Computer Systems Architecture: Hardware and Software Troubleshooting and Maintenance

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
ARCHITECTURE
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Table of Contents
P7 Use information gathering methods to assess, troubleshoot and document solutions to a
number of different technical hardware, software and networking issues...................................3
P8 Conduct and document a range of maintenance activities with regards to computer
hardware and software..................................................................................................................7
M1 Review the operation of the CPU and assess its dependency and performance with regards
to associated systems and subsystems........................................................................................10
M2 Analyze the services provided by an operating system with regards to user interaction,
memory management, file management and hardware support................................................11
M3 Compare common physical and logical networking topologies and explain the differences
and purposes of each...................................................................................................................11
M4 Review different diagnostic and troubleshooting skills including data gathering methods and
techniques................................................................................................................................... 12
References................................................................................................................................... 13
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P7 Use information gathering methods to assess, troubleshoot and document solutions to a
number of different technical hardware, software and networking issues
Hardware problems mean the fault in the actual device of the computer or in the arrangement
of that device. Here are some hardware problems that may occur sometimes and steps to
resolve them.
1. Display Troubleshooting: This is the most common issue in the computer system that the
monitor stops working properly. Following problems arises with the display
troubleshooting:
 Symptom1: The display screen goes black.
Steps to resolve this issue:
 First of all, check that the computer is switch on or not. If the light on the CPU is lit
means the computer is on.
 The second step is to check the monitor is getting power or not. If there is no light at the
front side of the monitor, it means the system is not receiving power. Check all plugs are
securely connected from the power cord to power strip to the wall socket.
 Check if the monitor is receiving a signal from the computer.
 Check the system mode like sleep mode or power save of the computer.
 Check the plugged-in of all peripherals.
 Symptom2: Shaking of screen
Steps to resolve them:
 Check if the monitor is receiving the specified voltage.
 The signal time of the computer system should be according to monitor specification
(Owen, 2013).
2. Mouse Troubleshooting:
 Symptom: Movement of the mouse in one direction only
Steps to resolve this:
 Sparkling the mouse.
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 Open the mouse and remove the ball placed below it, then clean the rubber ball with a
soft cloth and if the ball is roller then clean it with a cotton swab (Geier, 2014).
3. Hard drive Troubleshooting:
 Symptom: Cursor gets stuck on the hourglass
Steps to resolve this:
 Press keys Ctrl + Alt+ Del to open task manager and check all programs are running. If
any program is not working, select the task and end it.
 Restart the computer (Warm Boot).
 Shut down properly the computer after closing all open pages (Owen, 2013).
4. Sound Troubleshooting:
 Symptom: No sound on playing
Steps to resolve this:
 In the lower right side of the desktop, check the volume icon.
 Put the arrow on that icon and then Double left click on the mouse.
 A dialog box will open of volume control. Put the mouse on the slider button and arrow
up or down to increase or reduce the volume.
 Uncheck the box “mute all”.
 Make sure the output connector of the audio card is on and properly connected to the
speaker.
5. Keyboard Troubleshooting:
 Symptoms: Keyboard does not respond well and beeping sound while booting
Steps to resolve this:
 Ensure that is properly connected by checking the plugin. If not, then unplug it and then
re-plug it. If it is still not working, then the keyboard is damaged.
 Check if there is a key stuck or not by simply cleaning it with alcohol (Geier, 2014).
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