CSS - DIAGNOSING COMPUTER

SYSTEMS
Presented by Anasco and
Mendoza
What is PC Diagnosing?
PC diagnosing is the process of identifying issues within a personal
computer system, including its hardware and software components,
by using specific tools and techniques to pinpoint the source of a
malfunction and determine how to fix it. In simpler terms, it is basic
troubleshooting.
Basic Troubleshooting
1) Trial and Error - When you find a faulty component in your
computer, check it with other computers so you can determine
whether the fault is in the component or not.
 Basic Troubleshooting
2) Check the cables - Check all of the cables of your PC such as
data cables, power cables, internal circuitry cables, and make
sure these are all plugged in properly with care and are
functioning properly.
 Basic Troubleshooting
3) Check the hardware settings - The hardware settings is
located in CMOS and device manager of the system. Make all the
device drivers up to date and all of the cards must be plugged in
properly.
 Basic Troubleshooting
4) Notice changes - When you notice a software or hardware
error in your computer, determine what was changed before the
problem occurred in the computer.
 Basic Troubleshooting
5) Event viewer - In the event viewer, you will find the error or
warning messages associated with any faulty hardware or
software.
 Basic Troubleshooting
6) Make notes - Troubleshooting is a big learning option and we
can learn a lot when we face any kind of troubleshooting in our
computer. This includes 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
1) Check the POST (Power-On Self Test) - 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.
Will display any problems found with hardware that makes the
computer unable to boot. It may also display problems with
hardware that allows the computer to boot but not operate at its
full capacity during operation.
 Common PC Problems and Solutions
2) Notice the load time of the Operating System - If it takes longer
than usual, it may indicate errors in the hard drive.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
3) Notice any graphics problems once the Operating System has
loaded - Reduced graphics may indicate driver failures or
hardware failures with the graphic card.
 Common PC Problems and Solutions
4) Perform an auditory test - With the computer on and running,
play any decent length audio file. If the audio is choppy or slow, it
usually means the processor is working at an elevated level or
there is not enough RAM to run all programs running. Changing the
startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue is
Programmed Input/Output Mode.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
5) Check any newly installed hardware - To check this, use the
Device Manager. Check and arrange the properties of hardware.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
6) Check any newly installed software - Software may require
more resources than the system could provide. If a problem
begins after the software starts, the software is causing it. If the
problems appear directly upon startup, it may be caused by the
software that starts automatically on boot.
 Common PC Problems and Solutions
7) Check RAM and CPU consumption - A common problem is a
choppy or sluggish system. If the system is choppy, it is a good
practice to see if a program is consuming more resources than the
system could provide. An easy way to check is to click Task
Manager and the Processes Tab. We can check which program
consumes more memory and such.
 Common PC Problems and Solutions
8) Listen to the computer and CPU fan - If the hard drive is
making loud noises like scratching, shut off the computer and have
a professional diagnose the hard drive. If the CPU fan is on a high
speed, it indicates that the CPU is working hard and can tell you
when the computer is working beyond its capacity.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
9) Run a virus and malware scan - Performance problems can be
caused by malware on the computer. Running a virus scan can
unearth any problem. Use a commonly updated virus scanner such
as Norton Antivirus or Avast Antivirus.
Common PC Problems and Solutions
10) Check for the problem in safe mode - To enter safe mode, tap
F8 during POST. If the problem persists in safe mode, it is fair bet
that the operating system is to blame.
Common Troubleshooting 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 setup.
Diagnosing Network Connection
Things to look for if a PC is connected to the internet or
network:
1) Check the network cable by using the cable tester
2) Check the network HUB by using the multi-tester
QUIZ OF DIAGNOSING COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
1.What is PC diagnosing?
a) Installing new software
b) Identifying and fixing issues in a computer
c) Upgrading hardware components
d) Cleaning the computer

2.Which method involves testing a faulty component on another computer to

check if it is truly broken?
a) Check the cables
b) Event viewer
c) Trial and error
d) Notice changes
3. Where can you find and update hardware settings in a computer?
a) Control Panel and Task Manager
b) Device Manager and CMOS
c) Recycle Bin and System Restore
d) Windows Explorer and Notepad

4. Which tool helps users find error messages related to faulty

hardware or software?
a) Task Manager
b) File Explorer
c) Device Manager
d) Event Viewer
5. What should you do first when your computer does not turn on?
a) Replace the hard drive
b) Install a new operating system
c) Check the power cable and connections
d) Remove the keyboard

6.What does POST stand for in computer diagnostics?

a) Power-On Self Test
b) Processing Operating System Task
c) Primary Output System Test
d) Peripheral Optimization System Tool
7.If the operating system takes longer than usual to load, what component might
have an issue?
a) RAM
b) Keyboard
c) Graphics Card
d) Hard Drive

8.Which of the following is a possible cause if a computer’s audio is choppy or slow?

a) Graphics card failure
b) Lack of RAM or high CPU usage
c) Monitor resolution settings
d) Faulty keyboard drivers
9Why is it important to listen to the computer and CPU fan?
a) It can indicate a malfunctioning monitor
b) A loud hard drive might suggest damage, and a fast CPU fan might mean
overheating
c) It tells you the battery level
d) The fan noise affects the graphics quality

10What should you check first if a PC is connected to the internet but has no network
access?
a) The power supply unit
b) The keyboard settings
c) The network cable and HUB using appropriate testers
d) The mouse sensitivity settings
 1. b
2. c
3. b
4. d
5. c
6. a
7. d
8. b
9. b
10. c
Au revoir!!