CPMT 1311
Introduction to Computer Maintenance
Desired Learning Outcomes:
1. Introduction to computer repair
- understand basic computer terms
- identify computer parts
- recognize and identify external computer connectors
2. The motherboard
- understand the major components on a motherboard including the
microprocessor, chipset, math coprocessor, and expansion slots
- recognize and identify the microprocessor
- understand the differences among the various architectures and buses
- recognize different expansion slots
- recognize an adapter’s architecture or bus
3. System configuration
- understand the different ways to configure a microcomputer
- understand how to replace a battery
- understand and be able to identify system resources such as interrupts,
DMA channels, memory addresses, and I/O addresses
- understand how different architectures and local bus adapters are
configured
- understand the effects of plug and play, Windows 9x, NT, 2000, and XP
on configuring adapters
4. Disassembly/reassembly
- understand how static electricity can damage a computer
- understand what type of equipment causes RFI and EMI
- know which tools a technician needs
- understand the importance of diagramming when disassembling a
computer
- be able to disassemble and reassemble a computer
5. Basic electronics and power
- understand basic electronic terms that relate to computer support
- be able to perform basic checks, such as voltage and continuity
- understand the purpose of a power supply
- be able to connect a power supply to the front panel (if necessary),
motherboard, and devices
- know the power supply output voltages
- recognize different power connectors
- know the reasons to upgrade or replace a power supply
- be able to solve power problems
- know the purpose of different power protection devices
- know what to do in case of an electrical fire
6. Logical troubleshooting
- understand the basic procedures for troubleshooting a microcomputer
- understand how the POST error codes help troubleshoot a computer
- understand the importance of good communication with the computer
user
7. Memory
- understand memory-related terminology
- be able to install and remove memory chips
- understand how memory works with different operating systems
- be able to optimize memory under different operating systems
- be able to troubleshoot memory problems
8. Floppy drives
- understand the basic terms associated with floppy drives
- understand the different parts of the floppy drive system
- be able to recognize the different floppy disk capacities
- be able to clean floppy drive read/write heads
- be able to install and configure a floppy drive system
- be able to perform basic floppy drive troubleshooting techniques
9. Hard drives
- understand hard drive terminology
- understand the different hard drive types
- be able to set up and configure different types of hard drives
- be able to troubleshoot hard drive problems
- understand and be able to perform hard drive preventive maintenance
10. Multimedia devices
- understand various CD and DVD technologies
- understand the meaning of a CD or DVD’s X factor
- understand how a CD drive works
- know the different interfaces used with CD and DVD drives and be able
to configure the drive
- understand the basic operation of a sound card
- understand the software associated with CD and DVD drive installation
- be able to install a sound card
- be able to use various operating system tools to verify drive and sound
card installation
- troubleshoot CD drive, DVD drive, and sound card problems
- understand the basics of how a scanner works and be able to install a
USB or parallel port scanner
- understand basic digital camera concepts
11. Serial devices, mice, and keyboards
- understand the difference between serial and parallel data transfers
- understand how UART controls the serial port and how to determine
which UART is installed
- configure a serial port and all its associated system resources and
individual settings
- understand basic handshaking between a DTE and DCE
- use basic tools to determine which system resources can be assigned to
new serial devices
- understand basic modem concepts and analog modem limitations
- be able to distinguish among analog modems, cable modems, and digital
modems
- perform basic modem troubleshooting
- know the different types of mice and how to perform preventative
maintenance on them
- know the different types of keyboards and how to perform preventive
maintenance on them
12. Video
- describe the components of the video subsystem
- differentiate among monitor types
- understand basic monitor theory and terminology
- recommend a resolution for a particular monitor size
- describe different types of video memory
- be able to install a video adapter and associated software
- perform basic video troubleshooting techniques
13. Printers
- understand basic printing concepts
- know how each type of printer operates
- understand how printers require and use software
- perform a printer installation
- perform preventative maintenance on printers
- be able to control printers in the Windows operating system and make
appropriate printer adjustments
- recognize and troubleshoot printing problems in the Windows
environment
- be able to solve common printer problems and solutions