INFORMATION SHEET 2.

3-2
Adjustments, Modifications and Upgrading your PC
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to
Adjust, Modify and Upgrade your PC
Upgrading Your Computer Components
To upgrade means to change some parts with faster and better performing
ones. These parts may even cost less and more powerful.
Commonly Upgraded Computer Parts:
Monitors- replaced old CRT monitors to new LCD
monitors.

Optical drives- old cd-rom drives are commonly

replaced with DVD-ROM and DVD writers.

Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced

with faster and high capacity hard drives.

Keyboard and Mouse- keyboards and mouse are commonly replaced

with optical mouse and wireless keyboards.

RAM (Random Access Memory)- upgrading the computers memory

RAM speeds up the performance of the computer

or

Video Cards- upgrade computers graphics card to improve the computers

performance in terms of graphics and
games.

Processors- replacing the possessors

increases the data processing speed.

Router- installing a router enables your

computer to connect to the internet.

How to Speed up the Computer

1. Defragmenter utility: Automatically analyzes the empty disk space on the
hard disk and defrag all scattered files.

2. Shutdown Unnecessary programs: Close all unwanted programs at the

Windows startup and this will automatically increase the windows loading
time and speed of the computer will also be increased.

Close the
unnecessary
programs

3.Increased memory: increasing the

memory in the system will result to
exceptional speed of your computer.

4. Disk Cleanup: You can delete unwanted programs and files from your
computer and this will be helpful in increasing the speed.

5. Empty Recycle Bin: Delete all the files and folders from the recycle bin
and you will get the space of C drive for reusability.

Self Check 2.3-2

Write down the process of upgrading the following component:
1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

Answer key

1. Monitors- replaced old CRT monitors to new LCD monitors.

2. Optical drives- old cd-rom drives are commonly replaced with
DVD-ROM and DVD writers.
3. Keyboards are commonly replaced with wireless keyboards
4. Hard Drives- small capacity hard drives are replaced with faster
and high capacity hard drives.
5. Mouse- commonly replaced with optical mouse

TASK SHEET 2.3.1

Title
: Hardware Upgrade
Performance Objective
: Given the tools and materials, upgrade your
computer by installing a network card.
: Philip Screw Deriver
Anti-static wrist strap
Anti-static mat

Supplies/Tools

Tools/Equipment

: Working Computer
Network Card

Steps/ Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Prepare the needed tools, supplies & materials

Install the network card
Start the computer
Make necessary configuration
Test the functionality of the network card.

Assessment Method:
Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

Did you

CRITERIA

1. Observed safety precautions

2. Used appropriate tools in upgrading
3. Made necessary improvement and adjustment in
terms of upgrading.
1. Installed driver properly.

Yes

No

INFORMATION SHEET 2.3-3

Determining Defective Components
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Determining
Defective Components

Testing Procedures

Deciding When to Test the System.

and defects

Preparing to Test the System . Its recommended that you should

not plug your computer and monitor directly to a wall outlet. Rather,
you should purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The UPS
serves as a surge protector to prevent your system from being
damaged if a power spike is delivered to it and when power will fail
unexpectedly. The UPS gives you time to save your work and properly
shut down your system. If a system is turned off and back on rapidly,
its probably not good for the system. A very short power drop could
mimic this effect and could be hard on both the computer and the
monitor.

Identify computer symptoms

Test Your Computer Memory RAM

I want to do this!

Most Computer Memory comes with a life time warranty from the
manufacturer but this can be very inconvenient. You can return memory

easily to the seller in the 1st 2 weeks but most problems show themselves
much later and it always seems to happen when you need your computer
the most. Learn how to detect problems in the 1st 8 hours after you install
memory and save yourself from headaches and inconvenience down the
road.
Memory is an easy upgrade but how do you know its running at the
advertised speed? Do you know for sure its running error free? Memory can
arrive from the seller and have a defects that won't be seen for weeks or a
months. But then it happens. Blue screens, freezing, memory errors,
spontaneous reboots. All signs of defective memory. Read on to learn how to
protect yourself from buying bad memory.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:

New memory

CD burner

Blank CD-R or CDRW

1. We will assume you know how to buy the right memory. If not, visit
my article on buying the right memory.
2. Shut down your PC, unplug your computer, and Open the cover.
TIP: If you have toggle switch on the back of your power supply, you
can add more safety by turning the switch off and leaving the
computer plugged into the wall outlet. Yes, leave it plugged with the
hard power switch off. This provides an excellent ground to your
computer with no actual power applied.
3. we have 2 sticks of new memory rated for our computer.
Lets assume our computer has 4 slots. 2 slots are filled, 2 are empty.
With the case open, open the levers on the side of the installed memory
sticks and remove them. Put them in a safe place.
4. Insert the new memory sticks in the same place the old sticks were and
lock the levers. The reason we are doing these extra steps is so we can
test the new memory. Leaving in the old memory can affect the new
memory's speed reading or even errors in the old memory will not be
clearly the fault of the old memory.

5. Turn on the power and boot up. Watch for the prompt to access SETUP
or BIOS. Most popular keys for this are DEL, F2, or F10.
6. Inside the BIOS or Setup screen, look for the section called memory.
Check to see the memory is running at the speed you purchased and
displays the full amount you purchased. Exist setup and allow computer
to boot up fully.
7. Download Memtest86+ 2.11. Its free and supports DDR2 and DDR3
memory. Unzip the file and create a CD using the ISO file using your
favorite cd burner program. This is a bootable CD.

8. Reboot the PC and insert the CD you just made before the post screen is
done. Assuming your PC is set to boot from the CD first,(most are), the CD
will start up the MEMTEST program and start running. This will run over
and over. It will also count how many times its run and the number of errors
it encounters. The number of errors should be zero.
9. Let it run for up to 8 hours. Once you are satisfied, exit the program
using the legend on screen. Remove the CD, and turn off the computer.
10. You now know you have reliable memory that will likely last for years to
come
How to Tell if a Motherboard Is Defective

I want to do this

The motherboard is the backbone of your computer as it is the piece that all
of the other components are connected to. If your computer will not boot up
properly or power on at all the problem may potentially lie with the
motherboard. Because so many other components are connected to the
motherboard you will need to troubleshoot each other part first.

Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Screwdriver
Replacement processor
Replacement RAM modules
Replacement video card
1. Turn the computer off and then remove the power cable from the
electrical wall outlet. Plug a power cable from a different electrical device
into the outlet and power it on so that you can rule out the outlet as your
problem. Connect the computer's power cable back into the outlet.
2. Power the computer back on and place your hand behind the case near
the power supply. Wait a few moments to see if any air is pushed out of
the power supply by the cooling fan. Replace the power supply instead of
the motherboard if the fan is not working.
3. Shut down the computer again and pull out all of the cables from the
back side of the case. Remove any other devices you have connected to
the front ports on the computer such as a USB printer or jump drive.
4. Set down the computer so that the left side panel is facing towards you.
Unlock the side panel from the computer case by removing the case
screws if there are any. Twist of the thumbscrew or pull up on the metal
holding latch if the computer does not use case screws.
5. Remove the screws holding any expansion cards to the case and then pull
them off the motherboard. Pull out all of the cables running from the
motherboard to the power supply and drive bays. Pull out the screws
holding the motherboard to the case. Pull the motherboard straight up
out of the case and set it down carefully on a flat non-metal surface.
6. Check to make sure that there is no physical damage to the motherboard
such as bent pins or burnt transistors. Purchase a new motherboard and
place it back in the case if there is any visible damage.

7. Remove the screws holding the power supply to the case and slide it out
of the drive bay. Set it down near the motherboard and connect the SATA
cable from the motherboard to the power supply. Connect the power cable
from the power supply to a wall outlet. Plug cable from the computer's
monitor into the corresponding port on the motherboard.
8. Remove the RAM modules and replace them with another set. Press down
the power button on the motherboard with a screwdriver or another flat
object. Wait to see if the computer loads up without error, which will
indicate that the problem is with the RAM modules instead of with the
motherboard.
9. Power the motherboard back off and replace the processor with a
different one. Turn the motherboard back on and see if the system boots
up normally, which will indicate a defective processor.
10. Turn the motherboard off and replace the video card with a different one.
Power the motherboard on and see if the system boots up, which will
indicate a defective video card.
11. Replace the motherboard if the system still will not boot up after all of the
other components have been checked.
How to Know If a Sound Card Is Bad

I want to do this!

You turn on your computer one morning, hoping to listen to the morning
news, but there's one tiny little problem. You're not getting any sound out of
the speakers. A few simple steps will determine what is wrong.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:

Extra set of speakers

Another computer

Internet access

1.

Try restarting the computer to see if it does it again. It may be a freak

incident.

2.

If that doesn't work then check to make sure that everything is

plugged in and is turned on. This includes checking the wires from the
speakers to the computer and making sure the speakers have power. Also
check to see if the volume isn't muted or turned down extremely low.

3.

Check to see if the driver is working. Click the start menu, right click
on the computer icon, and select properties. On the left hand side under
task select device manager and select sound, video and games controller.
Double click on your sound device to bring up the properties page. From
here it will tell you if your sound card is working properly or not. If it isn't
try reinstalling the sound card driver. If the sound card is not showing up
at all, then it might be defective.

4.

The next step is to rule out the speakers. Either take them and hook
they up to another computer to see if they work or you can take different
speakers and hook it up to the computer to see if they work. If they do
work chances are the card is defective.

5.

Before ruling out the sound card is toast, try rolling Windows back to
an earlier date by using System Restore which is located under
accessories > System Tools. Restore the computer to a few days before the
problem started to happen.

Self Check 2.3-3

TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and F if the statement is
False.
____1.
Its recommended that you should plug your computer
and monitor directly to a wall outlet.
____2.
The motherboard is the backbone of your computer as it
is the piece that all of the other components are connected to.
____3.
If your computer will not boot up properly or power on at
all the problem may potentially lie with the keyboard.
____4.
You must turn the computer off before removing any
component from the motherboard.

____5. The first step in troubleshooting your PC is to restart the system.

Answer Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

F
T
F
T
T

JOB SHEET 2.3-1

Title
Performance Objectives:

Supplies

PC Troubleshooting

Given the necessary tools, materials and

equipment, perform PC testing and
troubleshooting.
: Manuals

Tools/Equipment

: Defective Computer Unit, Automatic Voltage

Regulator (AVR), Power Cables, Sound card, Video
card, Screw Diver

Steps/ Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Prepare the needed tools, supplies and materials.

Test and find defective component of the given pc.
Replace the defective component.
Test the functionality by starting computer.

Assessment Method:
Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST

Did you

Criteria

1. Plugged in the power cable properly.

2. Connected AVR to the Power source properly.
3. Carefully observed safety precautions.
4. Identified and replaced defective component.
5. Replaced defective devices successfully.
6. Repaired defective PC successfully.
7. Observed OHS Procedures.

YES

NO

LEARNING
OUTCOME 4

TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

CONTENTS:
Guidelines for testing computer system
Advance networking
Computer systems operation
Digital electronics
Communications
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
2 Computer systems and networks are tested in accordance with the job
requirements
3 Information are shared from one computer to another as primary requirement
in computer networking
4 Reports are prepared and completed according to the company requirements
CONDITION:
The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

Computer system:
- Servers
- Workstations
- Printers
Policies and procedures:
- Procedures and guidelines for testing
Testing devices:
- Network cable tester
- Hubs

ASSESSMENT METHOD:
Demonstration & Oral Questioning
Written Test
LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 4
TEST SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
Learning Activities
1. Read information sheet 2.4-1
Testing Computer System

2. Answer self-check 2.4-1

3. Perform Task Sheet 2.4-1

Testing a Computer Unit

4. Read information sheet 2.4-2

Enumerating unpredicted events

5. Do Task Sheet 2.4-2

Error codes

Special Instructions
If you have some problem on the
content of the information sheet
dont hesitate to approach your
facilitator.
If
you
feel
you
are
now
knowledgeable on the content of
the information sheet, you can now
answer self check provided in the
module.
Compare your answer to the
answer key 2.4-1. If you got 100%
correct answer in this self-check,
you can now perform task Sheet
2.4-1. If not review the information
sheet and go over the self-check
again.
Compare
your
work
to
the
performance checklist. If you got
100% correct answer in this task,
you can now move to the next
information sheet. If not review the
information sheet and go over the
task again.
If you have some problem on the
content of the information sheet
dont hesitate to approach your
facilitator.
If you feel that you are now
knowledgeable on the content of
the information sheet, you can now
do Task Sheet 2.4-2 provided in the
module.
Compare your work to the checklist
and let your trainer check it. If you
got 100% correct answer in this
task, you can now move to the next
self-check. If not review the
information sheet and go over the
task again.

6. Answer self-check 2.4-2

Compare your answer to the

answer key 2.4-2. If you got 100%
correct answer in this self-check,
you can now move to the next
Competency. If not review the
information sheet and go over the
self-check again.

INFORMATION SHEET 2.4-1

Testing Computer System

Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to Test Computer
System

Three Major Components of Computer System:

Hardware
Software
Firmware
Test Your Hardware
Checking your computer hardware and its peripherals
1. Computer Monitor and its peripherals
Monitor and interface cables
Video card
Monitor power cable
2. Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard connector
Mouse Connector
3. I/O port and devices
Connection between the I/O port and the peripheral device
A faulty cable between the I/O port and the peripheral device
A faulty peripheral device
Incorrect settings in the System Setup program
Incorrect settings in the system's configuration files
Faulty I/O port logic on the system board
4. Power supply
Power cord
Fuse

Serial ports

Power supply

Testing Your Software

Check the different software installed in the computer.
1. Operating system
Run live updates for your operating systems to get the latest
patches and protection for your OS.
Run registry scanners to check the OS registry configuration

2. Application Software
Check for live updates

3. Anti-virus software
Run anti-virus program
Check for virus signature updates
Check for spyware updates

Test Your Firmware

Firmware- a combination of hardware and software integrated on a chip.
How do you test your firmware?
Example: Check for the correct configuration on your firmware, you can
accomplish this by configuring the BIOS in the computer

Sample Accomplishment Report Form

Task to be accomplished
Hardware component testing

Working
properly

Status
Not working
properly

Working
properly

Status
Not working
properly

Software testing

Self Check 2.4-1

What are the three major components of computer systems?
1.
2.
3.

Answer Key 2.4-1

1 Hardware

2 Software

3 Firmware

TASK SHEET 2.4-1

Title
: Testing a Computer Unit
Performance Objectives:
Given the necessary tools, supplies and materials, test
the following computer peripherals and equipment with
the use of the tools provider. Document your testing
with the use of an accomplishment form.
Supplies /Tools

Equipment

: Multi-tester
Screw driver
Keyboard and mouse
Bond paper
Ruler and Pencil

: Computer unit

Monitor
Power cables
Steps/ Procedures:
1. Prepare the necessary tools and materials.
2. Prepare observation checklist
3. Start the computer.
4. Test the different component of your PC.
5. Accomplish the observation checklist.

Assigned Task
Hardware component testing

Condition
Working
Not working
properly
properly

Computer monitor

Power supply
Keyboard
Mouse
Assessment Method:
Demonstration, Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

Did you

CRITERIA

1. Followed sequence of steps in testing.

2. Observed safety precautions.
3. Used appropriate tools in testing.
4. Accomplished report are filled-up properly.

Yes

No

INFORMATION SHEET 2.4-2

Enumerating unpredicted events

Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify and
Enumerating unpredicted events and errors in personal computer.
Error Beep codes

When a PC is first switched on or reset it performs a special diagnostic test

called a POST (Power-On Self Test), to check all of the components in the PC

the POST program sends out a signal to each device initializing each device's
built-in self test procedure.
The POST test is a two stage process:
1. First it will check all of the basic components including among other
things the system clock, the processor, RAM, the
keyboard controller and the Video
2. After the video has been tested the BIOS will then
indicate any errors encountered by displaying either a
numeric code or a text message on the screen.
When a device fails the first part of the POST, the BIOS will send a series of
beeps from the PC's speaker (internal) to inform the PC user that there is a
problem, these beeps are coded allowing the user to diagnose the
troublesome component.
When the POST has been completed successfully the PC will make a short
beep to let the user know everything is as it should be.
Three major brands of BIOS chip
1 AWARD BIOS
2 Phoenix BIOS
3 AMI BIOS
Each type of BIOS chip has it own error code
AMI BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES
Indicator
Error message
1 Beep
Memory refresh
failure
2 Beeps
Memory parity error

Solutions
Check memory
Check memory

3 Beeps

Memory read/write
error

Check memory

4Beeps

Motherboard timer
not functioning
Processor error

Replace
motherboard
Replace processor

6 Beeps

Gate A20/keyboard
controller failure

Replace
motherboard

7 Beeps

Processor exception
interrupt

Replace processor

5Beeps

8 Beeps

Display memory
read/write failure

Replace video card

9 Beeps

ROM checksum
error

Replace BIOS
chip/Motherboard

10 Beeps

CMOS shutdown
read/write error

Replace BIOS
chip/Motherboard

11 Beeps

Bad cache memory

Replace cache
memory

Phoenix BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Phoenix BIOS beep codes are a series of beeps separated by a pause, for
example:
beep --- beep beep --- beep --- beep beep would be 1-2-1-2
Indicator
1-1-4-1
1-2-2-3

Error message
Cache error
BIOS ROM
Checksum

Solutions
Check cache
memory
Check BIOS ROM

1-3-1-1

DRAM test rate

Check DRAM

1-3-1-3

Keyboard controller
test
RAM failure

Check keyboard
controller
Check memory

RAM failure data

bits of low memory
bus
RAM failure data
bits of high memory
bus
ROM copyright
notice
Test for unexpected
interrupt

Check memory

1-3-4-1
1-3-4-3

1-4-1-1

2-1-2-3
2-2-3-1

AWARD BIOS ERROR BEEP CODES

Check memory

Check ROM

Indicator

Error message

Solutions

One long beep and

two short beeps

Video error

Replace video card

Two short beeps

Non-fatal error

Reset RAM, Check

other components.

TASK SHEET 2.4-2

Title

: Error codes

Performance Objective

Tools/Supplies

Equipment

: Given the tools and equipment, identify the

different error code by removing the cards in
the computer unit

: Screw drivers
Anti-static wrist strap
: Computer unit

Steps/ Procedure:
1. Prepare necessary tools, materials and equipment.
2. Remove card and identify error code.
3. Record the result of your test

Assessment Method:
Demonstration with questioning , Performance Criteria checklist

Performance Criteria Checklist

You will be assessed using the following criteria

Evaluation:
CRITERIA
1. Observed of safety precautions.
2. Used Appropriate tools in testing.
3. Identified the error.

Yes

No

Self Check 2.4-2

Place your answers on a separate paper:
Answer the following questions
1 What does the acronym POST stand for?
2 Three types of BIOS chip? Enumerate the three common brands of
Bios
Chip?
3 Identify the following error codes:

1-2-2-3
1-3-4-1
2-1-2-3
1-1-4-1
1-3-1-1

Answer key 2.4-2

1. POST- Power On Self Test
2. BIOS brands
a AMI
b AWARD
c Phoenix

3. Identify the error code:

1-2-2-3= BIOS ROM checksum
1-3-4-1=RAM Failure
2-1-2-3=ROM copyright notice
1-1-4-1=Cache error
1-3-1-1=DRAM fresh rate

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READINGS

http://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Computer-Problem
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ph/windows7/diagnosing-memoryproblems-on-your-computer
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/pc/problems/diagnosis.php

INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATION
EVIDENCE PLAN
TRAINEES NAME
FACILATATORS NAME
COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

Ways in which evidence will be collected:

[tick the column]

The evidence must show that the candidate

Faults and error of computer system properly determined.*
Tools (hardware/software) identified in accordance with its uses and
functions.
Safety precautions established in accordance with workplace
procedures.*
Components or parts of computer system clearly identified
Functions of the computer systems explained
Faults and failures of the computer systems diagnosed base on the
job requirements*
Defective components properly replaced and corrected*
Error in networks clearly identified and repaired in line with standard
procedures*
Defective components identified and separated to other components
Computer systems and networks are tested in accordance with the
job requirements
Information are shared from one computer to another as primary
requirement in computer networking

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

Interview

1. Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer Systems and

Networks
Witten Test

UNIT OF COMPETENCY
COVERED

Demonstration

QUALIFICATION

Reports are prepared and completed according to the company

requirements
Faults and error of computer system properly determined.*

X
X

NOTE: *Critical aspects of competency

DEMONSTRATION CHECKLIST
TRAINEES NAME
TRAINERS NAME
QUALIFICATION
UNIT OF COMPETENCY
COVERED

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

2. Diagnose and Troubleshoot Computer
Systems and Networks

DATE OF EVALUATION
TIME OF EVALUATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEMONSTRATION
Given the necessary materials, tools and equipment, the trainee must be able to perform the
following within four (4) hours
Install Computer Systems and Networks
Materials & Equipment
Observation:
1. Faults and error of computer system properly
determined.
2. Tools (hardware/software) identified in accordance
with its uses and functions.
3. Safety precautions established in accordance with
workplace procedures.
4. Components or parts of computer system clearly
identified
5. Functions of the computer systems explained
6. Faults and failures of the computer systems
diagnosed base on the job requirements
7. Defective components properly replaced and
corrected
8. Error in networks clearly identified and repaired in line
with standard procedures
9. Defective components identified and separated to
other components
10. Computer systems and networks are tested in
accordance with the job requirements
11.Information are shared from one computer to another

/ to show if evidence is
demonstrated
Yes
No
N/A

as primary requirement in computer networking

12. Reports are prepared and completed according to
the company requirements

QUALIFICATION: COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: INSTALL COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: ( For the candidate)
A. Given the necessary
perform the following
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

tools,

materials

and

equipment,

PC testing and troubleshooting

Identify faulty connection of Computer and Peripherals.
Upgrade your computer by installing a network card.
Upgrade the previous operating system to Windows 7 or Higher.
Troubleshoot network connection.

Duration: 2 hours
Accomplish the following before the allotted time.

COMPETENCY EVALUATION RESULT SUMMARY

TRAINEES NAME
FACILITATORS NAME
QUALIFICATION
COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
DATE OF EVALUATION
TIME OF EVALUATION
The Performance of the Trainee in the following assessment
Satisfactory
Not
methods
[ Please Tick appropriate box]
Satisfactory
A. Demonstration
1. Diagnose & troubleshoot Computer Systems and
network.
Did the trainees overall performance meet the required
evidences/standards?
Recommendation
For re-evaluation ________________________________
Qualified to take the Next Competency
General comments [Strengths/Improvement Needed]

Trainees Signature

Date:

Facilitators Signature:

Date: