RELEVANCE OF THE CHS

SUBJECT
The important topics that will be discussed in this subject are
as follows:
1. Basic concepts of CHS business – this will tackle all the
necessary information and facts about a computer
hardware servicing business.
2. Opportunities in a CHS business– this will discuss the
different prospects that are available for a CHS business.
3. Assess your own CHS competencies – being able to
assess one’s competencies will help determine whether
an aspiring entrepreneur in the CHS business will be
able to manage it correctly.
4. Assess the practitioner’s CHS competencies – this refers
to the CHS knowledge and skills of those people who are
already engaged into a similar line of business that an
aspiring individual would want to venture.
5. Compare the practitioner’s CHS Competencies – this topic
discusses the careful comparison of the CHS competencies
an individual possess with those of an actual practitioner
in the same line of business.
6. Aligning of your CHS competencies – this topic is
intended to streamline whatever CHS competencies an
individual possesses to fully utilize them in establishing a
computer hardware servicing business.
BASIC CONCEPT IN
CHS
What is Computer System?
A computer system consists of set of electronic and
electromechanical components able to accept some form of
input, process this input in a way that can be specified by
means of a set of instructions, and produce some type of
output. All computers follow the same fundamental sequence:
1. They accept instructions and data. This represents
the input.
2. They process the data according to a set of
instructions.
3. They produce results in the form of information or
actions. This represents the output.
A computer system comprises of “hardware” , “software” and “people
ware”.

Hardware represents the electronic circuits and/or electromechanical

components from which the computer is constructed.
Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a
specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the
system (hardware).
This includes application software
such as a word processor, which
enables a user to perform a task,
and system software such as an
operating system, which enables
other software to run properly, by
interfacing with hardware and
with other software.
Practical computer systems divide software into three major
classes: system software, programming software and application
software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
The most common form of computer in use today is the PC
(Personal Computer). This was the name given to a computer
configuration that evolved during the 1970s and which is a
desktop machine.

Computer hardware is in itself unable to perform any useful

tasks – it must be provided with detailed and unambiguous
instructions indicating exactly what actions are to be taken.

Software is a term that is used when referring to programs in

a general way, and encompasses instructions that are to be
acted upon by a computer and the data that may be needed by
these instructions.
Networks
Computer network refers to two or more computers
communicating with each other. Networks can be classified by
several methods, which include the technology used and the
network size.

The following are the criteria used when networks are classified
by size or physical area they cover:

• PAN (Personal Area Network) – it includes personal devices

communicating at nearby range, like cell phone and laptop.
This type of network can use wired connections (e.g., USB,
FireWire) or wireless connections (e.g., Bluetooth, infrared).
• LAN (Local Area Network) – it encompasses a small local
area (for example office, home, small group of buildings, or
other building). Wired (probably Ethernet) or wireless
technologies (probably Wi-Fi, also called 802.11) can be
used in LANs. Printers, servers, workstations, and other
devices communicating and sharing resources use LAN.

• WLAN (Wireless LAN) – it covers a limited geographical

area, and is popular in places where networking cables are
difficult to install, such as outdoors, in public places, and in
homes that are not wired for networks. They are also useful
in hotel rooms.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – it encompasses a large
campus or city. CAN or Campus Area Network refers to a
small MAN. Wireless (probably LTE or WiMAX) or wired
technologies (e.g., Ethernet with fiber-optic cabling) can be
used in MANs.

• WAN (Wide Area Network) – it covers a large geographical

area and is made up of many smaller networks. The best-
known WAN is the Internet. Some technologies used to
connect a single computer or LAN to the Internet include
DSL, cable Internet, cellular WAN, and fiber optic.
•A computer system consists of set of electronic and electromechanical
components able to accept some form of input, process this input in a way
that can be specified by means of a set of instructions, and produce some
type of output.

•A computer system comprises both “hardware” and “software” systems.

•A computer network is created when two or more computers can
communicate with each other.
•Networks can be categorized by several methods, including the technology
used and the size of the network: PAN (Personal Area Network), LAN (Local
Area Network), WLAN (Wireless LAN), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network),
WAN (Wide Area Network).
Installing Computer Systems
and Networks
 OHS Policies and Procedures in
Planning for Installation Activity in
Accordance with Requirements

Objective:

You should be able to observe OHS policies and procedures in planning for
installation activity in accordance with requirements at the end of this
lesson.
A peripheral is any component or hardware that is
attached to a computer. This includes hardware
components like CD-ROM drives, printers and scanners.

Software are coded programs and instructions that

controls the overall operations of a computer or may also
help in increasing office productivity. Examples are
operating systems and application software.
 In order to have a fully running computer system, a
person must be able to install its different components.
As with other job requirements, proper occupational
health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures must be
strictly followed. These procedures must be obeyed so
that health and safety related accidents may be
minimized. These policies will also ensure that the correct
practices are being done in completing a job requirement.
In installing a computer system, the following OHS policies and
procedures may be followed:
• Installation of any computer system must only be done by a skilled
computer technician. A non-certified technician must not attempt
to do so to avoid any unwanted incidents.
• Determine the job requirement first. This is knowing the purpose of
the computer system to be installed. Example usage of a computer
system can be in accounting, engineering, graphic design or office
productivity.
• After determining the job requirement, the technician must identify
the correct specifications of the computer system. This
specifications will define the internal components of a computer,
the peripherals needed, and the software to be installed.
• The next step is putting everything together. Instructions
regarding the installation of all components and peripherals
must be well observed to avoid any damages to them.
Common damages include short circuiting and worse,
electrocution. All peripherals must also be unplugged from
the power outlet before touching them.
• Electronic components must be handled carefully. An anti-
static strap must be worn at all times to avoid static electricity
from damaging any components. All electronic components
must also be kept in an anti-static bag at all times. Personal
protective equipment such as gloves and goggles must also be
worn.
• In installing the software, the technician must be sure that
it is compatible with the specifications of the computer.
Incorrect versions will result in failure in installation.

• Testing the computer system must only be done once the

technician has done all the necessary actions to ensure that
all components, peripherals and software are properly
installed. Once testing is complete, the computer system
can now be marked as operational or well-functioning.
OHS or Occupational Health and Safety refers to the
legislation, policies, procedures and activities that
aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of all
people at the workplace.
 12 OHS Procedures for
Computer Hardware Servicing
1. Do not work alone so that there's someone who can take care
of you in case of emergency.
2. Always power off the computer and unplug the computer
before working on it.
3. Take away any liquid near your working area to avoid getting
electrocuted or accidentally damaging computer parts.
4. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
5. Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part
of the computer.
6. Do not use excessive force if things don't quite slip into place.
7. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain sanitation
and prevent accidents.
8. Hold the components on the edges and do not touch the
Integrated Circuit (IC) parts.
9. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in
accordance with the organization's OHS procedures and
practices.
10. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting
a cable connector.
11. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and
other emergencies are recognized.
12. Use brush, compressed air or blower in cleaning the
computer system.