Noble College

Department of Information Communication Technology

Program Information Communication Technology
Course Code ITec303
Course Title: Computer Maintenance and Technical Support
Course Chair Office location: Halaba Poly Technic College ICT Department
Mobile: 0904852052 E-mail: fikrutesefaye@gmail.com
Target Group: 3rd year Information Communication Technology Students
Year/ Semester Year: III, Semester: I
Pre-requisites Computer Organization and Architecture
Credit Hour 3
Course This course exposes the student to hardware components of computer
Description system and software from technician’s point of view. The course teaches
about CPU types and installation, expanding computer using cards,
troubleshooting computer problems, and installing OS and application
packages. Solving problems related computer system, whether hardware or
software, is what the course deals about.
Course After completion of this course, students will be able to:
Objective  Understand and identify PC hardware components
 Build, configure, upgrade and maintain a computer
 Install operating systems and 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 it.
 Install RAM, Cards and other devices
 Diagnose computer problems and solve the problems

Course content
Chapter 1: Basics
1.1.General concepts about PC and tech support
1.2.Lab procedures and maintenance tools
1.3.Static energy and its effect on computers
1.4.Safety rules
1.5.Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting
Chapter 2: Computer Cases and the Motherboard
2.1.Computer cases
2.2.Safety and the computer
2.3.System Cover removal and replacement
2.4.Troubleshooting the motherboard
Chapter 3: CPU
3.1.History of CPU
3.2.Types of CPU
3.3.CPU Sockets and slots
3.4.Upgrading CPU
Chapter 4: Memory
4.1.Memory defined
4.2.Types of memory
4.3.Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
4.4.Physical memory packaging
4.5.Identify Memory Problems and upgrading
Chapter 5: Power Supplies
5.1.Definition of Power Supply
5.2.Types of power supply
5.3.Troubleshooting the Power Supply
Chapter 6: Storage Devices
6.1. The Hard Drive
6.2.The CD-ROM Drive
Chapter 7: Bus and Cards
7.1.Bus
7.2.Adapter Cards
Chapter 8: I/O Connectors
8.1.The Serial Port
8.2.The Parallel Port
8.3.I/O connectors
8.4.Types of Displays
8.4.1.Health and Safety Concerns
8.4.2.Monitor Connections
8.4.3.Troubleshooting the Video System
8.5.Basic Input/output System
8.5.1.Error messages and solutions
8.5.2.Advanced BIOS Features
8.6.Printers
8.6.1. Printer Types and Printer Technology
8.6.2. Printer Field Replaceable Units
 8.6.3. Printer Maintenance Techniques
Chapter 9: Operating System
9.1.Software Concepts
9.1.1. History of Operating System
9.1.2. Types of Operating System
9.1.3. Purpose of Operating System
9.1.4. Disk use, Booting and File systems
9.1.5. File systems:
9.1.5.1.FAT
9.1.5.2.NTFS
9.1.5.3.HPFS
9.2. Registry Editing in Windows
9.2.1. What is Registry
9.2.2. Managing and Editing Registry
9.2.3. Back up registry
9.3 OS Architecture and Important OS files
9.2.4. Architecture of Windows NT
9.2.5. Kernel
9.2.6. Types of Kernel
9.2.7. Important Windows files (NTdetect.com, Boot.ini, NTLDR, etc)

Teaching & Learning Methods: Lectures supported by tutorials and practical laboratory
exercises.
Assessment/Evaluation & Grading System: Assignment 20%, Lab Exercise 20%,
mid Exam 20%, Final Exam 40%.

Text Book
 Computer Hardware Maintenance: 1st Edition An IS/IT Manager's Guide, Stephen Rood,
eBook ISBN: 9780080502533, Published Date: 1st August 1996.
 A+ Exam Cram 2nd Edition.
 Upgrading and Repairing PC 20th Edition.
 Scott Muller and Repairing Pcs.

Reference
 PC troubleshooting and repair , Stephen J. Bigelows
 PC troubleshooting and repair Stephen J. Bigelows
 A+ a complete guide, third edition By David Groth
 Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows By Scott Mueller, Brian Knittel