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2.1. Hardware Maintenance
2.1.1 Configure and Apply BIOS Settings
· BIOS (Basic Input/output System) is firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard.
· It runs when the computer is powered on and checks hardware before loading the operating system.
· Also called System Setup or UEFI in modern computers.
How to Access BIOS:
· Restart your computer.
· Press the required key (like F2, DEL, ESC, or F10) during startup.
· It opens the BIOS setup utility.
Common BIOS Settings to Configure:
|
Setting |
Function |
|
Boot Order |
Set the priority of devices (e.g., USB, HDD, CD) to boot from. |
|
Date and Time |
Set system date and time. |
|
Enable/Disable Devices |
Turn off unused ports like USB, LAN, audio, etc. |
|
Security Settings |
Set BIOS password, enable Secure Boot. |
|
Hardware Settings |
Check CPU, RAM status, fan speed, temperatures. |
|
SATA Mode (AHCI/IDE) |
Configure hard disk mode (important for OS compatibility). |
|
UEFI/Legacy Mode |
Choose between modern or traditional boot methods. |
|
Virtualization |
Enable or disable virtualization support (for VMs). |
How to Apply BIOS Settings:
1. Navigate using arrow keys, Enter, and Esc.
2. Make the desired changes in settings.
3. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
4. Confirm when asked.
2.1.2 Motherboard Components, Their Properties and Purposes
The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that connects and allows communication between all components.
1. RAM Slots (Memory Slots)
· Used to insert RAM (Random Access Memory) modules.
· Usually 2 to 4 slots in modern PCs.
· Supports different types like DDR3, DDR4, DDR5.
· Purpose: Temporary data storage for fast access by CPU.
2. CPU Socket
· A special slot where the processor (CPU) is installed.
· Different sockets for different CPU types (e.g., LGA, PGA, AM4).
· Purpose: Connects the CPU to the motherboard for communication with other components.
3. Chipset
· Controls data flow between CPU, RAM, storage, and other devices.
· Divided into Northbridge (fast components) and Southbridge (slow components) in older boards.
· Newer boards use one unified chipset.
· Purpose: Acts as a communication center.
4. Jumpers
· Small pins used to configure hardware settings manually.
· Covered with a small plastic cap to complete circuits.
· Purpose: Used to reset BIOS, clear passwords, or select modes.
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5. Power Connectors
· Connects the motherboard to the power supply.
· 24-pin ATX connector (main), 4/8-pin CPU power connector.
· Purpose: Supplies power to all motherboard components.
6. Expansion Slots (PCI/PCIe)
· Used to install additional cards like graphics cards, sound cards, network cards.
· PCIe (PCI Express) is the most common and fastest.
· Purpose: Enhances the functionality of the computer.
7. SATA Ports
· Used to connect storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives.
· Purpose: Data transfer between motherboard and storage devices.
8. CMOS Battery
· A small round battery on the motherboard.
· Powers the BIOS memory to keep system settings and clock running.
· Purpose: Maintains date, time, and BIOS settings when power is off.
9. USB Headers
· Internal connectors to attach USB ports on the front panel of the case.
· Purpose: Provides extra USB connections for peripherals.
2.1.3 Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards
(🔊 Sound Cards, 🌐 Network Cards, 🎮 Graphics Cards, etc.)
What Are Expansion Cards?
· Hardware components that are installed into expansion slots (PCI / PCIe) on the motherboard.
· Used to add or improve functionalities like sound, video, or internet connection.
Steps to Install Expansion Cards:
1. Turn off the computer and unplug power.
2. Open the computer case carefully using a screwdriver.
3. Locate the empty PCI or PCIe slot on the motherboard.
4. Insert the expansion card firmly into the slot.
5. Secure the card with a screw to the case bracket.
6. Close the case and power on the computer.
7. Install necessary drivers using CD or from manufacturer’s website.
8. Restart the system if required.
Common Types of Expansion Cards:
1. Graphics Card (GPU):
· Improves display quality and supports high-performance games, video editing.
· Inserted into PCI Express x16 slot.
· Brands: NVIDIA, AMD.
2. Sound Card:
· Enhances audio output and input quality.
· Useful for music production or high-definition sound systems.
· Inserted into PCI / PCIe slot.
3. Network Interface Card (NIC):
· Adds or improves wired or wireless network connectivity.
· Can be Ethernet LAN cards or Wi-Fi cards.
· Plugged into PCI / PCIe slot.
4. TV Tuner / Capture Cards:
· Used to watch and record TV on computer.
· Common in multimedia systems.
After Installation (Configuration):
· Go to Device Manager to check if the card is detected.
· Install or update the drivers.
· Adjust settings via Control Panel or card-specific software.
2.1.4 Installing and Configuring Storage Devices
What are Storage Devices?
Devices used to store data permanently or temporarily. Examples:
· HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
· SSD (Solid State Drive)
· NVMe SSD
· Optical Drives (CD/DVD)
· External Storage (USB drives, External HDD/SSD)
Steps to Install Internal Storage Devices (HDD/SSD):
1. Turn off the PC and unplug power.
2. Open the computer case using a screwdriver.
3. Mount the drive into the appropriate bay (2.5" for SSD or 3.5" for HDD).
4. Connect SATA data cable from drive to motherboard.
5. Connect SATA power cable from power supply to drive.
6. Close the case and power on the PC.
7. Go to BIOS to confirm drive is detected.
8. Boot into Windows or OS to format and partition the drive using Disk Management.
For NVMe SSD (M.2 Slot):
1. Locate the M.2 slot on the motherboard.
2. Slide the NVMe SSD at an angle into the slot.
3. Secure it with a mounting screw.
4. Check detection in BIOS and OS.
For External Storage Devices:
· Plug and Play via USB or Type-C port.
· No need to open case.
· Can be configured for backup, file transfer, or bootable OS.
Configuration Steps After Installation:
1. BIOS Check – Ensure the device is detected.
2. Disk Management (Windows):
o Format new drives (NTFS or exFAT)
o Assign drive letter
o Create partitions
3. Install Operating System (if it’s a boot drive).
4. Enable AHCI/RAID/NVMe mode in BIOS for best performance (if needed).
2.1.5 Types and Features of Display Devices
Display devices are output devices used to visually present information from a computer or other devices. Common types include:
1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
Features:
· Bulky and heavy
· Uses electron beams to display images on a phosphor-coated screen
· High refresh rates and color accuracy
· Generates more heat
· Power hungry
Advantages:
· Low response time
· Supports multiple resolutions natively
Disadvantages:
· Consumes a lot of space and electricity
· Obsolete in modern use
2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
Features:
· Flat, thin, and lightweight
· Uses liquid crystals and a backlight
· Lower power consumption than CRT
· Limited viewing angles (older models)
Advantages:
· Compact and energy-efficient
· Sharp image quality for text and images
Disadvantages:
· Slower response times (older models)
· Color and contrast issues at off angles
3. LED (Light Emitting Diode Display)
Features:
· Uses LEDs for backlighting instead of CCFL (used in older LCDs)
· Brighter and more energy-efficient than traditional LCD
· Slim design with better contrast
Advantages:
· Lower power usage
· Better brightness and contrast
· Longer lifespan
Disadvantages:
· Slightly more expensive than regular LCD
4. Plasma Display
Features:
· Uses small cells filled with gas that turns into plasma to produce images
· High color accuracy and better contrast
· Works well in dark environments
Advantages:
· Better motion handling
· Good color and contrast levels
Disadvantages:
· Can suffer from burn-in
· Heavier and consumes more power
· Less common today
2.1.6 Connector Types and Associated Cables
1. BNC Connector
· Used for coaxial cables.
· Bayonet-style locking mechanism (twist and lock).
· Common in video transmission, CCTV cameras, and older Ethernet networks (10BASE2).
· Cable: Coaxial cable.
2. RJ45 Connector
· Used for twisted pair cables in networking.
· Connects computers, routers, switches in LANs.
· Has 8 pins, supports Ethernet connections (10/100/1000 Mbps).
· Cable: UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables.
3. HDMI Connector
· Used for high-definition video and audio transmission.
· Connects devices like TVs, monitors, gaming consoles, and computers.
· Supports digital video and audio signals.
· Cable: HDMI cable (can carry 4K video and surround sound).
2.1.7 Installing and Configuring Various Peripheral Devices
1. Mouse
· Installation:
o Connect via USB port or wirelessly (Bluetooth).
o Plug and Play – usually no additional driver needed.
· Configuration:
o Adjust pointer speed, button functions in Control Panel > Mouse Settings.
o Customize scroll wheel and double-click speed.
2. Keyboard
· Installation:
o Connect via USB port or wirelessly (Bluetooth).
o Plug and Play – drivers install automatically.
· Configuration:
o Change keyboard layout, language, repeat delay in Control Panel > Keyboard Settings.
o Customize key functions or shortcuts with software.
3. Scanner
· Installation:
o Connect via USB or network.
o Install scanner drivers and software provided by manufacturer.
· Configuration:
o Use scanning software to adjust resolution, color, and format.
o Set default save location for scanned files.
4. Printer
· Installation:
o Connect via USB, network, or wireless.
o Install printer drivers from CD or manufacturer’s website.
· Configuration:
o Set default printer in Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
o Adjust print quality, paper size, and preferences.
o Perform test print to check installation.
5. Speaker
· Installation:
o Connect via audio jack, USB, or Bluetooth.
o Plug and Play – drivers usually installed automatically.
· Configuration:
o Adjust volume and sound settings in Control Panel > Sound.
o Configure audio output device and test sound.
2.2.1 Troubleshooting of Computer and Its Peripherals
1. Keyboard Troubleshooting
· Check if the keyboard is properly connected (USB or wireless).
· Try a different USB port or replace batteries (wireless).
· Restart the computer.
· Check Keyboard settings in Control Panel.
· Test with another keyboard to identify hardware failure.
· Update or reinstall keyboard drivers.
2. Mouse Troubleshooting
· Verify connection and try a different port or battery.
· Clean the mouse sensor and surface.
· Restart the system.
· Check mouse settings (pointer speed, button configuration).
· Test with another mouse to rule out hardware issues.
· Update or reinstall mouse drivers.
3. Printer Troubleshooting
· Check power and cable connections.
· Ensure printer is turned on and has paper and ink/toner.
· Clear print queue if stuck jobs exist.
· Run printer troubleshooter (Windows).
· Reinstall or update printer drivers.
· Check for paper jams and clear them.
4. Scanner Troubleshooting
· Check cable or network connection.
· Ensure scanner is powered on.
· Restart scanner software and computer.
· Verify scanner drivers are installed and updated.
· Try scanning with different software.
· Clean scanner glass.
5. Speaker Troubleshooting
· Check cable connections or Bluetooth pairing.
· Verify volume settings and mute status.
· Test speakers on another device to confirm hardware.
· Update or reinstall audio drivers.
· Check default playback device in sound settings.
2.2.2 Troubleshooting of Connectivity (Cables, Network, etc.)
1. Cable Issues
· Check Physical Connections:
o Ensure cables (Ethernet, HDMI, USB) are properly plugged in.
o Try unplugging and plugging back in.
· Inspect Cable Condition:
o Look for visible damage, cuts, or bends.
o Replace damaged cables.
· Use Different Ports:
o Test with another port on device or switch/router.
· Test with Another Cable:
o Replace cable to rule out cable failure.
2. Network Connectivity Problems
· Check Network Device Status:
o Make sure modem, router, and switch are powered on.
o Restart network devices (power cycle).
· Check Network Settings:
o Verify IP address and DNS settings (use ipconfig on Windows).
o Ensure device is connected to correct network (Wi-Fi or LAN).
· Ping Test:
o Use command prompt to ping gateway or websites to check connection.
· Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength:
o Move closer to router if signal is weak.
o Avoid interference from other devices.
· Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter:
o Use Network and Sharing Center or device manager.
· Update Network Drivers:
o Outdated drivers may cause issues.
· Firewall and Security Software:
o Temporarily disable to check if they block connectivity.
· Reset Network Settings:
o On Windows, use Network Reset option to fix configuration issues.
2.2.3 Troubleshooting of Memory, Processor, Storage, Display
1. Memory (RAM) Troubleshooting
· Symptoms: Frequent crashes, blue screen errors, slow performance.
· Steps:
o Reseat the RAM modules properly in their slots.
o Test RAM using tools like MemTest86.
o Try using one RAM stick at a time to identify faulty modules.
o Clean RAM slots and contacts gently.
o Replace faulty RAM if needed.
2. Processor (CPU) Troubleshooting
· Symptoms: Overheating, system freezes, slow performance.
· Steps:
o Check CPU fan and heatsink are properly installed.
o Clean dust from CPU cooler and case fans.
o Monitor CPU temperature using software (e.g., HWMonitor).
o Reapply thermal paste if overheating occurs.
o Ensure BIOS is updated.
o If CPU is faulty, consider replacement.
3. Storage Device Troubleshooting
· Symptoms: Slow file access, disk errors, failure to boot.
· Steps:
o Check cables (SATA/Power) connected to HDD/SSD.
o Use CHKDSK utility to scan and fix disk errors.
o Check disk health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.
o Backup data immediately if drive shows signs of failure.
o Replace faulty drives.
4. Display Troubleshooting
· Symptoms: No display, flickering screen, distorted images.
· Steps:
o Check video cable connections (HDMI, VGA, DVI).
o Try a different cable or port.
o Test monitor with another device to rule out monitor issues.
o Update or reinstall graphics card drivers.
o Adjust screen resolution and refresh rate settings.
o Check for overheating graphics card.
o Replace or repair faulty hardware if necessary.
2.2.4 Troubleshooting of Operating System and Application Software
1. Operating System (OS) Troubleshooting
· Common Problems:
o System crashes or freezes
o Slow performance
o Failure to boot
o Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
o Driver conflicts or errors
· Troubleshooting Steps:
o Restart the computer.
o Boot in Safe Mode to diagnose problems.
o Check for Windows updates and install them.
o Run System Restore to revert to a previous working state.
o Scan for malware or viruses.
o Use Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter to improve performance.
o Check Device Manager for hardware conflicts or driver issues.
o Reinstall or update device drivers.
o Repair OS files using tools like SFC (System File Checker).
o If needed, perform a clean reinstall of the OS.
2. Application Software Troubleshooting
· Common Problems:
o Application won’t start or crashes
o Errors or freezes during use
o Compatibility issues
o Slow response
· Troubleshooting Steps:
o Restart the application and computer.
o Check if the software is compatible with your OS version.
o Update the software to the latest version.
o Reinstall the application.
o Check for required software dependencies (like .NET framework).
o Close unnecessary background programs to free resources.
o Check for conflicts with antivirus or firewall settings.
o Clear application cache or temporary files if applicable.
o Contact software support or check online forums for known issues.