Home Newsletters Conference Qualifications Introduction Regulations Module Precriptions [ .. Back .. ] Forum Job Vacancies

Information and Communications Technology Qualifications | Back to list of Prescriptions Prescription: HM600 PC Hardware Maintenance Aim of Module To provide students with the knowledge and skills required for diagnosing faults and repairing IBM compatible PCs and other computer-related hardware devices Credits 7 Knowledge Assumed From AE600 (AE200), EL500 (EL100) and DE600 (DE200), or similar Student Learning hours 70 Prescription Expiry Date Nov 2005 Level and Assessment Schedule Topics Highest Skill Level Suggested Assessment Percentage 1 Safe Working Practices C 5 3 Fault Finding A 30 4 Diagnostics and Repair P 40 100 LEARNING OUTCOMES The Student Will C 1 Describe the requirements that ensure safe working practices. C 2 Explain the problem solving processes involved in faultfinding PC hardware and other computing devices. A 3 Identify faults at module/card level on PC hardware and other computing devices, demonstrating safe working practices. P 4 Diagnose faults at component level using appropriate diagnostic procedures and benchmark standards and replace or repair components, demonstrating safe working practices. CONTENT top 1 Safe Working Practices > Describe the requirements for ensuring safe electrical practices > Explain the processes involved in identifying and minimising electrical hazards > Describe the requirement for ensuring that correct antistatic precautions are observed top 3 Fault Finding > Demonstrate proficient faultfinding techniques for PC hardware and related devices that includes: -Initial performance checks -Identification of the probable causes of the fault -Application of an appropriate faultfinding methodology -Correlating fault symptoms with typical (known) faults -Given a range of faults, demonstrate fault finding to block schematic level top 4 Diagnostics and Repair > Identify electrical hazards and demonstrate safe working practices > Use a Test Bench or Benchmark to establish a reference standard > Use relevant diagnostic procedures, including appropriate test equipment and/or software > Given a faulty card/module fault find to component level, where appropriate > Plan the appropriate repairs including the acquisition of the necessary replacement components > Conduct repairs > Demonstrate the application of performance checks after repair top Note NOTES TO TUTORS > Students should have knowledge of standard performance parameters of the equipment before they begin to fault find, such as: -The effect on performance of cache being disabled -Full range of CMOS settings -Correct orientation of IDE and FDD cables -Correct orientation of power cables > Test Equipment – it is expected that students will have access to an appropriate range of test equipment that will enable them to fulfil the module aims, such as: -Beep Code Tables -Full Tool Kit (tutor specified) -Multimeter -Test Rigs (for module interchange) -PCs with IDE auto detection on CMOS -Norton's Diagnostics -TuffTest or similar Diagnostic Software LEARNING RESOURCES > Suggested textbooks: - Mueller, Scott. Upgrading and Repairing PCs (13th Ed): QUE Publishing - Gilster, Ron. PC Technician Black Book: Cariolis Publishing | Home | Newsletters | Conference | Qualifications | Forum | Job Vacancies |