Sure! Let's go through each question with detailed explanations.
### **Hardware Administration Practical 1**
#### **Question 1**
**(i) Importance of POST in troubleshooting (8 marks)**
Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a diagnostic testing sequence run by a computer’s firmware when the
system is powered on. It checks essential hardware components for errors before booting the
operating system.
- **Problem Detection**: POST detects issues related to RAM, CPU, storage, and other critical
hardware.
- **Error Codes & Beep Signals**: If issues arise, POST displays error codes or emits beep signals to
indicate specific failures.
- **Hardware Verification**: Ensures that all vital hardware functions correctly before booting into
the operating system.
- **Solution Provision**: If errors occur, users can troubleshoot using error messages, leading to
hardware replacements or reconfigurations.
**(ii) Discuss the term documentation (2 marks)**
Documentation refers to maintaining systematic records related to computer hardware, software,
repairs, and configurations. It ensures consistency in troubleshooting, maintenance, and hardware
management.
**(iii) Three levels of documentation in computer hardware (6 marks)**
1. **System Documentation** – Provides details on system specifications, configurations, installed
components, and upgrades.
2. **Troubleshooting Documentation** – Logs common issues, error messages, and solutions for
efficient fault resolution.
3. **User Documentation** – Manuals and guides that assist users in operating and maintaining
hardware.
**(b) Symptoms leading to CMOS battery replacement (4 marks)**
- Incorrect system date and time
- BIOS settings reset frequently
- Boot failures or warning messages
- Hardware detection issues
**(c) Six troubleshooting steps (6 marks)**
1. **Identify the Problem** – Observe symptoms and error messages.
2. **Establish a Theory of Cause** – Determine possible causes based on symptoms.
3. **Test the Theory** – Validate the suspected cause through tests.
4. **Plan & Execute Solution** – Apply necessary fixes or replace faulty hardware.
5. **Verify System Functionality** – Ensure the problem is resolved with proper system operation.
6. **Document Findings** – Keep records for future reference.
---
#### **Question 2**
**Functions of repair and maintenance items (8 marks)**
1. **Thermal Compound** – Enhances heat transfer between the CPU and heatsink.
2. **Isopropyl Alcohol** – Used for cleaning circuit boards and removing thermal paste.
3. **Antistatic Mat** – Prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage when handling hardware.
4. **CMOS Battery** – Powers BIOS firmware to retain system settings.
**Three functions of a power supply (6 marks)**
1. **Voltage Regulation** – Converts AC power to appropriate DC voltage levels.
2. **Power Distribution** – Supplies power to all internal components.
3. **Protection Mechanisms** – Prevents voltage spikes, short circuits, and overheating.
**Four categories of hardware tools with examples (12 marks)**
1. **Hand Tools** – Screwdrivers, tweezers
2. **Testing Tools** – Multimeter, memory tester
3. **Cleaning Tools** – Compressed air, isopropyl alcohol
4. **Storage & Protection Tools** – Antistatic bags, thermal paste applicators
---
#### **Question 3**
**Tools for assembling/disassembling a CPU (6 marks)**
1. **Screwdriver** – For removing motherboard screws.
2. **Thermal Paste Applicator** – Ensures proper application for heat dissipation.
3. **Tweezers** – Useful for handling small components.
**Assembling CPU, heatsink, and fan (14 marks)**
1. Place the CPU into the socket.
2. Apply thermal compound.
3. Attach the heatsink.
4. Secure the CPU fan.
5. Connect power cables.
---
### **Hardware Administration Practical 2**
#### **Question 1**
**Hard Drive Problems**
1. **Grinding Noises** – Causes: Mechanical failure. Solution: Replace the drive.
2. **Computer Won't Start** – Causes: Corrupted boot sectors. Solution: Check BIOS settings, repair
OS.
3. **Second Hard Drive Not Recognized** – Solution: Enable the drive in BIOS.
4. **Data Access Issues** – Solution: Check permissions, run disk checks.
---
#### **Question 2**
**Software Attacks & Prevention (4 marks)**
1. **Malware Attacks** – Use antivirus software.
2. **Ransomware Attacks** – Keep backups, avoid suspicious downloads.
**Checklist for motherboard upgrade (8 marks)**
1. Compatibility
2. Processor support
3. RAM capacity
4. Power connectors
5. Expansion slots
6. Brand reliability
7. BIOS updates
8. Budget
**Software for troubleshooting (4 marks)**
1. **MemTest86** – RAM diagnostics
2. **CrystalDiskInfo** – HDD health check
3. **HWMonitor** – Temperature and voltage monitoring
4. **CPU-Z** – Processor information
**RAM/Memory Tester Tests (5 marks)**
- Latency testing
- Voltage stability
- Speed checks
- Error detection
**Standard PC Toolkit (5 marks)**
1. Screwdrivers
2. Thermal paste
3. Multimeter
4. Antistatic wrist strap
5. Tweezers
---
### **Hardware Administration Theory 1**
#### **Question 1**
**Types of Maintenance (4 marks)**
1. **Active Maintenance** – Regular hardware inspections.
2. **Passive Maintenance** – Reacting to issues as they arise.
**Monthly Maintenance Procedures (4 marks)**
1. Cleaning hardware.
2. Updating software.
3. Checking cooling systems.
4. Testing battery health.
**Preventive Maintenance vs. Troubleshooting (4 marks)**
- Preventive maintenance **prevents** issues (cleaning, updates).
- Troubleshooting **fixes** issues after they occur.
**Hardware Maintenance Schedule (6 marks)**
1. Inventory check
2. Performance monitoring
3. Cleaning schedules
**Cleaning procedures (6 marks)**
1. **Keyboard** – Compressed air.
2. **System Unit** – Dust removal with soft brushes.
3. **Printer** – Regular ink cartridge checks.
---
#### **Question 2**
**Hardware Inventory Management (8 marks)**
- Reduces downtime
- Prevents unnecessary purchases
- Improves asset tracking
- Helps budget planning
**Disassembling Routine (6 marks)**
1. Power off & unplug
2. Use antistatic precautions
3. Remove components carefully
4. Label screws
---
### **Hardware Administration Theory 2**
#### **Question 1**
**Hardware Security Threats (10 marks)**
1. Physical Theft
2. Tampering
3. Environmental damage
4. Power surges
5. Unauthorized access
#### **Question 2**
**Benefits of Hardware Administration (5 marks)**
1. Prevents data loss
2. Improves efficiency
3. Reduces repair costs
4. Increases security
5. Ensures longevity
#### **Question 3**
**Computer Not Powering On (10 marks)**
1. Check power source
2. Test PSU
3. Verify connections
4. Inspect motherboard
#### **Question 4**
**Data Security for Stolen Laptop (5 marks)**
- Use encryption
- Enable remote wipe
- Implement multi-factor authentication
---
That should cover all the questions! Let me know if you need additional details. 😊
