GROUP 5 PRACTICAL 2

Preventive Maintenance / General Maintenance for ICT Devices

1. Device Cleaning/Blowing for Desktop Computer, Laptop, Printer, Scanner
a. List the materials required for this task
i. Cleaning cloth
ii. Water
iii. Blower
iv. Cleaning gell/ detergent
v. Disinfectant
vi. Mask
vii. Brush
b. List the procedure cleaning above devices
1. Desktop Computer:
- Ensure the device is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
- Open the Case: Use a screwdriver to open the computer case if its locked
with a screw, if not use unlock the button locks by pressing on them on
both sides of the computer.
- Dust Removal: Use a blower to blow off all the dust particles in the
computer.
- Surface Cleaning: Wipe the exterior and interior surfaces of the computer
using the clothing while sparingly wet
- Reassemble everything together then close the case and plug the computer
back in.
2. Laptop
- Ensure the laptop is turned off and unplugged.
- Keyboard and Screen Use a blower to blow off all the dust particles in the
computer. Wipe the screen with a cloth dampened.
- Ports and Vents: Blow out dust from ports and cooling vents with
compressed air.
- Clean the laptop’s exterior with a cloth and alcohol.
3. Printer:
- Ensure the printer is turned off and unplugged.
- Take out ink or toner cartridges as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Blow out dust from the printer’s interior with compressed air.
- Use a slightly dampened cloth to clean the rollers and other accessible
parts.
- Reinsert cartridges and plug the printer back in.
4. Scanner:
- Ensure the scanner is turned off and unplugged.
- Wipe the scanner glass with a cloth damped in water.
- Use a blower to blow air to remove dust from the interior.
- Clean the exterior with a cloth.
 c. List the required tools and equipment's for carrying out this task
- Screwdrivers: For opening device cases.
- Blower: For blowing out dust and debris.
- Cloths: For wiping surfaces.
- Brush- to wipe off the stains that cloth can’t wipe off.
- Alcohol: For cleaning and disinfecting.
- Gloves: For protecting hands.
d. Each group to clean various computers/printers ICT devices as directed by the
facilitator Describe how to clean the following computer peripherals, mouse
keyboard, cables
I. Mouse:
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the mouse surface with a microfiber cloth dampened
with isopropyl alcohol.
- Sensor Cleaning: Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean
around the sensor.
- Buttons: Ensure buttons are free of debris and clean with a microfiber cloth.
II. Keyboard:
- Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out loose debris. Use a blower to
blow out remaining dust.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean between keys of the keyboard.
- Wipe the entire keyboard surface with a cloth dampened with alcohol.
III. Cables:
- Use a dry cloth to wipe off dust from cables.
- For heavily soiled cables, use a cloth dampened with alcohol.
- Inspect cables for any signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary.
2. Testing of the computer system
- Each group to test and report
- Discuss FIVE key parts of a computer that are prone or exposed to lint/dust after
cleaning
i. Air vents
ii. Keyboard
iii. CPU
iv. Computer case
- Explain the functions of the following components of a computer, Power supply unit,
Processor, memory, HDD, Expansion slot.
i. Power supply unit – it’s a device that converts electrical energy from AC to
DC, it also regulates and protects the computer components.
ii. Processor- CPU – also known as the brain of the computer, performs
calculations on the data.
iii. Memory – RAM – volatile memory for storing data that the CPU needs while
performing tasks.
 iv. Hard Disk Drive – a non-volatile memory for storing data permanently
v. Expansion slot – allows users to add additional hardware components to
enhance the computer’s capabilities.
3. Identify and document the following major parts of a computer use the new computers in
LBB labs | Power supply unit, Processor, memory, HDD, Expansion slot,
Communication ports NOTE DO NOT DISASEMPLE the computer
- Power supply unit – supplies the computer with the right voltage and regulates
the power.
- Processor - 3972 mb DDR4 RAM
- HDD – 500 GB HDD
- Expansion slot – PSI
- Communication ports – USB ports, Ethernet port, VGA port, PS/2 ports,
parallel port/SCIC 1/ DB-25F, DE-9F, stereo/ headphones, line in port and
microphone port
4. Hardware architecture Explain the following storage terms, data bus, RAM, Storage,
cache L1, L2, 1.3. N-bridge, N-south bridge
- RAM: stands for Random Access Memory. It is a type of computer memory
that can be accessed randomly, meaning any byte of memory can be accessed
without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is used to store data and machine
code currently being used. It is a volatile memory, which means it loses its
contents when the power is turned off.
- Data bus: The data bus is a communication system that transfers data between
components inside a computer or between computers. It consists of parallel
lines that carry data, address, and control signals.
- Storage: This term refers to the devices used to store data in a computer
system, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and optical drives.
- Cache: A cache is a small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed
data for quick retrieval. It helps improve the performance of the computer by
reducing the time it takes to access data from the main memory.
- North bridge and South bridge: These are two chips on the motherboard of a
computer that connect the CPU to other components such as RAM, PCI slots,
and the USB controller. The North bridge typically handles faster
communication between the CPU, RAM, and graphics card, while the South
bridge manages slower communication with peripheral devices.
- ATA and SATA: These are interfaces used to connect storage devices (such as
hard disk drives and optical drives) to a computer. ATA (Advanced
Technology Attachment) is an older interface, while SATA (Serial ATA) is a
newer and faster interface commonly used today.
5. Identify the following IDE, PATA, SATA, RAM, cache-L1, L2, L3, N-bridge. N-south
bridge [Students to use a working computer, the computer to be tested before use]
6. Compare the THREE computers you have been allocated in terms of Form factor Brand
name Is the computer having all parts? if not which ones are missing What is the brand
name of the printer in your group
a. Form factor – mid-tower ATX case
b. Brand name – Hewlett Packard
c. The computer has all parts