Rules in Diagnosing Computer System

1. Know the facts

Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
Continuous learning on computer technology.
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
5. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects
People ware
Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.

Firmware
Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.

Software
Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.

Hardware
Defective hardware components would lead to computer malfunction.
Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers performance.

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right
If a program is running slowly or otherwise isn't working right, the first thing you should try is closing
the program and re-opening it.
You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it up again. Some minor
problems will work themselves out when you do this.
Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

Program is Completely Unresponsive

If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press (and hold) Control+Alt+Delete
on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
Power Button Will Not Start Computer
If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged
securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
"Non-System Disk or Disk Error" Message
Remove the disk from the drive and restart the computer.
Windows Shutting Down Message Will Not Disappear
To finish shutting down the computer, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, or until
the computer turns off.
Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing
Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked. Confirm that there is good air
flow around the computer.
Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.

Tools for Testing Computer System

1. Screw drivers - are used for installing and removing screws in the computer unit.
2. Pliers and tweezers - are used for picking small parts in the computer unit.
3. Soldering iron- is primarily used for connecting terminals in the power supply and circuit board
with the use of a soldering lead.
4. Anti-static wrist strap, mat and spray- are used for eliminating electrostatic discharge in the work area.
5. Lens cleaner – a device used for cleaning optical media, such as DVD-ROMS and CD-writers.
6. Thermal paste-is a paste used for heat dissipation of the processor.
Network Troubleshooting Tools
1. LAN Tester – is a device used for testing the network connection.
2. Crimping tool- is a device used to crimp the RJ45 connector to the UTP cable.
 Troubleshooting computer system network
Causes of Network Trouble
1. Network card not properly connected.
2. Bad network card drivers or software settings.
3. Firewall preventing computers from seeing each other.
4. Connection related issues.
5. Bad network hardware.
Solution
1. Verify connections / LEDs
2. Adapter resources
3. Adapter functionality
4. Firewall
UTP Cable
A UTP cable (category 5) is one of the most popular LAN cables. This cable consists of 4 twisted pairs
of metal wires (that means there are 8 wires in the cable). Adding RJ45 connectors at both ends of the
UTP cable it becomes a LAN cable they usually use.
Preparation
You need a UTP Cable, Crimping Tool, RJ45, Cutter Lan Tester
Making Cable
Follow the steps below.
1. Remove the outmost vinyl shield for 12mm at one end of the cable (we call this side A-side).
2. Arrange the metal wires in parallel (refer the each section's wire arrangement table). Don't remove
the shield of each metal line.
3. Insert the metal wires into RJ45 connector on keeping the metal wire arrangement.
4. Set the RJ45 connector (with the cable) on the pliers, and squeeze it tightly.
5. Make the other side of the cable (we call this side B-side) in the same way.
6. After you made it, you don't need to take care of the direction of the cable. (Any cable in this page is
directionless --- that means you can set either end of the cable to either device.)
How to see the wire arrangement
Take the UTP cable with your left hand and a RJ45 connector with your right hand. Hold the RJ45
connector in the way you can see the contact metal face of the RJ45 connector.
Pin ID side A side B
1 orange- orange-
white white
2 orange orange
3 green- green-
white white
4 blue blue
5 blue- blue-
white white
6 green green
7 brown- brown-
white white
8 brown brown