Intro to CSS

COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING NCII

JOSHUA NIEVES
UNIT I: Exploring the Electronics Industry
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
 Identify the relevance of CSS in today's society;
 Differentiate the possible careers after achieving the CSS Qualification;
 Enumerate the different Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
and Policies; 
 Describe the different hazards that you may encounter in the industry;
and
 Enumerate the different forms in assessing the quality of materials.
LESSON 1: CSS in the Electronics Industry
Introduction

Hey there! Welcome to the online course of CSS!

As many of today's basic functions are being simplified by technology,

computers have been on the forefront in developing innovations through its
many functions.
Many of the things that we thought were impossible before are now being
achieved by computers nowadays.
In this digital economy, having the knowledge and skills in computer servicing
is the start and most fundamental of all.

TOPIC 1: Why is CSS relevant?

In today’s industry, almost every establishment needs the assistance of
technology.
Even establishments and businesses are now gearing towards the use
of information technology to promote their services. 
The demand for people who offer computer servicing and repair continues to
increase as society rapidly changes.
For example
 Computer hardware need maintenance services in order to repair
normal wear and tear.
 Network infrastructures used by organizations will need maintenance
and monitoring.
 Computer equipment would need occasional repair and maintenance;
thus, requiring the assistance of computer systems service providers.
Commonly, the industry’s main line of business is on selling computer
hardware systems and components, as well as providing repair and
installation services. 
Thus, if you were to venture in this industry, you must be well informed on
basic concepts related to computer systems servicing.
TOPIC 2: What jobs can I land on?
Since society is now becoming more technology-driven and technology-
dependent, it is no wonder that more and more establishments are in need of
the expertise of computer service providers.
The Computer Systems Servicing National Certificate (NC II) Qualification
trains its learners with competencies that will allow them to diagnose and
troubleshoot PC systems and software issues, as well as restoring its parts to
return the device to its normal function.

A person who has achieved the Computer Systems Servicing NC II

Qualification is competent to be a:
 Computer Assembler
 Computer Service Technician
 Network Technician
 Technical Support Staff
 Computer Maintenance Technician
 Computer Repairman
TOPIC 3: What are my job functions in the future?
 Computer Assembler
-Responsible for producing components and assembling computer parts
 Computer Service Technician
-This job may include setting up hardware and configuring software and
drivers. Other tasks may be maintaining and repairing technological
equipment as well as computer peripheral devices.
 Network Technician
-An information technology professional responsible in building and
troubleshooting computer networks.
 Technical Support Staff
-This position can be very in demand in various organizations and/or
business establishments. A tech support staff may be in charge
maintenance of computer systems, installation of devices and software,
and configuration.
 Computer Maintenance Technician
-Has a more diverse set of skills, but is responsible for maintaining and
providing tech support to overall daily computer performance.
 Computer Repairman
-This position may be common to computer related businesses that
provide repair and maintenance services. This job requires extensive
knowledge on diagnosing and repairing different devices that will be
brought to them.

TOPIC 4: What does the Qualification require?

Because technology also changes rapidly, computer technicians must be
updated with the current trends, technology, and developments related to the
computer industry. In addition to that, computer staff may need to work with
various people that will require their expertise. Thus, the ability to work in
groups and the ability to translate technical information to non-technical users
may be required when working in this field.
Having a CSS NC II qualification is an entry point for a career in the
computer field. 
Being a computer technician may require you to travel to see clients or be at
an office and workplaces as a member of the IT support team. As a
technician, you must possess the interests and skills that the job demands. 
TOPIC 5: What knowledge and skills do I need?
As much as possible, you will need some prior knowledge and skills so that
you will be able to perform computer servicing easily.
LESSON 2: OHS Policies and Procedures

Introduction
Occupational Health and Safety or OHS is concerned with health, safety,
and welfare issues in the workplace. Policies and procedures are important in
discussing OHS because it aims to make the workplace safer and better for
workers and stakeholders. 
It is concerned with many factors such as removal of hazards and reducing
accidents in the workplace.
As a future computer technician, it is your responsibility to know these
standard protocols especially since you will be assembling and repairing
expensive and sensitive equipment that need care and proper handling.

TOPIC 1: Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a set of policies and procedures
that is followed in a workplace in order to prevent accidents, illnesses, and
injuries. 
It involves knowing the risks that can be encountered in a workplace and
figuring out how it can be prevented.
 
Following OHS policies and procedures is important when dealing with
electronics since it would protect not only the personnel dealing with the
components, but also the unit itself. 
Three steps may be done to facilitate OHS procedures in a CSS work space:

1. Hazard identification
2. Risk assessment
3. Risk control

In addition to that, here are some additional OHS Procedures that must be
observed in computer servicing:
1. Do not remove computer parts while it is still plugged on its power
source.
2. Remove all jewelry and other accessories while working.
3. Avoid bringing liquids inside the workplace.
4. Avoid over tightening screws.
5. Wear an anti-static device to prevent electrostatic discharge.
6. Use shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce risks of being
shocked.
TOPIC 2: Hazard Identification
Hazards are anything that can hurt a person. Example of hazards that can be
encountered when conducting computer systems servicing are:
 Tangled electrical cords
 Unsecured or unevenly stacked boxes
 Noise
Hazard identification involves observing the workplace’s surroundings to
recognize potential risks.
TOPIC 3: Risk Assessment
TOPIC 4: Risk Control
Once the hazard has been identified and its risks have been evaluated, it is
time to address these issues:
 Ask your supervisor for instruction and training before using or repairing
an equipment.
 Do not carry or move heavy objects by yourself.
LESSON 3: Applying Quality Standard
Introduction
Standards are sets of rules that outline specification of dimensions, design
of operation, materials, and performance. Standards provide basis for good
quality and protocol.
When it comes to computer systems servicing, standards are important as it
serves as comparison for computer performance. Maintaining quality is
important to manage customer satisfaction where the revenue and profits  will
depend upon.

TOPIC 1: Assessing Quality

In computer systems servicing, you will be handling a lot of equipment. You
will be purchasing them, assembling and disassembling, repairing, or even
maintaining them! 
That is why it is important to assess the quality of the materials you will be
receiving especially when you are purchasing from a supplier.
Here are some standard protocols in checking the materials and goods you will
be receiving in work.
 The packing slip is received!
 The purchase order matches the specific device and quantity!
 The device is in good condition!
 The terms for installation and set-up of the equipment are met!
 There is documentation!
TOPIC 2: Documentation
Here are some samples of log reports and documentation assessed by a quality
checker.
Take note however, that not all organizations will make use of the same form.
Log Report (to be completed by the Quality Checker)

Date Received O.R. # Item Name Quantity Signature Quality Checker

Quality Checker: Date:

Total No. in Good

Item Name Total No. of Errors Comments
Condition
TOPIC 3: Inventory Form
Here is an example of an inventory form. 
You will be encountering this after disassembling computers. You will be listing down
the PC specifications in this form.
You can write the general description of what the item is under Items while you can
write the specifications or necessary description below Description/Specification.
Anything else that you think are important notes should be written on the Remarks
column.
Inventory Form

Items Description/Specification Quantity Remarks

Computer Equipment

System Unit Components

Tools
UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
 Differentiate the different types of computers;
 Enumerate the three fundamental elements of a computer;
 Identify the different storage, processing, and Input/Output devices of a
computer, 
 Describe each of the components of the system unit; and
 Differentiate the hand tools and equipment used in computer servicing.

LESSON 1: Understanding the Computer

Introduction
We all know that computers are essential pieces of technology that we
use to make life easier and perform jobs faster.  

A computer increases our productivity, connects us to the internet, lets us talk

with people across the world, helps us store a lot of information, and even
make money!
In this lesson, we will start with the basics.
We want to understand how the computer works, how many types of
computers are there, what are the functions of the computer, and more!
Introduction
TOPIC 1: The Computer
In technical terms, the computer is a device that accepts information in the
form of digitalized data, and manipulates it for some result based on a
program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
1. Supercomputer
Most powerful and most advance in terms of
performance and data processing. These
computers are commonly used by large
organizations to conduct specific tasks such
as weather forecasting, research, and exploration.
Ex. IBM’s Mira in United States. IBM’s Sequoia in United States

2. Mainframe Computer
Large and expensive computer capable
of handling thousands of users and
programs simultaneously. Mainframe
computers can handle, process, and
store large amount of data. These are
commonly stored in large air-conditioned
rooms because of its big size. 
 

Ex. Fujitsu’s ICL VME, Hitachi’s Z800

3. Minicomputer
Also known as midrange computers. It
features all the functions of a large size
computer, but has a smaller size.
Minicomputers can support many users
because of its multi-processing system. 
Ex. K-202, IBM Midrange computers, SDS-92

4. Microcomputer
Most widely used and fastest growing type of computer. Desktop computers,
laptops, tablets, and smartphones are types of microcomputers.
TOPIC 3: Fundamental Elements of a Computer
LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of
Computer Systems
Introduction
A computer system consists of hardware and software components. As
important as the software which are the programs that run the computer,
the hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, storage drives,
keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers that builds up and let the
software run. 
It is important to learn about these components as these will be the basis
before you handle equipment especially in disassembling and assembling a
computer system.

TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

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.
Processing Devices

Processing devices are the computer’s circuitry in the system unit.

Motherboard – the circuit

board housing the memory
and the central processing
unit (CPU)

Central Processing Unit (CPU) –

manipulates input data into the information
needed by the users

Memory – also known as Random Access

Memory or RAM. It is a series of electronic
elements that act as temporary storage of data
and program instructions while the instructions
are being processed by the CPU.

Chips – these
make up the
CPU and the
memory; these are electronic devices that
contain many microscopic pathways
designed to carry electrical currents.
Storage Devices

Storage devices store data and programs. These hold data, information, and
programs permanently.

Solid State Drive (SSD) – mass storage device

that stores data in a permanent state even
without power. Similar to an HDD’s
function, only the internal components are
different. SSDs do not have moving parts but
store data on magnetic platters making use of flash
memory.

Hard Disk Drive (HHD) – often called

hard drive or hard disk. This is the
most common storage device that do
not need power to maintain data;
these store data through spinning
platters or magnetic disks, recording
individual bits written into the disk.

Flash Drive – highly portable small data storage

devices making use of flash memory and a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port connection

CD – “compact disc”, this storage device can hold up to 700

MB; it is read by an optical drive through a laser
Input Devices

Input devices allow the user to communicate with the computer by entering

data or commands.

Keyboard – primary input device used to

input alphanumeric data and commands
to the computer

Mouse – primary input device used to navigate and

interact with the monitor output

Scanner – scans documents and converts them digitally,

which can be edited on a computer.

Webcam – small cameras attached to a monitor or desk that

record or broadcast video

Joystick – device used to control video games, aside from the

keyboard
Output Devices

Output devices enable the computer to show the processed data and

information understandably to the user.

Printer – prints paper documents,

photographs, and other outputs
called hard copies which are
physical versions of the
documents.

Monitor – acts as the primary display of the unit

where the user interface and programs are
reflected.

Speakers – sound system device that produce

audio output from the computer
LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of
Computer Systems

TOPIC 2: The System Unit

The System Unit is the overall structure that houses the processor, memory,
and electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. All
input and output devices are connected into the system unit. The system unit
is housed by what is known as system case or computer case. It holds and
protects most components of a computer.
The Computer Case contains the framework to support and enclose internal
components of the computer.  It helps to prevent damage from static
electricity. It typically made up of plastic, steel, and aluminum which are
available in a variety of styles.  The size and layout of a case is called a form
factor.  It is also designed to keep internal components cool by using airflow
vents and cooling fans.  
Computer cases are referred to in a number of ways: Computer
chassis, Cabinet, Tower, Box and Housing.

 Types:
 Tower (Full, Mid, Mini)
 Desktop (Standard,
Slimline)
Power Supply

Power supplies serve as the source for

electricity to the computer. Attached are vital
hardware cables and buses for transferring
power to various components in the computer. 

The following are the basic connector you

can see in a power supply:
 ATX 24 pin main power connector is
the standard motherboard power
connector used in nearly every
computer.
 SATA 15 pin power supply
connector is one of several standard
peripheral power connectors. SATA
power connectors only connect to SATA
drives like hard drives and optical drives. SATA power connectors do not
work with older PATA devices.
 Molex 4 pin power supply connector is a standard peripheral power
connector. Molex power connectors connect to many different kinds of
internal peripherals including PATA hard drives and optical drives, some
video cards, and even some other devices.
 Floppy drive 4 pin power supply connector is the standard floppy
drive power connector. The floppy power connector, also called a Berg
connector or Mini-Molex connector, is included in even the newest power
supplies even though floppy drives are becoming obsolete.
 ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power
connector used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator.
This small connector usually attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.
 ATX 6 pin power supply
connector is a motherboard
power connector used to
provide +12 VDC to the
processor voltage regulator but
the 4-pin variety is the more
commonly used connector.
This small connector usually
attaches to the motherboard
near the CPU.
Motherboard
The motherboard is also known as mainboard, system board, logic
board, or MOBO. It holds and allows communication between the crucial
components of the computer such as the CPU and memory. It also provides
connection for other peripherals. This provides the path which the processor
(CPU) communicates with all the components of the computer.

There are several components that are attached to the motherboard. These include:
1.     Chip – small piece of semiconducting material, where more integrated circuits are
embedded. They have standard-sized pin connectors that allows them to be attached to
the motherboard.
2.     Bus - an electrical path that enables data flow between various system
components.
3.     Integrated Circuit (IC) – contains microscopic pathways that carry electric current.
The IC contains millions of elements such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors.
Many different kinds of chips are located in the motherboard
4.     Microprocessor – this is the central processing unit on a chip.

Different variety of chip packages:

1.     Dual Inline Package (DIP) – this has two parallel rows of pints that attach the chip
package to the circuit board
2.     Pin Grid Array (PGA) – holds a larger number of pins because the pins are
mounted on the surface of the package.
3.     Flip Chip-PGA (CF-PGA) Package – higher performance PGA packaging that
places the chip on the opposite sides of the pins.
4.     Single Edge Contact (SEC) Cartridge – does not use pins but connects to one of
the edges in the motherboard.
The function of the northbridge is primarily a fast path between the CPU and
the video bus and system RAM. While the southbridge connects with the slow
hardware/components of the system. 
See the photo below (courtesy of Quora) to understand the function of these
bridges:
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Commonly known as the CPU or processor, this is the brain of the computer.
It interprets and carries out the basic instructions to operate a computer. 
It impacts overall computing power and manages most of the computer
operations. The motherboard contains a socket to hold the processor or CPU.
The central processing unit (CPU), also called the processor or
microprocessor, does most of the processing of data and instructions for the
entire system. Because the CPU generates heat, a fan and heat sink might be
installed on top to keep it cool.
Nowadays, processors have multiple cores called multi-core processors.
This means that the processor is a single chips that has two or more separate
processors. In multi-core processors, each of the processors run at a slower
clock speed as compared to a single-core processor, but this efficient process
typically increases performance. There are two kinds of common multi-core
processors today:
1.     Dual Core Processor – chip that contains two separate processors
2.     Quad Core Processor – chip with four separate processors

AMD and Intel are the two most popular brands of processors in the market

nowadays.
Bundled with the processors are the heat sinks.  A heat sink consists of metal
fins that draw heat away from a component. The fan and heat sink together
are called the processor cooler. The photo below shows a CPU with a heat
sink mounted on the motherboard.
Random Access Memory (RAM)

The Random Access
Memory or RAM acts as
temporary storage as long
as the computer is running.
The contents of the RAM
change as programs are
executed. These are chips
that are placed directly on
the motherboard. These
RAM consists of switches
which are triggered by
changes in electric current. 

Three basic types of RAM:

1.     Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – This kind of RAM needs to be recharged by the CPU. If
not, it loses its contents. There are many variations of DRAM such as:
o Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) – faster than DRAM because it is synchronized to
the system clock
o Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM – faster than SDRAM because they transfer data
twice for each clock cycle
o DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM – faster than DDR SDRAM
o  ambus DRAM (RDRAM) – type of DRAM faster than SDRAM that uses pipelining
techniques
2.     Static RAM (SRAM) – This kind is faster and more reliable than any form of
DRAM. Unlike the DRAM, this does not need to be re-energized. However, it is much
more expensive and it used for special purposes.
3.     Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) – This kind stores data using magnetic charges
instead of electrical charges. It has greater storage capacity, consume less power, and
faster access times.
The RAM chips are housed in a small circuit board called the memory
module, which is inserted into the motherboard.
Three types of memory modules:
1.     Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) – this has pins on opposite sides
of the circuit board which connect together to form a single set of contacts.
This houses SDRAM chips along with DIMMs.
2.     Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) – the pins on the opposite sides of
the circuit board do not connect and form two sets of contacts. This houses
SDRAM chips along with SIMMs.
3.     Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) – this houses RDRAM chips

The computer will need a

certain amount of memory to be able to handle programs, data, and
information, depending on the types of applications used. 
The more RAM a computer has, the faster the computer will be. 
 To be able to use basic application software such as Office Suite, one
needs at least 1GB of RAM. 
 Using programs and multimedia should have at least 4GB. 
 Playing modern games or using editing software will require at least
8GB. 
Today the RAM ranges up to 64GB depending on the programs that will be
used for the computer.
Cooling Technology

Cooling technologies are essential in avoiding the computer from

overheating and maintaining a good, well-ventilated system.

Several cooling technologies are present throughout the system unit:

 o    Fans are also present in several components such as the power supply,
ports, processor, hard disk etc.
o    Heat sink, on another hand, is a small metal or ceramic component with
fins on the surface which absorbs and distributes heat produced by electrical
components.
o    Heat pipe is used on smaller devices like notebook computers since this
is smaller in size.
Expansion Cards

A motherboard has expansion slots to be used by expansion cards.

An expansion card, also called an adapter card, is a circuit board that
provides more ports than those provided by the motherboard. 
The photo below shows a Video Card, where it provides three video ports.
Notice the cooling fan and heat sink on the card, which help to keep the card
from overheating. The trend today is for most ports in a system to be provided
by the motherboard (called onboard ports) and less use of expansion cards.

There are also other variants of expansion cards such as network cards,
sound cards, video capture cards, interface cards, and other expansion cards
that cater to whatever the computer user for his/her needs and improvements
for the system.
Storage

A system might have one or more hard drives, an optical drive, a tape drive,
or, for really old systems, a floppy drive. 

A hard drive, also called a hard

disk drive (HDD), is permanent
storage used to hold data and
programs.  

For example, the Windows  operating system and

applications are installed on the hard
drive. All drives in a system
are installed in a stack of drive
bays at either the front or on
the lower portion of the case. 
Nowadays, users use Solid State
Drive or SSDs because of its use of flash
memory, which does not use physical disks to
write memory/data.

Each drive has two connections for cables: the power cable connects to the
power supply and another cable, used for data and instructions, connects to
the motherboard.
TOPIC 3: Ports, Sockets, Slots, & Connectors

The motherboard has several ports, sockets, slots, and connectors that link
the computers' components, input, and output devices among each other.
First we'll look at the port which are usually found at the side of the
motherboard or the back of the system case.
The port basically serves as an interface between the computer and other
computers or peripheral devices. 
A port generally refers to the female part of connection. Computer ports have
many uses, to connect a monitor, webcam, speakers, or other peripheral
devices. 
On the physical layer, a computer port is a specialized outlet on a piece of
equipment to which a plug or cable connects. Electronically, the several
conductors where the port and cable contacts connect, provide a method to
transfer signals between devices.
Familiarize yourself with the following ports usually found with computer
systems below:
PORTs
Slots
Sockets

The following are the most common sockets found in the motherboard. The
CPU socket where the CPU itself is inserted and the CMOS slot where the
CMOS battery (which lets the motherboard remember the date and time of the
computer) that is replaced after it has worn out.
Connectors
LESSON 3: Hand Tools and Equipment

Introduction
Most tools used in computer system servicing are hand tools. These can be
part of a computer repair toolkit as well. In this lesson, you will learn about the
common hand tools and equipment that you will be using especially in
handling computer equipment such as disassembly/assembly of a computer,
as well as  repair and maintenance.

TOPIC 1: Electrostatic Discharge Tools

When working with electronic equipment, it is important to make sure that
there is no static electricity to avoid damage of computer parts. 
Static electricity can be easily generated by friction on carpets, clothing, hair,
fabric, flooring, etc. 
Thus, these tools should be utilized:

 Anti-static wrist wrap 

Worn to prevent ESD damage to computer
hardware

Anti-static mat 
Used to stand on or place tools to prevent buildup of static electricity.
TOPIC 2: Hand Tools
1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11
0

1. Pliers – For firmly holding small parts

2. Torx Screwdriver – For loosening or tightening screws that have a
star-like head
3. Precision Tools – For removing screws of various sizes
4. LAN Tester – For testing connectivity of LAN cables
5. Crimping Tool – For locking RJ45 into UTP cables
6. Flat Head Screwdriver – For loosening or tightening slotted screws
7. Philips Screwdriver – For loosening or tightening Philips-head screw+
8. Desoldering Tool – For removing solder from a circuit board
9. Wire Stripper – Fro stripping or cutting wires
10. Brush – For removing dust from the components
11. Magnifying Glass – Aids cisually when looking at small
screws/components.
TOPIC 3: Cleaning Tools

Lint-free cloth 
For cleaning computer parts without leaving marks or
scratches.

Compressed air 
For clearing or blowing away dust from computer parts.

Cable Ties 
Used to organize and bundle cable together.

Parts organizer  
For holding and organizing screws and other small
computer parts.
TOPIC 4: Diagnostic Tools

Digital Multimeter 
A tool that can be used to measure amps, volts,
and ohms. It can test the integrity of circuits and the
quality of electricity in computer components.
Information is flashed on the screen.

Loopback Adapter 
Also called as loopback plug. This tool
tests the basic functionality of computer
ports. The adapter is specific to the port
that you want to test.

Toner Probe 
A two-part tool that generates a tone
that travels the length of the cable. The
toner part is attached to a cable at one
end using specific adapters, such as
RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. When
the probe is near to the cable where
the toner is attached, a tone can be
heard from the speaker.