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Q3 Diagnosing Computer Systems

The document provides a comprehensive guide on diagnosing computer systems, focusing on troubleshooting startup problems and common issues. It outlines steps for checking hardware and software, including POST, RAM and CPU consumption, and running virus scans, while also emphasizing safety precautions when working with computers. Additionally, it includes activities for arranging troubleshooting steps, completing acronyms, and answering questions related to computer diagnostics.

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21 views6 pages

Q3 Diagnosing Computer Systems

The document provides a comprehensive guide on diagnosing computer systems, focusing on troubleshooting startup problems and common issues. It outlines steps for checking hardware and software, including POST, RAM and CPU consumption, and running virus scans, while also emphasizing safety precautions when working with computers. Additionally, it includes activities for arranging troubleshooting steps, completing acronyms, and answering questions related to computer diagnostics.

Uploaded by

angelofloressamae
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DIAGNOSING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

PC Diagnosing
Probably the most frustrating problem computer users run into are startup problems,
where your computer won’t boot. Equally annoying are error messages you constantly
run into during your computer’s startup process.
Here you will learn the basic troubleshooting.
 Trial and error: When you find a faulty component in your computer, check it with
the other computers so that you can make sure whether the fault is in the component
or not.
 Check cables: In case of any device failure, check all the cables of your computer
such as data cables, power cable, internal circuitry cables and make sure that all these
are plugged in and working fine.
 Hardware settings: Check the hardware settings in the CMOS (Complementary
metal–oxide–semiconductor) and in the device manager of the system and make all the
device drivers up to date and all the cards are plugged in properly.
 Notice changes: When you notice a software or hardware error in your computer,
determine what was changed before the problem occurred.
 Event viewer: In the event viewer, you will find the error or warning messages
associated with any faulty hardware or software.
 Make notes: Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we can learn a lot when
we face any kind of troubleshooting in our computer. Make notes including the error
messages and their solutions, so that you have a record on how a certain problem
occurred and how did you solve it.

Common PC Problems and solutions


You are working away at your computer when suddenly, up comes an error message –
or worse, your computer comes to a screeching halt. Here are the common computer
problems and solutions that can help you.
Steps
1. Check the POST. POST stands for Power On Self-Test. This is generally the first
or second thing that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This
appears before the operating system begins to load. The POST will display any
problems found with hardware that makes the computer unable to boot, POST
may also display problems with hardware that allow the computer to boot, but
not operate at its full capacity during operation.

2. Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than usual load
time may indicate errors in the hard drive.

3. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced graphics
may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.

4. Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still effective


way of judging how a computer is working. With the computer on and running,
play any decent length audio file (usually above 30 sec). If the audio is choppy or
slow, it usually means that the processor is working at an elevated level, or there
is not enough RAM to run all programs loading. Changing the startup sound is a
great way to apply this test. Another issue associated with choppy sounds is PIO
(Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This affects how the hard drive reads and
writes data from a drive. Switching to Direct Memory Access (DMA) allows for
faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy audio.

5. Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems, especially


Windows, can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly written, or it
may conflict with another process. Windows will usually notify you about devices
that are causing a problem, or have a problem. To check this use the Device
Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control Panel, clicking the System
icon, clicking the Hardware tab, and clicking on Device Manager. Use this to
check and arrange the properties of hardware.

6. Check any newly installed software. Software may require more resources
than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins after software
starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly upon startup, it
may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.

7. Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy or sluggish


system. If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program is consuming
more resources than the computer can provide. An easy way to check this is to
use the Task Manager, right click on the taskbar select Task Manager, and click
the Processes tab. The CPU column contains a number that indicates the
percentage of CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage column
indicates how much memory a process is consuming.

8. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud


noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the hard
drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU is working
hard and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its capacity.

9. Run a virus and malware scan. Performance problems can be caused by


malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a
commonly updated virus scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus)

10. Check for the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8
repeatedly during POST (this works on most systems). If the problem persists in
safe mode, it is a fair bet that the operating system itself is to blame.

ACTIVITY
I. Direction: Arrange the following steps by labeling the spaces before the number 1-10
to show the correct order in identifying common computer problems and solutions.
______1. Check any newly installed software.
______2. Run a virus and malware scan.
______3. Notice the load time of the OS
______4. Check RAM and CPU consumption.
______5. Perform an auditory test.
______6. Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making loud noises
______7. Check the POST
______8. Check for the problem in safe mode
______9. Check any newly installed hardware.
______10. Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded

II. Acronyms
Direction: Complete the following acronyms
1. RAM
2. POST
3. DMA
4. OS
5. CPU
6. PC
7. PIO
8. CMOS

III. Directions: Read and answer the given questions below.


1. To check about devices that are causing a problem, or have a problem, what steps
will I do? (2pts)
2. What are the steps in checking RAM and CPU consumption? (3pts )
Common Trouble shooting for Computer Units
1. Double check the power connections.
2. Voltage Regulator and power supply could cause power failure in the computer unit.
3. Check the power cords and cable connectors in your computer unit.
4. Unseated card. Loose cards could cause malfunction.
5. Check the boot sequence configuration in the advance BIOS (Basic Input /Output
System) setup.

Identify the following:


1. Moderately dangerous types of errors among those that can pop up on your PC.
2. Caused by malfunctioning hardware components, and are characterized by short
beep sounds from the tiny internal speaker of your motherboard.
3. Caused at any point of time. As the name suggests, these are caused by applications
while those are running.
4. Usually caused by corrupted driver files or malfunctioning hardware components.
5. Caused by corrupted or malfunctioning system files or software executables.
6. Caused by corrupted hardware, especially malfunctioning RAM modules and bad
sectors on hard disks.
7. Caused by problems faced by browsers when trying to access a website.
Personal safety while working with PC’s
The following statements are some safety precautions to take before working with any
computer devices:
• Before doing anything, listen to your teacher’s instruction to prevent accidents or any
unwanted events that may occur on your workplace.
• Do not work on computer when you are wet because you might get electrocuted.
• Do not remove internal devices of the computer when it is turned on.
• Avoid playing or running while inside the room.
• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like coverall, shoes with rubber
sole, anti-static wrist strap, etc.
• Ask for assistance from your teacher when it comes on dealing with computer
devices.
• Applying safety measure when handling tools and equipment are necessary to avoid
certain damages.

ACTIVITY
I. Directions: Write T if the statement is True, otherwise write F.
______1. Avoid playing or running while inside the room.
______2. Double check the power connections.
______3. Do not check the power cords and cable connectors in your computer unit.
______4. Check the network HUB using aa screw driver.
______5. Check the boot sequence configuration in the advance BIOS.
______6. Applying safety measure when handling tools and equipment are necessary to
avoid certain damages.
______7. Never wear personal protective equipment.
______8. Voltage Regulator and power supply could cause power failure in the computer
unit.
______9. The student is further expected to maintain good health.
______10. Before doing anything, listen to your teacher’s instruction.
______11. BIOS means Beginners Input output System.
______12. It is ok to work on computer when you are wet.
II. Enumeration: Direction: Suppose you encountered a dead monitor problem while
working in a computer, enumerate possible things that you might check to address this
problem.
1. _______________________
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
4. _______________________
5. _______________________
6. _______________________

III. Directions: Read and answer the given questions below.


1. Why is there a need to follow safety tips while working with computers? (2pts)
2. Why is Diagnostic plan important? (3pts)

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