TOPIC 1: Why is CSS relevant?

In today’s industry, almost every establishment needs the assistance of technology.

Even establishments and businesses are now gearing towards the use of information
technology to promote their services.

The demand for people who offer computer servicing and repair continues to increase as
society rapidly changes.

For example

 Computer hardware need maintenance services in order to repair normal wear and tear.

 Network infrastructures used by organizations will need maintenance and monitoring.

 Computer equipment would need occasional repair and maintenance; thus, requiring the
assistance of computer systems service providers.

Commonly, the industry’s main line of business is on selling computer hardware systems and
components, as well as providing repair and installation services.

Thus, if you were to venture in this industry, you must be well informed on basic concepts related
to computer systems servicing.

TOPIC 2: What jobs can I land on?

Since society is now becoming more technology-driven and technology-dependent, it is no

wonder that more and more establishments are in need of the expertise of computer service
providers.

The Computer Systems Servicing National Certificate (NC II) Qualification trains its learners with
competencies that will allow them to diagnose and troubleshoot PC systems and software issues,
as well as restoring its parts to return the device to its normal function.

A person who has achieved the Computer Systems Servicing NC II Qualification is competent
to be a:
Computer Assembler
Computer Service Technician
Network Technician
Technical Support Staff
Computer Maintenance Technician
Computer Repairman

TOPIC 3: What are my job functions in the future?

TOPIC 4: What does the Qualification require?
Because technology also changes rapidly, computer technicians must be updated with the current
trends, technology, and developments related to the computer industry. In addition to that,
computer staff may need to work with various people that will require their expertise. Thus, the
ability to work in groups and the ability to translate technical information to non-technical users
may be required when working in this field.

Having a CSS NC II qualification is an entry point for a career in the computer field.

Being a computer technician may require you to travel to see clients or be at an office and
workplaces as a member of the IT support team. As a technician, you must possess the interests
and skills that the job demands.

TOPIC 5: What knowledge and skills do I need?

As much as possible, you will need some prior knowledge and skills so that you will be able to
perform computer servicing easily.

LESSON 2: OHS Policies and Procedures

Introduction

Occupational Health and Safety or OHS is concerned with health, safety, and welfare issues in
the workplace. Policies and procedures are important in discussing OHS because it aims to make
the workplace safer and better for workers and stakeholders.

It is concerned with many factors such as removal of hazards and reducing accidents in the
workplace.

As a future computer technician, it is your responsibility to know these standard protocols

especially since you will be assembling and repairing expensive and sensitive equipment that
need care and proper handling.

TOPIC 1: Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a set of policies and procedures that is followed in a
workplace in order to prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries.
It involves knowing the risks that can be encountered in a workplace and figuring out how it can
be prevented.

Following OHS policies and procedures is important when dealing with electronics since it would
protect not only the personnel dealing with the components, but also the unit itself.
Three steps may be done to facilitate OHS procedures in a CSS work space:

1. Hazard identification
2. Risk assessment
3. Risk control

In addition to that, here are some additional OHS Procedures that must be observed in computer
servicing:
TOPIC 2: Hazard Identification

Hazards are anything that can hurt a person. Example of hazards that can be encountered when conducting
computer systems servicing are:

 Tangled electrical cords

 Unsecured or unevenly stacked boxes

 Noise

Hazard identification involves observing the workplace’s surroundings to recognize potential risks.

What are common hazards that can be encountered in the electronic industry?
TOPIC 3: Risk Assessment
TOPIC 4: Risk Control

Once the hazard has been identified and its risks have been evaluated, it is time to address these
issues:

 Ask your supervisor for instruction and training before using or repairing an equipment.

 Do not carry or move heavy objects by yourself.

LESSON 3: Applying Quality Standards

Introduction

Standards are sets of rules that outline specification of dimensions, design of operation,
materials, and performance. Standards provide basis for good quality and protocol.

When it comes to computer systems servicing, standards are important as it serves as

comparison for computer performance. Maintaining quality is important to manage customer
satisfaction where the revenue and profits will depend upon.

TOPIC 1: Assessing Quality

In computer systems servicing, you will be handling a lot of equipment. You will be purchasing
them, assembling and disassembling, repairing, or even maintaining them!

That is why it is important to assess the quality of the materials you will be receiving especially
when you are purchasing from a supplier.

Here are some standard protocols in checking the materials and goods you will be receiving in work.
TOPIC 2: Documentation
Here are some samples of log reports and documentation assessed by a quality checker.

Take note however, that not all organizations will make use of the same form.
TOPIC 3: Inventory Form

Here is an example of an inventory form.

You will be encountering this after disassembling computers. You will be listing down the PC specifications in
this form.
You can write the general description of what the item is under Items while you can write the specifications or
necessary description below Description/Specification. Anything else that you think are important notes should
be written on the Remarks column.

UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

Introduction

We all know that computers are essential pieces of technology that we use to make life easier and
perform jobs faster.

A computer increases our productivity, connects us to the internet, lets us talk with people across the world,
helps us store a lot of information, and even make money!

In this lesson, we will start with the basics.

We want to understand how the computer works, how many types of computers are there, what are the
functions of the computer, and more!

TOPIC 1: The Computer

In technical terms, the computer is a device that accepts information in the form of digitalized
data, and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how
the data is to be processed.
TOPIC 2: Types of Computers
1. Supercomputer

Most powerful and most advance in terms of performance and data processing. These computers
are commonly used by large organizations to conduct specific tasks such as weather forecasting,
research, and exploration.

Ex. IBM’s Mira in United States. IBM’s Sequoia in United States

2. Mainframe Computer

Large and expensive computer capable of handling thousands of users and programs
simultaneously. Mainframe computers can handle, process, and store large amount of data.
These are commonly stored in large air-conditioned rooms because of its big size.

Ex. Fujitsu’s ICL VME, Hitachi’s Z800

3. Minicomputer

Also known as midrange computers. It features all the functions of a large size computer, but has
a smaller size. Minicomputers can support many users because of its multi-processing system.

Ex. K-202, IBM Midrange computers, SDS-92

4. Microcomputer

Most widely used and fastest growing type of computer. Desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and
smartphones are types of microcomputers.

TOPIC 3: Fundamental Elements of a Computer

LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems
A computer system consists of hardware and software components. As important as the
software which are the programs that run the computer, the hardware is the physical equipment
such as the case, storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers that builds
up and let the software run.

It is important to learn about these components as these will be the basis before you handle
equipment especially in disassembling and assembling a computer system.

TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

The complete computer made up of the CPU, memory and related electronics (main cabinet), all
the peripheral devices connected to it and its operating system.

 Computer systems fall into two broad divisions: clients and servers.

 Client machines fall into three categories from low to high end: laptop,
desktop and workstation.

 Servers range from small to large: low-end servers, midrange servers and mainframes.

Processing Devices
Processing devices are the computer’s circuitry in the system unit.

 Motherboard – the circuit board housing the memory and the central processing unit (CPU)

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) – manipulates input data into the information needed by
the users

 Memory – also known as Random Access Memory or RAM. It is a series of electronic

elements that act as temporary storage of data and program instructions while the
instructions are being processed by the CPU.

 Chips – these make up the CPU and the memory; these are electronic devices that contain
many microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical currents.

Storage Devices
Storage devices store data and programs. These hold data, information, and programs
permanently.

 Solid State Drive (SSD) – mass storage device that stores data in a permanent state even
without power. Similar to an HDD’s function, only the internal components are different.
SSDs do not have moving parts but store data on magnetic platters making use of flash
memory.

 Hard Disk Drive (HHD) – often called hard drive or hard disk. This is the most common
storage device that do not need power to maintain data; these store data through spinning
platters or magnetic disks, recording individual bits written into the disk.
  Flash Drive – highly portable small data storage devices making use of flash memory and
a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connection

 CD – “compact disc”, this storage device can hold up to 700 MB; it is read by an optical
drive through a laser

Input Devices
Input devices allow the user to communicate with the computer by entering data or commands.

 Keyboard – primary input device used to input alphanumeric data and commands to the
computer

 Mouse – primary input device used to navigate and interact with the monitor output

 Scanner – scans documents and converts them digitally, which can be edited on a
computer.

 Webcam – small cameras attached to a monitor or desk that record or broadcast video

 Joystick – device used to control video games, aside from the keyboard

Output devices enable the computer to show the processed data and information
understandably to the user.

 Printer – prints paper documents, photographs, and other outputs called hard copies which
are physical versions of the documents.

 Monitor – acts as the primary display of the unit where the user interface and programs are
reflected.

 Speakers – sound system device that produce audio output from the computer

TOPIC 2: The System Unit

The System Unit is the overall structure that houses the processor, memory, and electronic
components of the computer that are used to process data. All input and output devices are
connected into the system unit. The system unit is housed by what is known as system
case or computer case. It holds and protects most components of a computer.

The Computer Case contains the framework to support and enclose internal components of the
computer. It helps to prevent damage from static electricity. It typically made up of plastic, steel,
and aluminum which are available in a variety of styles. The size and layout of a case is called
a form factor. It is also designed to keep internal components cool by using airflow vents and
cooling fans.

Computer cases are referred to in a number of ways: Computer

chassis, Cabinet, Tower, Box and Housing.

Types:
  Tower (Full, Mid, Mini)

 Desktop (Standard, Slimline)

Power Supply
Power supplies serve as the source for electricity to the computer. Attached are vital hardware
cables and buses for transferring power to various components in the computer.

The following are the basic connector you can see in a power supply:

 ATX 24 pin main power connector is the standard motherboard power connector used in
nearly every computer.

 SATA 15 pin power supply connector is one of several standard peripheral power
connectors. SATA power connectors only connect to SATA drives like hard drives and
optical drives. SATA power connectors do not work with older PATA devices.

 Molex 4 pin power supply connector is a standard peripheral power connector. Molex
power connectors connect to many different kinds of internal peripherals including PATA
hard drives and optical drives, some video cards, and even some other devices.

 Floppy drive 4 pin power supply connector is the standard floppy drive power connector.
The floppy power connector, also called a Berg connector or Mini-Molex connector, is
included in even the newest power supplies even though floppy drives are becoming
obsolete.
  ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power connector used to
provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator. This small connector usually attaches
to the motherboard near the CPU.

 ATX 6 pin power supply connector is a motherboard power connector used to provide
+12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator but the 4-pin variety is the more commonly
used connector. This small connector usually attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.

Motherboard
The motherboard is also known as mainboard, system board, logic board, or MOBO. It holds
and allows communication between the crucial components of the computer such as the CPU and
memory. It also provides connection for other peripherals. This provides the path which the
processor (CPU) communicates with all the components of the computer.
There are several components that are attached to the motherboard. These include:

1. Chip – small piece of semiconducting material, where more integrated circuits are embedded. They
have standard-sized pin connectors that allows them to be attached to the motherboard.

2. Bus - an electrical path that enables data flow between various system components.

3. Integrated Circuit (IC) – contains microscopic pathways that carry electric current. The IC contains
millions of elements such as resistors, capacitators, and transistors. Many different kinds of chips are
located in the motherboard

4. Microprocessor – this is the central processing unit on a chip.

Different variety of chip packages:

1. Dual Inline Package (DIP) – this has two parallel rows of pints that attach the chip package to the
circuit board

2. Pin Grid Array (PGA) – holds a larger number of pins because the pins are mounted on the surface
of the package.

3. Flip Chip-PGA (CF-PGA) Package – higher performance PGA packaging that places the chip on the
opposite sides of the pins.
4. Single Edge Contact (SEC) Cartridge – does not use pins but connects to one of the edges in the
motherboard.

The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size and shape of the board. It also describes the
physical layout of the different components and devices on the motherboard. Various form
factors exist for motherboards:

 AT – Advanced Technology

 ATX – Advanced Technology Extended

 Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX

 Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX

 LPX – Low-profile Extended

 NLX – New Low-profile Extended

 BTX – Balanced Technology Extended

The function of the northbridge is primarily a fast path between the CPU and the video bus and
system RAM. While the southbridge connects with the slow hardware/components of the system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Commonly known as the CPU or processor, this is the brain of the computer. It interprets and
carries out the basic instructions to operate a computer.

It impacts overall computing power and manages most of the computer operations. The
motherboard contains a socket to hold the processor or CPU. The central processing unit (CPU),
also called the processor or microprocessor, does most of the processing of data and instructions
for the entire system. Because the CPU generates heat, a fan and heat sink might be installed on
top to keep it cool.

Nowadays, processors have multiple cores called multi-core processors. This means that the
processor is a single chips that has two or more separate processors. In multi-core processors,
each of the processors run at a slower clock speed as compared to a single-core processor, but
this efficient process typically increases performance. There are two kinds of common multi-core
processors today:

1. Dual Core Processor – chip that contains two separate processors

2. Quad Core Processor – chip with four separate processors

AMD and Intel are the two most popular brands of processors in the market nowadays.
Bundled with the processors are the heat sinks. A heat sink consists of metal fins that draw heat
away from a component. The fan and heat sink together are called the processor cooler. The
photo below shows a CPU with a heat sink mounted on the motherboard.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The Random Access Memory or RAM acts as temporary storage as long as the computer is
running. The contents of the RAM change as programs are executed. These are chips that are
placed directly on the motherboard. These RAM consists of switches which are triggered by
changes in electric current.

Three basic types of RAM:

1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – This kind of RAM needs to be recharged by the CPU. If not, it
loses its contents. There are many variations of DRAM such as:

o Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) – faster than DRAM because it is synchronized to the system
clock

o Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM – faster than SDRAM because they transfer data twice for
each clock cycle

o DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM – faster than DDR SDRAM

o ambus DRAM (RDRAM) – type of DRAM faster than SDRAM that uses pipelining techniques
2. Static RAM (SRAM) – This kind is faster and more reliable than any form of DRAM. Unlike
the DRAM, this does not need to be re-energized. However, it is much more expensive and it
used for special purposes.

3. Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) – This kind stores data using magnetic charges instead of
electrical charges. It has greater storage capacity, consume less power, and faster access times.

The RAM chips are housed in a small circuit board called the memory module, which is inserted
into the motherboard.

Three types of memory modules:

1. Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) – this has pins on opposite sides of the circuit board
which connect together to form a single set of contacts. This houses SDRAM chips along with
DIMMs.

2. Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) – the pins on the opposite sides of the circuit board do
not connect and form two sets of contacts. This houses SDRAM chips along with SIMMs.

3. Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) – this houses RDRAM chips

The computer will need a certain amount of memory to be able to handle programs, data, and
information, depending on the types of applications used.

The more RAM a computer has, the faster the computer will be.

 To be able to use basic application software such as Office Suite, one needs at least 1GB
of RAM.

 Using programs and multimedia should have at least 4GB.

 Playing modern games or using editing software will require at least 8GB.

Today the RAM ranges up to 64GB depending on the programs that will be used for the
computer.

Cooling Technology
Cooling technologies are essential in avoiding the computer from overheating and maintaining a
good, well-ventilated system.

Several cooling technologies are present throughout the system unit:

o Fans are also present in several components such as the power supply, ports, processor, hard disk etc.

o Heat sink, on another hand, is a small metal or ceramic component with fins on the surface which
absorbs and distributes heat produced by electrical components.

o Heat pipe is used on smaller devices like notebook computers since this is smaller in size.
Expansion Cards
A motherboard has expansion slots to be used by expansion cards. An expansion card, also
called an adapter card, is a circuit board that provides more ports than those provided by the
motherboard.

The photo below shows a Video Card, where it provides three video ports. Notice the cooling fan
and heat sink on the card, which help to keep the card from overheating. The trend today is for
most ports in a system to be provided by the motherboard (called onboard ports) and less use of
expansion cards.

There are also other variants of expansion cards such as network cards, sound cards, video
capture cards, interface cards, and other expansion cards that cater to whatever the computer
user for his/her needs and improvements for the system.

Storage
A system might have one or more hard drives, an optical drive, a tape drive, or, for really old
systems, a floppy drive.

A hard drive, also called a hard disk drive (HDD), is permanent storage used to hold data and
programs.

For example, the Windows operating system and applications are installed on the hard drive. All
drives in a system are installed in a stack of drive bays at either the front or on the lower portion of
the case. Nowadays, users use Solid State Drive or SSDs because of its use of flash memory,
which does not use physical disks to write memory/data.
Each drive has two connections for cables: the power cable connects to the power supply and another cable,
used for data and instructions, connects to the motherboard.

TOPIC 3: Ports, Sockets, Slots, & Connectors

The motherboard has several ports, sockets, slots, and connectors that link the computers'
components, input, and output devices among each other. First we'll look at the port which are
usually found at the side of the motherboard or the back of the system case.

The port basically serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or
peripheral devices.

A port generally refers to the female part of connection. Computer ports have many uses, to
connect a monitor, webcam, speakers, or other peripheral devices.

On the physical layer, a computer port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a
plug or cable connects. Electronically, the several conductors where the port and cable contacts
connect, provide a method to transfer signals between devices.

Familiarize yourself with the following ports usually found with computer systems below: