ASSOSA UNIVERSITY

COLLAGE OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE
INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE REPORT: COMPUTER
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE
Hosting organization: B/G/R/S Science and Technology
Bureau.

Prepared by: tadeses asefe

ID No: 3323/14

Advisor: Mr. Sleshi B

ASSOSA, ETHIOPIA
Submission Date : 11/12/2023

1
 Acknowledgement
I am also deeply grateful to the BGRS Science and Technology Bureau for affording
me the opportunity to undertake this industrial practice. Their encouragement,
logistical assistance, and provision of necessary resources have played a pivotal role
in realizing the objectives of this project. This opportunity has not only enriched my
academic journey but has also significantly contributed to my personal and
professional growth.
I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Sileshi B. for his unwavering guidance,
mentor ship, and unwavering support throughout every stage of this project. His depth
of knowledge, insightful feedback, and willingness to share expertise have been
indispensable contributors to the successful outcome of this endeavor. . Lastly, I
extend my thanks to all those who, in diverse ways, contributed to the realization of
this project’s success. Their collaboration, encouragement, and shared commitment
have been essential elements in bringing this project to fruition.

2
 ABSTRACT

Internships are incredibly valuable for students as they transition from theoretical
learning in classrooms to the practical application of their knowledge in real-world
scenarios. This practical exposure provides them with a glimpse of what to expect in
the professional realm, helping them make more informed decisions as they step into
the workforce. Not only do internships benefit students, but they also serve as a cost-
effective measure for companies. By offering practical training experiences to
students while they are still in school, organizations reduce the need for extensive,
post-graduation training for their future employees. This strategic approach aids in
minimizing overall training expenditures while simultaneously imparting industry-
specific insights to aspiring professionals.

Moreover, internships serve as a fertile ground for the development of crucial skills,
ranging from hands-on technical competencies to interpersonal communication,
entrepreneurial acumen, and leadership proficiency. This report serves to view my
practical experiences and contributions within the organization. It walks through
various aspects of the practical attachment, including its objectives, background,
mission, and vision, emphasizing the main activities, materials utilized, conclusions,
recommendations, and an evaluation of the experience.

The primary goal of this report, is to underscore the significance of integrating

technology-based practical experiences within educational settings. Through such
integration, students gain invaluable real-world insights under the mentor ship of
seasoned professionals, preparing them for the demands and dynamics of the
contemporary workplace.

3
 Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................5
2. Background of the Hosting Organization...............................................................................5
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE HOSTING ORGANIZTION...........................................................6
4. INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE DISCUSSION............................................................................6
4.1 System description about the division I was I assigned...............................................6
4.2 What skills (scientific and professional) have I learned during the Industrial
Practice?.............................................................................................................................6
4.3 Experiences that I got from The Industrial practice.....................................................7
4.3.1 Hardware Maintenance of Desktop Computer.................................................7
Repairing Internal Hardware components.........................................................................8
Hard drive problems and solutions:...........................................................................8
CMOS battery problems and solutions:....................................................................9
Power supply problems and solutions:....................................................................10
Port problems and solutions:...................................................................................11
CPU problems and Solutions:.................................................................................12
RAM problems and solutions:.................................................................................13
GPU Problems and Solutions:.................................................................................14
4.3.2 Software Maintenance of a desktop computer...............................................15
4.4 challenges that I experienced during the Industrial Practice......................................15
5. EVALUATION AND CRITIQUE.......................................................................................16
5.1 Evaluation on the Industrial practice..........................................................................16
5.2 Critiques on the Industrial Practice............................................................................16
6. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............................................17
Recommendations............................................................................................................18

Table of Figures.

Figure 4.1 Internal Desktop Hard drive.................................................................8

Figure 4.2 CMOS Battery.....................................................................................9
Figure 4.3 Power Supply.....................................................................................10
Figure 4.4 Different types of Computer Ports.....................................................11
Figure 4.5 CPU....................................................................................................12
Figure 4.6 Ram....................................................................................................13

4
 1. INTRODUCTION

Industrial Training Insights: I participated in an industrial practice program at BGRS

Science and Technology bureau, focusing on computer maintenance, from November
to December 2023. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply theoretical
knowledge gained over three years, particularly in hardware and software
maintenance, website development, how conference calls are handled and Network
installing.
Learning and Collaboration: Under the guidance of the computer science department
staff, and BGRS Science and Technology bureau Staff, me and my classmates,
acquired various skills in computer troubleshooting and maintenance. In this
document I will discuss in details about my experience, the organization’s
background, responsibilities, and recommendations for future internships.
Bridging Theory and Practice :The main goal of this internship was to establish a
connection between academic theories and real-world applications. I have
successfully translated my classroom learning into practical skills, especially in the
areas of hardware and software for desktop computers.
Reflection and Growth :This experience has been pivotal in equipping me with the
necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field. It has also
provided me with valuable insights into working collaboratively in a professional
environment.

2. Background of the Hosting Organization

The B/G/R/S science and technology bureau is located in Assosa, Benishangul

Gumuz Regional State.
The Bureau is responsible for promoting scientific and technological advancements in
the region. It is located in the Benishangul gumuz regional state congress. Which also
includes the Presidential Office.
My internship was in the ICT center of the Science and technology bureau. The
B/G/R/S science and technology bureau has multiple number of offices and over 100
workers.
The B/G/R/S science and technology bureau has a well guarded environment because
of security concerns.
This Bureau has a conference hall that is used to handle political discussions and
training among selected government officials.
The only problem we have scene in the organization (ICT perspective) is that some
workers who were working in the data center were absent, so me and my classmates
didn’t get to see any data center related work.
Overall the organization has a beautiful working environment and a kind dedicated
workers that guided us through our internship.

5
 3. OBJECTIVES OF THE HOSTING ORGANIZTION

The objectives of BGRS Science and technology office are:

 To promote scientific and technological advancements in the region.

 To engage the people of the state in science, cultivate and enrich science
education, research, innovation, and communication, and partner with industry
and academia to promote science and technology and strengthen the scientific
capability of the state.
 To develop and implement programs for strengthening scientific and
technological capabilities through manpower training, infrastructure and
institution-building.
 To promote public consciousness in science and technology.
 To undertake policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical
studies.
 To strengthen the Science & Knowledge capacity of NGOs and similarly for
improving the field and outreach capabilities of Knowledge Institutions.

4. INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE DISCUSSION

4.1 System description about the division I was I assigned.

During my time in practice, I, along with my classmates have seen various tasks and
fields where we can apply our field of knowledge. But most of all, the one task I was
interested in and was assigned to was Computer Maintenance. It involves the
maintenance of computer Hardware and software.

4.2 What skills (scientific and professional) have I learned during the
Industrial Practice?

 Technical skills: This involves learning how to install, configure, and maintain computer
hardware and software.
 Analytical skills: This involves analyzing problems and developing effective solutions.
 Time management: This involves managing your time effectively to ensure that tasks are
completed on time.
 Attention to detail: This involves paying close attention to details to ensure that work is
accurate and of high quality.
 Organizational skills: This involves organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure that work is
completed efficiently.

6
 Communication skills: This involves effectively communicating technical information to
both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
 Teamwork: This involves working collaboratively with other team members to achieve
common goals.
 Customer service: This involves offering assistance to customers, answering questions, fixing
problems, and providing excellent service.
 Preventative maintenance: This involves performing routine maintenance on equipment to
prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.
 Troubleshooting: This involves identifying and resolving technical problems with computer
hardware and software.

4.3 Experiences that I got from The Industrial practice.

During my time in BGRS Science and Technology bureau, my role was to assist
the senior technicians in diagnosing and fixing various hardware and software
issues. The purpose of my internship was to gain practical knowledge and
experience in computer maintenance and to apply the skills I learned in my
academic courses.

One of my goals was to learn how to troubleshoot different types of computer

problems, such as dust, overheating, viruses, and peripheral equipment. I learned
how to use various tools and techniques.

My internship at BGRS Science and Technology bureau was a valuable and

rewarding experience that helped me achieve my goals and develop new skills in
computer maintenance. I learned how to diagnose and fix various computer issues,
how to communicate effectively with customers, and how to work as part of a
team. I also contributed to the organization by providing quality service and
increasing customer satisfaction. My internship experience will help me in my
academic and professional career, as I will be able to apply the skills and
knowledge I gained to my coursework and future jobs.

4.3.1 Hardware Maintenance of Desktop Computer

Here I will discuss what I learned during my internship on how to fix and trouleshoot
desktop hardware. Hardware components include the keyboard, mouse, monitor, case,
fans, power supply, motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, graphics card, sound card,
optical drive, and other peripherals.

 Cleaning External Components

7
Cleaning external components involves removing dust, dirt, fingerprints, and stains
from the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and case. Cleaning external components can
improve the appearance, functionality, and hygiene of the computer.

 The following steps and tools are recommended for cleaning external
components:

1. Unplug the computer from the power source and turn off the power switch.
2. Use a damp lint-free cloth to wipe down the monitor screen, keyboard, mouse, and
case. Do not soak the cloth in water or use any abrasive or corrosive cleaners. Gently
wipe in long motions and avoid pressing too hard.
3. Use a can of compressed air or a computer vacuum to blow or suck out any dust or
debris from the keyboard, mouse, and case. For hard-to-reach areas, such as between
the keyboard keys, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. If the keyboard has
removable keys, take them off and clean them separately. Make sure to dry the keys
before putting them back.
4. Use a Cotton cloth or a screen cleaner to polish the monitor screen and remove any
smudges or streaks.

 Repairing Internal Hardware components

This involves repairing the internal components of a computer device. There are a
number of issues that are encountered in computers. Some of them are listed below:

Hard drive problems and solutions:

Figure 4.1 Internal Desktop Hard drive

Hard drive problems can cause data loss, system crashes, boot failures, and other
issues. Some possible causes of hard drive problems are dust, physical damage, bad
sectors, malware, or firmware errors. To fix hard drive problems, you can try the
following steps:

8
Check the SMART status of your hard drive using a software tool like Windows
Memory Diagnostic. This will show you if your hard drive is failing or has errors.
Backup your important data to another device or cloud service as soon as possible.
This will prevent you from losing your files if your hard drive fails completely.
Scan your hard drive for viruses and malware using a reliable antivirus program. This
will remove any malicious programs that may harm your hard drive or data.
This will rearrange the files on your hard drive to make them more contiguous and
accessible.
Replace your hard drive with a new one if it is beyond repair or too old. You can
clone your old hard drive to the new one using a software tool like EaseUS Todo
Backup or Macrium Reflect.

CMOS battery problems and solutions:

Figure 4.2 CMOS Battery

The CMOS battery is a small, often coin-shaped battery located on the motherboard
of a desktop computer. Its primary function is to provide a continuous power supply
to the Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) chip, which stores the
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings.
CMOS battery problems can affect the BIOS settings, date and time, and boot process
of your computer. Some possible causes of CMOS battery problems are aging,
leakage, corrosion, or improper installation. To fix CMOS battery problems, wecan
try the following steps:
Check the date and time of your computer and see if they are correct. If they are not,
you may need to reset them manually or sync them with an online server.
Check the BIOS settings of your computer and see if they are correct. If they are not,
you may need to restore them to default or configure them according to your
preferences.

9
Check the CMOS battery on your motherboard and see if it is in good condition. If it
is not, you may need to replace it with a new one. You can use a digital multieter to
measure the voltage of the battery and see if it is within the normal range.
Check the motherboard and see if there are any signs of damage or corrosion. If there
are, you may need to clean it with a soft brush or cloth, or replace it with a new one.

Power supply problems and solutions:

Figure 4.3 Power Supply

A power supply unit (PSU) in a desktop computer is an internal hardware component

that provides electrical power to all the other components of the system. It converts
the mains AC (alternating current) electricity into low-voltage regulated DC (direct
current) power for the internal components of the computer. The PSU ensures that
each component receives the correct amount of power at a stable voltage, which is
crucial for the system’s reliability and performance.
The PSU is typically located at the back of the computer case and has a dedicated
power connector for the motherboard, as well as additional connectors for internal
devices such as hard drives, optical drives, and graphics cards. It also has a fan to
dissipate heat generated by the power conversion process.

Power supply problems can cause your computer to not turn on, shut down
unexpectedly, overheat, or make strange noises. Some possible causes of power
supply problems are power surges, dust, faulty components, or inadequate wattage.
To fix power supply problems, you can try the following steps¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶:
Check the power cord and the power outlet and see if they are working properly. If
they are not, you may need to replace them or use a different one.
Check the power switch and the voltage selector on your power supply and see if they
are set correctly. If they are not, you may need to adjust them or replace them.
Check the fan and the vents on your power supply and see if they are clean and
spinning. If they are not, you may need to clean them or replace them.

10
Check the output voltages of your power supply using a software tool like
HWMonitor or a hardware tool like a multimeter. If they are not within the acceptable
range, you may need to replace your power supply with a compatible one.

Port problems and solutions:

Figure 4.4 Different types of Computer Ports

When we speak about ports there are several types of ports that are used to connect
our desktop to other devices or power sources.

Here are a few types of Desktop ports:

 USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard interface used to connect various

peripherals such as keyboards, mice, flash drives, and external hard drives to a
computer. It allows for data transfer and power supply to connected devices.
 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): A digital interface for
transmitting audio and video data from a source device to a display, such as a
computer monitor or television.
 VGA (Video Graphics Array): An analog interface used to connect a computer to
a monitor or projector. It’s commonly used for video output from older
computers.
 Ethernet (RJ45): A port used for network connections, allowing a computer to
connect to a local area network (LAN) or the internet via an Ethernet cable.
 Audio Jack (3.5mm): A port used to connect audio devices such as headphones,
speakers, or microphones to a computer.
 Display Port: A digital display interface used to connect a video source to a
display device. It’s similar to HDMI but often used for computer monitors.

11
 DVI (Digital Visual Interface): A video display interface used to connect a video
source to a display device. It’s designed to transmit uncompressed digital video
and can be found on many graphics cards and monitors.

Port problems can cause your computer to not recognize or communicate with
external devices, such as keyboards, mice, printers, or monitors. Some possible causes
of port problems are loose connections, damaged cables, incompatible drivers, or
faulty ports. To fix port problems, you can try the following steps:

Check the connections and the cables of your external devices and see if they are
secure and undamaged. If they are not, you may need to reset them or replace them.
Check the drivers and the settings of your external devices and see if they are up to
date and configured correctly. If they are not, you may need to update them, reinstall
them, or adjust them.
Check the device manager and see if there are any errors or conflicts with your
external devices. If there are, you may need to troubleshoot them, uninstall them, or
disable them.
Check the ports on your computer and see if they are clean and functional. If they are
not, you may need to clean them, repair them, or replace them.

CPU problems and Solutions:

Figure 4.5 CPU

The CPU is the brain of your computer,It processes the data and produces output,
which may be stored by an application or displayed on the screen.
The CPU contains at least one processor, which is the actual chip inside the CPU that
performs calculations.
If a CPU malfunctions, your PC may not boot up, freeze, or crash. Some possible
causes of CPU problems are overheating, dust, faulty power supply, or damaged
motherboard.

12
To fix CPU problems, you can try the following steps:
Check the CPU temperature and fan speed using a software tool like HWMonitoror
SpeedFan. If the temperature is too high or the fan is not working properly, you may
need to clean the dust, replace the thermal paste, or install a new fan or cooler.
Check the power supply unit (PSU) and make sure it is providing enough power and
voltage to the CPU. You can use a software tool like [HWiNFO](^3^) or a hardware
tool like a multimeter to measure the PSU output. If the PSU is faulty, you may need
to replace it with a compatible one.
Check the motherboard and make sure there are no signs of physical damage, such as
cracks, burns, or bulging capacitors. You can also try resetting the BIOS settings to
default by removing the CMOS battery or using a jumper. If the motherboard is
damaged, you may need to replace it with a compatible one.

RAM problems and solutions:

Figure 4.6 Ram.

RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that
can be accessed randomly; any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the
preceding bytes. RAM is found in computers, servers, and other devices such as
printers.
If RAM malfunctions or fails, your PC may experience slowdowns, crashes, blue
screens, or errors. Some possible causes of RAM problems are dust, static electricity,
incompatible modules, or faulty slots. To fix RAM problems, you can try the
following steps:
Check the RAM modules and make sure they are clean and securely inserted in the
slots. You can use a soft brush or a cloth to remove any dust or dirt. You can also try
reseating the modules or swapping them to different slots to see if the problem
persists.
Check the RAM compatibility and make sure the modules have the same speed, size,
and type. You can use a software tool like CPU-Z or Speccy to check the RAM
specifications. If the modules are incompatible, you may need to replace them with
matching ones.

13
Check the RAM performance and stability using a software tool like Windows
Memory Diagnostic. These tools will run a series of tests on your RAM and report
any errors or failures. If the RAM is faulty, you may need to replace it with a new
one.

GPU Problems and Solutions:

A GPU or Graphics Processing Unit is an electronic circuit that your computer uses to
speed up the process of creating and rendering computer graphics.

Black screen: If your computer doesn’t display anything on the screen, try restarting
your graphics driver by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + Shift + B. You can also try
restarting your PC, turning the monitor off and on again, or plugging your monitor
into a different port on your graphics card. If none of these work, you may need to use
a different graphics card to confirm that it’s the GPU that’s causing the problem.

Visual artifacts: If you see strange lines, dots, or other visual anomalies on your
screen, it could be due to a faulty GPU. Try updating your graphics card drivers,
cleaning your GPU, or replacing your graphics card.

Poor performance: If your computer is running slowly or games are lagging, it could
be due to an underpowered or overheating GPU. Try cleaning your GPU, updating
your graphics card drivers, or upgrading your graphics card.

Overheating: If your GPU is overheating, it can cause your computer to crash or

display visual artifacts. Try cleaning your GPU, replacing your thermal paste, or
upgrading your cooling system.

Other problems: There are many other hardware components that can cause problems
for your PC, such as the graphics card, the sound card, the optical drive, the keyboard,
the mouse, etc. To troubleshoot these problems, you can try the following steps:
Check the device manager and make sure there are no yellow exclamation marks or
red crosses next to any device. These indicate that there is a problem with the device
driver or the device itself. You can try updating, reinstalling, or rolling back the
driver, or uninstalling and reinstalling the device.
Check the device connections and make sure they are not loose, damaged, or
corroded. You can try unplugging and plugging the device, or using a different cable,
port, or adapter. You can also try using the device on another PC to see if it works.
Check the device settings and make sure they are configured correctly. You can use
the control panel, the device software, or the BIOS to adjust the settings. You can also
try restoring the settings to default or using the troubleshooter to fix common
problems.

14
4.3.2 Software Maintenance of a desktop computer

Due to the limited duration of our internship, our programs to software maintenance
practices was restricted. but, we managed to gain a basic understanding of several
troubleshooting techniques and strategies for resolving software issues.

Some of these common software problems and solutions are:

Slow Performance: This can be caused by a lack of system resources, too many
programs running at once, or malware.
Solutions include closing unnecessary programs, increasing RAM, and running a
virus scan.
Software Installation Issues: Problems with permissions, insufficient storage, or
compatibility can prevent software from installing.
Here are a few steps involved in installing proper software on our computer.

 Ensure System Requirements: Before installing, check that your computer

meets the system requirements for the software.
 Download Software: Obtain the installation files by downloading them from
a trusted source or using physical media like a CD or USB drive.
 Run Installation: Locate the executable file (often named setup.exe or
similar) and double-click it to start the installation process.
 Follow Prompts: The installation wizard will guide you through the process.
You may need to agree to terms, choose an installation location, and select
components to install.
 Complete Installation: After following the prompts, the software will install.
You may need to restart your computer to finish the process.

Frequent Crashes or Freezes: These can be due to outdated drivers, overheating, or

hardware issues.
Updating drivers, ensuring proper ventilation, and checking for hardware
malfunctions can help.
Connectivity Problems: Issues with network drivers or settings can cause problems
connecting to the internet.
Updating network drivers and checking network settings can resolve these issues.
Printer Connectivity Issues: Printers may fail to connect due to driver problems or
incorrect settings. Reinstalling printer drivers and checking the connection can solve
this problem.

4.4 challenges that I experienced during the Industrial Practice

The only issue and challenge that I experienced During the Industrial Practice
(Intership), is that the time schedule given by our university was much lesser than the
needed time to fully complete my internship. And due to this , I didn’t get to fully
practice and get used to the work field.

15
 5. EVALUATION AND CRITIQUE

5.1 Evaluation on the Industrial practice.

Industrial practice is an essential component of computer science education. It is

designed to help students adapt their knowledge to the requirements of the
commercial and public sectors, and to train them to integrate productively into the
work of companies and institutions.
The primary objective of industrial practice is to enable students to integrate rapidly
and productively into the work process at a future employer, to learn the basic
business functions and organization of the company, to build upon and enhance
theoretical and practical knowledge acquired through study to date, and to perform
work independently and under a mentor in specific fields of computer and information
science.
The BGRS science and Technology bureau has enough man power and tools to
handle and teach effectively and guide students in the best possible way.

5.2 Critiques on the Industrial Practice

Industrial practice is generally pursued in the summer semester of the third year and
lasts for 9 weeks without a break. Although this was how it was supposed to go, the
time schedule given by our university is only 4 weeks and only once a week (half day
from 8:00 to 11:00) which is not enough time to complete and even practice to work
in these organizations. This was a little hard on students to overcome.
.

16
 6. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Throughout this comprehensive report, I've had the chance to express and articulate
my internship journey at BGRS Science and Technology bureau, an experience that
has enriched me with a multitude of computer maintenance skills. The past month
have been a time of growth, where I not only attained my preset objectives but also
significantly contributed to the profound insights that have fundamentally shaped my
understanding of the computer maintenance domain and its real-world applications,
along with network installation, website development and printer maintenance.
At BGRS Science and Technology bureau, I had the chance to carefully see and
practice the basics of troubleshooting and repairing many computer malfunctions.
Importantly, I honed the art of effective and empathetic communication with
customers, understanding their concerns with empathy and providing them with
sustainable solutions. Moreover, my tenure at the organization facilitated an
environment to thrive as a team player, where collaborative efforts led to tangible
outcomes and heightened customer satisfaction.
The sense of accomplishment derived from delivering quality service further
solidified my commitment to this field, amplifying my motivation to excel in the
realm of computer maintenance.
Undoubtedly, this internship has been a catalyst in enhancing my practical knowledge
and industry-specific experience. The exposure to multifaceted challenges has
equipped me with enough skills that will seamlessly integrate into my academic
pursuits and beyond, positioning me with a competitive edge as I embark on my
professional journey.
I am immensely grateful to BGRS Science and Technology bureau for entrusting me
with this invaluable opportunity and for their consistent support throughout my
practice. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisor and colleagues for their
unwavering guidance, which has been instrumental in my development. The
collaboration with them has been exceptionally enriching, and I am eager to maintain
these connections, leveraging the insight gained to continually elevate my proficiency
in computer maintenance. This transformative experience has not just ignited a deeper
passion for the field but has also instilled in me a resounding assurance in the path I
have chosen.

17
Recommendations

My recommendation for future is for the university is to adjust a regular time schedule
at least 2 -3 months full time practice hours so that students can have enough time to
implement and practice to apply their knowledge on real world problems and get used
to the working environments.

18
 7. References

Website links

 https://www.pcmag.com/news/top-free-software-picks-system-maintenance-
utilities

 https://www.cgtechnologies.com/hardware-support/what-is-computer-hardware-
maintenance/

 https://ethiostudy.com/course/view.php?id=4
 https://www.bgrsctb.gov.et/pages/resort.php

19