Computer Servicing I

Learn about Servicing and Maintaining Computer Equipment

Computer skills are a fundamental requirement in many areas of modern life. If you have ever wondered about what the different parts of a computer do, or how to troubleshoot problems that arise then learning about computers with this course will help.

This course is ideal for the learning the essential skills required for computer servicing and maintenance. It develops a broad and general understanding of repair and maintenance procedures that can be used at work or home, and in doing so provides a good starting point for anyone seeking a career in computer servicing. The emphasis is on personal computers (i.e. PCs) and uses IBM compatible systems for its examples, as these are the most common and popular systems used in business today.

Course Code: VIT203

Duration: 100 hours

What is in the Course

There are nine lessons in total, as outlined below:

Lesson 1. The Computer Workshop

• Basic Hand Tools
• Cleaning Equipment and Materials
• Hardware and Software for Solving Errors
• Workshop Electrical Safety
• Computer Workshop and Sales Areas
• Components of Workshop
• Workshop Layout
• Managing a Growing Workshop
•  Record Keeping
• Work Scheduling
• Customer Quotations and Servicing

Lesson 2. Computer and Workshop Safety

• Understanding Electricity
• Circuits
• Conductors and Non conductors
• Voltage
• Resistance
• Ohm's Law
• Power
• Safety for Computer Workers
• Safety for your Computer
• Legislation, Duty of Care
• Employer and Employee Duties
• Manufacturer Duties
• Computer Ergonomics
• Workstation Layout
• Computer Equipment
• Work Environment Factors - light, glare, radiation, etc.
• Accidents
• Safety Hazards - ESD, electricity, electromagnetic fields, conductive surfaces, monitors
• Electricity Safety Guidelines
• Lifting and Manual Handling
• First Aid
• Shock
• Fainting
• Sprains and Strains

Lesson 3. System Components

• Motherboards
• Cases
• Cables
• CPU's
• Cooling Systems - air, fan, liquid, fittings, maintenance
• RAM (Memory)
• Internal Drives
• Graphics Processing Unit
• Power Supply
• Lap Tops
• Common Lap Top Issues

Lesson 4. Basic Disassembly

• Disassembly Procedures
• How to Disassemble and Reassemble a Computer
• Documentation
• Dismantling and Reassembling a Laptop

Lesson 5. Peripherals

• Common Peripherals
• Mouse
• Keyboards
• Monitors
• Monitor Specifications
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Hard Disk Interfaces
• Configuring CMOS
• Low Level Formatting
• Interleaving
• Partitioning
• Disk Part
• Partitions
• High Level Formatting
• File Systems, Clustering
• FAT32
• NTFS, NTFS5, exFAT

Lesson 6. System Assembly

• Assembling a Desktop
• Case and Power Supply
• Motherboard, CPU, RAM
• I/O Ports
• HDD
• SSD
• Video Card/Monitors
• Keyboard and Mouse
• Preparation for Assembly
• Basic Motherboard Configuration
• Processor Settings
• SATA Drives
• Identifying Parts

Lesson 7. Installation of Software

• Understanding a Boot Disk
• Installing Drivers and Using Manuals
• Importance of Manuals
• 32 and 64 bit Software
• Upgrading the OS
• New Installation
• Basic Disk Partition

Lesson 8. Computer Maintenance: An Introduction

• Software Preventative Maintenance
• Static Electricity Awareness
• Power On/Off Procedures
• Maintenance Procedure
• Installing Updates
• Security Patch
• Service Pack
• Hotfix
• Update Rollback
• Update Rollup Package
• Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter
• Disk fragmentation and Drive Optimisation
• Computer Servicing Report
• Hardware Preventative Maintenance

Lesson 9. Troubleshooting: An Introduction

• Determining what caused an error
• Hardware Errors
• Software Errors
• Power On/Off Self Test
• Hard Disk Problems
• Bugs
• Viruses
• Motherboard Battery
• Logical Approach to Troubleshooting

Assessment

Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. These are essentially an automated quiz. When you undertake a "SAT" or "Self Assessment Test", you will be able to see what you got correct, and what was incorrect; and in that way, you can identify your weaknesses.

Assignments are given at the end of each lesson. You should complete this assignment, paying careful attention to follow what is asked of you. It can be just as important to learn to work to specification, as it is to learn about the topic you are studying. Graduates who develop a habit of working to specification in the field of I.T., will impress employers, and will be more efficient when self employed.

A Final Exam is offered upon satisfactory completion of all assignments. This is optional. If you choose to apply for and do this exam, you will have the possibility of obtaining a "formal credit" or "Pass Certification" for this course. A fee applies. The exam may be sat under prearranged conditions anywhere in the world. This college will award you a formal transcript, upon successful completion of the exam, as proof of your results.

WORKING AS A TECHNICIAN - THE OPTIONS

Some technicians find employment in businesses or organisations as a "computer support" person while others work for businesses that sell computers or computer parts. The knowledge and skills you develop in this course will be attractive in many different workplaces; sometimes in jobs that are not just purely computer servicing. Knowing about computer hardware will also provide a foundation to work in I.T. retailing or manufacturing.

Some students a will however prefer the idea of self employment. Running your own computer servicing business is a viable option that many will choose. Small businesses, organisations and households frequently need to call in someone to sort out their computer problems, diagnose issues, make repairs and make recommendations. If you learn enough to do this, and do a good job, business can build even just by word of mouth. Many small businesses start off this way. If you are an owner operator, all you need are some tools and a car to get about, ands you can get started.  This course will provide and awareness of the basic tools and equipment needed for a start up, as well as the techniques and skills to develop. With some learning, awareness, experience and a good attitude, anything can be possible.  

Why study this Course?

• A foundation - a start for anyone seeking to work in computer servicing
• To broaden an understanding of how computers function
• To enhance the ability to troubleshoot problems at home or work

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