Wollo University

Kombolcha Institute of Technology

College of Informatics
Department of information Technology
COURSE OUTLINE
Program Extension
Course Information

Module Name Computer Maintenance Module Number ITec-M3031

Course Title Computer Maintenance and Technical Support
Course Code ITec3031 ECTS 7
Students’ Workload Lecture Hrs: 32 Lab Hrs: 96 Tutorial Hrs: 0 Home Study: 61
Prerequisite Course code Computer Organization and Architecture
Academic Year 2017 Semester II Course Type Core
th
Target Group 4 Information Technology students
Instructor Information

Name Kibrom H.(MSc) Office Informatics building R-102

Address Kibrom.haf2014@gmail.com/ Kibromhaf2014.blogspot.com
Course Description
This course exposes the student to hardware components of computer system and software from technician’s
point of view. The course teaches about CPU types and installation, RAM 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.

Learning Outcomes [Competency]

At the end of this course students will be able to:

 Understand and identify PC hardware components, build ,configure ,upgrade ,and maintain a computer
  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 and Install RAM, Cards and other devices
 Install operating systems and application software, diagnose computer problems and solve the problems
 Week Course Contents and Schedule Evaluation

Week 1 & 2 Chapter one : 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

Week 3 & 4 Chapter two: Computer Cases and the Motherboard

Computer cases Test

Safety and the computer

System Cover removal and replacement
System board defined
System board evolution
Removing and replacing motherboard
Troubleshooting the motherboard
Week 5 & 6 Chapter three: CPU and Memory
 CPU Memory
History of CPU Random Access Memory defined
Types of CPU Physical memory packaging
CPU Sockets and slots Types of memory
Upgrading CPUs Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
Identify Memory Problems and upgrading

Week 7 & 8 Chapter Four: Power Supplies and Storage Devices

Power Supplies Storage Devices Test

Power supplies The Hard Drive
Types of power supply The CD-ROM Drive
Batteries
Troubleshooting the Power Supply

Week 9 & 10 Chapter five: Bus and Cards

Bus Cards assignment

o Types of Bus o The Video Card
o Expansion Buses o The Sound Card and Network card

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Week 11 & 12 Chapter six: I/O Connectors, Monitor and BIOS

I/O Connectors Introduction to Monitor BIOS

The Serial Port Types of Displays Basic input /Output System
The Parallel Port Health and Safety Concerns Error messages and solutions
I/O connectors Monitor Connections Advanced BIOS Features
Troubleshooting the Video System

Week 13, 14 & Chapter seven: Software Concepts

15
 Introductions to operating system Assignment

 Disk use, Booting and File systems Final exam

 Registry Editing in Windows

 OS Architecture and Important OS files

 Installing Hardware, and Software

 Operating System Installation and Management

Course Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment Method Weight

Tests 30%
Assignments 10%
Lab exam 20%
Final exam 40%
Total 100%

Texts and References Materials

1. PC troubleshooting and repair , Stephen J. Bigelows

2. PC troubleshooting and repair Stephen J. Bigelows(available at main Library).

3. Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows By Scott Mueller, Brian Knittel (available in softcopy).
4. A+ a complete guide, third edition. By David Groth (available in softcopy).

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