Wolaita Sodo University

School of Informatics
Department of Information Technology
Course Title: Computer Maintenance and Technical Support
Course Code: ITec4031
ECTS Credits (CP): 7 Year: III, Semester: I
Pre-requisites: Computer Organization and Architecture
Instructor: Alemayehu Dereje B:058 Office Number:15
Course Objective
After completion of this course ,students will be able to :
 Understand and identify PC hardware components
 Build, configure,upgrade ,and maintain a computer
 Install operating systems nd application software
 Providing basic knowledge of preventive maintenance and how to use windows
built-in diagnostic tools.
 To have practical experience of troubleshooting PC hardware and software
problems
 Understand concepts of maintenance and troubleshooting
 Choose CPU that matches their motherboard and install it
 Choose different cards that match their motherboard and install them
 Install RAM, Cards and other devices
 Diagnose computer problems and solve the problems

Course Content
Part I Hardware Concepts
1. Basics
 General concepts about PC and tech support
 Lab procedures and maintenance tools
 Static energy and its effect on computers
 Safety rules
 Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
2. Computer Cases and the Motherboard
 Computer cases
 Safety and the computer
 System Cover removal and replacement

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  System board defined
 System board evolution
3. The CPU
 History of CPU
 Types of CPU
 CPU Sockets and slots
 Upgrading CPUs
4. Memory
 Random Access Memory defined
 Physical memory packaging
 Types of memory
 Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
5. Power Supplies
 Power supplies
 Types of power supply
 Batteries
 Troubleshooting the Power Supply
6. Storage Devices
 The Floppy Drive
 The Hard Drive
 The CD-ROM Drive
7. Bus and Cards
o Bus: Types of Bus, Expansion Buses

 Cards
o The Video Card , The Sound Card, Network card

8. I/O Connectors
 The Serial Port
 The Parallel Port
9. The Monitor
 Introduction to Monitor
 Types of Displays
 Health and Safety Concerns
 Monitor Connections
 Troubleshooting the Video System
10. BIOS

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  Basic Input/Output System
 Error messages and solutions
 Advanced BIOS Features
11. Printers
 Printer Types and Printer Technology
 Printer Field Replaceable Units
 Printer Maintenance Techniques

Part II Software Concepts

1. Introductions
 History of Operating System
 Types of Operating System
 Purpose of Operating System
2. Disk use, Booting and File systems
 File systems: FAT,NTFS
 Sectors, Clusters and Fragmentation
 Boot sector and other areas of disk
3. Registry Editing in Windows
 What is Registry, Managing and Editing Registry, Back up registry
4. Installing Hardware, and Software
 How to install hardware and drivers, Plug and Play devices
 Installing/uninstalling application software
5. Operating System Installation and Management
 Install Windows as single or dual boot
 Recover failed Windows OS
 Install Linux as Single or dual Boot
 Manage user accounts and access rights
 Computer security ring
 Disable/Enable registry editing, task manager, and Command Prompt
 Use Administrative tools and control Panel
6. Resource Sharing and Management
 File Sharing
 Printer Sharing

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Lab. Classes: Assessment
Method
1. Computer Disassembly

 Disassemble a computer using safe lab procedures and proper tools.

2. Computer Assembly

 Install the Power Supply

 Install the Motherboard
 Install the Drives
 Install Adapter Cards
 Install Internal Cables
 Complete the Computer Assembly
 Boot the Computer
3. Operating System

 Upgrade Components
 Install Windows XP
 Windows XP User Accounts and Updates
 FAT32 and NTFS
 Run Commands
 Install Third-Party Software
 Restore Point

Assignment-1 …………………………………………20%
Practical (LAB)------------------------------------------15%
Mid Exam ……-….………………………………………. 25%

Final Examination………………………………………… 40%