Unit 163: Comprehensive Computer Hardware and Software Maintenance

1. Introduction to Computer Hardware

• Overview of a computer system
• Key components and their functions
  • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
  • RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • Hard Drive (HDD/SSD)
  • Motherboard
  • Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• How components interact within the system

2. Troubleshooting Common Computer Issues

• Identifying symptoms and causes
  • Slow performance causes
  • Overheating issues and detection
  • Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors
  • Software crashes and freezes
• Troubleshooting methodology
  • Diagnostic tools and software
  • Hardware checks
  • Software repairs and updates

3. Operating System Maintenance

• Disk cleanup
  • Removing temporary and unnecessary files
• Disk defragmentation
  • Purpose and process
• Software updates
  • Operating system updates
  • Driver updates
• Startup program management
  • Identifying and managing startup applications

4. Data Backup and Recovery

• Importance of data backup
• Backup strategies
  • Full vs incremental backups
  • Cloud backups
  • External storage options
• Recovery tools and techniques
  • Restoring data from backups
  • Using system restore points
  • Data recovery software overview

5. Hardware Installation and Upgrades

• Preparing for hardware installation
  • Safety precautions
  • Tools required
• Installing new components
  • RAM installation
  • Hard drive/SSD installation
  • Graphics card installation
• Upgrading existing hardware
  • Assessing compatibility
  • Firmware and driver updates

6. Software Installation and Updates

• Installing new software applications
  • Downloading from trusted sources
  • Installation procedures
• Updating existing programs
  • Patch management
  • Automatic vs manual updates
• Managing software licenses
  • License activation
  • Compliance considerations

7. Preventive Maintenance Practices

• Routine cleaning
  • Dust removal techniques
  • Cleaning peripherals
• Checking hardware connections
  • Securing cables and components
• Antivirus software updates and scans
• Performance monitoring
  • Using system monitoring tools

8. Network Troubleshooting

• Diagnosing connectivity issues
  • Common network problems
  • Checking physical connections
• Configuring network settings
  • IP configuration
  • DNS and gateway settings
• Troubleshooting internet connection problems
  • Router/modem resets
  • Testing with diagnostic commands

9. BIOS Configuration and Settings

• Understanding BIOS
  • Role and importance
• Accessing BIOS settings
  • Common methods (key presses)
• BIOS configuration options
  • Boot order
  • Hardware monitoring
  • Performance optimization settings

10. Repairing Physical Damage

• Identifying physical damage types
  • Cracked screens
  • Broken power jack
  • Damaged keyboard
• Repair techniques
  • Component replacement steps
  • Tools needed
• Safety and best practices