BASIC OF COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE: HARDWARE

FACILITATOR GUIDE
Module # 351201001-KM-02
NQF Level 05

Notional hours 300

Credit(s) 30
Curriculum Code 351201000
SAQA QUAL ID 101408
Qualification Title Occupational Certificate: Computer Technician

1
CONTACT INFORMATION:

Name
Contact Address
Telephone (H)
Telephone (W)
Cellular

2
PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Upon completion of the qualification students will be expected to provides technical

assistance to users, including diagnosing and resolving issues and problems with software,
hardware, computer peripheral equipment, networks, databases, systems and the internet.
The qualification outcomes cover types of software, hardware, components, upgrading and
troubleshooting a computer, formatting and partitioning hard drives, and network topologies.
Green technology, maintaining records of daily problems and remedial actions, and prepare
evaluations for systems performance.

A qualified learner will be able to:

 Identify the potential green technologies, processes and procedures to create a
sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste in an organisation.
 Set up desktop/laptop for a new user according to software compatibility by installing
operating systems and peripheral equipment according to given specifications.
 Communicate effectively using appropriate methods to maintain effective customer
relationships according to organisational standards.
 Analyse and resolve hardware/software problems such as operational discrepancies
to optimise performance of the desktop/laptop systems.
 Apply knowledge of principles and practices in order to identify and solve problems
arising in the course of their work.

Rationale:
This qualification is a response to Output 3.1.2 of the NSDS III target: Programmes offered
to meet industry needs, including those supporting apprenticeships and N-Courses, are
reviewed, updated and made available to and accessed by employers. With the increase in
personal computers, home computers, and computers in schools and businesses, it is
important that students are trained to be able to maintain and upgrade computers and their
components.
The qualification will prepare students to become competent as a computer technician with
an understanding of computer hardware and software troubleshooting. Students will also be
competent and have hands-on computer repair skills.

3
Computer technicians provide assistance to computer users by answering questions,
resolving technical problems and maintaining a company's network, software and computer
equipment. They are also called desktop support technicians or computer support
specialists.

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical

Skill Modules: Knowledge Modules:
1. 351201001-KM-01, Introduction to Data Communication and Networking, Level 5, 15
Credits.
2. 351201001-KM-02, Basics of Computer Architecture: Hardware, Level 5, 30 Credits.
3. 351201001-KM-03, Basics of Computer Architecture: Software, Level 5, 30 Credits.
4. 351201001-KM-04, Basic Concepts of Sustainable Computer Environment and
Green Technologies, Level 4, 10 Credits.
5. 351201001-KM-05, Social Media and Digital Literacy, Level 4, 5 Credits.
6. 351201001-KM-06, End User Computing, Level 3, 6 Credits.
7. 351201001-KM-07, Business communication and customer services, Level 5, 8
Credits.
8. 351201001-KM-08, Ready for work standards, Level 4, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 109.

Practical Skill Modules:

1. 351201001-PM-01, Troubleshoot computer and network faults, Level 5, 30 Credits.
2. 351201001-PM-02, Maintain computer and network security Level 4, 8 Credits.
3. 351201001-PM-03, Provide support to end Users, Level 5, 30 Credits.
4. 351201001-PM-04, Install computer software and hardware, Level 4, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

1. 351201001-WM-01, Respond to user inquiries regarding fault request, NQF Level 5,
30 Credits.
2. 351201001-WM-02, Set up equipment for users, check operating system
performance and ensure proper installation of cables and software, Level 5, 25
Credits.

4
 3. 351201001-WM-03, Processes of maintaining computer systems and peripherals,
Level 5, 15 Credits.
4. 351201001-WM-04, Identify the potential green technologies, processes and
procedures for cost effective application and create a sustainable computer
environment to reduce e-waste, Level 4, 10 Credits.
5. 351201001-WM-05, Maintain records of daily data communication transactions,
problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities, Level 4, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 100.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify the potential green technologies, processes and procedures to create a

sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste in an organisation.
2. Set up a desktop/laptop for a new user according to software compatibility by
installing operating systems and peripheral equipment according to given
specifications.
3. Communicate effectively using appropriate methods to maintain effective customer
relationships according to organisational standards.
4. Analyse and resolve hardware/software problems such as operational discrepancies
to optimise performance of the desktop/laptop systems.
5. Apply knowledge of principles and practices in order to identify and solve problems
arising in the course of their work.

5
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

An NQF Level 4 qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria
specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning.
Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of
result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification:

Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the
relevant access requirements.

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
PROVIDER ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MODULE:

Physical Requirements:
 The provider must have lesson plans and structured learning material or provide
learners with access to structured learning material that addresses all the topics in all
the knowledge modules.
 In addition, the following must be provided:
 A computer with the necessary software per student in class
 Printers
 Access to internet facilities
 Distance and e-learning modalities available to learners

Human Resource Requirements:

 Lecturer/ learner ratio of 1:30 (Max)
 Lecturers need to be qualified at a Level 6 or higher in the relevant field or have at
least 5 years relevant experience in Business Communication and Customer
services

Legal Requirements:
 Legally compliant venue (i.e. Fire protection services, OHS and other legislation)
 Code of Conduct
 Valid licenced software
6
  Approved and accredited by the relevant AQP as per QCTO requirements
 It would be advantageous if lecturers are registered with a relevant Professional
Body for continuous professional development purposes
 Assessor and Moderator have professional recognition in the Business
Communication and Customer services field of expertise and approved by the
relevant AQP

Exemptions
 Communication N4, Communication N5, Communication N6, Management
Communication N4, Management Communication N5 and Management
Communication N6

7
TOPIC ELEMENTS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE:

The learning will enable learners to demonstrate an understanding of:

1. KM-02-KT01: Personal computers and handheld devices and their functions (20%)
2. KM-02-KT02: Assembling and disassembling computer and peripherals (40%)
3. KM-02-KT03: Installation of computer peripherals (40%)

KM-02-KT01: Personal computers and handheld devices and their functions (20%)

KT0101 Features of computer components and their functions

KT0102 Different computer hardware components
KT0103 Types of input, output and storage devices

Question
1
Identify features of computer components and their functions
Motherboard
The motherboard is an important computer component because it's what everything else
connects to! The motherboard is a decently sized circuit board that lets other components
communicate. A motherboard has ports that face outside a PC's case, so you can charge
your computer, plug in a monitor, or connect a mouse.

8
A computer's motherboard also contains slots for expansions, so you can add additional
accessory ports if you wish. The motherboard also stores low-level information like the
system time even when the computer is turned off.

Power Supply
True to its name, the power supply powers all other components of the machine. It usually
plugs into the motherboard to power the other parts. The power supply connects to either an
internal battery (on a laptop) or a plug for an outlet (on a desktop).

9
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A CPU, sometimes referred to as a computer's brain, is the workhorse of the machine. It
performs the calculations needed by a system, and can vary in speed. The work that a CPU
does generates heat, which is why your computer has a fan inside. A more powerful CPU is
necessary for intense computer work like editing high-definition video or programming
complex software.

Random-access Memory (RAM)

RAM is temporary memory. Whenever you open up a Microsoft Word window, your
computer places it in RAM, and when you close the window, that RAM is freed. Since RAM
is volatile, its contents are lost if the machine loses power. This is why you lose a Word
document when the power goes out if you didn't save it.

Hard Disk Drive / Solid State Drive

Since RAM is temporary, your computer needs a place to store data permanently. That's
where the hard drive comes in. The traditional hard drive consists of several spinning
platters with an arm that physically writes data to the disk. However, these drives are slow
and are starting to be replaced by the faster solid-state drives.

10
Solid-state drives consist of flash memory, like your smartphone or flash drive. They are
much faster than traditional hard disk drives, though cost more for the increased efficiency.
Both types of drives come in various sizes to suit different needs.

Replacing a hard drive with a solid state drive is one of the best computer upgrades you can
make — the speed difference is amazing.

Video Card

11
A video card is a dedicated unit for handling the output of images to a display. Video cards
have their own dedicated RAM for performing these functions. A high-end video card is
required to process extremely intense visual functions, such as computer drafting by
engineers. Like many components, many types of video cards are available with varying
power and prices.

An alternative to a video card is integrated graphics, which occurs when the system borrows
regular RAM for graphics processing. Typically, integrated graphics are attached to the CPU,
especially on laptops. Integrated graphics is sufficient for normal computing use and is less
expensive than a dedicated card, but won't work for intense editing jobs or high-end games.

Optical Drives
Though less common than they used to be, many machines still have an optical drive for
reading CDs and DVDs. These can be used to listen to music or watch movies, place
information onto a blank disc, or install software from a disc. Since most software nowadays
is installed from the internet instead of using discs, these aren't as important as they once
were, especially on laptops.

12
Input and Output Devices
Depending on your particular computer, you can connect a variety of devices to send
information into it or out of it. Common input devices include mice (touchpads on laptops),
keyboards, and webcams, while output devices consist of monitors, printers, and speakers.
Removable media such as flash drives and SD cards can also be used to transfer data
between computers.

KM-02-KT02: Assembling and disassembling computer and peripherals (40%)

KT0201 Plan the assembling of computer and peripherals

KT0202 Health and Safety measures when assembling and
dissembling computer and peripherals
KT0203 Explain the procedure on how to assemble and dissemble a
computer

Question
2
Describe how to assembly of a computer and peripherals

13
How to Assemble a Basic Desktop PC

Step 1: Procuring Parts

First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the computer. The parts we will use in
this project are labeled in figure 1:

 Processor (CPU)
 Computer Case
 Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)
 Memory (RAM)
 Power Supply
 SATA Cables
 Motherboard (SATA Capable)
 Processor Fan
 Case Fan
 Hard Drive (SATA Capable)
 Assortment of case and drive screws (Not Pictured)
 Flowers (necessary if you are invading the space of your significant other)

Most, if not all of these parts can be bought together in what is known as a “barebones kit”.
In this instance, the case, motherboard, cpu, hard drive, and memory were bought together
from tigerdirect.com as a barebones kit for around $200. The DVD drive and cables were
purchased from newegg.com for less than $30 before shipping. There is an obvious financial
advantage to buying parts bundled together, but less obvious is the benefit you will realize
from the amount of time you save trying to research parts compatibility.

Caution: Double check the manufacturer’s specifications on all items before you purchase
them. Kits are supposed to contain compatible parts, but mistakes can happen.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies

14
Gather the tools you will need for the project:

 Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)

 Wire cutters and strippers
 Needle-nosed pliers
 Utility knife
 Small flashlight
 Adjustable wrench
 Small container to hold screws
 Heat sink compound
 Grounding Strap

You may not use every single one of these tools in every installation, but it is best to have all
of them on hand in case you have a use for them.

Warning: Using incorrect tools for a task (such as turning a screw with a knife blade) can
cause equipment damage and bodily injury.

Step 3: Open the Case

Open the computer case by removing the side panels. Find the screws that hold the side
panels in place and remove them (shown in figure 3 circled in red). The panel is removed by
first sliding it back (figure 4) then lifting it away from the case (figure 5).

Warning: Case may have sharp edges. Handle with care to avoid injury.

Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly

Three things need to be done before assembly begins:

 Remove any parts or packaging materials that may have been shipped inside the
case (figure 6).
 Remove the cover for the optical drive. On our case, we will be removing the cover
on the highest drive bay to mount our DVD drive as shown in figure 7. Do this by
pressing in the retaining tabs shown in figure 8.

15
  Make note of the cables pre-installed in the case. These should be front panel
connections for features such as the power switch, audio jacks and usb ports. If they
are not labeled, consult the manufacturer’s documentation and label them yourself
now before other parts are installed in the case (figure 8).

Step 5: Ground Yourself

Put the grounding strap on your wrist (Figure 10) and connect the other end to the computer
case. If your strap is not equipped with a clip to hook to the case, find a place to wedge
against the metal as shown in figure 11. This will prevent any buildup of static electricity on
your body from damaging the computer components.

Caution: Static electricity can ruin computer components. Always wear a grounding strap
when handling any internal components.

Step 6: Install Motherboard

To install the motherboard we need parts that should have been included with your
purchased components:
 I/O Bezel is a trim panel installed in the back of the case that surrounds the interface
ports on the motherboard. It should be included with the motherboard. Figure 12
shows the contents of the motherboard box.
 Standoffs are installed in the case screw holes to create a riser that separates the
case and motherboard. The screws install into the standoffs as shown in figure 13.
Screws and standoffs should be included with the case, but it is a good idea to order
these items just in case they aren't included.

KM-02-KT03: Installation of computer peripherals (40%)

KT0301 Basic hardware troubleshooting

KT0302 Methods of testing and identifying errors

16
KT0303 How to install computer peripherals

Question
3
Explain how to diagnose and repair a computer
Computer problems can be hardware of software-related. Through a well-executed
diagnostic procedure, you will be able to pinpoint the exact problem that is impairing your
computer’s functionality. After you’ve plainly defined the problem, you can them work your
way to finding the perfect remedy. Throughout this post, you will see our recommendations
for the best computer diagnostic software available to help you fix your computer problems.
Step 1: POST
One of the first steps for fixing computer hardware faults is by starting with the POST. The
Power ON Self-Test (POST) is generally what your computer goes through when you turn it
on before the operating system loads. This computer test will be useful in displaying
hardware problems that won’t boot. By observing this test, you may also discover problems
that limit the operation potential of your computer even if it boots normally.
There are a few principal duties of the #BIOS during a POST such as:
 verifying the BIOS code itself and the integrity of the BIOS.
 Checking the registers of the CPU
 Finding and verifying the main memory of the system itself
 BIOS initialization
 Catalogue, discover & initialize system devices and buses
 Just to name a few

Check out the curated piece below which can tell you in more detail about the System Post
process:
In order for a computer to successfully boot, its BIOS, operating system and hardware
components must all be working properly; failure of any one of these three elements will
likely result in a failed boot sequence.

When the computer’s power is first turned on, the CPU initializes itself, which is triggered by
a series of clock ticks generated by the system clock. Part of the CPU’s initialization is to
look to the system’s ROM BIOS for its first instruction in the startup program. The ROM
BIOS stores the first instruction, which is the instruction to run the power-on self test (POST),

17
in a predetermined memory address. POST begins by checking the BIOS chip and then
tests CMOS RAM. If the POST does not detect a battery failure, it then continues to initialize
the CPU, checking the inventoried hardware devices (such as the video card), secondary
storage devices, such as hard drives and floppy drives, ports and other hardware devices,
such as the keyboard and mouse, to ensure they are functioning properly.

The BIOS typically looks to the CMOS chip to tell it where to find the OS, and in most PCs,
the OS loads #from the C drive on the hard drive even though the BIOS has the capability to
load the OS from a floppy disk, CD or ZIP drive. The order of drives that the CMOS looks to
in order to locate the OS is called the boot sequence, which can be changed by altering the
CMOS setup. Looking to the appropriate boot drive, the BIOS will first encounter the boot
record, which tells it where to find the beginning of the OS and the subsequent program file
that will initialize the OS.

Once the OS initializes, the BIOS copies its files into memory and the OS basically takes
over control of the boot process. Now in control, the OS performs another inventory of the
system’s memory and memory availability (which the BIOS already checked) and loads the
device drivers that it needs to control the peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner,
optical drive, mouse and keyboard. This is the final stage in the boot process, after which the
user can access the system’s applications to perform tasks.

From wacky alarm clocks to lecture hall tools and after class entertainment, these Android
apps are a good fit for a student’s life and budget. Read More »

Step 2: SMART
Your computer has a built in Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology that let the
hard drive monitor itself and give you forewarning in case it begins to experience problems.
Though not always dead-on accurate, this feature is often useful for diagnosing hard drives
that are failing before they fail completely. Typically, a SMART error message is an
indication of impending hard drive failure.

18
Step 3: OS Load Time Test
If your computer takes an unusually long time to load the operating system, you have
probable reason to assume that there are errors in the hard drive. The most common causes
of slow OS loading are hard drive seek errors. Other hard drive errors may also cause your
computer’s operating system to load slowly. If you’re just overall looking to improve the
Operating System load time, you could consider installing a Solid State Hard Drive in to your
computer. Typically, the read/write speeds of SSD drives are 5 times faster than traditional
mechanical hard drives. Take a look at this article below outlining the difference between
standard hard drives and Solid-State drives.

Until recently, PC buyers had very little choice for what kind of file storage they got with their
laptop, ultrabook, or desktop. If you bought an ultrabook or ultraportable, you likely had a
solid-state drive (SSD) as the primary drive (C: on Windows, Macintosh HD on a Mac).
Every other desktop or laptop form factor had a hard disk drive (HDD). Now, you can
configure your system with either an HDD, SSD, or in some cases both. But how do you
choose? We explain the differences between SSDs and HDDs, and walk you through the
advantages and disadvantage of both to help you come to your decision.

HDD and SSD Explained The traditional spinning hard drive (HDD) is the basic nonvolatile
storage on a computer. That is, it doesn’t “go away” like the data on the system memory
when you turn the system off. Hard drives are essentially metal platters with a magnetic
coating. That coating stores your data, whether that data consists of weather reports from
the last century, a high-definition copy of the Star Wars trilogy, or your digital music
collection. A read/write head on an arm accesses the data while the platters are spinning in
a hard drive enclosure.

19