Introduction to computer maintenance

Competency

Implement Maintenance Procedures

Maintain Equipment and Consumables
Apply Problem Solving Techniques to Routine
Malfunction
 Introduction To Computer

 Computer :- A Computer is an automatic electronic, calculating device which can

process a given input in a prescribed manner to produce a desired output, at a very
high speed with remarkable accuracy. It can also perform all arithmetic and logical
functions according to instructions given in a systematic order to solve any problem
and produce processed information

 Characteristics of Computers
 Speed
 Storage
 High
 Accuracy..
Computer System components of computer

 Computer System components of computer

Hardware
Software

Hardware:- refers to the visible part of the computer that we can see
and feel its existence (touch).
E.g. Input devices, Output devices, storage devices
Software :- refers to in visible part of a computer which’s it is a set of
instruction
E.g. system software application software utility software
Basics of Electronics
 Electronics:- is the branch of science that deals with the study of flow and control of electrons
(electricity) and the study of their behavior and effects in vacuums, gases, and semiconductors, and with
devices using such electrons. Some of the basic electrical units and definitions are mentioned below:
 Current :- Electrical current is the movement, or flow, of electrons through a conductive material. The direction of current
flow will always be from negative to positive. This is referred to as the electron flow.
 AC Current-This is called Alternating Current and is found mostly in your household and for high voltage applications. The
current moves back and forth over a wire 60 times a second. The voltage will change from a Positive charge to negative charge
rapidly.
 DC Current- this is called Direct Current and will run from a negative to positive in one direction. The current runs in one
direction only and measured predictably from negative to positive every time. The DC current is most dominant in a low
voltage system such as a PC.
 In a personal computer (PC), the power supply is the metal box usually found in a corner of the case. The power supply is
visible from the back of many systems because it contains the power-cord receptacle and the cooling fan.
 Power supplies, often referred to as "switching power supplies", use switcher technology to convert the AC input to lower DC
voltages. The typical voltages supplied are:
 3.3 volts
 5 volts
 12 volts
 Cont.…

 Voltage :- Voltage is the pressure/force upon the electrons to flow through a conductor. The unit
that we use to specify how much pressure is the Volt (V).
 Resistance:- Resistance is the opposition to current flow. Resistance is measured in units called
ohms. Its electrical symbol, as used in formulas and expressions, is R. Measured in units called
Ohm (Ώ)
 Capacitors:- Capacitors are another element used to control the flow of charge in a circuit. The
name derives from their capacity to store charge, rather like a small battery. Capacitors consist of
two conducting surfaces separated by an insulator; a wire lead is connected to each surface.
• Inductors :- Inductors are the third and final type of basic circuit component. An inductor is a coil
of wire with many windings, often wound around a core made of a magnetic material, like iron.
• Transformers: As the name implies a power transformer is designed to usually translate voltage
from one level to another. Transformers are designed for power conversion applications. It step-up
or step-down the incoming (input) voltage.
Cont.…
 Transistors: A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify and switch
electronic signals. It is made of a solid piece of semiconductor material, with at least
three terminals for connection to an external circuit. A voltage or current applied to
one pair of the transistor's terminals changes the current flowing through another pair
of terminals.
 Resistors:- resistor, as the name implies, resists (or opposes) current flow.
 Fuse
a fuse is a type of protection device.
Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much
current flows, which interrupts the circuit in which it is connected.
Fuses are selected to allow passage of normal current and of excessive current
only for short periods.
A fuse interrupts excessive current (blows) so that further damage by
overheating or fire is prevented
Electronic Measuring Instrument
 Digital Multi meter:- multi meter or a multi tester, also known as a or VOM(Volt-Ohm meter), is an
electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. A typical
multi meter may include features such as the ability to measure voltage, current and resistance
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

 ESD, Short for Electro Static Discharge, is one of the few things an individual can do to damage
or destroy his or her computer or hardware components. ESD can occur when working in your
computer and will cause components you touch to no longer work properly. ESD can occur
without the user feeling a shock and will only occur while working on the inside of the computer
or handling an expansion card.
 Preventing ESD
 The best method of preventing ESD is to use the following devices.
 Antistatic mats: None conducting pads placed on the work surface and on the floor in front of the work area.
 Antistatic wristband: A wristband with a grounding strap connected to the chassis of the
PC.
 Antistatic pouches: A sealed, antistatic pouch used to store any sensitive electronic
device, including hard disk drives, when they are not installed in a computer.
 Antistatic pad: An insulating foam pad in which individual chips with exposed pins
should be embedded when they are not installed in a computer.
Cont.…
 However, because most users do not have access to such items, we have included the
following steps to help reduce the chances of ESD as much as possible.
 Zero Potential - Most importantly, make sure you and the computer are at Zero Potential by
continuously touching an un-painted metal surface of the chassis or the computer power supply
case.
 Standing - It is also very important that you are standing at all times when working on the
computer. Setting on a chair can generate more electrostatic.
 Cords - Make sure everything is removed from the back of the computer (power cord, mouse,
keyboard, etc).
 Clothes - Make sure not to wear any clothing that conducts a lot of Electrical Charge, such as a
wool sweater.
 Weather - Electrical storms can increase the ESD risk; unless absolutely necessary, try not to work
on a computer during an electrical storm.
 Accessories - To help reduce ESD and help prevent other problem, it is also a good idea to remove
all jewelry.
Electrical Problems:

 Common Power Problems

 Here are some of the most common power supply problems and their likely effect on sensitive
equipment:
Power Surges
 A power surge takes place when the voltage is 110% or more above normal. The most common cause is heavy electrical
equipment being turned off. Under these conditions, computer systems and other high tech equipment can experience
flickering lights, equipment shutoff, errors or memory loss.
 Possible Solutions: Surge Suppressors, Voltage Regulators, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, Power Conditioners
High-Voltage Spikes
 High-voltage spikes occur when there is a sudden voltage peak of up to 6,000 volts. These spikes are usually the result of
nearby lightning strikes, but there can be other causes as well. The effects on vulnerable electronic systems can include loss
of data and burned circuit boards.
 Possible Solutions: Surge Suppressors, Voltage Regulators, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, Power Conditioners
Cont.…
Power Sag
 A sag is the reduction of AC Voltage at a given frequency for the duration of 0.5 cycles to 1
minute’s time. Sages are usually caused by system faults, and often the result of switching on
loads with high demand startup currents.
 Possible Solutions: Voltage Regulators, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, Power Conditioners
Brownouts
 A brownout is a steady lower voltage state. An example of a brownout is what happens during
peak electrical demand in the summer, when utilities can't always meet the requirements and must
lower the voltage to limit maximum power. When this happens, systems can experience glitches,
data loss and equipment failure.
 Possible Solutions: Voltage Regulators, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, Power Conditioners
Blackouts
 A power failure or blackout is a zero-voltage condition that lasts for more than two cycles. It may
be caused by tripping a circuit breaker, power distribution failure or utility power failure. A
blackout can cause data loss or corruption and equipment damage.
 Possible Solutions: Using Generators