COMPUTER HARDWARE REPAIRS

AND MAINTENANCE

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 Objecives

Knowledge of Computer Hardware

Identify computer hardware Issues/Problems
determine faulty Computer hardware
Know Basic computer troubleshooting tips
Knowledge of Operating System and device
Drivers
Identify hardware Peripherals
Basic knowledge of safeguarding hardware
Apply the knowledge to repair/maintain a
computer.
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Learning the COMPUTER Basics

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 What is a Computer?

• An electronic device, operating under

the control of instructions stored in its
own memory, that can:
–Accept data (input)
–Process the data according to specified
rules (process)
–Produce results (output)
–Store the results (storage) for future
use.
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What is a Computer?...

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 Examples and type of computer

Desktop Tablet
Mainframe

Supercomputers

PDA Smartphone
Notebook
Wearable Computers
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 Computer System is functional only if :

Hardware

SoTware

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 Basic Hardware components
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a
computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are following:
Input devices: keyboard, mouse etc.
Output divices: printer, monitor, speaker etc.
Secondary storage devices: Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
Internal components: CPU, motherboard, RAM etc.

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Computer Hardware

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 Hardware Components

Power Supply or SMPS(Switched Mode Processor & Fan. The processor is

Case/ System Unit. The computer case Power Supply). Converts AC voltage the main “brain” of a computer system
(also called a tower ) is the box that from the wall outlet to DC voltage the while the Fan help to prev ent
encloses many of the parts/components computer can use. It supplies DC overhea t i ng of the various electronic
of the computer v o l t a g e s f o r i n t e r n a l c o m p u te r components
components and has a fan to keep the
computer cool.

Motherboard. The motherboard is a RAM (Random Access Memory NIC (Network Interface Card) used to
large electronic board that is used to q short term memory that is used to store describe tools that allow your computer
connect the power supply to various documents while they are being processed. to connect and communicate with
other electronic parts, and to hold these q The amount of RAM in a computer various input and output devices.
parts in place on the computer. determine the speed of a computer.
q RAM a]aches to the motherboard via
some specific slots.
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 Hardware Components cont…
Computer Hard disk are of two types, IDE(Integrated drive
electronics)-
q Has a ribbon like cable with either a 40-pin or 80-pin
connector.
q The IDE data transfer interface runs in parallel.
SATA(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)-
q has a narrower cable with a split data and power
connections.
q It has a 7-pin cable and a much faster data transfer rate.
q Most motherboards now support SATA
q Well know hard disk manufactures are Seagate, Western
Digital etc.

Drives.
q A computer’s drives are the devices
use d fo r lo ng term sto rage o f
information. e.g. Hard Disk, Flash Disk
etc.
q hard drive - Or hard disk, is a common
storage device for maintaining files inside the
computer, usually mounted below or beside the
floppy drive.
q CD drive –
q Holds disks (CDs) that have data, Peripheral hardware. NIC(Network Interface Card)
music, or socware applica(ons. q Are the computer components that (NIC) is a computer hardware
q DVD (Digital Versaile Disk) drive - are not found within the computer case component that allows a computer to
Popular alterna(ve to a CD drive that connect to a network. NICs may be used
supports CDs as well as music and video q It is defined as any auxiliary device for both wired and wireless connec(ons.
DVDs. that connects to and works with the A NIC is also known as a network
q Flash Drive- computer in some way. E.g. mouse, interface controller (NIC) or network
microphone and keyboard, monitor, card, LAN card, network adapter or
CopmrinptuetrearnHdasrpdewakaerersReetcp.airs network adapter card (NAC).
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 What is Computer Ports?

Port:
Is a connector on the motherboard or on a
separate adapter that allows a device to connect
to a computer; these may include keyboard,
mouse, serial, parallel, network, sound, or video
ports.
q Ports vary with the type of equipment that
connects to the ports.
q Ports have gradually changed over time as
computers have changed to become faster and
easier to work with.
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 Port contd…

q Male ports – Have pins that q Female ports.

protrude out from the connector and Have holes in the connector to accept the male
require a cable with a female connector. cable’s pins.

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 Ports…

• D-shell connector – A connector with more pins

or holes on the top row than on the bo]om so
that a connected cable can only be a]ached in
one direction and not accidentally connected the
wrong way; generally represented with the
le]ers DB and the number of pins such as, DB-9,
DB-15, or DB-25.

• DIN connector – Round with small holes and

normally keyed; the keyboard and mouse are
usually this type of connector with either 5 or 6
pins.
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 Parallel Port. (D-Shell Connector)
Serial Port. D- Shell Connector q This long and slender port is also no
q uses pin connectors, longer commonly used, PS/2. DIN Connectors
q Also known as a COM port) can be a q The most common parallel port has q Most desktop computers have two of
9-pin Female D-shell connector holes for 25 pins, these round ports for six pin connectors,
q Data travels at 115 kilobits per second q Used for scanners and printers one for the mouse and one for the
q Also called printer port keyboard.

TRS. TRS ((p, ring and sleeve) ports

Also known as ports for mini-jacks or
audio jacks. HDMI (High Defini(on Mul(media Interface )
USB. They are commonly used to connect q provides an interface between any
q A 4-wire connector type of port audio devices such as headphones and audio/video source, e.g. DVD player, or
q Different models (USB 1.0, USB 2.0 microphones to computers. A/V receiver and an audio and/or video
and USB 3.0), monitor, such as a digital television
q Connect all kinds of external USB (DTV),
devices e.g. external hard disk, printer, q HDMI supports standard, enhanced,
scanner, mouse, keyboard etc. or high-defini(on video, plus mul(-
q Most of the computers provide two channel digital audio on a single cable.
USB or three USB ports as minimum.
q Data travels at 12 megabits per
seconds GAME PORT.D-Shell Connector.
q USB compliant devices can get power A 15 port pin used to connect games
from a USB port
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 Modem Port
VGA q Connects a PC's modem to the
q A three row, telephone network. Game Port.
q 15-pin female D-shell connector for q Connect a joys(ck to a PC
newer VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, or UXGA q Now replaced by USB
monitors
q Connects monitor to a computer's
video card.
q Similar to serial port connector but
serial port connector has pins, it has
holes.
IEEE 1394 ports –
q A serial technology developed by
Apple Computer sometimes called the
FireWire port.
q A 6-wire cable/port (4 for data, 2 for
power) Ethernet Port
q speeds of 100, 200, 400, 800, and q Connects to a network and high speed
1200 Mbps. Internet.
q Connect network cable to a computer.
Serial Port. Male D- Shell Connector q This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
q u ses pin connectors,
q Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000
q it is no longer commonly used,
megabits per seconds depending upon
q It was used for printers, mice, the network bandwidth.
modems and a variety of other digital
devices.
q Data travels at 115 kilobits per second

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Arrangement of computer Components/ Ports

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Computer Software

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 What is a SoTware?
Software.
Is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-
defined function. A Program is a sequence of instructions
wri]en to solve a particular problem.
Types of software
q System Software
Ø The system socware is collection of programs designed to
operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of
the computer itself.
Ø System software are generally prepared by computer
manufactures.
Ø System software serves as the interface between hardware
and the end users. e.g. Operating System, Compilers,
Interpreter, Assemblers etc.
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 Software Types and Categories…

Application Software:
q Application software products are designed to satisfy a
particular need of a particular environment.
q Application software may consist of a single program, such as
Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing simple text.
q It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called
software package, which work together to accomplish a task,
such as a spreadsheet package. e.g. Payroll Software, Student
Record Software , Inventory Management Software, Microsoc
Office Suite Software, Adobe Premiere suites etc.
• Uility SoTware. Allow a computer to perform tasks that are
not part of the operating system, but are still practical and
useful. For example, a utility software might instruct a
computer on how to copy (burn) information to a CD-ROM disk,
or it might be an anti-virus program
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 Proprietary Software vs. Open Source Software

ØThey are proprietary, which means that

their use and modification are restricted. ØUsers who cannot afford proprietary
software or prefer software that can be
ØThey can be quite costly to buy licenses for. locally modified, can choose to use open
source (often called free and open source
Ø they are not adaptable to meet local needs. or FOSS) software.

Ø Some users, particularly in developing Ø For most of the standard computer

countries, illegally use unlicensed (also known uses, an open source sof t ware op( on is
as private) copies of this software. available. E.g. Linux family of opera t i ng
systems (which includes Ubuntu, and the
Ø This is legally unwise, and can also keep OpenOffice.org product i vity programs.
the user from accessing important socware
updates. Ø The Source Forge website
(www.sourceforge.net) is a good resource
for finding and downloading open source
programs.

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 Examples and types of software

System Software: e.g.

Operaing systems System software: e.g. Utilities software

Application software: e.g. MicrosoT OfficeCsoumitpeusterHardware Repairs and 22

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Relaionship Between Hardware/
Software

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 Relaionship between Hardware and Software

Hardware and software are mutually dependent on each

other. Both of them must work together to make a computer
produce a useful output.

Software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.

Hardware without set of programs to operate upon

cannot be utilized and is useless.

To get a particular job done on the computer, relevant

software should be loaded into the hardware . i.e. a device
driver is needed.
A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is
attached to your computer. There are device drivers for printers, displays,
CD-ROM readers, diskete drives etc. When you buy an operating system,
many device drivers are built into the product.

Hardware is a one-time expense.

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 Relaionship between Hardware and SoTware

Software development is very expensive and

is a continuing expense.

Different software applications can be

loaded on a hardware to run different jobs.

A software acts as an interface between the

user and the hardware.

If Hardware is the 'heart' of a computer

system, then Software is its 'soul'. Both are
complimentary to each other.

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Idenifying Computer Problems/Issues

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Hardware or Software Problem ?

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 Tips for Disinguishing Between Hardware Problems and SoTware Problems…
Note: Make sure you reduce possible
“external” problems before proceeding.
This means unplug any external devices
(such as hard drives, scanners or printers),
and remove any USB Flash disk, CD or DVD
disks from their drives.

q Were there any loud noises or smoke when

the problem first appeared? Then it is
probably a hardware problem, with the most
likely culprit being the SMPS(Switched Mode
Power Supply )unit.

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 Tips for Disinguishing Between Hardware Problems and SoTware Problems …
q Is the computer entirely dead? Or the screen blank?
Orthe screen showing a poor/incomplete picture? These
faults are probably also due to hardware problems.

q Does the computer produce a series of beeps? This is a

code that can be used to distinguish some hardware
problems.

q Does the system give any error codes or descriptions

while booting? These can be due to hardware or
software problems. Take careful note of all information
given in the error code.
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 Tips for Disinguishing Between Hardware Problems and SoTware Problems…

q Does t h e c o m p u t e r produce error

information after it has booted or only when
you open specific programs? These error
codes are probably due to software problems.

q Have any recent changes been made to

hardware or software (including BIOS
)?

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 Tips for Disinguishing Between Hardware Problems and SoTware Problems…

q Has the computer been exposed to viruses or other

malware? This could be a cause of software
problems.
q Use the Device Manager.
The Device Manager will list
all of the hardware devices
installed on a PC. Any
device with a problem will
have a warning symbol next
to it, and double clicking on
that device would give
d eta i l s a n d s u g ge s te d
remedies for the problem.

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The workplace should have safety guidelines to follow to:
➢ Protect people from injury
➢ Protect equipment from damage
➢ Protect the environment from contamination
Some things to look for:
➢ Clean, organized, and properly lit workspace
➢ Proper procedures for handling equipment
➢ Proper disposal or recycling of components
containing hazardous materials
• Most companies require reporting any injuries, including description
of safety procedures not followed.
• Damage to equipment may result in claims for damages from the
customer.
• CAUTION: Power supplies and monitors contain very high voltage.
Do not wear the antistatic wrist strap when repairing power supplies
or monitors.
• CAUTION: Some printer parts may become very hot when in use
and other parts may contain very high voltages.
Have a fire plan before you begin work:
• Know the location of fire extinguishers, how to use them, and
which to use for electrical fires and for combustible fires
➢ Have an escape route in case a fire gets out of control
➢ Know how to contact emergency services quickly
➢ Keep the workspace clean
➢ Keep most solvents in a separate area
• Static electricity is the buildup of an electric charge resting on
surface. This buildup may zap a component and cause damage.
• At least 3,000 volts of static electricity must build up before a perso
can feel ESD, but less than 30 volts of static electricity can damage
computer component.
Preventing ESD Damage
 Use antistatic bags to store components
 Use grounded mats on workbenches
 Use grounded floor mats in work areas
 Use antistatic wrist straps when working on computers
 Zero potential - continuously touching an unpainted metal surface o
the chassis or the computer power supply case.
 Standing - If you are sitting on a chair or the floor, it can generate mor
electrostatic.
 Cords - Disconnect everything from the back of the computer
 Clothes - Make sure not to wear any clothing that conducts an electrica
AC power fluctuations can cause data loss or hardware failure:
• Blackouts, brownouts, noise, spikes, power surges
To help shield against power fluctuation issues, use power
protection devices to protect the data and computer equipment:
• Surge suppressors
▪ Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
▪ Standby Power Supply (SPS)
CAUTION: Never plug a printer into a UPS device. UPS
manufacturers suggest not plugging a printer into a UPS for fear
of burning up the printer motor.
Skilled use of tools and software makes the
job less difficult and ensures that tasks
are performed properly and safely.
• ESD Tools
– antistatic wrist strap, mat
• Hand Tools
– screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers
• Cleaning Tools
– soft cloth, compressed air can
• Diagnostic Tools
– digital multimeter, loopback adapter
 Disk management tools
• Fdisk - create and delete disk partitions
• Format - prepare a hard drive prior to use
• Scandisk or Chkdsk - check for physical errors on the disk
surface
• Defrag - optimize use of space on a disk
• Disk Cleanup - remove unused files
• Disk Management - creates partitions and formats disks (GUI
interface)
• System File Checker (SFC) – scans the operating system critical
files and replaces any files that are corrupt
• Use the proper type and size of screwdriver by matching it to the
screw.
– Phillips, Flat Head and Hex are the most common types.
• Do not over tighten screws because the threads
may become stripped.
• Caution: If excessive force is needed to remove or add a component,
something may be wrong.
• Caution: Magnetized tools should not be used around electronic
devices.
• Caution: Pencils should not be used inside the computer because the
pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage the computer
components.
To clean computers and accessories:
➢ Use mild cleaning solution and lint-free cloth to clean computer
cases, outside of monitor, LCD screen, CRT screen, and mouse.
➢ Use compressed air to clean heat sinks.
➢ Use Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swabs to clean RAM.
➢ Use hand-held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean
a keyboard.
• CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug
the device from the power source.
❖ Reduce the likelihood of hardware or software

problems by systematically and periodically checking

hardware and software to ensure proper operation.

❖ Reduce computer down time and repair costs.

Make sure that the hardware is operating properly.
➢Check the condition of parts.
➢Repair or replace worn parts.
➢Keep components clean.
➢Create a hardware maintenance program.
▪ Follow an organized and
logical procedure.
▪ Eliminate variables one at
a time.
▪ Troubleshooting is a skill
that is refined over time.
▪ The first and last steps
involve effectively
communicating with the
customer.
Thank you.
Question?

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