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LESSON 4 - Common Defects in Computer Systems

The document outlines common defects in computer systems, categorizing them into hardware failure, software failure, and user-generated problems. It details specific issues such as PC beeping due to out-of-place RAM or recently added hardware, improper RAM usage, and the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), along with potential solutions for each. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues promptly to maintain system functionality.

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Judith Pagba Caballero
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19 views17 pages

LESSON 4 - Common Defects in Computer Systems

The document outlines common defects in computer systems, categorizing them into hardware failure, software failure, and user-generated problems. It details specific issues such as PC beeping due to out-of-place RAM or recently added hardware, improper RAM usage, and the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), along with potential solutions for each. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues promptly to maintain system functionality.

Uploaded by

Judith Pagba Caballero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Common Defects in

Computer Systems
BY: Sir Lau
three major fault areas

✔ Hardware failure
 The malfunction within the electronic circuits or electromechanical components,
peripherals or other tangible parts of a computer.
✔ Software failure
 A failure that occurs when the user perceives that the software has ceased to
deliver the expected result.
✔ User-generated problems
 Some users like to tinker with the Control Panel, and others will try to solve their
problems alone. Users with a little technical knowledge can be the most dangerous
The following are some of the most common computer
defects and its techniques or possible solutions in fixing it.

1. PC Beeps
 The PC motherboard is smart enough to detect problems and it gives
sound beeps in different rhythms to tell you the errors. If the PC
doesn’t start after the beeps, then it’s usually difficult to solve the
problem yourself. However, below are the two most common problems
where beeps usually occur.
1. PC Beeps - Problem 1: Out of place RAM

Problem 1: Out of place RAM


If the RAM is inside your PC gets loose or out of place, then your PC will
beep 2-3
times and will not boot at all. The solution is simple, open up the PC
(laptop users should let
an expert handle this) and reinsert the RAM. Here’s how:
1. PC Beeps - Problem 1: Out of place RAM

Problem 1: Out of place RAM


1. Take out the RAM completely and clean any dirt inside the slot using a
cotton bud.
2. Now insert back the RAM and put enough pressure on both ends to
ensure that it is fully inserted.
3. Afterward, close the clips and make sure they’re properly locked. Even
a slightly loose RAM will be unable to work.
1. PC Beeps - Problem 2: Recently added
hardware

Problem 2: Recently added hardware


A damaged or wrongly installed hardware component could lead to
beeps. Take out any newly added hardware components and see if it
solves the problem. If the PC works fine afterward, then either get it
installed properly or get it fixed (or replaced).
The following are some of the most common computer
defects and its techniques or possible solutions in fixing it.

2. PC not using a portion of RAM


Sometimes your PC may not use a portion of RAM. For example, you
may have 4GB of RAM, but your PC only uses 2GB when you check it
from the Task Manager. This is usually a Windows setting issue.
Note: If only a few MBs (200-400MB) of RAM isn’t being utilized, then it’s
probably being used by PC hardware and you can’t do anything about it.
The solution to this problem is simple Windows must have been
configured to only use a portion of the RAM.
2. PC not using a portion of RAM

Here is how to fix it:


1. Press + keys and type msconfig in the Run dialog to open System
Configurations.
2. Move to Boot tab and click on Advanced options.
3. Now check the checkbox next to Maximum memory and enter the
maximum amount of RAM you have installed (in MBs).
4. Click on OK and restart the PC to let it take effect.
2. PC not using a portion of RAM

Good to know: While you are at it, you should also check the checkbox
next to Number of processors option and ensure that your PC is
utilizing all the CPU cores as well. Set it to the maximum number if you
want to use all of the CPU power. If this didn’t fix the problem, then there
is also a chance that one of the RAMs isn’t installed properly. Try
reinstalling it.
The following are some of the most common computer
defects and its techniques or possible solutions in fixing it.

3. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)


 The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can occur due to both
software and hardware problems, but usually, it is a hardware problem.
Whatever the cause, BSOD requires immediate attention as it is a sign
of a big problem.
3. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

 a) Corrupted drivers A corrupt driver may be the cause of


BSOD. To find that out, use the following steps:
1. Open Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc in the Run.
2. Here, expand each menu and look for a yellow triangle icon
next to each driver.
3. If you find any, right-click on it and select Update Driver
Software to update its driver
3. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

 Too much pressure on the RAM If you open too many programs
that RAM can’t handle, then it may freeze the system and show
BSOD. With that, you should either stop opening too many
programs or upgrade the RAM.
b) Faulty hard disk BSOD is also a sign of a dying hard disk, use the
instructions in problem #11 above to identify hard disk problems.
c) Heating PC Heating PC also leads to BSOD if too much pressure
is put on the components. Use the instructions in problem #1 to
solve it. The table below also shows the possible causes o
The table below also shows the possible
causes of problems.
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Rubrics for checking the activity no. 2
and 3

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