COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

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COMPUTER SCIENCE / ENGINEERING DIPLOMA II

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

Computer maintenance speaks about the activities carried out in order to have computer systems and subsystems in good working order.

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TYPES OF MAINTENANCE

1. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: This is performed even if the computer is still operating at its efficient level. It is done to prevent degradation of performance. 2. CORRECTIVE /BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE: This type of maintenance is required when a system or subsystem finally collapse. 3. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: This involves a regular schedule or time table strictly adhered to by the owner of the computers and the party offering the maintenance service to perform an overhaul of machinery.

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NOTE:A computer system is a modular system-made up of several modular parts or components. These modular parts or discrete components work together to form a functional whole. Each component has one or more specific relationships to other components in the system and each component has one or more expected behaviours. Notable among these components are: the monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk drive, memory and CD-Rom drive. Therefore, the main challenge of computer maintenance is understanding the techniques of troubleshooting. 4

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting is the process of detecting, isolating and repairing faults in a given system. In view of this, proper knowledge and understanding of the behavior of each of the components that made up a computer system is necessary. Trouble shooting methods are all about SWAPPING and ELIMINATING.

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There are simple rules that experienced troubleshooter follows:(a) Identify the exact nature of the problem(b) Isolate the cause of the problem(c) Resolve the problem

IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS1. Observe outward symptoms2. Form a hypothesis (likely causes)

ISOLATE THE PROBLEMS1. Test the hypothesis (swapping and eliminating)2. Check if the hypothesis is correct

RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS6

COMPONENTS TO TROUBLESHOOT:

MONITOR This is a television-like device which displays the activities of a computer per time.PROBLEM 1: Monitor not coming onSOLUTION: Check the power source and the power cablePROBLEM 2: Monitor is on, but not displaySOLUTION: i. Check the data cable if well connected ii. Check the brightness and the contrast buttons if they are set zero.

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KEYBOARDThis is a typewriter-like device which is used for sending signals into the computer as input.PROBLEM 1: Keyboard not respondingSOLUTION: Check the cable if properly connectedPROBLEM 2: Keyboard beeping continuously SOLUTION: Check if no key is hooked PROBLEM 3: A key or keys hooking alwaysSOLUTION: Replace the keyboard

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MOUSEMouse: This is a hand-held pointing device used for executing commands on the computer.PROBLEM 1: Mouse not respondingSOLUTION: i. Check the cable if properly connected

ii. The computer should be restartediii. The mouse should be clean if it is a ball-bearing type.

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HARD DISK DRIVEHard Disk Drive: This is a permanent storage device found on a computer. It is very fragile.PROBLEM 1: Strange noise when being accessedSOLUTION: Back up data and replace the hard disk PROBLEM 2: Insufficient disk spaceSOLUTION: Delete some files or uninstall some programsPROBLEM 3: No fixed disk foundSOLUTION: Check the data cable and the power connector

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CD-ROM DRIVE/DVD DRIVEThis is used for accessing data or information stored on compact disks or DVD disksPROBLEM 1: Drive can not be accessed SOLUTION: Check the data cable and power connectorPROBLEM 2: Disks can not be readSOLOUTION: Lens is weak or dirty. Replace the drive or clean the lens.PROBLEM 3: Indicator LED is on constantlySOLUTION: Correct the data cable orientation

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MEMORY (RAM)The computer memory or RAM is the working storage of the computer. The higher the capacity, the better the performance of a computer.PROBLEM 1: Computer is working but no displaySOLUTION: Check if the RAM is well-seatedPROBLEM 2: Computer not recognising the RAMSOLUTION: Check if the RAM is compatible

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SOFTWARE

Computer problems are not only that of hardware malfunctioning. Software as well can make a computer to misbehave. This often arises from improper shut down or when a new software is added.

To correct software problems most times, a system restore should be done or the newly installed software should be removed. If this does not solve the problem, the operating system could be reinstalled as the last resort.

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PRECAUTIONS* A computer should be installed in a well-ventilated room* Liquid substances must not be brought into the computer room* Food particles must not be left in the computer room so as not to invite pests and rodents* A computer technician should always guide against static electricity * A computer must not be worked on when still powered* A computer should be covered when not in use

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* Cables should be neatly packed so as not to cause accident to the user or cause damages to the computer* All computer components should be handled with care* None computer personnel should not be allowed into the computer room* All fans must be checked from time to time to ensure their proper functioning* Indiscriminate use of removable storage devices should be discourage to avoid virus attack

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