Lesson 1
Lesson 1
Introduction
At this age and time where everything is already automated, it is
indeed strenuous and taxing if our computer system malfunctions.
Projects, reports and tasks will not only be delayed but some of the
operations of the company as well. This is why it is vital for companies
to hire computer repair services when the need arises. Computers are
considered important tools not just at the office but also at home. It is
used not just for producing reports and making computations but also
as gaming tool and as a means of communication with your friends,
family members, relatives and colleagues who are situated in far
locations. Since computers are vital to our daily activities and business
operations, then these devices should be properly checked-up,
maintained as well as kept in great condition.
At present, there are numerous ways on how computers can
break down and malfunction like drive errors, computer viruses as well
spilling of coffee on it. In the previous years, it is very troublesome to
have these devices repaired due to the scarcity of computer repair
services but now, you can already find lots of Laptop Repairs services
to choose from. Moreover, these experts are adept when it comes to
resolving different types of computer issues, regardless of whether it is
hardware-related or software-related. Since there are wide array of
computer technicians from whom to select from, it makes it harder for
select the technician to repair your unit. Should you be among these
individuals, then consider the tips mentioned in this article.
What Should You Consider When Searching For Information
Technology and Computer Repair Service Provider?
1. Since your computers are product of hard work and it is
expensive, you should be careful in selecting the right service
providers and technicians. When looking for a technician, the first thing
that you should consider is their experience. Be sure to choose
computer repair technician who has several years’ experience in
mending different types of malfunctions, issues and bugs on your
computer.
2. Another thing that you need to take into consideration is the
quality of their services. Choose a computer repair technician who can
provide computer repair services 24/7 so you can call them anytime
when you need them.
3. Be sure to consider technicians who are licensed and TESDA
accredited.
4. You can also ask suggestions and referrals from your friends,
neighbours and relatives who experience hiring computer repair
technicians as they already know the quality of their work and how well
they perform computer repair jobs.
Understanding the three components of the computer system
1. Software
2. Hardware
3. Peopleware
1. Software
What is computer software?
Every day in one way or another, we use computer to
perform our tasks both at the office and home. It is possible to say
that today’s world is computer driven world, where every task is
done through computer. And without the usage of software,
computer does nothing.
System Software
Commonly referred as Operating system, System software
plays a key role in computer systems. It is responsible for
managing and controlling the activities and functions of computer
hardware and application software. We can say that operating
system serves as an interface between computer hardware and
application programs and a user.
To run any type of application program, you must install the
right Operating system.
Application Software
is a type of program which assists a user to execute a
specific task on a computer. It helps a user to solve particular
problems. Application programs use system resources and
hardware through System programs.
In each field of work and industry, several kinds of
application software are developed and still new programs are
developing.
For example, Peachtree Accounting is a computer
application program specifically developed for accountants to
manage of financial activity in a given
organization. AutoCAD is for Mechanical and Civil Engineers;
whereas Adobe Photoshop is for graphics designers and
photographers.
Conclusion
In summary, computer software plays a great role in
computer systems. Without it computer hardware does nothing. In
this article we have discussed about computer software to answer
the question, “what is computer software?”
2. Hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a
computer system. This includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard,
and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the computer case, such
as the hard disk drive, motherboard, video card, and many others.
Computer hardware is what you can physically touch.
3. Peopleware “The End-User of the computer system”
Lesson 2
1. Motherboard
- is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known as
the mainboard or logic board.
Components of Motherboard and Parts
Ports
1) Back Panel Connectors & Ports - Connectors and ports for
connecting the computer to external devices such as display
ports, audio ports, USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports,
Ethernet ports, PS/2 ports, Serial Port, Parallel Port.
Note:
A cable often attaches external devices to the system unit.
A port is the interface, or point of attachment, to the system unit.
Ports have different types of connectors, which are used to join a
cable to a device. Male connectors have one or more exposed pins,
while female connectors have matching holes to accept the pins.
Most computers have three types of ports: serial, parallel, and USB.
A serial port is a type of interface that connects a device to the
system unit by transmitting data only one bit at a time. Serial ports
usually connect devices that do not require fast data transmission
rates, such as a mouse, keyboard, or modem. A parallel port is an
interface that connects devices by transferring more than one bit at a
time. Many printers connect to the system unit using a parallel port.
A universal serial bus (USB) port can connect up to 127 different
peripheral devices with a single connector type, greatly simplifying the
process of attaching devices to a personal computer.
Expansion slot
2) PCI Slots - Slot for older expansion cards such as sound cards,
network cards, connector cards. (PCI - Peripheral Component
Interconnect)
3) PCI Express x1 Slots - Slot for modern expansion cards such as
sound cards, network cards (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth),
connector cards (USB, FireWire, eSATA) and certain low-end
graphics cards
4) PCI Express x16 Slot - Slot for discrete graphic cards and high
bandwidth devices such as top-end solid state drives.
Note:
An expansion slot is an opening, or socket, where you can
insert a circuit board into the motherboard. These circuit boards –
called cards, expansion cards, boards, expansion
boards, adapters, adapter cards, interface cards, add-ins,
or add-ons -- add new devices or capabilities to the computer. Four
types of expansion cards found in most computers are a video card,
a sound card, a network interface card, and a modem card.
5) Northbridge - Also known as Memory Controller Hub (MCH). A
Chipset that allows the CPU to communicate with the RAM and
graphics card. Beginning from the Sandy Bridge generation of
Intel CPUs, motherboards no longer have this component as it
has been integrated within the CPU itself.
6) CPU Socket – Design to hold Central Processing Unit either Intel
or AMD CPU or any other manufacturer.
7) ATX 12V Power Controller - Connects to the 4-pin power cable of
a power supply unit which supplies power to the CPU.
8) Front Panel USB 2.0 Pins - Connects to USB 2.0 ports at the front
or top of a computer case.
9) Front Panel Pins - Connects to the power switch, reset switch,
power LED, hard drive LED and front audio ports of a computer
case.
10) IDE Controller - Connects to older hard drive disks and
optical drives for data transfer.
11) CMOS Battery - Supplies power to store BIOS settings and
keep the real-time clock running.
12) Southbridge - Also known as the Input/output Controller
Hub (ICH). Chipset that allows the CPU to communicate with PCI
slots, PCI-Express x 1 slots (expansion cards), SATA connectors
(hard drives, optical drives), USB ports (USB devices), Ethernet
ports and on-board audio.
13) SATA Connectors - Connects to modern hard disk drives,
solid state drives and optical drives for data transfer
14) Fan Headers - Supplies power to the CPU heat sink fan and
computer case fans.
15) RAM/Memory Slots – Design to hold memory modules
either SDR or DDR RAM.
16) ATX Power Controller - Connects to the 24-pin ATX power
cable of a power supply unit which supplies power to the
motherboard.
2. Power Supply
A power supply is a hardware component that supplies
power to an electrical device.
It receives power from an electrical outlet and converts
the current from AC (alternating current) to DC
(direct current), which is what the computer requires.
SATA Connector
This is used to power various components,
including hard drives and optical drives.
available in: ATX /ATX-2
CPU Description
A modern CPU is usually small and square with many short,
rounded, metallic connectors on its underside. Some older CPUs
have pins instead metallic connectors.
The CPU attaches directly to a CPU "socket" (or sometimes a
"slot") on the motherboard. The CPU is inserted into the socket
pin-side-down and a small lever helps to secure the processor.
After running even a short while, modern CPUs can get very hot.
To help dissipate this heat, it is necessary to attach a heat sink
and a fan directly on top of the CPU. Typically, these come
bundled with a CPU purchase.
1. Arithmetic
Performs simple arithmetic and logical operations.
2. Control
Manages the various components of the computer. It reads
and interprets instructions from memory and transforms them
into a series of signals to activate other parts of the computer.
The control unit calls upon the arithmetic logic unit to perform
the necessary calculations.
3. Cache
Serves as high-speed memory where instructions can be
copied to and retrieved.
Clock Rate
The clock rate of a processor is the speed at which instructions
are executed. This speed is regulated using an internal clock and
is expressed as the number of clock cycles per second. Modern
CPUs can process billions of calculations per second. The unit
used to express the clock rate is hertz, abbreviated as Hz. So
when a processor has a clock speed of 3.5 GHz that means 3.5
gigahertz, or 3.5 billion clock cycles per second. Faster are
better, but higher speeds mean higher costs.
4. Memory Module
A narrow printed circuit board that
holds memory chips
Is a broad term used to refer to a series of dynamic random
access memory integrated circuits modules mounted on
a printed circuit board and designed for use in personal
computers, workstations and servers.
Types Of Memory Modul
6. CD-ROM
Stands for "Compact Disc Read-Only
Memory. " A CD-ROM is a CD that
can be read by a computer
with an optical drive. The
"ROM" part of the term
means the data on the disc
is "read-only," or cannot be
altered or erased. Because
of this feature and their large
capacity, CD-ROMs are a
great media format for retail
software. The first CD-ROMs
could hold about 600 MB of
data, but now they can hold up
to 700 MB. CD-ROMs share the
same technology as audio CDs, but they are
formatted differently, allowing them to store many
types of data.
7. Adapters
a. Video Card
The video card is an expansion card
that allows the computer to send
graphical information to a video
display device such as a Monitor, TV,
or projector.
Graphics Card, Graphics Adapter,
Video Adapter, Display Adapter,
Display Card, Graphics Board
d. Internal MoDem
(ModuleDemodulator)
An internal modem is a network device that is contained on an
expansion board that plugs into the motherboard. Unlike an
external modem, an internal modem contains no lights to inform
the user of its current function or changing modem states.
Instead, the user must rely on the software that came with the
modem.
e. Sound Card
A sound card (also known as
an audio card) is an internal
Computer Expansion Card that
facilitates the input and output of
Audio Signal to and from a
computer under control of
computer programs. The
term sound card is also applied
to external audio interfaces that
use software to generate sound,
as opposed to using hardware
inside the PC. Typical uses of
sound cards include providing
the audio component for
multimedia applications such as
music composition, editing video
or audio, presentation, education
and entertainment (games) and
video projection.
b. SATA Connector
It is an interface used to connect ATA hard
drives to a computer's motherboard. SATA
transfer rates start at 150MBps, which is
significantly faster than even the fastest
100MBps ATA/100 drives
The standard hardware interface for
connecting hard disks and CD/DVD drives to the
computer. SATA was introduced in 2002, and
nearly all computers use SATA drives.
SATA - "Serial Advanced Technology Attachment,"
Lesson 3
WARNING
a. Take Inventory:
Before you start, take
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 have determined you have
everything you need.
b. Make Space, Make Time:
Building a PC take 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.
d. Attach each of
the tiny leads
from the power
and reset
switches (Figure
14), 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.
b.
Lesson 4
Hardware problem
Hardware problem occurs when one of the key parts of a
computer is unable to work properly. The key components of a
computer that are required to run a computer
include Motherboard, CPU, Memory, Power unit, Hard
Drive, Sound and Video Cards, CD/DVD Drive (optional),
Floppy Drive (optional), Monitor, and Keyboard. Among these
computer parts, the most failure-prone parts are memory,
power unit, hard drive, video card and CD/DVD drive.
Software problem
Other than hardware defect, a computer may stop working
because of software problem as well. In fact, most of the
problems of a computer come due to software problem and
system configurations. Software includes both the operating
system and application programs.
A problem related with operating system may stop the entire
system, in this case you should repair it using boot disk or
reinstall from scratch. Whereas the fault caused by application
program can be corrected by using software repair programs
such as registry cleaner or reinstalling it again.
Step two
Troubleshooting the problem
The second step in basic computer troubleshooting is dealing
with the identified problem. How are you going to solve the
problem? What do you need to resolve it? To come down to
the best solution, you must ask these kinds of questions and
answer accordingly.
Hardware troubleshooting
If it is a hardware problem, you either repair or replace it with
new one. Actually, not all parts of a computer are repairable.
Even if it is maintainable, in most cases replacing the
defective part with a new one is cheaper than repair it.
There are a number of ways to identify malfunction hardware;
the most common methods are using POST (Power-on-self
Test), bootstrap and diagnosing application. For example, Dell
computer comes with Diagnostics CD, so that you can easily
boot your system from the CD and identify which component
is defective.
The POST tests the basic functioning components of a
computer – CPU, Memory, Hard drive, keyboard and display
controller. The results of the tests are displayed on your
computer screen and tells which hardware part has a failure or
is not configured properly.
In fact, some of the methods mentioned above are only
applicable for if the system is not dead. If it is a dead system,
you will be forced to test individual parts by using other
similar working system unit (swapping method). You also use
bootstrap method.
Most of the time, the causes of a dead system is
malfunction power supply unit. So, make sure that the power
supply is working properly before going to test other
components. This is very important when you perform basic
computer troubleshooting.
Software troubleshooting
Reinstalling and updating software is the primary way of
troubleshooting systems problem created by software. Any
system error or corruption related with installed applications
can be fixed by installing an updated and fresh copy again. On
the other hand, if it is windows boot problem, there are a few
way outs. Depending on the defect type, you can repair it
using boot disk, update/fix Master boot record (MBR), use Safe
Mode or reinstall it again from scratch (this is your last option
to do). Rebooting your PC to Safe Mode enables you to remove
or repair particular type of program responsible for system
breakdown. Using the best registry cleaner will also help a lot
in resolving problems that arise because of missing DLL and
freezes.
Conclusion
In one way or another, you use computer to carry out your
daily task. However, in any time, your PC may stop working
and disappoint you. However, if you know the basic computer
troubleshooting methods well, you will surely fix the problem
and continue your work. Also, you will cut PC repair cost by
half.
Hope this article gave you some insights about computer
troubleshooting.
Lesson 5
Introduction
On most new computers Windows 7 is preinstalled. Although in the
beginning Windows is free of errors but in time it will become slower,
shows errors or perhaps won't boot anymore. If the computer can no
longer be used in a decent manner, it is time to reinstall Windows.
Although many fear the time it takes to reinstall Windows, if it is
planned well it will take less time than expected. For this reason,
the 10-steps to reinstall and optimize Windows can be very helpful!
Before starting the reinstall
Before starting the reinstall of Windows 7 it is wise to take some
precautionary measures. For example, if there are still personal files on
the hard disk (e.g. personal documents, pictures, videos, e-mail,
contacts, login e-mail account settings and visited websites, installed
hardware drivers,), it is wise to make backups of these files. To prevent
problems installing the hardware drivers after Windows has been
reinstalled, it is wise to disconnect all peripheral devices (like printers,
card readers, external hard disks,) before installing Windows (these
can be reconnected after installing Windows which makes it less
difficult to track problems concerning the hardware). If needed the
hard disk can be repartitioned with partitioning software before
installing Windows, but this can also be done during setup.
Normal installation DVD vs. recovery system
There are two different ways to perform a reinstall: with a Windows
install DVD or with a recovery system prepared by the manufacturer.
The Windows install DVD performs a clean install but has the
disadvantage that the hardware drivers and software must be installed
by the user. A recovery system does most of this work (automatically
installing of drivers and software), however the user has little or no
influence on how this is done... Which installation procedure has to be
followed depends on the manufacturer/computer store. If you don't
want to be dependent on a recovery system, it is important to ask for
the official Windows 7 install DVD when the computer is bought!
2
In the BIOS
menu, select
'Boot Order' or
other similar
option, such as
'Advanced BIOS
Features', which
can be found in
‘Advanced
Options’? Note
that the BIOS
setup on each
computer
varies. Refer to
your machine's
user manual if in doubt.
3
Select 'First Boot
Device' tab and
select the CD/DVD
option so that your
computer will boot
from the Windows 7
CD. Make sure that
the following options
are: 'Second Boot
Device: Floppy' and
'Third Boot Device:
Hard disk'.
4
Press 'F10' to retain
the new settings you've just entered. Press 'Esc' to exit the menu.
Remember to press 'Y' (yes) when the computer asks if you really want
to save the changes.
5
After restarting the computer, insert the Windows 7 Installation
CD and wait for the computer to recognize it. This will begin the
process
of installing
windows
7 one more
time after
being
formatted.
6
Press any key
to boot from
the CD/DVD.
7
Windows will prompt you to enter the installation language, the
keyboard layout and the time/currency format. Then click 'Continue'.
8
Select 'Install' and accept the Microsoft Windows licence agreement
if you agree to its terms.
9
You will be prompted to choose between two options: 'Upgrade' or
'Custom'. Select 'Upgrade' so that the computer performs the latest
installation of Windows 7 and you will not lose any of your data.
10
If you select 'Custom', to undertake a totally new installation, click
'New' and separate the C: Drive into two partitions for reasons of
security.
11
Once the secondary partition (D: Drive) has been created, click
'Format'.
12
Wait while Windows Installs updates and Features
In addition to other data, such as creating a username and password,
you must enter the product key. However, Windows 7 does allow you
to click “Next” if you do not have the number to hand.
Wait
while
the first
3. Click Device Manager in left pane.
4. In
Device Manager
window, expand
categories and
locate the device
that you wish to
update the driver
for. For instance, if
you used Driver Easy
to download
“Realtek High
Definition Audio”
driver, find this
device under
“Sound, video and
game controllers”
category. Then right-
click on the device name and select Update Driver Software…
Note: For some devices, the device name displayed in Driver Easy is
different from the device name displayed in Device Manager.
In Driver Easy, you can click on the driver and get the name of current
driver. Then locate the device in Device Manager using this name.
6. Click on Browse to find the location of the downloaded driver file.
In Driver Easy, click on the Three Lines icon then select Open File
Location to get the location of the downloaded driver file.
Alternatively, you can copy and paste the location address of the
downloaded driver files to the box. The location address:
7. Click on Next button to install the driver.
As you can see, it is not easy to update drivers manually even by
following the detailed steps. And it takes time. It is recommended that
you upgrade Driver Easy to Professional Version. With Professional
Version, all driver updates can be done automatically in one click. You
don’t need to install the driver step by step. You can just leave the
program running to update drivers and do something else.
Lesson 6
Introduction
Installing Windows Server 2008 is pretty straightforward and is very
much like installing Windows Vista, but I thought I’d list the necessary
steps here for additional information. For those of you who have never
installed Vista before, the entire installation process is different than it
used to be in previous Microsoft operating systems, and notably much
easier to perform.
Using Vista’s installation routine is a major benefit, especially for a
server OS. Administrators can partition the system’s hard drives during
setup. More importantly, they can install the necessary AHCI or RAID
storage drivers from a CD/DVD or even a USB thumb drive. Thus, error-
prone floppies can finally be sent to the garbage bin.
6. Because you did not provide the correct ID, the installation process
cannot determine what kind of Windows Server 2008 license you own,
and therefore you will be prompted to select your correct version in
the next screen, assuming you are telling the truth and will provide the
correct ID to prove your selection later on.
7. If you did provide the right Product ID, select the Full version of the
right Windows version you’re prompted, and click Next.
Symptoms
When you try to install Windows on a computer by using a Windows
installation DVD or ISO file, you receive one of the following error
messages.
Load Driver
A media driver your computer needs is missing. This could be a DVD,
USB, or Hard disk driver. If you have a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive with
the driver on it, please insert it now.
For example, the following information is displayed for the ISO file for
Windows 7 Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (x64) on the MSDN
Subscriber Downloads website:
The following information is displayed when you run the command for
the ISO file for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (x64):
Command: fciv.exe
en_windows_7_enterprise_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_677651.iso -sha1
Output:
A491F985DCCFB5863F31B728DDDBEDB2FF4DF8D1
en_windows_7_enterprise_with_sp1_x64_dvd_u_677651.iso
The ISO file is not corrupted if the SHA1 value on the MSDN Subscriber
Downloads website matches the value that is generated when you run
the command.
11. The installation now begins, and you can go and have lunch.
Copying the setup files from the DVD to the hard drive only takes
about one minute. However, extracting and uncompressing the files
takes a good deal longer. After 20 minutes, the operating system is
installed. The exact time it takes to install server core depends upon
your hardware specifications. Faster disks will perform much faster
installs… Windows Server 2008 takes up approximately 10 GB of hard
drive space.
The installation process will reboot your computer, so, if in step #10
you inserted a floppy disk (either real or virtual), make sure you
remove it before going to lunch, as you’ll find the server hanged
without the ability to boot (you can bypass this by configuring the
server to boot from a CD/DVD and then from the hard disk in the
booting order on the server’s BIOS)
12. Then the server reboots you’ll be prompted with the new Windows
Server 2008 type of login screen. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to log in.
13. Click on Other User.
16. In the password changing dialog box, leave the default password
blank (duh, read step #15…), and enter a new, complex, at-least-7-
characters-long new password twice. A password like “top-secret” is
not valid (it’s not complex), but one like “T0pSecreT!” sure is. Make
sure you remember it.