Debre Markos University

Institutes of Technology
School of Computing
Department of Information Technology
Academic Year, 2018, 3rd Year, Semester I
Computer Maintenance and Technical Support (ITec3031)

Course outline

Instructor: Getaneh Awoke Tegegne (MSc), Office BN 606, Gmail; - getaneh0930@gmail.com

Contact Hours Lecture 2 Lab/Practical 6 Tutorial 0 Home Study 5

Pre-requisites:- Computer Organization and Architecture (ITec2024)

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.

Course objective: After completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Understand and identify PC hardware components
 Build, configure, upgrade, and maintain a computer
 Install operating systems and application software
 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
 Install RAM, Cards and other devices
 Diagnose computer problems and solve the problems

1
Week Topics to be covered Major teaching learning
activities &
Assessment of learning

I Chapter One: Basics

 General concepts about PC and tech support 3 hrs lecture
 Lab procedures and maintenance tools
 Static energy and its effect on computers 1hr Reading assignment
 Safety rules
 Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting

II Chapter Two: Computer Cases and the Motherboard 1 hrs lecture

 Computer cases
 Safety and the computer
 System Cover removal and replacement 1 hr discussion
 System board defined Reading assignment
 System board evolution
 Removing and replacing motherboard
 Troubleshooting the motherboard

IV-V Chapter Three: Hardware Components 3 hrs lecture

 Memory
o Random Access Memory defined
o Physical memory packaging 1 hr discussion
o Types of memory Reading assignment
o Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
(Home take)
o Identify Memory Problems and upgrading
 CPU
o History of CPU
o Types of CPU
o CPU Sockets and slots
o Upgrading CPUs

Part 1 lab: Computer Disassembly 4 hrs lab practical

• Disassemble a computer using safe lab procedures and proper tools.

Test one will be provided (Test I)

VI Chapter Four: Hardware Components 2 hr lecture

 Power Supplies
o Power supplies ,Types of power supply , Batteries ,
Troubleshooting the Power Supply 1 hr discussion
 Storage Devices Reading assignment
o The Floppy Drive ,The Hard Drive ,The CD-ROM Drive
(Home take)
 Bus and Cards
o Bus Types of Bus , Expansion Buses

2
 o Cards The Video Card ,The Sound Card, Network card
 I/O Connectors
o The Serial Port , The Parallel Port , I/O connectors
 The Monitor
o Introduction to Monitor , Types of Displays , Health and
Safety Concerns, Monitor Connections , Troubleshooting
the Video System
 BIOS
o Basic Input/output System , Error messages and solutions ,
Advanced BIOS Features
Part 2 lab: 8 hrs lab practical
• Computer Assembly
o Install the Power Supply
o Install the Motherboard
o Install the Drives
o Install Adapter Cards
o Install Internal Cables
o Complete the Computer Assembly
o Boot the Computer
VII Chapter Five: Office Equipment Maintenance 2 hr lecture
 Copy Machines
 Printers
o Printer Types and Printer Technology 1 hr discussion
o Printer Field Replaceable Units Reading assignment
o Printer Maintenance Techniques

VIII Chapter Six: Software Concepts

 Introductions 3 hrs lecture
&IX
 History of Operating System
 Types of Operating System
 Purpose of Operating System 1hr discussion
 Disk use, Booting and File systems
o File systems: FAT , NTFS , HPFS Reading assignment
o Sectors, Clusters and Fragmentation
o Boot sector and other areas of disk
o NTLDR, GRUB, LILO and other boot loaders
 Registry Editing in Windows
o What is Registry , Managing and Editing Registry , Back
up registry
 OS Architecture and Important OS files
o Architecture of Windows NT , Kernel , Types of Kernel ,
Important Windows files (NTdetect.com, Boot.ini, NTLDR,
etc)
 Installing Hardware, and Software
o How to install hardware and drivers
o Plug and Play devices
o Installing/uninstalling application software

3
  Operating System Installation and Management
o Install Windows as single or dual boot 3 hrs lecture
o Recover failed Windows OS
o Install Linux as Single or dual Boot 1hr discussion
o Manage user accounts and access rights
o Computer security ring Reading assignment
o Disable/Enable registry editing, task manager, and
Command Prompt
o Use Administrative tools and control Panel
 Resource Sharing and Management
o File Sharing , Printer Sharing, Server management (e.g.
Web server) , Protecting attacks (e.g. Virus)
Part 3 lab 8 hrs lab practical
 Operating System
o Upgrade Components
o Install Windows Operating System
o Windows User Accounts and Updates
o FAT32 and NTFS
o Run Commands
o Install Third-Party Software
o Restore Point
o Windows Backup and Recovery
o Windows Ghosting
Reading assignment:
• In addition to the topics given as reading assignments, the course may have some additional reading
assignments at the end of each chapter.
• The course will be delivered in the form of lectures, presentations, group discussions, and individual and
group project works.
• The assignment(s) can be written, to be presented in the class, field assignments, narratives or
arguments on cases etc)
Required software and/or hardware tools
• Software: operating System like Windows, Linux, Unix Operating System,
• Hardware: desktop, laptop, printer, copy machine, office equipment
References (chronologically from most relevant to less relevant)
1. PC troubleshooting and repair, Stephen J. Bigelows
2. A+ a complete guide, third edition By David Groth
3. Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows by Scott Mueller, Brian Knittel
Methods of assessment (may be changed )
 Test …………………………….…… 30%
 Project Work/ Lab Exam …….….….. 20 %
 Final Examination ……………………50%
 Total ………………...…………………… 100%