Advance your computer servicing knowledge
This follows on from Computer Servicing II dealing further with more about computer repairs.
Is this course right for me?
This is the ideal course for people who are experienced in IT and are looking to improve on their knowledge
Learn to:
- Compare alternative solutions to different types of faults determined in PC computer systems
- Repair hardware faults determined in PC computer systems
- Repair software faults determined in PC computer systems
- Install hardware components in a computer
Course Structure and Content
There are 9 lessons in this course:
- Removable storage
- Introduction; overview
- Volatile memory
- Non volatile memory
- Magnetic disk media
- Magnetic tape media
- Magneto optical drives
- Flash memory media
- Pen drives
- External hard drives
- Electronics
- Silicon and computers
- Linear electronics
- Simple semiconductor devices
- pn junction diode
- Other diodes' zener, vericap, light emitting, etc
- Bipolar transistors
- Field effect transistors
- Optoelectronics
- Digital electronics
- AND gate
- OR gateNOT gate
- NOR gate
- NAND gate
- XOR gate
- XNOR gate
- Audio systems
- Different audio files
- MIDI sound files
- Types of sound cards
- How to install a sound card
- How to configure software for a sound card
- How does a sound card work
- MP3
- ASIO
- Common problems with sound cards and how to solve them
- Video systems
- Overview and Video system interfaces
- Video card functions
- PCI local Bus
- Types of graphic cards
- Types of monitors: CRT, LCD, LRD, Gas plasma
- Multiple displays
- Troubleshooting tips
- Laptops and other portable devices
- PDA's -brief overview
- Common problems
- Blackberries and common problems
- Rechargeable battery technology: NiCad, NiMh, Lithium ion
- Dead cells
- Digital cameras
- Digital advantages
- Chips and flash
- Portable printers
- Common printer problems and causes
- Portable DVD
- Diagnosis and regular maintenance
- Software types
- System software
- Utility software
- Application software
- Regular computer servicing: maintenance procedure
- Disk cleanup
- Disk defragmenter
- The BIOS
- Upgrading the BIOS
- Troubleshooting BIOS Beep codes
- Troubleshooting hardware
- Networking: an introduction
- LAN
- Types of LAN
- LAN Topology
- Hardware for a basic network
- Network cards
- Network cable
- Networking devices
- Types of networks
- Wireless networks
- Software lisencing
- Network security and information security
- Proxy server
- Intrusion detection systems
- The Internet
- Security on the internet
- Types of threats: viruses, trojan horses, adware and malware, Denial of service attacks,Spamming, Phising, Hoaxes, etc.
- Page not found
- Web traffic
- Stuck in page
- Broadband connections need firewalls
- Printers
- Troubleshooting
- Test parallel port driver and hardware
- Test printer driver
- Check the program
- Check printing stack
- Solving common printer problems
- Printer cables
- Power lead
- Paper jams
- Printer picking up multiple sheets
- Paper won't feed
- Toner smearing
- Ghosting
- Not printing from expected tray
- Printer error messages
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
- Describe as many of the different forms of removable storage used by computer systems, digital cameras, PDA’s, MP3 players and other computer peripherals
- Explain electronics as a basis for undertaking repairs to computers and peripherals.
- Discuss the audio systems primarily on IBM compatible Pc’s but is also relevant to other systems such as the Apple Mac.
- Discuss the video systems primarily on IBM compatible Pc’s but is also relevant to other systems such as the Apple Mac.
- Suggest troubleshooting solutions for laptops, PDA’s, MP3 players, Digital cameras and other portable devices.
- Discuss diagnosis and maintenance procedures to help identify and prevent common hardware and software problems.
- Describe the connectivity of computer systems.
- Discuss the Internet and common problems relating to its use.
- Explain printers, their applications, and how to deal with printer related problems.
What You Will Do
- Explain how to repair a range of hardware faults determined to be common.
- Repair an inoperable printer cable for a computer
- Delete unwanted files from an operating system (eg. DOS)
- Explain how to repair a range of software faults determined to be common.
- Delete unwanted files from an operating system (eg. DOS)
- Recommend appropriate hardware for different applications
- Explain how to replace a faulty power supply.
- Explain how to replace a mother board.
- Describe the installation of extra ram
- Install an extra HDD to work in conjunction with the existing HDD
Working as a Computer Technician
A computer technician’s work will involve:
- Problem solving
- Solving Hardware Crashes
- Troubleshoot computer problems
- Train users on new technology
As computer hardware and software become more sophisticated and continue to change at a fast pace, support specialists will be needed to educate and update users. Graduates with strong computer and communications skills combined with practical work experience will do best in the job market.
Opportunities
Computer technicians will always be in high demand because computers are used everywhere now and since they are machines they will have problems and that is where a well qualified Technician will be needed.
Some job opportunities include:
- IT Technician,
- Help Desk Support,
- IT Support Officer
Technical Assistants or Junior technicians without qualifications may earn well below average wages; but skilled, experienced and qualified technicians in developed countries may be in the top 10% of wage earners.
Risks and challenges
Technology changes quickly so you will need to remain up to date with any industry changes.
You may be required to deal with highly stressed situations at times, when people are struggling, or upset if they are at risk of losing large amounts of date etc.
How to become a Computer Technician
To get a start you need basic skills and experience. A course such as a vocational computer servicing course is an excellent starting point and may be all that is needed for you to secure some casual work in a computer shop. Obviously the more you study, the better your skills and opportunities. If you have the time; undertake Computer Servicing I, II, III and Computer Networking with us.
Over time, and with further study, your skills can develop, and opportunities expand.
As with anything technical, hands on experience is essential for becoming a good IT technician.
