TVL – Computer Systems Servicing 11

Name: _________________________ Date: ___________________

Grade: __________________ Section: _________________

Quarter: III Week: 3

ELC(s): Plan and prepare for maintenance and repair
ELC Code: TLE_IACSS9-12MRCN-IIa-e-40

➢ Title of Textbook/LM to Study: ______________

➢ Topic: Diagnosing and Identifying Faulty Computer Systems and Networks
➢ Learning Target: Prepare maintenance and/ or diagnosis of faults in line with
job requirements

Let Us Discover

Diagnoses and Identification of Faulty Computer and Network Systems

A. Preventing Computer Systems Failure

Computers, in general, are pretty stable, and you can usually rely on them to not fail
you. However. If you develop some basic habits, you can postpone serious computer
problems, if not avoiding them entirely.
1. Computer issues: Know that your computer is going to fail.
You need to treat your computer as if it were a doomed failure.
Always assume that failure is imminent.
A fatal error results in data loss, damage to your computer
and/or its ability to function, hardware failure, or other serious
issues.
Signs of imminent failure might include regular poor
performance, frequent errors and/or popups, unknown programs
being installed, frequent power loss (the computer shuts down
automatically frequently), frequent crashes, or certain parts not
working.
2. Dust issues: Preventing failure means making sure your
computer is physically clean in its operations. Make sure that
there is not too much dust inside, especially on the fans. Dust
can reduce performance and cause overheating.

Inside the Computer Unit

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | DIVISION OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY | LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

3. RAM issues: Know your computer's specifications and its
limits. RAM runs even the PC is running idly. It consumes RAM
storages capacity making it difficult to open a program if RAM
storage had been consumed.

Random Access Memory

4. Malware issues: Make sure that your anti-virus software is updated to be able to scan
unnecessary files that enter your PC. Do not install programs that you’re not familiar with or if
do not fully trust.
5. Hardware issues: When something is not working properly,
either diagnose the problem yourself and fix it, to prevent further
damage or contact a professional and have them look at it for
you. Take advantage of warranties on parts if they fail.

Internal Components
6. Warning issues: If the same error message shows up every
time you log in, be sure to investigate it. Although unlikely, these
errors could be important.

7. Usage issues: Give your computer a break. Believe it or not,

your computer likes to rest, too. Leaving it on all of the time
wears out hardware, and puts unnecessary wear and tear on the
hardware. Giving your computer a break also saves you money
(electrical bills).

Power Off
8. Warranty issues: Always take advantage of warranties. Get
a warranty to protect your hardware, so it can be replaced in
case of failure.

Warranty Sticker
9. Backup issues;:. Back-up everything. Run a regular backup
of your important files to other disks, computers, or an online
backup service.

Storage Media
10. Error message issues. If your PC fails to function, diagnose
the problem. Write down the necessary info such as error
messages or things that don’t work properly. If you know how to
fix it, do it, to avoid further damage but if not then seek
professional help.

Error Messages
Network Problems
When you suddenly cannot connect to the Internet, any of several things could be
wrong. Use this checklist to find and solve common Internet connection problems.
1. Unplugged Network Cable
Unplugged or lose network cables are one of the most common reasons why you might
suddenly find yourself unable to connect to the Internet. That's a problem on wireless
networks, but on most laptops, the wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) radio can be inadvertently shut
off instead. On home networks, it's also possible that someone unplugged the router.
Action: Ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is switched on and plugged
in.

2. Website Temporarily Offline

What may seem to be a network problem connecting to the Internet is sometimes
simply a Website (or whatever server is on the other end of the connection) being
temporarily offline.
Action: Before assuming your Internet connection is faulty, try visiting several popular
Web sites rather than just one.

3. IP Address Conflicts
If your computer and another on the network both have the same IP address, the
conflict between them will prevent either from working properly online.
Action: To resolve an IP conflict, follow these instructions to release and renew your
IP address. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually change your IP to a different
number.

4. Computer Firewall Malfunctions

Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent unwanted network
traffic from disrupting its operation. Unfortunately, these software firewalls can malfunction
and start blocking valid Internet traffic. When two software firewalls, such as Windows
Firewall plus a third-party product, are installed on the same computer, contention between
the two can also incorrectly block traffic.
Action: If you have recently installed or upgraded software firewalls on your computer,
temporarily disable them to determine whether they may be the cause of Internet
connection problems.

5. Outside Wireless Signal Range

The performance of Wi-Fi network connections depends on the distance between the
device and the wireless access point. The farther away a Wi-Fi device is, the slower the
local connection generally runs until it breaks altogether. Wireless signal interference in the
area can also limit the effective range of a Wi-Fi connection. Whenever you are unable to
reach the access point, you also cannot connect to the Internet.
Action: Use one of the options written below to measure the strength of your wireless
signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-Fi.
Ideally, you should place the router at a height in some central location and away from
other cordless devices. Make sure that the router is not placed near something metallic
(like window grills) as that will weaken the wireless signals. Avoid mirrors as they can reflect
the wireless signals away from the desired direction.
Wireless routers generally ship with Omni-directional antennas but you can replace
them with more powerful uni-directional antennas and that will keep the signal from getting
broadcast in all directions.

6. Wireless Network Configuration

Wi-Fi networks with encryption options like WPA or WEP turned on require computers
to use matching security keys when connecting. If someone changes the encryption keys
 or password on the access point, devices that worked before will suddenly be unable to
establish sessions and Internet connections. Likewise (though less likely), if the access
point settings are changed to require using a specific Wi-Fi channel number, some
computers may be unable to discover it.
Action: Confirm that the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your router
have not recently changed (check with the network administrator if necessary). When using
a hotspot, follow the provider's instructors for signing in carefully.

7. Broadband Router or Access Point Malfunctions

Home networks that use broadband routers are easier to manage than those without
one, but technical glitches with the router can also prevent computers from connecting to
the Internet. Router failures are caused by overheating, excessive traffic, or simply a faulty
unit. Typical symptoms of a flaky router include computers on the network not being able
to obtain IP addresses, or the router console not responding to requests.
Action: Check the router's lights and console if possible to ensure it is running and
responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if necessary. Change the old router
if necessary.

8. Blocked By Your Service Provider

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can choose to block access from your account if you
fail to make a payment or otherwise violate the provider's Terms of Service. Especially
when using paid hotspots that charge by the hour or day, sometimes people forget to keep
their subscription updated. Other common reasons an ISP might block your account include
exceeding bandwidth caps, sending spam e-mail, and downloading illegal or inappropriate
content.
Action: Contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been blocked.

9. Computer Glitches
Computers suffer from technical glitches or malfunctions. Although relatively
uncommon nowadays, a computer's network adapter hardware might suddenly fail due to
overheating or age. Failures in the operating system software that control the adapter, on
the other hand, can occur frequently especially with computers that are heavily used.
Viruses and worms also may disable or block a computer's network interfaces from
functioning properly. If using a laptop or other mobile device, transporting it from one
location to another can corrupt the state of its network.
Action: Check the computer and remove any malware that you will find. On Windows
computers, try resetting the network connection. Reboot the computer if necessary.

10. Network Downtime

Those using satellite Internet service may notice they can't connect to the Internet
during periods of very bad weather. Providers in dense urban areas (including cellular
Internet carriers) sometimes are unable to support peaks in network traffic that causes
sporadic outages for some customers. Finally, those who subscribe to newer or more
complex forms of Internet services (such as fixed wireless broadband) may experience
more downtime than others as providers encounter more issues with relatively less
mature equipment.
Action: If all else fails, contact your Internet provider to verify whether they are
experiencing an outage. Some providers also advise on troubleshooting problems
connecting to their network.
 Let Us Try

Activity 1. TRUE OR FALSE

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct; otherwise, write FALSE. Use a separate
sheet for your answer.
1. Making sure your computer is physically clean in its operations can help to prevent
computer systems failure.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM) is not running once the PC is in idle mode.
3. Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent unwanted network
traffic from disrupting its operation.
4. Malware is a security program that protects your PC from any virus attack.
5. It is recommended to perform backup every single hour to keep safe your files.

Let Us Do

Activity 2: Preventing Computer Systems Failure

Directions: Briefly discuss how to prevent the following computer systems failures. Use a
separate sheet for your answer.

1. Dust Issues:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Malware Issues:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Hardware Issues
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

4. Error Massages Issues

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
 Let Us Apply

Activity 3: Common Internet Connection Problems

Directions: Find and solve the following common Internet connection problems. Write your
answer in the 2nd column of the table as shown below. Use a separate sheet for your
answer.
NETWORK PROBLEMS ACTIONS/SOLUTIONS

1. Unplugged Network Cable

2. Blocked By Your Service Provider

3. Wireless Network Configuration

4. IP Address Conflicts

5. Broadband Router or Access Point

Malfunctions

Rubrics

Criteria for the Activity 2

The performance of the learners will be rated based on the following criteria.
Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Excellent Very Satisfactory Moderately Good
Satisfactory Satisfactory
Content /
thought
Organization
Accuracy
 Answer Key

An answer key should be included for teachers' use only (separate sheet).

Activity 1. True or False

1. TRUE
2. FALSE
3. TRUE
4. FALSE
5. FALSE

Activity 3. Common Internet Connection Problems

1. Ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is switched on and plugged in.
2. Contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been blocked.
3. Confirm that the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your router have not
recently changed (check with the network administrator if necessary).
4. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually change your IP to a different
number.
5. Check the router's lights and console if possible to ensure it is running and
responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if necessary.

References

CG TVL CSS: Code: TLE_IACSS9-12MRCN-IIa-e-40