COMPUTER HARDWARE REPAIRS

AND MAINTENANCE

Presentation By

Betsegaw Lukas and Nadew Yohanis

HU CMHS ICT

23rd
- 25th February , 2025

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 1

 Main Topics:
• What is a Computer?
• Computer Hardware Components
• Computer Ports
• Computer Software
• Software Types and Categories
• Identifying Computer Problems/Issues
• Hardware or Software Problem ?
• Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
• HARDWARE REPAIRS
• GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS
• Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs .
• Most common Basic computer Hardware Repairs
• Peripheral Hardware Use and Maintenance
• Troubleshooting and fixing common Printer problems
• MALWARE, Virus
• Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts…
• Basics of Networking
• Networking Devices
• IP Addressing and Subnetting
• Cabling and Wireless Networking
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 2
• Troubleshooting Techniques
COMPUTER Basics

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 3

 What is a Computer?

• An electronic device, operating under

the control of instructions stored in its
own memory, that can:
– Accept data (input)
– Process the data according to
specified rules (process)
– Produce results (output)
– Store the results (storage) for
future use.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 4
What is a Computer?...

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 5

 Examples and type of computer

Desktop Tablet
Mainframe

Supercomputers

PDA Smartphone
Notebook
Wearable Computers

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 6

 Computer System is functional only if :

Hardware users

Software

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 7

Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 8

 Basic Hardware components
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a
computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are following:
Input devices: keyboard, mouse etc.
Output divices: printer, monitor, speaker etc.
Secondary storage devices: Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
Internal components: CPU, motherboard, RAM etc.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 9

 Hardware Components

Power Supply or SMPS(Switched Mode Processor & Fan. The processor is

Case/ System Unit. The computer case Power Supply). Converts AC voltage the main “brain” of a computer system
(also called a tower ) is the box that from the wall outlet to DC voltage the while the Fan help to prevent
encloses many of the parts/components computer can use. It supplies DC overheating of the various electronic
of the computer voltages for internal computer components
components and has a fan to keep the
computer cool.

Motherboard. The motherboard is a RAM (Random Access Memory NIC (Network Interface Card) used to
large electronic board that is used to short term memory that is used to store describe tools that allow your computer
connect the power supply to various documents while they are being processed. to connect and communicate with
other electronic parts, and to hold these The amount of RAM in a computer various input and output devices.
parts in place on the computer. determine the speed of a computer.
RAM attaches to the motherboard via
some specific slots.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 10
 Hardware Components cont…
Computer Hard disk are of two types, IDE(Integrated drive
electronics)-
Has a ribbon like cable with either a 40-pin or 80-pin
connector.
 The IDE data transfer interface runs in parallel.
SATA(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)-
has a narrower cable with a split data and power
connections.
 It has a 7-pin cable and a much faster data transfer rate.
 Most motherboards now support SATA
 Well know hard disk manufactures are Seagate, Western
Digital etc.

Drives.
A computer’s drives are the devices
used for long term storage of
information. e.g. Hard Disk, Flash Disk
etc.
hard drive - Or hard disk, is a common
storage device for maintaining files
inside the computer, usually mounted
below or beside the floppy drive.
 CD drive –
 Holds disks (CDs) that have data, Peripheral hardware. NIC(Network Interface Card)
music, or software applications. Are the computer components that are (NIC) is a co mputer hardware
DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive - not found within the computer case component that allows a computer to
Popular alternative to a CD drive that connect to a network. NICs may be used
supports CDs as well as music and video It is defined as any auxiliary device that for both wired and wireless connections.
DVDs. connects to and works with the A NIC is also known as a network
 Flash Drive- computer in some way. E.g. mouse, interface controller (NIC) or network
microphone and keyboard, monitor, card, LAN card, network adapter or
CopmrinptuetrearnHdasrpdewakae network adapter card (NAC).
rersReetcp.airs and 11
 What is Computer Ports?
Port:
Is a connector on the motherboard or on a
separate adapter that allows a device to connect
to a computer; these may include keyboard,
mouse, serial, parallel, network, sound, or video
ports.
Ports vary with the type of equipment that
connects to the ports.
Ports have gradually changed over time as
computers have changed to become faster and
easier to work with.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 12

 Port contd…

 Male ports – Have pins  Female ports.

that out from the connector and
protrude Have holes in the connector to accept the male
require a cable with a female connector. cable’s pins.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 13

 Ports…

• D-shell connector – A connector with more pins

or holes on the top row than on the bottom so
that a connected cable can only be attached in
one direction and not accidentally connected the
wrong way; generally represented with the
letters DB and the number of pins such as, DB-9,
DB-15, or DB-25.

• DIN connector – Round with small holes and

normally keyed; the keyboard and mouse are
usually this type of connector with either 5 or 6
pins.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 14
 Parallel Port. (D-Shell Connector)
Serial Port. D- Shell Connector This long and slender port is also no
 uses pin connectors, longer commonly used, PS/2. DIN Connectors
Also known as a COM port) can be a The most common parallel port has Most desktop computers have two of
9-pin Female D-shell connector holes for 25 pins, these round ports for six pin connectors,
 Data travels at 115 kilobits per  Used for scanners and printers one for the mouse and one for the
second  Also called printer port keyboard.

TRS. TRS (tip, ring and sleeve) ports

Also known as ports for mini-jacks or
audio jacks. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
USB. They are commonly used to connect provides an interface between any
 A 4-wire connector type of port audio/video source, e.g. DVD player, or
audio devices such as headphones and
Different models (USB 1.0, USB 2.0 A/V receiver and an audio and/or video
microphones to computers.
and USB 3.0), monitor, such as a digital television
 Connect all kinds of external USB (DTV),
devices e.g. external hard disk, printer, HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or
scanner, mouse, keyboard etc. high-definition video, plus multi-
Most of the computers provide two channel digital audio on a single cable.
USB or three USB ports as minimum.
Data travels at 12 megabits per
seconds GAME PORT.D-Shell Connector.
USB compliant devices can get power A 15 port pin used to connect games
from a USB port

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 15

 Modem Port
VGA Connects a PC's modem to the
 A three row,
telephone network. Game Port.
15-pin female D-shell connector for  Connect a joystick to a PC
newer VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, or UXGA  Now replaced by USB
monitors
Connects monitor to a computer's
video card.
Similar to serial port connector but
serial port connector has pins, it has
holes.
IEEE 1394 ports –
A serial technology developed by Apple
Computer sometimes called the
FireWire port.
 A 6-wire cable/port (4 for data, 2 for
power) Ethernet Port
 speeds of 100, 200, 400, 800, and Connects to a network and high speed
1200 Mbps. Internet.
 Connect network cable to a computer.
Serial Port. Male D- Shell Connector  This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
 uses pin connectors,
Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000
 it is no longer commonly used,
megabits per seconds depending upon
It was used for printers, mice, modems
the network bandwidth.
and a variety of other digital
devices.
 Data travels at 115 kilobits per second

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Arrangement of computer Components/ Ports

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 17

Computer Software

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 What is a Software?
Software.
Is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-
defined function. A Program is a sequence of instructions
written to solve a particular problem.
Types of software
 System Software
 The system software is collection of programs designed to
operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of
the computer itself.
 System software are generally prepared by computer
manufactures.
 System software serves as the interface between hardware
and the end users. e.g. Operating System, Compilers,
Interpreter, Assemblers etc.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 19
 Software Types and Categories…
Application Software:
 Application software products are designed to satisfy a
particular need of a particular environment.
 Application software may consist of a single program, such as a
Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing simple text.
 It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a
software package, which work together to accomplish a task,
such as a spreadsheet package. e.g. Payroll Software, Student
Record Software , Inventory Management Software, Microsoft
Office Suite Software, Adobe Premiere suites etc.
• Utility Software. Allow a computer to perform tasks that are
not part of the operating system, but are still practical and
useful. For example, a utility software might instruct a
computer on how to copy (burn) information to a CD-ROM disk,
or it might be an anti-virus program
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 20
 Proprietary Software vs. Open Source Software

They are proprietary, which means

that their use and modification are Users who cannot afford proprietary
restricted. software or prefer software that can be
locally modified, can choose to use open
They can be quite costly to buy licenses source (often called free and open source
for. or FOSS) software.

they are not adaptable to meet local For most of the standard computer uses,
needs. an open source software option is
available. E.g. Linux family of operating
Some users, particularly in developing systems (which includes Ubuntu, and the
countries, illegally use unlicensed (also OpenOffice.org productivity programs.
known as pirate) copies of this software.
T h e Source Forge website
This is legally unwise, and can also keep (www.sourceforge.net) is a good resource
the user from accessing important for finding and downloading open source
software updates. programs.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 21

 Examples and types of software

System Software: e.g.

Operating systems System software: e.g. Utilities software

C o m p u ter Hardware Repairs

Application software: e.g. Microsoft Office s u it e s 22
and Maintenance
Identifying Computer Problems/Issues

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 23

Hardware or Software
Problem ?

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 24

 Tips for Distinguishing Between Hardware Problems and Software Problems…

Note: Make sure you reduce possible “external” problems before

proceeding. This means unplug any external devices (such as hard drives,
scanners or printers), and remove any USB Flash disk, CD or DVD disks
from their drives.

Were there any loud noises or smoke when

the problem first appeared? Then it is
probably a hardware problem, with the most
likely culprit being the SMPS(Switched Mode
Power Supply )unit.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 25
 Tips for Distinguishing Between Hardware Problems and Software Problems…

 Is the computer entirely dead? Or the screen blank? Or

the screen showing a poor/incomplete picture? These
faults are probably also due to hardware problems.

 Does the computer produce a series of beeps? This is a

code that can be used to distinguish some hardware
problems.

 Does the system give any error codes or descriptions

while booting? These can be due to hardware or
software problems. Take careful note of all information
given in the error code.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 26
 Tips for Distinguishing Between Hardware Problems and Software Problems…

Does the co m p u te r p ro d u c e error

information after it has booted or only when
you open specific programs? These error
codes are probably due to software problems.

Have any recent changes been made to

hardware or software (including BIOS
settings)? If so, these are likely culprits.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 27

 Tips for Distinguishing Between Hardware Problems and Software Problems…

 Has the computer been exposed to viruses or other

malware? This could be a cause of software
problems.
 Use the Device Manager.
The Device Manager will list
all of the hardware devices
installed on a PC. Any
device with a problem will
have a warning symbol next
to it, and double clicking on
that device would give
details and sug gested
remedies for the problem.

Warning symbol Computer Hardware Repairs and

31
Maintenance
 Computer Maintenance
NOTE: Prevention(maintenance) is better than cure(Repairs).

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 29

 Computer maintenance is necessary…

Check harmful materials e.g. dust , virus,

outdated software, faulty electrical Power/
gadget e.g. cables, sockets, extensions etc.

Check any malfunctions of peripherals.

Proper maintenance helps to keep the computer

running smoothly for years.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 30

 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

.
Dust Control
 Dust is very harmful for computer parts.

 Excess dust can cause mechanical failures,

particularly on computer components with
moving parts.

 Computers should be dusted regularly by

using compressed air machines .
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 31
 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Disk Defragmenter. Scan Disk/ Check Now:
Used to organize files on the hard For hard disk faults, use scan disk/
drive and optimize free space, Check now to scan the hard disk for
im pr ov i n g t he s p e e d a nd faults and even repair them if
performance of the computer. Some possible. This option will check the
applications may fail outright if the Hard disk for errors.
disk becomes too fragmented.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 32

 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Excess and Unused Files. Disk Cleanup:
As a hard disk becomes full, the computer’s The Disk Cleanup Utility can determine which files on your
hard drive may no longer be needed and delete those files.
performance is reduced.
In addition to freeing up potentially significant amounts of
It takes more time to find and access needed files.
hard drive space. Using this utility regularly can improve
Defragmentation is not as successful due to a system performance.
lack of free space to temporarily move files to
while they are being rearranged .

Therefore, it is wise for a computer user not to

keep files that are no longer needed.

Files that have been stored in a user’s

documents folder that are no longer needed (such
as extra photos or older versions of documents)
should be deleted.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 33

Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

A typical example of a fully loaded Local Hard Disk drive

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 34

 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Deleting Browsing History.
 The browser stores the recent history of the
web pages that the user has viewed,
 This make it easier to find and load these web
pages again.
 The browser also stores other small bits of
information such as data entered into forms and
usernames or passwords if a user has asked a
web page to “remember me” (although this is
not a good idea for shared computers).
 This stored information can be easily deleted.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 35
 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Startup folder
Some programs will automatically put a shortcut in
the Startup folder, forcing the program to
automatically launch when you turn the computer
on or log in. Sometimes this is desirable, sometimes
not. Either way, this practice may slow your
computer down to various degrees, and with the
program running all the time, may slow down the
performance of your computer.
 Delete some of the programs in the Startup folder

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 36

 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Software Inventory
Once the hard disk becomes full, a computer’s
performance is reduced. To avoid installing
software that are not necessary, system
inventory will require you knowing what
soft ware is needed/wanted on your
computer.
Note:
Please use caution when
uninstalling software. In orderto
reinstall,
the original you installation
software will needfiles.
Computer Hardware Repairs and
Maintenance
41
 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Protect your PC from cyber-threats or Malware

The cyber-world is full of threats such as viruses, spyware, Trojans, Worms
and etc. These cyber-threats can cause huge dilemmas to your computer.
These undesirable programs, which are usually added without a user’s
knowledge, can significantly slow down the performance of a computer.

The best ways to prevent virus infections are:

 Keeping antivirus software up to date and running scans on a regular
basis

 Strict policies should be put in place to prevent virus infection e.g.

prohibiting the use of flash drives, or require Flash disk to be scanned
before use.

 Other policy to consider is the prohibition of downloading, since

unsuspecting users can accidentally download malware.

 A firewall may also be used to blocks dangerous downloads.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 38
 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
UPDATING SOFTWARE
It is important for a computer user to find and
install software updates in order to have well
performing computers.
Updating software can be done in a variety of
ways, Automatic Updates, Automatic Alerts
for Updates, Manual Updating, Offline
Updating.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 39

 Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Overheating
Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in
computer performance.
In order to cool down an overheated computer
processor, avoid operating the computer if the
case is in an enclosed space. (such as a drawer or
cupboard).
 Also cool the room with fans or air-conditioning.
Also verify that all of the fans in the computer
case are functioning properly.
Note: Modern computers have safeguards that
shut down the system if a component is
overheating.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 40
Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance
Insufficient RAM
Computer need sufficient RAM to perform
the desired functions once the memory is not
sufficient. The performance will be slow.
This problem is most likely if the computer is
rather old and has had a newer (and more
memory demanding) operating system
installed.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 41

Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Endurance:
Lastly, one important hint to also keep in
mind when you are using a computer is to be
patient. Sometimes the computer has to
“think” too!(process)
Note:
Avoid opening too many programs at a time. It
will reduce the performance of the computer.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 42

HARDWARE REPAIRS

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 43

 Hardware Repair

Repair means to rectify, to fix the problem either in the hardware or

software. it may also include replacement of a component that is faulty.

 It is an essential part of troubleshooting.

 In finding or analyzing the faults, it can be decided which hardware or

software can be repaired.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 44

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS

For repairing or trouble-shooting a

computer use the following
guidelines:

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 45

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS
 Gather together your toolkit: e.g. air blowing machine, screw drivers,
software, back up disk etc.
 Check for power FIRST, before doing anything else.
10 - 15 % of all computer Issues/Problems emanate from power surge. Check
this BEFORE doing anything else. Check to be sure if the computer is plugged
in to an AC outlet properly.
 Check your external connections to the computer.
Specifically, check the mouse, keyboard, monitor, modem and/or printer
cables, making sure that all are secure and in the right sockets.
 Perform the Power On Self Test (POST)
POST is a set of procedures that a computer runs through each time it is
turned on. It ensures that all of the system's hardware is working properly
before trying to load the operating system. If the computer does not pass
POST, it will not boot.
Tip: Make sure the computer turns on. If nothing happens (no lights, no
sound, no fans, etc.), the computer has a power related issue.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 46

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS
 If the computer is still malfunctioning, go ahead then and
open the case.
Check to see that all of the cards are fully pressed down
into the bus connections, that any socketed chips are fully
pressed into their sockets, and that all cable connections
are fully attached. Make sure that the drive cables are
attached correctly.
 Clean any dust or foreign material out of the case while it
is open.
Dust can cause overheating problems and electrical shorts.
Sometimes, insects will nest inside the case as well. All of
this needs to be cleaned out before you close up the case.
Take precautions to avoid inhaling excess dust, and
consider using protective eyeware if necessary.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 47

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS
 Try to boot the computer to the hard drive, or to a bootable CD/DVD
disk if necessary.
Sometimes the hard disk will become corrupted by a user, or by a virus.
 Check the CMOS setup program, and correct any configuration
problems.
If the information in CMOS RAM about your PC's configuration has been
changed, or if the battery has died, your computer will not boot correctly,
or it will not recognize certain components.

 Look for unwanted changes.

Someone may have turned the brightness down on a monitor, or the LAN
staff may have changed your PC's configuration without your knowledge
(or approval), or an installation program may have corrupted your
software. Look for recent changes in your system's operation. You may
need to run an uninstaller program to remedy software-related problems.

 Isolate the problem to one piece of hardware, or one software package.

 When all these fails, then consult a professional.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 48

 Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/ repairs .
The computer is unable to start up – If the computer does not turn on
when you press the power button, the following
suggestions may help you to determine why the computer
will not start up.

 First of all, check if the computer is plugged in to an AC outlet properly.

 Plug another electrical device into the outlet to be sure that the outlet is
providing adequate power. A surge protector can be used in this case,
because voltage surges can be very damaging to computers and other
electrical components. Then put on the system to perform a POST .

 After the POST and it is confirms that, the computer is producing all of the
usual startup sounds and lights, but the monitor is not displaying any
information, perhaps there is a problem with the monitor. Make sure that
it is connected to a power source, and also that the VGA cable is
connected to the computer.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 49

 Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/
repairs ...

The computer screen is blank

If the screen is blank, the computer may not be
set to display the image on the computer screen.
First, check if the monitor is plugged in to a
power outlet and is connected to the computer
securely and make sure the monitor power
button is on.
If the power light is not on, it means that the
outlet is not delivering power to the monitor.
Fixing the power outlet in such cases should help
solve the issue.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 50

 Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/
repairs ...

The Blue screen-These errors are often caused by

 Poorly functioning device drivers,
 Hardware problems (such as memory, power supplies or
system overheating),
 Problems with the system software.
 The option of System recovery and backup service will restore your
PC to an earlier point of stage. You can perform this action whilst
you get a Blue screen error or sudden system crashes.
NOTE: Backup service is an assurance that your data is safe.

Trouble with video card –

If the power light of the computer and monitor is on and nothing
comes up on the screen when you start your computer then there
must be something wrong with video card. Change its video or the
graphics card with a new one.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 51

 Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and
fix/ repairs ...
• OS or some Software is functioning abnormally – If the
Operating System (OS) or some other software is
unresponsive or responds abnormally,
Immediate Solution: Restart your computer and run a virus
scan.
Note: You should have a reliable antivirus software installed
on the computer to fix this issue.

• Windows do not boot properly – If windows do not boot

properly then you should reinstall windows with the windows
recovery disk. Most of the times, this should help you get rid
of the problem.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 52

 Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and
fix/ repairs ...
The computer is on but not responding – the computer is on but not
responding to software or keyboard commands, then it must be frozen or
halted.
Immediate solution:
 Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds,
 it will be turn off.
 Now restart your computer. This should fix the problem.

An external device is not working – If an external device does not function as

expected.
Immediate solution:
 turn it on according to Manufacturers instruction;
 be sure that all device connections are secure and receiving electrical
power
 Be sure the device is compatible with the operating system.
 And that the correct drivers are installed and updated.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 53

 Problem/Issues

Power on the Computer

Troubleshooting
Does a
Cursor NO Troubleshoot Video
Flowchart appear? or Power Supply Problem

Yes

Does POST Troubleshoot

pass NO POST error
successfully

Yes

Does a Troubleshoot boot device,

Computer Operating System or Application
boot NO loaded in the Startup folder.
successfully
?

Yes

Computer HardEwnadre Repairs

57
and Maintenance
 Most common Basic computer Hardware Repairs
Replacing a Power Supply. The power supply
failure is a common problem in our country. This
is due to an uneven or “poor” voltage and power
surges.
• Replacing a Hard Drive or formatting and
installing Fresh OPERATING SYSTEM.
• Replacing RAM. RAM can fail or can loose from
its housing and need to be reseated. If a
computer needs new or additional RAM, it is
important to make sure that the RAM used is
compatible with the computer system. RAM is
very easily damaged by electrostatic charges, so
it is very important for the user to be grounded
before picking up RAM. Also RAM should only be
handled by the edges.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 55
 Peripheral Hardware Use and Maintenance

• Peripheral hardware will also last

longer if it is well maintained.

Peripheral hardware such as printers,

scanners will last longer if proper
care about heat, dust and power
surge control is taking to
consideration.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 56

Troubleshooting and fixing common
Printer problems

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 57

 Peripheral Hardware Use and Maintenance

 Let’s assume that your printer’s drivers are up-to-date,

 and that it has enough paper and ink or toner to print.
 Try turning the printer off and on.
 Unplug the printer and plug it back in.
 Check your printer’s print queue by looking for the printer
icon in the system tray and double-clicking it.
 The print queue shows you the status of each job as well as the
general status of your printer.
 make sure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t selected.
 Ensure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t checked.
 Sometimes, printing while your printer is turned off can cause
Windows to set your printer to work offline, and that can stall
jobs sent later.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 58

MALWARE

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 59

 Virus
Malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer
or mobile operations, gather sensitive information, gain
access to private computer systems, or display unwanted
advertising. These malicious software find its way into:
• Boot sector
• File Allocation Table
• Partition table
• .Com and .Exe. Files.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 60

 Deadly effect of virus
 Delete files
 Change files,

 Steal important information,

 load unwanted applications

 Send documents via electronic mail (e-mail),

 Cripple a machine’s Operating system (OS), the basic software

that runs the computer.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 61

 Virus warning signs
 The computer’s performance slows down considerably.
 Programs don’t function as thy should. They either don’t start, or if they start, they stop
or do not give the desired output.
 Computer fails to boot.
 Files and folders keep disappearing without anybody deleting them.
 The computer crashes or freezes indiscriminately su c h as program not responding
errors.
 The computer keeps showing out –of -memory space messages or strange dialog boxes.
 Programs and windows popping up randomly.
 Disk can not be accessed
 New icons and programs get installed automatically.
 Printing doesn't work correctly
 Windows shuts down or restarts unexpectedly.
 A partition in the system disappears automatically.
 File size changes for no apparent reason
 An increase in the number of files on the system when nothing h as been added.
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 62
 A Good Virus Protection Program should:

Scan for viruses:

Should be able to check your drives for viruses, as well as
the RAM of your computer, and detect the presence of a
virus.
Clean up the virus:
must be able to get rid of the virus it finds on your
computer; otherwise, it is useless.
Protect your System from viruses:
Must have the ability to load a piece of the program into
memory at boot-up time, to protect you from getting a
virus in the first place.
Provide Automatic updates,
Must regularly and automatically check back with the
manufacturer for information on new viruses,

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 63

 CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts
 Always ensure that the power has been turned off before installing or
troubleshooting any hardware part of the computer.
 Before opening a computer case, always unplug the power cord from your
computer.
 After unplugging the power cord from your case, Hold the power button in for at
least 5 seconds. This will drain any residual electricity from the power supply
 Always ground yourself to the case frame while touching any inside components.
This can be done by touching the case frame with your bare hand, or using a
clamp-on grounding device made specifically for this purpose
 Keep all liquids away.
 Avoid installing components when the computer is in operation.
 When installing any, peripheral or device, always read the installation instructions
that come with the device. Never apply force to try and connect any plug/device.

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 64

 CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts

 When fitting/handling processor on motherboard always wear gloves

 Always choose to shut down you computer by clicking shutdown. Avoid switching of the
power directly from the main switch.
 If electrical power is lost, switch off all computer devices from the mains to avoid any
problems due to power surge.
 Always “eject “USB devices from the operating system before disconnecting them.
 Upgrade the anti-virus regularly.
 Always use UPS(uninterruptible Power supply)-This will keep your computer from crashing
during power outages, and will protect your computer from low and high voltage
occurrences.
• Uninstall software by

– “Add / Remove Program” function in Control Panel

– uninstall function of applications

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 65

 CONCLUSION: Best Practices and Dos and Don’ts…
 Back up data, if possible, before making changes.
 Check to ensure that speakers is not muted through the Control Panel

 Maintaining the Battery for your Laptop

Most laptop batteries will last at least four hours when fully charged. If not maintained,
however, the battery will require charging more frequently. for maximum performance.

Use the battery as your power source until the low battery warning emerges.

Using your laptop with the AC adapter plugged into an electrical outlet will overcharge the
battery. Overcharging decreases the life of the battery. Eventually the battery will be unable
to hold a charge and will require a replacement.

Condition the battery for maximum performance

1. Discharge the battery – use the battery until the low battery warning emerges.

2. Charge the battery – use the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged.

3. Then immediately disconnect the AC adapter from the notebook. The procedure above
insures both maximum performance and long life for the battery
Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 66
Network Maintenance

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 67

 Network Maintenance
Main Topics:
1. Basics of Networking
2. Networking Devices
3. IP Addressing and Subnetting
4. Cabling and Wireless Networking
5. Troubleshooting Techniques
Basics of Networking
What is a Network?
A collection of interconnected devices that share
resources.

Types of Networks:
• LAN: Local Area Network
• WAN: Wide Area Network
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
• PAN: Personal Area Network
Network Models:
• OSI Model (7 layers)
• TCP/IP Model (4 layers)
 Networking Devices
Devices and Functions:
• Hub: Basic connection point.
• Switch: Intelligent device that forwards
data.
• Router: Connects different networks.
• Access Point: Provides wireless
connectivity.
• Firewall: Ensures security.
• NIC: Enables device communication over a
network.
 IP Addressing and Subnetting
IP Address Versions:
• IPv4: 32-bit address (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
• IPv6: 128-bit address (e.g., 2001:0db8::1)

Address Types:
• Public vs. Private
• Static vs. Dynamic

Subnetting Basics:
• Subnet mask: Defines network and host
portions.
• CIDR Notation: Efficient IP allocation
(e.g., /24).
 Cabling and Wireless Networking
Cabling:
• CAT5e, CAT6, Fiber Optic
• Cable standards: T568A/T568B

Wireless Standards:
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Configuring SSIDs and security
(WPA2/WPA3).
• v
Troubleshooting Overview
Steps to Troubleshoot:
1. Identify the problem.
2. Isolate the issue.
3. Implement a solution.
4. Verify resolution.
5. Document findings.
• v
 Network Diagnostic Tools
Key Tools:
ping: Test connectivity and response time.

traceroute/tracert: Trace data routes.

ipconfig/ifconfig: View IP configurations.

netstat: Monitor network traffic.

nslookup: Diagnose DNS issues.

Wireshark: Analyze packets in detail.

 Common Network Issues and Fixes
Possible Causes:
Common Network Issues
• No Internet Connection
• Slow Internet Speeds
• Unable to Connect to Wi-Fi
• Frequent Disconnects
• IP Address Conflicts
• DNS Issues Fixes:
• Unable to Access Certain Websites
• Network Printer Not Working
• Local Network Not Working

• …….
Thank you and God Bless you
all!

Computer Hardware Repairs and Maintenance 76