN. You can use UTP
category-5 cable for both modes. (You can use UTP category-3 cable for 10BaseT, in
which there are only 3 wires inside the cable.)

A straight cable is used to connect a computer to a hub. You can use it to connect
2 hubs in the case one of the hubs has an uplink port (and you use normal port on the
other hub).

Pin ID side A side B

1 orange-white orange-white

2 orange orange

3 green-white green-white

4 blue blue

5 blue-white blue-white

6 green green

7 brown-white brown-white

8 brown brown

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10 Base T / 100 Base T Cross
A cross cable for 10BaseT and 100BaseT is used to connect 2 computers directly
(with ONLY the UTP cable). It is also used when you connect 2 hubs with a normal port
on both hubs. (In other words, the cross cable is used relatively in a rare case.)

Pin ID side A side B

1 orange-white green-white
2 orange green
3 green-white orange-white

4 blue blue
5 blue-white blue-white
6 green orange
7 brown-white brown-white

8 brown brown

To create a peer network, you must have the following components:

A network interface or Local Area Network (LAN) adapter for each computer. The
same manufacturer and model of network card is preferred.

Cabling that is supported by the network cards.

Windows XP or 7 drivers for the network cards.

A common network protocol.

A unique computer name for each computer.

Task. Creating Peer to Peer Network

To create a peer network, follow these steps for each computer connected to the network:

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1. Shut down the computer and install the network card and appropriate cabling for
each computer.

NOTE: For information about how to configure your network adapters and physically connect
your computers, consult the documentation included with your network adapters or contact
the manufacturer(s) of your network adapters.

2. Start Windows and install the network drivers. Windows may detect your network card
and install the drivers when you start the computer. If the network card drivers are not
included with Windows, follow the manufacturer's instructions about how to install the
network drivers.

3. Choose a client and a common protocol for each computer. To do this, follow these
steps:

a. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
b. Click Add, click Client, and then click Add.
c. In the Manufacturers box, click the appropriate manufacturer, click the appropriate
client in the Network Clients box, and then click OK.
d. Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.
e. In the Manufacturers box, click the appropriate manufacturer, click the appropriate
protocol in the Network Protocol box, and then click OK.

4. Configure a peer server. Each computer that is configured for File and Printer Sharing
can act as a server. To configure a computer for File and Printer Sharing, use the
following steps:

a. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.

b. Click File and Print Sharing, click one or both options to share files and printers,
click OK, and then click OK again.

c. Click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.

5. Give each computer a unique computer name. To do this, use the following steps:
a. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.

b. On the Identification tab, type a unique name in the Computer name box.

c. Click OK, and then click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.

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 NOTE: The computer name must be unique for each computer on the network and
should be no more than 15 characters in length. In small networks, the workgroup
name should be the same for each computer so that all computers are visible in the
: same workgroup when browsing. You should not use spaces or the following
characters in computer and workgroup names

Task. Setting Windows Network Connection

Equipment, Tools and Materials Required:

- UTP cables
- 4 Computer units
- 1 hub

Given the following materials, set-up a network connection on four computers.

CRITERIA 1 2 3 4 5

Safety Precautions are observed.

All the UTP are properly connected to the computer and
hub.
Computers are properly connected and seen in the
network.
Proper boot-up and shutdown of the computer is
observed.

Total:

Task 2. Using the Internet for Research

In this project, you will learn how useful the Internet can be for a PC support technician.

1. Using your own or a lab computer pretend that the motherboard manual is not
available and you need to replace a faulty processor. Identify the manufacturer
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 and model of the mother board by looking for the manufacturer name and model
number stamped on the board. Research the Web site for that manufacturer. Print
the list of processors the board can support.
2. Research the Web site for your motherboard and print the instructions for flashing
BIOS.
3. Research the Abit Web site (www.abit.com.tw) and print a photograph of a
motherboard that has a riser slot. Also print the photograph of the riser card that
fits this slot. What is the function of the riser card?

More Security for Remote Desktop

Task. Analyze the situations below and answer the questions that follows.

When Jacob travels on company business, he finds its a great help to be able to access
his office computer from anywhere on the road using Remote Desktop. However, he
wants to make sure his office computer as well as the entire corporate network is as safe
as possible. One way you can help Jacob add more security is to change the port that
Remote Desktop uses. Knowledgeable hackers know that Remote Desktop uses port
3389, but if you change this port to a secret port, hackers are less likely to find the open
port. Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base articles (support.microsoft.com) for a way to
change the port that Remote Desktop uses. Practice implementing this change by doing
the following:

1. Set up Remote Desktop on a computer to be the host computer. Use another

computer (the client computer) to create a Remote Desktop session to the host
computer. Verify the session works by transferring files in both directions.
2. Next, change the port that Remote Desktop uses on the host computer to a secret
port. Print a screen shot showing how you made the change. Use the client computer
to create a Remote Desktop session to the host computer using the secret port. Print
a screen shot showing how you made the connection using the secret port. Verify the
session works by transferring files in both directions.
3. What secret port did you use?

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Lesson 3. INSPECT AND TEST THE CONFIGURED COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND
NETWORKS

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 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 three (3) inches from the end.
Do not wear jewelry, chains, metal-frame eyeglasses, or metal fasteners.

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.

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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. 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:
Switch off power
Send another person to get medical aid

Safety Inspection Guide

1. These steps will help you identify potentially unsafe conditions on electrical 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.

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Accident Reporting Policy and Procedure

There must be a process put in place to report accidents, incidents or near misses for
immediate action and to help track causes. The organization needs to identify what needs to
be reported, to whom it is to be reported, and how to report it, then put this process into a
written procedure.

For example:
Any accident, incident, or "near miss," no matter how slight the injury or damage, must be
reported to the department supervisor immediately for appropriate action.

The supervisor is responsible for taking appropriate follow-up action, including getting medical
attention for the injured, completing an investigation report and recommending or implementing
appropriate corrective actions.

The primary purpose of the accident investigation is to identify the cause(s) of the
accident, incident or "near miss" and take action to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
In some instances, an employee's or volunteer's failure to follow recognized safety procedures
requires disciplinary action to protect co-workers.

Remember: One person's actions can jeopardize the safety of others in the workplace.

Accident Reporting Policy

Sample

Approved by
Chairman:
Date:

1. Purpose [complies with legislation, ensure the necessary action to prevent any
recurrence and to enable the organization to maintain proper records.
2. Scope [accident, incident, near-miss; employee, volunteer, anyone on site or involved
in organization-sponsored activities]
3. Definitions [of terms]
4. Accident Reporting [timeline, to whom, how (phone, e-mail, fax) \ OSHA, NIOSH?]
5. Absence resulting from an accident [who to report to, Return-to work]
6. Accident Investigation [who investigates, what to do with resulting recommendations]
7. Forms [Names, where to find them]
8. Reportable Diseases [communicable diseases listed where?]

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Accident Investigation Procedures

The senior staff member available at the accident scene or the first member notified
should complete the appropriate investigation reporting form (accident, incident, near
miss). The completed form should be given to the organization's safety committee, which
will forward a copy of the report to the safety coordinator for review.

When an employee or volunteer is injured:

1. Get the person professional medical attention.

2. Protect others.
3. Minimize property damage.
4. Stabilize the situation.
5. Conduct an investigation.

General guidelines for investigating accidents:

Go to the scene of the accident while the facts are fresh.

Inspect and record any changed physical characteristics or conditions of the accident
site
Preserve any physical evidence, such as potentially defective equipment.
Take photos to help preserve the scene (i.e., puddles on the floor, overturned storage
shelves and spilled contents).
Talk to the injured person, if possible.
Talk to any eyewitnesses.
Ask simple open-ended questions, one question at a time, and attempt to have events
related chronologically to ensure thorough coverage.
Distinguish a person's actual knowledge from hearsay.
Ask when, where, who, how, and what was said or done.
Avoid opinions, judgments or conclusions and be as objective as possible. Avoid
commenting on the information gathered except to confirm your understanding or to
clarify.
Stress getting the facts.
Do not comment on liability or fault during the investigation. Listen for clues in the
conversation around you.
Unsolicited comments often have merit.
Review and finalize any notes immediately upon completion of your inspection and
any interview or other communication with those involved.
Fill out the appropriate accident, incident or near-miss form, giving an accurate
account of the facts.
Send the form to the safety coordinator and safety committee for their review.
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Accident reports

Forms are used to give specific details with regards to the accidents happened in
the laboratory during experiments.

Accident reports contain the following details:

Name of the person injured

Date and time of the accident
Type of injury
First aid given
Action taken to prevent further accidents

Task. Accomplish the sample Accident report sample form

Date:

Form No: Accident Report Form

Rm. No:

Name: Yr/Sec:

Type of Injury Cause of Injury Remedy

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Replacing different Components
Computer Parts Replacement

When 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.

List of Components Commonly Replaced in a Computer System

Note: Please refer to the Video for Proper Replacement of the components or parts of
the computer.

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Memory-is technically any form of electronic
storage; it is used most often to identify fast,
temporary forms of storage. It is commonly
called RAM (Random Access Memory).

Figure25. Memory

Video Cards-also referred to as a graphics

accelerator, is an item of personal computer
hardware whose function is to generate and
output images to a display.

Figure26. Video Card

Network Interface Card is also known as LAN card.

A PC interface to network cabling. It is a piece of
computer hardware designed to allow computers to
communicate over a computer network

Figure27. LAN Card

Hard disk drive is a fixed computer storage

medium

Figure28. Hard Disk Drive

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 Motherboard is also known as the mainboard. It
contains circuits that perform various functions.

Figure 29. Motherboard

Processor is also known as CPU or the Central

Processing unit

Figure30. CPU

CMOS Battery-Refers to a small memory on PC motherboards

that is used to store BIOS settings.

Figure 31. CMOS Battery

CD/DVD Drive- A DVD is an optical disc storage media format,

invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba
and Panasonic in 1995

Figure32. CD/DVD

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 Sound card - is an internal computer expansion card that
facilitates the input and output of audio signals

Figure33. Sound Card

Directions: Write your answer on your notebook

1. Give the functions of each component.

1. Memory
2. Video card
3. NIC
4. Motherboard
5. HDD

2. Factors to consider when replacing a component.

1._____________________
2._____________________
3._____________________

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.

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Commonly Upgraded Computer Parts

1. Monitors- replace old CRT monitors to new LCD or LED monitors.

2. Optical drives- old CD-ROMs drives are commonly replaced with DVD-ROM and DVD
writers.

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Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced with faster and high capacity hard
drives.

Keyboards and mouse- keyboards and mouse are commonly replaced with optical
mouse and wireless keyboards.

RAM (Random Access Memory)- upgrading the computers memory or RAM speeds
up the performance of the computer

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Video cards- upgrade computers graphics card to improve the computer
performance in terms of graphics and games.

Processors- replacing the processors increase the data processing speed.

Modem- installing a modem enables your computer to connect to the internet.

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How to Speed up the Computer

1. Defragmenter utility: Automatically analyzes the empty disk space on the hard disk
and defrag all scattered files.

Figure31. Defragmenter Utility

2. Shutdown Unnecessary programs: Close all unwanted programs at the Windows

start up and this will automatically increase the windows loading time and speed of
the computer will also be increased.

3. Increased memory: Increasing the memory in the system will result to exceptional
speed of your computer.

Figure32. Increasing the memory

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4. Disk Cleanup: You can delete unwanted programs and files from your computer
and this will be helpful in increasing the speed.

Figure33. Disk Cleanup

5. Empty Recycle Bin: Delete all the files and folders from the recycle bin and you will
get the space of C drive for reusability.

Figure34. Emptying the recycle bin

Memory Upgrade

To make your computer faster, you can upgrade its memory. Here are the steps in
upgrading your computers memory

1. Remove the memory modules from the slot.

Figure34. Removing memory module from the slot

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2. In Fig 35 the notches we have marked as A are used
for the ejector clip on the DIMM slot.

The notches we have marked as B are used to align

the memory module with the DIMM slot key C as Figure 35. Notch A
shown in Figure 36.

In Figure 36 you can see the ejector clips (D), using

your finger, push these into the down position as
shown in Figure 36 this allows the memory to be
inserted.
Figure 36. DIMM Slot

3. Now you are ready to install the module, ensuring the

notches line up with the keys gently but firmly push
the memory into the slot until it is seated fully(see
Fig 37 the ejector clips should rise to the vertical
position as shown in Fig 38).
Figure 37. Ejector clips
4. Now your memory is installed. Be sure you have not
loosened any cables while working and also ensure
that the memory module is fully seated and the
ejector clips are in the vertical position.

Figure 38. Ejector clips in vertical

position

Video card Upgrade

Installing the video card

Next, take the video card (hold it by the edges) and line it up with the slot paying
careful attention to the alignment notch. When it is aligned correctly, press gently but
firmly until the card is seated fully and evenly into the slot (see fig 39).

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 Figure39. Video card seated fully and evenly on a slot

When you are happy that the card is firmly in place, insert the fixing screw (fig 40)
and check to make sure you have not loosened anything during installation.
Replace the case cover and reconnect the mains power.

Figure40. Inserting fixing screw

When you reboot your machine Windows (or other OS) should find the card
automatically, it may then ask you to insert the disk/CD that came with your video card,
insert the CD and follow the on-screen instructions to install the video card driver.

Hard Drive Upgrade

The first thing to do (after removing the case covers) is to locate the drive bay
where the hard drive will go (see fig 41 below).

Figure41. Locate the drive bay

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The next step is to attach the IDE and power cables.

In figure 42 below you can see a standard IDE Cable, note there are three (3)
connections (notice the difference in distance between the connectors). Connection A
plugs into the motherboard and then the slave and master connections are used for IDE
devices such as hard drives, if you are only installing one drive or the new drive is to be
the master then use the master connector, if the drive is to be the slave then use the slave
connector.

The IDE cable will be marked down one side with a red or black strip, this denotes
Pin 1, match this with the Pin 1 indicator on the back of the hard drive.

The power cable you will find in your case is attached to your power supply; you
can see an example below in figure 43.

Figure42. Standard IDE Cable Figure43. Power Cable

Basic Network Errors

If your network connection is not configured properly or suffers a technical failure,

you will often see some error message generated and displayed on your screen. These
messages give helpful clues to the nature of the issue. Use this list of the common
network-related error messages to help troubleshoot and fix networking problems.

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Network Problem error Messages

Network problem error message 1

Read the message in the box.

Box running software 14.8 and Box running software 14.7 and below:
above:
A network adapter was not
No network adapter. (N01) detected. (N01)

Please make sure that your network Please make sure that your network
adapter is securely plugged into a USB adapter is securely plugged into a USB
port on the back of the box. port on the back of the box.

Possible solution for error message 1

Quick 1. If you have a TiVo Wireless G or N Adapter: Remove the adapter

Steps from the TiVo box for 15 60 seconds and reconnect. Then force a
connection to the TiVo service.
2. Try another USB port (when applicable).

3. If these steps have not resolved your issue, see Detailed Steps
below for additional assistance.

Network problem error message 2

Read the message in the box.
Box running software 14.8 and above: Box running software 14.7 and below:

Problem with router. (N03)
It might be temporarily out of IP
addresses. Wait a few minutes, and then
try connecting again. If the DHCP server
is part of your home network, try
increasing the number of IP addresses it
can assign.
The DHCP server was unable to supply
an IP address.(N03)
It might be temporarily out of IP
addresses. Wait a few minutes, and then
try connecting again. If the DHCP server
is part of your home network, try
increasing the number of IP addresses it
can assign.

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 Possible solution for error message 2

1. Power cycle your network, then force a connection to the TiVo

service.
Quick Steps

2. Renew the DHCP lease on your router.

NOTE: Please contact your router manufacturer if you are
unsure how to do this.

3. If these steps have not resolved your issue, see Detailed Steps
below for additional assistance.

Network problem error message 3

Read the message in the box:

Box running software 14.8 and above: Box running software 14.7 and below:

Problem with network settings. (N05)
Change your network settings to use a
different (and unused) IP address.
The specified IP address (<IP Address>) is
already in use by another device on the
network. (N05)
Change your network settings to use a
different (and unused) IP address.

Possible solution for error message 3

1. If the box is using a static IP address, then it will need to be

changed. See How to configure network settings on your TiVo
Quick Steps

box for instructions.

2. Power cycle your network devices, then force a connection to the
TiVo service.
3. Renew the DHCP lease on your router.
NOTE: Please contact your router manufacturer if you are
unsure how to do this.

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 Network problem error message 4

Read the message in the box:

Box running software 14.8 and above: Box running software 14.7 and below:

Wireless Network Not Found. (N06) Could not connect to the wireless network
(<Network Name>). (N06)

Possible solution for error message 4

1. Verify your TiVo box has the latest software version to support the
encryption used by your router.
2. Make sure your wireless network is operational and you have
sufficient signal strength where the box is located. See How to
configure network settings on your TiVo box for instructions.
3. Verify you entered the correct the correct name of your network
and/or the correct encryption key or password.
Quick Steps

4. Check for possible interference sources nearby, such as

microwave ovens, cordless phones, etc.

5. Power cycle your network devices, then force a connection to the

TiVo service.
6. Move your wireless adapter to improve signal strength.
7. Contact your router manufacturer to determine whether you need
to update your router firmware.

8. If these steps have not resolved your issue, see Detailed Steps
below for additional assistance.

Network problem error message 8

Read the message in the box:
Box running software 14.8 and above: Box running software 14.7 and below:

Adapter not set up. (N08)
Select Change network settings to begin
setting up your network adapter.
Your network adapter has not been set up
for use with the box. (N08)
Select Change network settings to begin
setting up your network adapter.

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 Possible solution for error message 8

1. TiVo Wireless N adapter: Verify that your adapter has been set up
Quick Steps properly. Please see TiVo Wireless N Adapter Setup for instructions.
2. Verify you entered the correct name of your network and/or the
correct encryption key or password.
3. Verify your wireless adapter is compatible with your TiVo box.
4. Try another USB port (when applicable).
5. If these steps have not resolved your issue, see Detailed Steps
below for additional assistance.

Common Network Errors and Solutions

Network Errors Possible Solutions

Network problem is 1. Make sure no any firewall running.
not accessible 2. Make sure you have created the same workgroup,
and the same username for logging on a remote
Message: "....is not computer.
accessible. You may 3. Check user's rights.
not have permission to 4. You may want to enable guest account on
use this network windows.
resource. Contact the 5. if you are using simple file sharing, you may try to
administrator of this disable it and re-share the drive manually.
server to find out if you 6. If it is mixed OS network, enable NetBIOS over
have access TCP/IP.
permissions. The 7. Make sure the Computer Browser service is
semaphore timeout started if all computers are w2k/xp.
period has expired." 8. Stop Computer Browser service on wwin9x, ME
and NT if this is a mixed OS network.
9. Cache credential by using net
use \\computername\share /user:username
command (it is better to have the username logon
shared computer).
10. If you have tried enabling netbios over tcp/ip but
doesn't work, you may try to load netbeui (loading
netbeui may slow your network).
11. Make sure the server service is running.
12. Still need help, contact
consultant at http://hidev.com/contactus.asp for
the tech support.

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Network problem not 1. Type command "net share" on the shared computer.
available. The server is If there is not a share named "IPC$" in the share list,
not configured for use the command "net share ipc$" to create it.
transactions"

An extended error has 1. This issue may occur if the workstation doesn't
occurred" or "Access synchronize the time with the server. After verifying
Denied" Symptoms: that basic network connectivity exists, you can force
When mapping a time synchronization on the client computer manually.
network drive using net To do this, run net time /domain /set command.
use or using the net 2.
view command to view a Make sure you have granted enough licenses for
different computer in the clients accessing.
domain, you may
receive: "An extended
error has occurred" or
"Access Denied" error
messages.

Computer name is not 1. Are you sure the logon user has permission to the
accessible. No shared folder?
permission to access 2. Have you tried to logon using the same user name
the resources" and password of the accessed computer?
3. The last and risky one, if you enable guest account in
computer, can you access now?

"Multiple connections to 1. Try using net use /d from a command to clear all your
the server or shared mapped connections before joining the domain. You
resource are not can also disconnect the mapped drive in Windows
allowed" Explorer by right-click the mapped drive and select
disconnection.
Symptom: when
attempting to join a
domain, you may
receive "Multiple
connections to the
server or shared
resource are not
allowed. Please
disconnect all previous
connections to the
server or shared
resource and try again."

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"Network path not 1. This issue may occur if the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
found" in a domain Service is not running on the client computer. To
network 1 start the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service, go to
MMS>Services, double-click TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
SYMPTOMS: Service.
When trying to join a
domain by using he
NetBIOS domain name,
you are successful but
not the FQDN and you
may receive one of the
following error
messages:

1) The following error

occurred attempting to
join domain
"example.com": The
network location
cannot be reached.
For information about
network
troubleshooting, see
Windows Help.
2) Network path not
found.

"Network path not 1. You can find some computer browser errors on the
found" in a domain DNS server. Disable one of two NICs will work. More
network 2 resolutions can be found in browser Issue page.

"Network path not 1. Make sure that File and Printer Sharing is enabled
found" in a workgroup on the shared computer.
network - error 53 Make sure that shared machine has something
shared.
2. Make sure that you have created the same
workgroup and logon the same username
Make sure that you have enabled NetBIOS over
TCP/IP if this is a mixed OS network.
"Not accessible. You 1. Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on one or more
may not have computers in the workgroup. To do that, go to
permission to use this properties of Local Area Connection>properties
network resource" of Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP)>General> Advanced>WINS, check Enabl
e NetBIOS over TCP/IP (If you have a DHCP-

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Symptom: Your peer- assigned IP address, select Use NetBIOS setting
to-peer network, may from the DHCP server ).
receive the following 2. Make sure the Computer Browser service is started.
error when you double-
click My Network
Places/Computers Near
Me: <Workgroup
Name> is not
accessible. You may not
have permission to use
this network resource.

"Not enough server 1. The registry value IRPstackSize may be not

storage is available to
process this command."
error.
SYMPTOMS: When
accessing shares on a
server from a client, you
may receive "Not
enough server storage
is available to process
this command." error.
You may receive this
message and Event ID:
2011 after you install
Norton Antivirus for
Windows.
explicitly present. To increase the value of the
parameter, go to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControl
Set\Services\ LanmanServer\Parameters. If the key
is not present, choose Add Value in the Registry
Editor. The Value Name should be IRPStackSize
and the Data Type is REG_DWORD.
2. Remove any unnecessary entries from this value in
the registry,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSe
t\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\NullSessionPi
pes.
3. Disable Norton antivirus to see if that will fix the
problem.

"No logon server This sounds like cache credential issue.

available"
1. Make sure the computers in the same network, the
Symptoms: you can same workgroup/domain and have created the same
ping the server by ip username.
and name but can't 2. Use net use \\servername\sharename password
map the shared /user: username to cache the credential.
drive by using net
use \\ip or \\servern
ame. If you try, you
may receive the "No
logon server
available".

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Still need help, contact 1. Disable ICF if you don't need it.
consultant at http://hide 2. Open port # (UDP and TCP) from 135 through 139
v.com/contactus.asp for and/or 445. to do this, go to the properties of the
the tech support. connection>Advanced>ICF>Settings>Services. For
Microsoft file sharing SMB: add (UDP and TCP)
"System error 6118 ports from 135 through 139. For direct-hosted SMB
has occurred. The list traffic without network basic input/output system
of servers for this (NetBIOS) uses port (TCP and UDP) 445. Note: the
workgroup is not external and internal port numbers should be
currently identical.
available." Symptoms:
When using the net
view
\\computername comm
and, you receive the
following error
message: System error
6118 has occurred. The
list of servers for this
workgroup is not
currently available.

"The password is 1. You need to setup every user that needs access to
incorrect. Try again" the shared folder on every computer they have to
connect to. Then give the proper user proper
permission to the shared folder.
2. Logon the same user and password.
3. As always, you can try to enable a guest account on
the accessed machine.

"There are no entries on 1. If there are no file or print shares on the computer,
the list" the net view command displays a "There are no
entries in the list" message. So, make sure there are
Symptom: when using file or print shares on the computer. Or to use net
net share command to check sharing status.
view \\remotecomputer 2. Make sure no firewall running because the firewall
command, you may may block sharing.
receive "There are no
entries on the list". And
you may have a problem
to access the remote
computer.

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 "Unable to access 1. NetBIOS over TCP/IP. To do that, go to the
Computers near Me" or properties of TCP/IP>Advanced>WINS. If you are
"Workgroup is not using a static Internet Protocol (IP) address, click
accessible" errors 2. Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP. If you have a DHCP-
assigned IP address, click Use NetBIOS setting from
the DHCP server.
No Master Browser or too many browsers may
cause this issue. Check Browser issue.

"Unable to Browse 1. Have you loaded the NIC or is it working?

Network" 2. Have you loaded common protocol, TCP/IP?
3. Does the Computer browser work?
Symptom: When you 4. Have you enable file and printer sharing in the
attempt to browse your accessed computer?
network by opening 5. Is the workstation service running?
Entire Network in My
Network
Places/Network
Neighborhood, you may
receive the following
error message: Unable
to Browse Network.

Award BIOS / CMOS Setup

This is the BIOS setup for Award BIOS v6.00PG. If you have a different version of
the Award BIOS there would be a lot of similarities. If your BIOS are AMI or Phoenix then
the common BIOS features would have some similarities. Whatever BIOS you have, this
setup guide should give you an idea about how to setup BIOS.

Please note that setting up BIOS incorrectly could cause system malfunction,
therefore it is recommended that you also follow the BIOS guide provided on your
motherboard manual. If you decide to make changes to certain options it is safer to make
a note of what you have changed. Then restart the system to see how it performs. If the
system behaves abnormally or becomes unstable you can revert back to your previous
settings.

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Soft menu III

Soft menu III is where you can setup up the CPU without setting jumpers on the
motherboard. You can setup the CPU simply by selecting the speed i.e. Pentium III 750
from the list. This ensures that the CPU bus, multiplier, voltage etc, is correctly set for that
particular CPU. However you can manually setup each feature if required. Once you have
finished with the setup press ESC to return the previous menu.

Figure44. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Standard CMOS Features

Here you can setup the basic BIOS features such as date, time, type of floppy etc.
Use the arrow keys to move around and press enter to select the required option. You
can specify what IDE devices you have such as Hard drive, CD-ROM, ZIP drive etc. The
easiest way to setup the IDE devices is by leaving it set to auto. This allows the BIOS to
detect the devices automatically so you don't have to do it manually. At the bottom, it also
displays the total memory in your system.

Figure45. Standard CMOS Feature

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Advanced BIOS Features

As you can see from figure 3, there are numerous advance settings which you can
select if required. For most cases leaving the default setting should be adequate. As you
can see the first boot device is set to floppy. This ensures that the floppy disk is read first
when the system boots, and therefore can boot from windows boot disk. The second boot
device is the Hard disk and third is set to LS120. If you want to boot from a bootable CD
then you can set the third boot device to CD/DVD-ROM.

Figure46. Advance Bios Feature

Advanced Chipset Features

Here you can setup the contents of the chipset buffers. It is closely related to the
hardware and is therefore recommended that you leave the default setting unless you
know what you are doing. Having an incorrect setting can make your system unstable. If
you know that your SDRAM can handle CAS 2, then making changes can speed up the
memory timing. If you have 128MB SDRAM then the maximum amount of memory the
AGP card can use is 128MB.

Figure47. Advance Bios Chipset

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Integrated Peripherals

This menu allows you to change the various I/O devices such as IDE controllers,
serial ports, parallel port, keyboard etc. You can make changes as necessary.

Figure48. Integrated Peripherals

Power Management Setup

The power management allows you to setup various power saving features, when
the PC is in standby or suspend mode.

Figure49. Power Management setup

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PnP/PCI Configurations

This menu allows you to configure your PCI slots. You can assign IRQ's for
various PCI slots. It is recommended that you leave the default settings as it can get a
bit complicated messing around with IRQ's

Figure50. Pnp /PCI Configurations

PC Health Status

This menu displays the current CPU temperature, the fan speeds, voltages etc.
You can set the warning temperature which will trigger an alarm if the CPU exceeds the
specified temperature.

Figure51. PC Health Status

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Load Fail-Safe Defaults

If you made changes to the BIOS and your system becomes unstable as a result,
you can change it back to default. However if you made many changes and don't know
which one is causing the problem, your best bet is to choose the option "Load Fail Safe
Mode Defaults" from the BIOS menu. This uses a minimal performance setting, but the
system would run in a stable way. From the dialog box Choose "Y" followed by enter to
load Fail-Safe Defaults.

Figure52. Load fail-safe defaults

Load Optimized Defaults

Like the Fail-Safe mode above, this option loads the BIOS default settings, but
runs the system at optimal performance. From the dialog box Choose "Y" followed by
enter to load Optimized Defaults.

Figure53. Load optimized

Set Password

To password protect your BIOS you can specify a password. Make sure you don't
forget the password or you cannot access the BIOS. The only way you can access the
BIOS is by resetting it using the reset jumper on the motherboard.

Figure54. Load optimized

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Save and Exit Setup

To save any changes you made to the BIOS you must choose this option. From
the dialog box choose "Y".

Figure55. Save to CMOS and EXIT

Exit without Saving

If you don't want to save changes made to the BIOS, choose "N" from the dialog
box.

Figure56. Quit Without Saving

Task 1. The BIOS settings in the CMOS memory have become corrupted or
damaged

Task: Check the CMOS battery and replace if needed.

Procedure:

1. Power on your desktop pc and wait for the POST

2. Read the Power on self-test report and do the necessary procedure to solve the
problem.
3. Boot up your pc into BIOS setup.
4. Look for incorrect or changing time settings. A noticeable symptom is an invalid time
showing within the operating system. This symptom is confirmed if time sets after
the computer system is restarted. Under these circumstances, the CMOS battery
should be replaced.
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 Procedure: On how to replace the CMOS Battery.

1. Locate your CMOS battery

2. Obtain battery information
3. Removing the battery
4. Insert the new battery
5. Enter CMOS values

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation
CRITERIA
Passed Failed

1. Sequence of steps in CMOS diagnosing procedure is

followed.

2. Sequence of steps for replacing CMOS battery is

followed carefully.

3. Safety precaution is observed.

Remarks

Practicing TCP/IP Networking Skills

While connected to the Internet or another TCP/IP network, answer these

questions:

1. What is your current IP address?

2. Release and renew your IP address. Now what is your IP address?

237 | P a g e
3. Are you using dynamic or static IP addressing? How do you know?

4. What is your adapter address for this connection?

5. What is your default gateway IP address?

6. What response do you get when you ping the default gateway?

Task 2. Investigating Verizon FiOS

Verizon (www.verizon.com) is currently offering an alternative to DSL and cable

modem for broadband Internet access. FiOS is a fiber-optic Internet service that uses
fiber-optic cable all the way to your house for both your residential telephone service and
Internet access. Search the Web for answers to these questions about FiOS:

1. Give a brief description of FiOS and how it is used for Internet access.

2. What downstream and upstream speeds can FiOS support?

3. When using FiOS, does your telephone voice communication share the fiber-optic
cable with Internet data?

4. What does Verizon say about FiOS cabling used for television?

5. Is FiOS available in your area?

Hardware Upgrade

Tool, Materials, and Equipment

Tools

Philip Screw Deriver

Anti-static wrist strap

Anti-static mat

238 | P a g e
Equipment

Network Card

Network Card Upgrade

Given the tools and materials, upgrade your computer by installing a network
card.

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation
CRITERIA
Passed Failed

1. Safety precautions are observed.

2. Appropriate tools are used in upgrading

3. Necessary improvement and adjustment are done in

terms up upgrading.

Remarks

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LESSON 4: TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

Testing Computer System

Is your PC healthy? Don't be too sure. Think back to when you heard a kerklunk
sound coming from the hard drive. Or maybe you remember the last time your Internet
connection was down.

The best way to find out what's wrong is to take a proactive approach: Check under
your PC's hood with the following mostly free diagnostic tools, and see if anything is
amiss--before disaster strikes.

Three Major Components of Computer System:

Hardware
Software
Firmware

Test Your Hardware

Checking your computer hardware and its peripherals

1. Computer Monitor and its peripherals

Monitor and interface cables
Video card
Monitor power cable

Interface cables

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 Video cards

Monitor power
cable

2. Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard connector
Mouse Connector

Keyboard connecter

Mouse connector

3. I/O port and devices

Connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device

A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device
A faulty peripheral device
Incorrect settings in the System Setup program
Incorrect settings in the system's configuration files
Faulty I/O port logic on the system board

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 I/O circuit board

Parallell ports

4. Power supply

Power cord
Fuse

Power plug Fuse Power cord

242 | P a g e
Testing Your Software

Check the different software installed in the computer.

1. Operating system

Run live updates for your operating systems to get the latest patches and
protection for your OS.
Run registry scanners to check the OS registry configuration

2. Application Software

Check for live updates

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3. Anti-virus software

Run anti-virus program

Check for virus signature updates
Check for spyware updates

Test Your Firmware

Firmware- is a combination of hardware and software integrated on a chip.

To test the firmware

Check for the correct configuration can accomplish this by configuring the BIOS in
the computer

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Sample Accomplishment Report Form

Task to be accomplished Status

Hardware component testing Working Not working

properly properly

Software testing Status

Working Not working

properly properly

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Error Beep codes

When a PC is first switched on or reset it performs a special diagnostic test called

a POST (Power-On Self Test), to check all components in the PC, the POST program
sends out a signal to each device initializing each device's built-in self test procedure.

The POST test is a two stage process:

1. First, it will check all the basic components including among other things the system
clock, the processor, RAM, the keyboard controller and
the Video

2. After the video has been tested the BIOS will then
indicate any errors encountered by displaying either a
numeric code or a text message on the screen.

When a device fails the first part of the POST, the BIOS will send a series of beeps
from the PC's speaker (internal) to inform the PC user that there is a problem these beeps
are coded allowing the user to diagnose the troublesome component.
When the POST has been completed successfully, the PC will make a short beep to let
the user know everything is as it should be.

Three (3) major brands of BIOS chip

1. AWARD BIOS
2. Phoenix BIOS
3. AMI BIOS

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Each type of BIOS chip has it own error code

AMI BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Indicator Error message Solution

1 Beep Memory refresh failure Check memory

Memory parity error

2 Beeps Check memory

Memory read/write error

3 Beeps Motherboard timer not Check memory

functioning
Processor error
Gate A20/keyboard
4Beeps controller failure Replace motherboard

Replace processor

5Beeps Processor exception

interrupt
Replace motherboard

Display memory
6 Beeps read/write failure Replace processor
ROM checksum error

7 Beeps Replace video card

CMOS shutdown
read/write error
8 Beeps Bad cache memory Replace BIOS
chip/Motherboard

Replace BIOS
9 Beeps chip/Motherboard
10 Beeps Replace cache memory

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Phoenix BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Phoenix BIOS beep codes are a series of beeps separated by a pause, for
example:
beep --- beep beep --- beep --- beep beep would be 1-2-1-2

Indicator Error message Solution

1-1-4-1 Cache error Check cache memory

Check BIOS ROM

1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM Checksum

DRAM test rate Check DRAM

1-3-1-1

Keyboard controller Check keyboard

test controller
1-3-1-3
RAM failure Check memory

Check memory
1-3-4-1
RAM failure data bits Check memory
of low memory bus

1-3-4-3 RAM failure data bits

of high memory bus

ROM copyright notice Check ROM

1-4-1-1

Test for unexpected

2-1-2-3
interrupt

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AWARD BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Indicator Error message Solution

One long beep and Video error Replace video card

two short beeps

Two short beeps Non-fatal error Reset RAM, Check

other components.

Directions: Answer the following questions and place your answers on your answer
sheet.

1. What does the acronym POST stand for?

2. What are the Three Major Brand of BIOS chips
3. Identify the following error codes:

1-2-2-3
1-3-4-1
2-1-2-3
1-1-4-1
1-3-1-1

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Directions:

Test I. Identify the tools presented below and write your answer in separate paper.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Directions:

Test II. List down at list Five (5) common problem and solution. Use a separate sheet of
paper if needed.

Task 1.Understanding Hardware Documentation

Obtain the manual for the motherboard for your PC. (If you cannot find the manual,
try downloading it from the motherboard manufacturers Web site.) Answer these
questions:

1. What processors does the board support?

2. What type of RAM does the board support?

3. What is the maximum RAM the board can hold?

4. If the board has a PCIe slot, what version of PCIe does the board use?

5. What chipset does the board use?

Task 2. Teaching Yourself About Windows Meeting Space

Using the Windows Help and Support window, Search for information on Windows
Meeting Space. Describe the tool. When would you want to use it? What can you do with
Windows Meeting Space? Set up and test the tool with a friend on a network connection.

251 | P a g e
Task 1. Testing a Computer Unit

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

Tools

Multi-tester

Screw driver

Equipment

Computer unit

Monitor

Keyboard and mouse

Power cables

Materials

Bond paper

Ruler and Pencil

252 | P a g e
Hardware Testing and Documentation

Directions: Test the following computer peripherals and equipment with the use of the
tools provider. Document your testing with the use of an accomplishment form.

Assigned Task Condition

Working Not working
Hardware component testing
properly properly

Computer monitor

Power supply

Keyboard

Mouse

You will be assessed using the following criteria

CRITERIA Rating

1. Sequence of steps in testing is followed. 20%

2. Safety precautions are observed. 20%

3. Appropriate tools are used in testing. 30%

4. An accomplishment report is created. 30%

Total 100%

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Task 2.Identify Error codes

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

Tools

Screw drivers

Anti-static wrist strap

Equipment

Computer unit

Memory Error Codes

Given the tools and equipment, identify the memory error code by removing the
module in the computer unit

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation:

CRITERIA Rating

1. Observance of safety precautions. 30%

2. Appropriate tools are used in testing. 30%

3. Identifying the error code. 40%

Total 100%

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POST ASSESSMENT

Do the Activity on More Security for Remote Desktop

When Enzo travels on company business, he finds its a great help to be able to
access his office computer from anywhere on the road using Remote Desktop. However,
he wants to make sure his office computer as well as the entire corporate network is as
safe as possible.

One way you can help Enzo add more security is to change the port that Remote
Desktop uses. Knowledgeable hackers know that Remote Desktop uses port 3389, but if
you change this port to a secret port, hackers are less likely to find the open port. Search
the Microsoft Knowledge Base articles (support.microsoft.com) for a way to change the
port that Remote Desktop uses.

Practice implementing this change by doing the following:

1. Set up Remote Desktop on a computer to be the host computer. Use another computer
(the client computer) to create a Remote Desktop session to the host computer. Verify
the session works by transferring files in both directions.

2. Next, change the port that Remote Desktop uses on the host computer to a secret port.
Print a screen shot showing how you made the change. Use the client computer to create
a Remote Desktop session to the host computer using the secret port. Print a screen shot
showing how you made the connection using the secret port. Verify the session works by
transferring files in both directions.

3. What secret port did you use?

Instruction:
Read each of the questions in the left-hand column of the chart.
Place a check on the column that indicate your answers

I Can YES NO
Plan and prepare work to ensure occupational health and
safety
(OHS) policies and procedures are followed
Obtain materials, tools, equipment and testing devices
needed to on form with job requirements
Interpret work instructions according to job requirements
Obtain computer components/devices/systems and
determines its location prior to installation
Install equipment/devices/systems in accordance with job
requirements

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 Check/Test devices/systems and/or installations to
determine the conformity to job requirements.
Check computer systems and networks for configuration in
accordance with specifications and requirements
Diagnose fault or problem in the computer systems and
networks in line with standard operating procedures (SOP)

Configure the identified systems and networks based on

specifications and job requirements
Inspect and test configured computer systems and
networks in conformity with manufacturer's
instructions/manual
Correct/Adjust components or parts of computer systems
and networks in accordance with job requirements
Test computer systems and networks to ensure safe
operation
Perform scheduled/periodic maintenance in accordance
with manufacturer's requirements
Make needed repairs/replacements in accordance with
established procedures, when necessary
Document tasks undertaken in accordance with SOP
Clean and clear worksite of all surplus/excess materials in
accordance with company SOP

Summative Test

I. Identify what computer error is illustrated on the following situations.

__________1. The LED indicator of your monitor is in steady orange color.

_________ 2. When you open your PC, nothing shows up in your monitor and the LED
indicator of your monitor is flashing in yellow color.

__________3. When you open your PC it will show the processor brand and/or the
motherboard brand but doesn't continue. Usually this error will result to
system restart over and over again.

__________4.This also happens even if you try disconnecting your computer set from
the internet. This is what we called aftershock virus which will continue to
run even if internet is disconnected.

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__________5. The computer opens up then boots but when the operating system loads
it doesn't continue and it will take a lifetime if you're going to wait for it to
load.

__________6. This happens even if you try installing the hardware. When you restart
your set it will happen again.

__________7. When you try going to safe mode all you will see is a list of files in
Command prompt style.

__________8. Upon loading he operating system, you will hear a loading sound and then
the sound stops, when you try running an audio file, no sound will be heard

__________9.This will happen only in standby mode, when you move your mouse or type
something, your system will automatically restart and the worst part is it
will delete a file at random.

__________10. Just like the mouse problem, when you open a program that will take the
whole screen like for example a game and/or a program applications,
when you close it, it will cause your system to restart.

II. Choose the letter of the best answer:

1) These are moderately dangerous types of errors among those that can pop up on
your PC. System errors are caused by malfunctioning hardware components,
corrupted operating system modules, etc.
a. System error C. Stop errors
b. Runtime errors D. Device managers errors
2) These are caused by corrupted or malfunctioning system files or software
executables. Most runtime errors cause the application that caused it to shut down.
However, more serious runtime errors may cause the system to become unstable
or unresponsive, leaving you with no choice but to reach for the Reset button.
a. System error C. Stop errors
b. Runtime errors D. Device managers errors

3) These are caused by corrupted hardware, especially malfunctioning RAM modules

and bad sectors on hard disks. Stop errors can be difficult to resolve at times.
a. System error C. Stop errors
b. A Runtime errors D. Device managers errors

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4) These are usually caused by corrupted driver files or malfunctioning hardware
components. In case of the former cause, the problem is usually solved simply by
reinstalling or updating the drivers. However, the latter cause can often be solved
only by replacing hardware components.
a. System error C. Stop errors
b. B. Runtime errors D. Device managers errors

5) These are caused by malfunctioning hardware components, and are characterized

by short beep sounds from the tiny internal speaker of your motherboard. POST
code errors occur when you press the power button to turn on your PC..
a. System error C. Application errors
b. B. Runtime errors D. Post Code errors

6) These can be caused at any point of time. As the name suggests, these are caused
by applications while those are running. These are usually caused by glitches in
the program code itself. These are usually resolved by updating the program to its
latest version.
a. System error C. Application errors
b. Browser status errors D. Post Code errors

7) These are caused by problems faced by browsers when trying to access a website.
These can be caused by misplaced web pages in the server of the website itself,
or due to connection problems. For instance, a 404 error would indicate that the
browser is trying to access a webpage that does not exist in the specified location.
a. System error C. Application errors
b. Browser status errors D. Post Code errors

8) is define as the flow of electron or electric current. It is an invisible form of energy

that can be transform into other form of energy like heat light and mechanical.

a. electricity C. Proton
b. atom D. Post Code errors
9) the amount of pulling force that makes the electron flow. Also known as potential
difference or EMF(electromotive force).
a. electricity C. Current
b. resistance D. Voltage
10) a type of circuit that has an open path for current to flow. It means that current
cannot flow in open circuit.
a. Open circuit C. Current circuit
b. resistance D. close circuit
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III. Match Column A with Column B

Column A Column B
1. Used for installing and removing A. Screw drivers
screws in the computer unit.
2. Used for picking small parts in the B. Pliers and tweezers
computer unit.
3. Used for eliminating electrostatic C. Soldering iron
discharge in the work area.
4. Primarily used for connecting D. Lens cleaner
terminals in the power supply and
circuit board with the use of a
soldering lead.
5. It is a paste used for heat E. Anti-static wrist strap, mat and
dissipation of the processor. spray
6. A device used for cleaning optical F. Thermal paste
media, such as DVD-ROMS and
CD-writers.
7. A device used to crimp the RJ45 G. LAN Tester
connector to the UTP cable
8. A device used for testing the H. Crimping tool
network connection
I. Systems Tool Box

IV. Arrange the following steps in verifying the correct protocols are installed on
the computer.

_____Within the configuration tab double-click the TCP/IP protocol icon. Note: Do not
click on the PPP or Dial-Up adapter, click on the network card adapter.

_____Select the option to specify an IP address

_____Click Start / Settings / Control Panel

_____Double-click the Network icon

_____In the TCP/IP properties click the IP address tab

_____When specifying these values, the computers on the network must all have the
same Subnet Mask and have a different IP Address. For example, when using the
above values on one computer you would want to use an IP address of 102.55.92.2
on another computer and then specify the same Subnet Mask.
_____Enter the IP address and Subnet Mask address, an example of such an address
could be: IP Address: 102.55.92.1, Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192

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V. List down at list Five (5) common computer problems and solutions.

Common Computer Problems Solutions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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KEY TO CORRECTIONS

Test I

1. No Video Output
2. No Video Output
3. Doesn't Boot
4. Lots of pop up windows showing on standby mode
5. Never Ending Loading of Operating system
6. Lots of hardware installation windows appear
7. Safe mode doesn't work
8. Sound on/off error
9. Keyboard and mouse system restart
10. Application causes system to restart
Test II

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. D
6. C
7. B
8. A
9. C
10. A
Test III

1. A
2. B
3. E
4. C
5. F
6. D
7. H
8. G
Test IV

3, 5, 1, 2, 4, 7, 6

Test V

Answers may vary

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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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.

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.

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.

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.

ESD (Electro Static Discharge)- A small amount of static electricity that can destroy
small parts of your computer.

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.

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.

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.

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

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have built-in controllers for modem, sound, display and network, obviating the need to
plug in a card. A laptop motherboard typically has all peripheral controllers built in.

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
interface and file management operations. Also called an "executive" or "supervisor," an
operating system performs the following functions.

Peripheral -Any hardware device connected to a computer, such as a monitor, keyboard,

printer, disk, tape, graphics tablet, scanner, joy stick, paddle or mouse

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.

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.

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, or
skin, to be used instead.

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.

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REFERENCES

Books and Articles and Printed Materials:

Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible,

Desktop Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint
Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256

Ron Gilster, PC Repair Bench Book., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475

Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible, Desktop
Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis,
IN 46256

Ronaldo V. Ramilo and Deover M. Pasco , K to 12 Basic Education

Curriculum- Technology and Livelihood Education Learning Module
Computer Hardware Servicing

Jethro Campos , et.al , Competency Based Learning Materials for

Strengthening Technical Vocational Education Program

Electronic Resources:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-memory-types.html
Computer Memory Types

http://www.athropolis.com/popup/c-comp2.htm
Measurements for Memory & Storage

http://www.ustudy.in/ce/hard/u1
Fundamentals of PC repair

http://danreb.com/sites/default/files/CHS-NC2%20Reviewer%20-
%20With%20Oral%20Questioning_0.pdf
Occupational Health and Safety Precautions

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.asp
Puzzles for Activities

http://info.psu.edu.sa/psu/cis/kalmustafa/CISCO/Lecture%20Slides/ITE_PC_v40
_Chapter2.pdf
Occupational Safety Precautions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfKe8PPI2zs&feature=related

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Conversion of Decimal N umber to Binary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7M6_VeDhJE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7bqBsFL0w-

Computer Hardware Basics

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Computer-Hardware-
How to install Computer Hardware

http://www.directron.com/howtoupsys.html-
How to install Computer components

en.wikipedia.org

http://www.bechtel.com/assets/files/Environmental/ToolboxSafetyTopics/20
10/ProperToolSelection.pdf Tool Selection
http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/assessment-futures/designing/assembling.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/- Computer Basics

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