COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING 1 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. 2

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. 3

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. 5

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 PROBLEMS 1. Observe outward symptoms 2. Form a hypothesis (likely causes) ISOLATE THE PROBLEMS 1. Test the hypothesis (swapping and eliminating) 2. Check if the hypothesis is correct RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS 6

COMPONENTS TO TROUBLESHOOT: MONITOR This is a television-like device which displays the activities of a computer per time. PROBLEM 1: Monitor not coming on SOLUTION: Check the power source and the power cable PROBLEM 2: Monitor is on, but not display SOLUTION: i. Check the data cable if well connected ii. Check the brightness and the contrast buttons if they are set zero. 7

KEYBOARD This is a typewriter-like device which is used for sending signals into the computer as input. PROBLEM 1: Keyboard not responding SOLUTION: Check the cable if properly connected PROBLEM 2: Keyboard beeping continuously SOLUTION: Check if no key is hooked PROBLEM 3: A key or keys hooking always SOLUTION: Replace the keyboard 8

MOUSE Mouse: This is a hand-held pointing device used for executing commands on the computer. PROBLEM 1: Mouse not responding SOLUTION: i. Check the cable if properly connected ii. The computer should be restarted iii. The mouse should be clean if it is a ball-bearing type. 9

HARD DISK DRIVE Hard Disk Drive: This is a permanent storage device found on a computer. It is very fragile. PROBLEM 1: Strange noise when being accessed SOLUTION: Back up data and replace the hard disk PROBLEM 2: Insufficient disk space SOLUTION: Delete some files or uninstall some programs PROBLEM 3: No fixed disk found SOLUTION: Check the data cable and the power connector 10

CD-ROM DRIVE/DVD DRIVE This is used for accessing data or information stored on compact disks or DVD disks PROBLEM 1: Drive can not be accessed SOLUTION: Check the data cable and power connector PROBLEM 2: Disks can not be read SOLOUTION: Lens is weak or dirty. Replace the drive or clean the lens. PROBLEM 3: Indicator LED is on constantly SOLUTION: Correct the data cable orientation 11

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 display SOLUTION: Check if the RAM is well-seated PROBLEM 2: Computer not recognising the RAM SOLUTION: Check if the RAM is compatible 12

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. 13

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 14

* 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 15