INFORMATION SHEET 2.3-2

Adjustments, Modifications and Upgrading your PC

Learning Objective: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Adjust, Modify and Upgrade your PCUpgrading Your Computer ComponentsTo upgrade means to change some parts with faster and better performing ones. These parts may even cost less and more powerful.Commonly Upgraded Computer Parts: Monitors- replaced old CRT monitors to new LCD monitors.

Optical drives- old cd-rom drives are commonly replaced with DVD-ROM and DVD writers.

Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced with faster and high capacity hard drives.

Keyboard and Mouse- keyboards and mouse are commonly replaced with optical mouse and wireless keyboards.

RAM (Random Access Memory)- upgrading the computers memory or RAM speeds up the performance of the computer

Video Cards- upgrade computers graphics card to improve the computers performance in terms of graphics and games.

Processors- replacing the possessors increases the data processing speed.

Router- installing a router enables your computer to connect to the internet.

How to Speed up the Computer1. Defragmenter utility: Automatically analyzes the empty disk space on the hard disk and defrag all scattered files.

2. Shutdown Unnecessary programs: Close all unwanted programs at the Windows startup and this will automatically increase the windows loading time and speed of the computer will also be increased.

Close the unnecessary programs

3.Increased memory: increasing the memory in the system will result to exceptional speed of your computer.

4. Disk Cleanup: You can delete unwanted programs and files from your computer and this will be helpful in increasing the speed.

5. Empty Recycle Bin: Delete all the files and folders from the recycle bin and you will get the space of C drive for reusability.

Self Check 2.3-2

Write down the process of upgrading the following component:

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

Answer key

1. Monitors- replaced old CRT monitors to new LCD monitors.2. Optical drives- old cd-rom drives are commonly replaced with DVD-ROM and DVD writers.3. Keyboards are commonly replaced with wireless keyboards4. Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced with faster and high capacity hard drives.5. Mouse- commonly replaced with optical mouse

TASK SHEET 2.3.1

Title : Hardware Upgrade

Performance Objective : Given the tools and materials, upgrade your computer by installing a network card.

Supplies/Tools : Philip Screw DeriverAnti-static wrist strapAnti-static mat

Tools/Equipment : Working ComputerNetwork Card

Steps/ Procedure:

1. Prepare the needed tools, supplies & materials2. Install the network card3. Start the computer4. Make necessary configuration5. Test the functionality of the network card.

Assessment Method: Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria ChecklistCRITERIADid youYesNo

1. Observed safety precautions

2. Used appropriate tools in upgrading

3. Made necessary improvement and adjustment in terms of upgrading.

1. Installed driver properly.

INFORMATION SHEET 2.3-3Determining Defective Components

Learning Objective: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Determining Defective Components

Testing Procedures Deciding When to Test the System. Identify computer symptoms and defects Preparing to Test the System . Its recommended that you should not plug your computer and monitor directly to a wall outlet. Rather, you should purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The UPS serves as a surge protector to prevent your system from being damaged if a power spike is delivered to it and when power will fail unexpectedly. The UPS gives you time to save your work and properly shut down your system. If a system is turned off and back on rapidly, its probably not good for the system. A very short power drop could mimic this effect and could be hard on both the computer and the monitor.

Test Your Computer Memory RAMI want to do this! What's This?

Most Computer Memory comes with a life time warranty from the manufacturer but this can be very inconvenient. You can return memory easily to the seller in the 1st 2 weeks but most problems show themselves much later and it always seems to happen when you need your computer the most. Learn how to detect problems in the 1st 8 hours after you install memory and save yourself from headaches and inconvenience down the road.

Memory is an easy upgrade but how do you know its running at the advertised speed? Do you know for sure its running error free? Memory can arrive from the seller and have a defects that won't be seen for weeks or a months. But then it happens. Blue screens, freezing, memory errors, spontaneous reboots. All signs of defective memory. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from buying bad memory.InstructionsThings You'll Need: New memory CD burner Blank CD-R or CDRW 1. We will assume you know how to buy the right memory. If not, visit my article on buying the right memory.2. Shut down your PC, unplug your computer, and Open the cover.

TIP: If you have toggle switch on the back of your power supply, you can add more safety by turning the switch off and leaving the computer plugged into the wall outlet. Yes, leave it plugged with the hard power switch off. This provides an excellent ground to your computer with no actual power applied.3. we have 2 sticks of new memory rated for our computer.Lets assume our computer has 4 slots. 2 slots are filled, 2 are empty.With the case open, open the levers on the side of the installed memory sticks and remove them. Put them in a safe place.4. Insert the new memory sticks in the same place the old sticks were and lock the levers. The reason we are doing these extra steps is so we can test the new memory. Leaving in the old memory can affect the new memory's speed reading or even errors in the old memory will not be clearly the fault of the old memory.5. Turn on the power and boot up. Watch for the prompt to access SETUP or BIOS. Most popular keys for this are DEL, F2, or F10.6. Inside the BIOS or Setup screen, look for the section called memory. Check to see the memory is running at the speed you purchased and displays the full amount you purchased. Exist setup and allow computer to boot up fully.7. Download Memtest86+ 2.11. Its free and supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory. Unzip the file and create a CD using the ISO file using your favorite cd burner program. This is a bootable CD.

8. Reboot the PC and insert the CD you just made before the post screen is done. Assuming your PC is set to boot from the CD first,(most are), the CD will start up the MEMTEST program and start running. This will run over and over. It will also count how many times its run and the number of errors it encounters. The number of errors should be zero.9. Let it run for up to 8 hours. Once you are satisfied, exit the program using the legend on screen. Remove the CD, and turn off the computer.

10. You now know you have reliable memory that will likely last for years to comeHow to Tell if a Motherboard Is Defective

I want to do this What's This?

AsusThe motherboard is the backbone of your computer as it is the piece that all of the other components are connected to. If your computer will not boot up properly or power on at all the problem may potentially lie with the motherboard. Because so many other components are connected to the motherboard you will need to troubleshoot each other part first.

InstructionsThings You'll Need: Screwdriver Replacement processor Replacement RAM modules Replacement video card 1. Turn the computer off and then remove the power cable from the electrical wall outlet. Plug a power cable from a different electrical device into the outlet and power it on so that you can rule out the outlet as your problem. Connect the computer's power cable back into the outlet.2. Power the computer back on and place your hand behind the case near the power supply. Wait a few moments to see if any air is pushed out of the power supply by the cooling fan. Replace the power supply instead of the motherboard if the fan is not working.3. Shut down the computer again and pull out all of the cables from the back side of the case. Remove any other devices you have connected to the front ports on the computer such as a USB printer or jump drive.4. Set down the computer so that the left side panel is facing towards you. Unlock the side panel from the computer case by removing the case screws if there are any. Twist of the thumbscrew or pull up on the metal holding latch if the computer does not use case screws.5. Remove the screws holding any expansion cards to the case and then pull them off the motherboard. Pull out all of the cables running from the motherboard to the power supply and drive bays. Pull out the screws holding the motherboard to the case. Pull the motherboard straight up out of the case and set it down carefully on a flat non-metal surface.6. Check to make sure that there is no physical damage to the motherboard such as bent pins or burnt transistors. Purchase a new motherboard and place it back in the case if there is any visible damage.7. Remove the screws holding the power supply to the case and slide it out of the drive bay. Set it down near the motherboard and connect the SATA cable from the motherboard to the power supply. Connect the power cable from the power supply to a wall outlet. Plug cable from the computer's monitor into the corresponding port on the motherboard.8. Remove the RAM modules and replace them with another set. Press down the power button on the motherboard with a screwdriver or another flat object. Wait to see if the computer loads up without error, which will indicate that the problem is with the RAM modules instead of with the motherboard.9. Power the motherboard back off and replace the processor with a different one. Turn the motherboard back on and see if the system boots up normally, which will indicate a defective processor.10. Turn the motherboard off and replace the video card with a different one. Power the motherboard on and see if the system boots up, which will indicate a defective video card.11. Replace the motherboard if the system still will not boot up after all of the other components have been checked.How to Know If a Sound Card Is Bad

I want to do this! What's This?

You turn on your computer one morning, hoping to listen to the morning news, but there's one tiny little problem. You're not getting any sound out of the speakers. A few simple steps will determine what is wrong.InstructionsThings You'll Need: Extra set of speakers Another computer Internet access 1. Try restarting the computer to see if it does it again. It may be a freak incident.2. If that doesn't work then check to make sure that everything is plugged in and is turned on. This includes checking the wires from the speakers to the computer and making sure the speakers have power. Also check to see if the volume isn't muted or turned down extremely low.3. Check to see if the driver is working. Click the start menu, right click on the computer icon, and select properties. On the left hand side under task select device manager and select sound, video and games controller. Double click on your sound device to bring up the properties page. From here it will tell you if your sound card is working properly or not. If it isn't try reinstalling the sound card driver. If the sound card is not showing up at all, then it might be defective.4. The next step is to rule out the speakers. Either take them and hook they up to another computer to see if they work or you can take different speakers and hook it up to the computer to see if they work. If they do work chances are the card is defective.

5. Before ruling out the sound card is toast, try rolling Windows back to an earlier date by using System Restore which is located under accessories > System Tools. Restore the computer to a few days before the problem started to happen.

Self Check 2.3-3

TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and F if the statement is False.

____1. Its recommended that you should plug your computer and monitor directly to a wall outlet.____2. The motherboard is the backbone of your computer as it is the piece that all of the other components are connected to.____3. If your computer will not boot up properly or power on at all the problem may potentially lie with the keyboard.____4. You must turn the computer off before removing any component from the motherboard.____5. The first step in troubleshooting your PC is to restart the system.

Answer Key

1. F2. T3. F4. T5. T

JOB SHEET 2.3-1

Title : PC Troubleshooting

Performance Objectives: Given the necessary tools, materials and equipment, perform PC testing and troubleshooting.

Supplies : Manuals

Tools/Equipment : Defective Computer Unit, Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), Power Cables, Sound card, Video card, Screw Diver

Steps/ Procedure:

1. Prepare the needed tools, supplies and materials.2. Test and find defective component of the given pc.3. Replace the defective component.4. Test the functionality by starting computer.

Assessment Method: Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST

CriteriaDid you

YESNO

1. Plugged in the power cable properly.

2. Connected AVR to the Power source properly.

3. Carefully observed safety precautions.

4. Identified and replaced defective component.

5. Replaced defective devices successfully.

6. Repaired defective PC successfully.

7. Observed OHS Procedures.

LEARNING OUTCOME 4TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

CONTENTS:0. Guidelines for testing computer system0. Advance networking0. Computer systems operation0. Digital electronics0. Communications

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:1. Computer systems and networks are tested in accordance with the job requirements1. Information are shared from one computer to another as primary requirement in computer networking1. Reports are prepared and completed according to the company requirements

CONDITION:The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

Computer system: Servers Workstations Printers Policies and procedures: Procedures and guidelines for testing Testing devices: Network cable tester Hubs

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Demonstration & Oral Questioning Written Test

LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 4 TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKSLearning ActivitiesSpecial Instructions

1. Read information sheet 2.4-1 Testing Computer SystemIf you have some problem on the content of the information sheet dont hesitate to approach your facilitator.If you feel you are now knowledgeable on the content of the information sheet, you can now answer self check provided in the module.

2. Answer self-check 2.4-1Compare your answer to the answer key 2.4-1. If you got 100% correct answer in this self-check, you can now perform task Sheet 2.4-1. If not review the information sheet and go over the self-check again.

3. Perform Task Sheet 2.4-1Testing a Computer UnitCompare your work to the performance checklist. If you got 100% correct answer in this task, you can now move to the next information sheet. If not review the information sheet and go over the task again.

4. Read information sheet 2.4-2 Enumerating unpredicted events

If you have some problem on the content of the information sheet dont hesitate to approach your facilitator.If you feel that you are now knowledgeable on the content of the information sheet, you can now do Task Sheet 2.4-2 provided in the module.

5. Do Task Sheet 2.4-2Error codesCompare your work to the checklist and let your trainer check it. If you got 100% correct answer in this task, you can now move to the next self-check. If not review the information sheet and go over the task again.

6. Answer self-check 2.4-2Compare your answer to the answer key 2.4-2. If you got 100% correct answer in this self-check, you can now move to the next Competency. If not review the information sheet and go over the self-check again.

INFORMATION SHEET 2.4-1Testing Computer System

Learning Objective: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Test Computer System

Three Major Components of Computer System: 1. Hardware1. Software1. Firmware

Test Your Hardware Checking your computer hardware and its peripherals1. Computer Monitor and its peripherals1. Monitor and interface cables1. Video card1. Monitor power cable

2. Keyboard and Mouse1. Keyboard connector1. Mouse Connector

3. I/O port and devices1. Connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device1. A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device1. A faulty peripheral device1. Incorrect settings in the System Setup program1. Incorrect settings in the system's configuration files1. Faulty I/O port logic on the system board

4. Power supplySerial ports

1. Power cord1. Fuse

Power supply

Testing Your Software

Check the different software installed in the computer.1. Operating system1. Run live updates for your operating systems to get the latest patches and protection for your OS.1. Run registry scanners to check the OS registry configuration

2. Application Software1. Check for live updates

3. Anti-virus software0. Run anti-virus program0. Check for virus signature updates0. Check for spyware updates

Test Your Firmware

Firmware- a combination of hardware and software integrated on a chip. How do you test your firmware?

Example: Check for the correct configuration on your firmware, you can accomplish this by configuring the BIOS in the computer

Sample Accomplishment Report Form

Task to be accomplishedStatus

Hardware component testingWorking properlyNot working properly

Software testingStatus

Working properlyNot working properly

Self Check 2.4-1

What are the three major components of computer systems?

1.2.3.

Answer Key 2.4-1

0. Hardware

0. Software

0. Firmware

TASK SHEET 2.4-1

Title : Testing a Computer Unit

Performance Objectives: Given the necessary tools, supplies and materials, test the following computer peripherals and equipment with the use of the tools provider. Document your testing with the use of an accomplishment form.

Supplies /Tools : Multi-testerScrew driverKeyboard and mouseBond paperRuler and Pencil

Equipment : Computer unitMonitorPower cables

Steps/ Procedures:1. Prepare the necessary tools and materials.2. Prepare observation checklist3. Start the computer.4. Test the different component of your PC.5. Accomplish the observation checklist.

Assigned Task Condition

Hardware component testingWorking properlyNot working properly

Computer monitor

Power supply

Keyboard

Mouse

Assessment Method: Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

CRITERIADid youYesNo

1. Followed sequence of steps in testing.

2. Observed safety precautions.

3. Used appropriate tools in testing.

4. Accomplished report are filled-up properly.

INFORMATION SHEET 2.4-2Enumerating unpredicted events

Learning Objective: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify and Enumerating unpredicted events and errors in personal computer.

Error Beep codes

When a PC is first switched on or reset it performs a special diagnostic test called a POST (Power-On Self Test), to check all of the components in the PC the POST program sends out a signal to each device initializing each device's built-in self test procedure. The POST test is a two stage process:

1. First it will check all of the basic components including among other things the system clock, the processor, RAM, the keyboard controller and the Video2. After the video has been tested the BIOS will then indicate any errors encountered by displaying either a numeric code or a text message on the screen.

When a device fails the first part of the POST, the BIOS will send a series of beeps from the PC's speaker (internal) to inform the PC user that there is a problem, these beeps are coded allowing the user to diagnose the troublesome component. When the POST has been completed successfully the PC will make a short beep to let the user know everything is as it should be.Three major brands of BIOS chip 1. AWARD BIOS1. Phoenix BIOS1. AMI BIOSEach type of BIOS chip has it own error code

AMI BIOS ERROR BEEP CODESIndicatorError messageSolutions

1 Beep

2 Beeps

3 Beeps

4Beeps

5Beeps

6 Beeps

7 Beeps

8 Beeps

9 Beeps

10 Beeps

11 Beeps

Memory refresh failureMemory parity error

Memory read/write error

Motherboard timer not functioningProcessor error

Gate A20/keyboard controller failure

Processor exception interrupt

Display memory read/write failure

ROM checksum error

CMOS shutdown read/write error

Bad cache memory

Check memory

Check memory

Check memory

Replace motherboardReplace processor

Replace motherboard

Replace processor

Replace video card

Replace BIOS chip/Motherboard

Replace BIOS chip/Motherboard

Replace cache memory

Phoenix BIOS ERROR BEEP CODESPhoenix BIOS beep codes are a series of beeps separated by a pause, for example: beep --- beep beep --- beep --- beep beep would be 1-2-1-2

IndicatorError messageSolutions

1-1-4-11-2-2-3

1-3-1-1

1-3-1-3

1-3-4-1

1-3-4-3

1-4-1-1

2-1-2-3

2-2-3-1

Cache errorBIOS ROM Checksum

DRAM test rate

Keyboard controller testRAM failure

RAM failure data bits of low memory busRAM failure data bits of high memory busROM copyright noticeTest for unexpected interruptCheck cache memoryCheck BIOS ROM

Check DRAM

Check keyboard controller Check memory

Check memory

Check memory

Check ROM

AWARD BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

IndicatorError messageSolutions

One long beep and two short beeps

Two short beeps

Video error

Non-fatal error

Replace video card

Reset RAM, Check other components.

TASK SHEET 2.4-2

Title : Error codes

Performance Objective : Given the tools and equipment, identify the different error code by removing the cards in the computer unit

Tools/Supplies : Screw driversAnti-static wrist strap

Equipment : Computer unit

Steps/ Procedure:

1. Prepare necessary tools, materials and equipment.2. Remove card and identify error code.3. Record the result of your test

Assessment Method: Demonstration with questioning , Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

You will be assessed using the following criteriaEvaluation: CRITERIAYesNo

1. Observed of safety precautions.

2. Used Appropriate tools in testing.

3. Identified the error.

Self Check 2.4-2

Place your answers on a separate paper:Answer the following questions

1. What does the acronym POST stand for?1. Three types of BIOS chip? Enumerate the three common brands of Bios Chip?1. Identify the following error codes:

2. 1-2-2-32. 1-3-4-12. 2-1-2-32. 1-1-4-12. 1-3-1-1

Answer key 2.4-2

1. POST- Power On Self Test

2. BIOS brands0. AMI0. AWARD0. Phoenix 3. Identify the error code:1. 1-2-2-3= BIOS ROM checksum2. 1-3-4-1=RAM Failure2. 2-1-2-3=ROM copyright notice2. 1-1-4-1=Cache error2. 1-3-1-1=DRAM fresh rate

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGS

http://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Computer-Problem

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ph/windows7/diagnosing-memory-problems-on-your-computer

http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/pc/problems/diagnosis.php

INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATIONEVIDENCE PLAN

TRAINEES NAME

FACILATATORS NAME

QUALIFICATION COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY COVERED1. Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems and Networks

Ways in which evidence will be collected: [tick the column]DemonstrationWitten TestInterview

The evidence must show that the candidate

1. Faults and error of computer system properly determined.*X

2. Tools (hardware/software) identified in accordance with its uses and functions.X

3. Safety precautions established in accordance with workplace procedures.*X

4. Components or parts of computer system clearly identifiedX

5. Functions of the computer systems explainedX

6. Faults and failures of the computer systems diagnosed base on the job requirements*X

7. Defective components properly replaced and corrected*X

8. Error in networks clearly identified and repaired in line with standard procedures*X

9. Defective components identified and separated to other componentsX

10. Computer systems and networks are tested in accordance with the job requirementsX

11. Information are shared from one computer to another as primary requirement in computer networkingX

12. Reports are prepared and completed according to the company requirementsX

13. Faults and error of computer system properly determined.*X

NOTE: *Critical aspects of competency

DEMONSTRATION CHECKLIST

TRAINEES NAME

TRAINERS NAME

QUALIFICATION COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY COVERED2. Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems and Networks

DATE OF EVALUATION

TIME OF EVALUATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEMONSTRATION

Given the necessary materials, tools and equipment, the trainee must be able to perform the following within four (4) hours Install Computer Systems and Networks

Materials & Equipment

Observation:/ to show if evidence is demonstrated

YesNoN/A

1. Faults and error of computer system properly determined.

2. Tools (hardware/software) identified in accordance with its uses and functions.

3. Safety precautions established in accordance with workplace procedures.

4. Components or parts of computer system clearly identified

5. Functions of the computer systems explained

6. Faults and failures of the computer systems diagnosed base on the job requirements

7. Defective components properly replaced and corrected

8. Error in networks clearly identified and repaired in line with standard procedures

9. Defective components identified and separated to other components

10. Computer systems and networks are tested in accordance with the job requirements

11. Information are shared from one computer to another as primary requirement in computer networking

12. Reports are prepared and completed according to the company requirements

QUALIFICATION: COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: INSTALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: ( For the candidate)

A. Given the necessary tools, materials and equipment, perform the following

1. PC testing and troubleshooting 2. Identify faulty connection of Computer and Peripherals.3. Upgrade your computer by installing a network card.4. Upgrade the previous operating system to Windows 7 or Higher.5. Troubleshoot network connection.

Duration: 2 hours

Accomplish the following before the allotted time.

COMPETENCY EVALUATION RESULT SUMMARYTRAINEES NAME

FACILITATORS NAME

QUALIFICATION COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

DATE OF EVALUATION

TIME OF EVALUATION

The Performance of the Trainee in the following assessment methods [ Please Tick appropriate box]SatisfactoryNot Satisfactory

A. Demonstration

1. Diagnose & troubleshoot Computer Systems and network.

Did the trainees overall performance meet the required evidences/standards?

Recommendation For re-evaluation ________________________________ Qualified to take the Next Competency

General comments [Strengths/Improvement Needed]

Trainees SignatureDate:

Facilitators Signature:Date: