Web Development and Database Administration

Level-II

Based on March 2022, Curriculum Version 1

MODULE TITLE: Maintaining IT equipment and consumables

MODULE CODE: EIS WDDBA2 M04 0322

NOMINAL DURATION: 50 Hours

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill September, 2022

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 Table of Contents
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................................ 4

Acronym .....................................................................................................................................5

Introduction to the Module ..........................................................................................................6

Unit One: Identify And Analyze It System Components To Be Maintained .................................7

1.1 Determine and document warranty status of components ...................................................7

1.2 Review system architecture and configuration documentation ...........................................9

1.3 Critical hardware and software components ..................................................................... 10

Self-check 1 .......................................................................................................................... 22

Operation sheet 1.1: Disassemble computer motherboard ...................................................... 23

Operation sheet 1.2: assemble computer motherboard ........................................................... 24

Lap Test-1: Disassemble & assemble Computer Components ................................................ 25

Unit Two: Apply Maintenance Procedures .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.1 Creating Preventative Maintenance Schedule..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.2 Identifying and applying specific and appropriate maintenance procedure ................ Error!
Bookmark not defined.

2.3 Documenting and submitting recommended procedure for approval accordingly ...... Error!
Bookmark not defined.

2.4 Giving orientation to implementing staffs and ensuring to follow maintenance schedule
................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.5 Observing OHS throughout the process ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

SELF-CHECK 2 ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 2.1: Replace Power Supply............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 2.2: Replace Computer Equipment ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 2.3: Upgrade Computer Equipment ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 2.4: Remove the Motherboard ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 2.5: Install the Motherboard ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Lap Test 2 ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Unit Three: Clean Equipment ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.1 Identifying IT related tools and equipment ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.2 Accessing and verifying cleaning supplies selected for usability ...... Error! Bookmark not
defined.

3.3 Recording and documenting maintenance actions .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.4 Cleaning equipment as per manufacturer specifications ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.

SELF-CHECK 3 ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 3.1: Clean equipment (Motherboard) .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Lap Test 3 ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Unit Four: Replace And Maintain Consumables And Supplies .... Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.1 Identifying IT related consumables .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.2 Accessing consumables from storage and recording usage information .. Error! Bookmark
not defined.

4.3 Replacing consumables and logging the action undertaken Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.4 Disposing consumables by following environmental guidelines ....... Error! Bookmark not
defined.

4.5 Testing equipment to ensure it is in working order at set time periods .... Error! Bookmark
not defined.

SELF-CHECK 4 ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 4.1: Replacing consumables (Printer Cartridge) ............ Error! Bookmark not
defined.

LAP Test-4: Replace IT Consumables ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Unit Five: Maintain Equipment ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.1 Identifying equipment which requires maintenance ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.2 Maintaining equipment based on manufacturer specifications .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.

5.3 Documenting maintenance procedures based on organizational instruction ............... Error!

Bookmark not defined.
 5.4 Exercising care to prevent interruption of business activities ........... Error! Bookmark not
defined.

5.5 Storing unused equipment devices based on manufacturer specificationsError! Bookmark

not defined.

SELF-CHECK 5 ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Operation sheet 5.1: Maintaining a computer equipment ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Lap Test 5: Maintain a computer ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Reference .................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Acknowledgment

Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives
of TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to the
development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).
Acronym

BIOS- basic input/output system

CM- Corrective Maintenance

CPU- Central Processing Unit

GPU - Graphics Processing Unit

IM- Improvement Maintenance

ITE- Information Technology Equipment

MTA- Made to Assemble

PDM- Predictive Maintenance

PM- Preventive Maintenance

POST- Power on self-test

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

RAM- Random Access Memory

RTF- Run to Failure Maintenance

TTLM- Teaching, Training, Learning Material

Introduction to the Module

In Web Development and Database Administration, the Maintaining IT equipment and

consumables helps to know the maintenance of Information Technology equipment and materials.

This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under the Web Development and
Database Administration standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Maintaining IT
equipment and consumables.

This module covers the units:

 Maintaining IT system Components

 Applying maintenance procedures

 Cleaning equipment

 Replacing and maintaining consumables and supplies

Learning Objective of the Module

 Maintain IT system Components
 Apply maintenance procedures
 Clean equipment
 Replace and maintain consumables and supplies

Module Instruction

For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:

 Read the information written in each unit

 Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit

 Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units

 Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and

 Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise

 Unit One: Identify And Analyze It System Components To Be Maintained

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:

 Determining and documenting warranty status of components and/or software

 Reviewing system architecture and configuration documentation for currency status.

 Identifying critical hardware components and/or software and documenting recommendation

in service arrangements

This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:

 Determine and document warranty status of components and/or software

 Review system architecture and configure documentation

 Identify critical hardware components and/or software

1.1 Determine and document warranty status of components

In contract law, a warranty is a promise which is not a condition of the contract or an innominate
term. It is a term "not going to the root of the contract and which only entitles the innocent party
to damages if it is breached: i.e. The warranty is not true or the defaulting party does not perform
the contract in accordance with the terms of the warranty. A warranty is not a guarantee. It is a
mere promise. It may be enforced if it is breached by an award for the legal remedy of damages.
A warranty is a term of a contract. Depending on the terms of the contract, a product warranty may
cover a product such that a manufacturer provides a warranty to a consumer with which the
manufacturer has no direct contractual relationship.

 Hardware Warranty

By law, goods when sold must be of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose and correspond
to the published description at the date of delivery to the buyer and remain that way for a
reasonable period afterwards, but that period may be no more than an hour or a day. Since
the general law is uncertain and imprecise, we offer this Hardware Warranty to the
customer, so as to avoid any uncertainty and offer peace of mind.

 Software Warranty

A software warranty is a document, often a digital document provided as a file with a piece
of software, which indicates any rights a user may have to replace a piece of software if it
is damaged or faulty. This type of warranty may involve the hardware on which the
software was sold, such as a physical disc.

1.1.1 Manufacturer and vendor

A manufacturer is a person or company that produces finished goods from raw materials by using
various tools, equipment, and processes, and then sells the goods to consumers, wholesalers,
distributors, retailers, or to other manufacturers for the production of more complex goods.

Types of Manufacturers

 Made to Stock (MTS)

Made to Stock manufacturers produce substantial quantities of goods and store the manufactured
goods before their final sale. MTS businesses aim to forecast the demand for their products in the
market and then produce the quantity of goods corresponding with the predicted demand.

The success of made to stock manufacturers mostly depends on their ability to forecast the market
demand correctly. If the forecast significantly deviates from the actual demand, they will face the
under- or over-production.

 Made to Order (MTO)

Unlike their MTS counterparts, made to order manufacturers produce goods only if they receive
orders from customers. The nature of MTO production eliminates the necessity to forecast future
demand for the products. Thus, MTO businesses will not face overproduction.

However, MTO manufacturers generally face a higher lead time between the initiation and
completion of an order. In addition, a sudden increase in the current demand for the products tends
to put additional pressure on the operations, which, in turn, will lead to even higher lead times.

 Made to Assemble (MTA)

Instead of immediately producing a final good, made to assemble manufacturers initially create
the basic parts of a final good that can be quickly assembled together when an order from a
customer is received. MTA production significantly reduces lead times for customer orders.
Nevertheless, the business could face lower demand for certain types of basic parts.

Vendor

A vendor is a party in the supply chain that makes goods and services available to companies or
consumers. The term "vendor" is typically used to describe the entity that is paid for goods
provided rather than the manufacturer of the goods itself.

1.1.2 Project or organizational requirements

A project is defined as an effort to create or modify a specific product or service. Projects are
temporary work efforts with a clear beginning and end. Projects can be completely contained
within a specific unit or department, or include other organizations and vendors.

1.2 Review system architecture and configuration documentation

System architecture is the conceptual model that defines the structure, behavior, and
more views of a system. An architecture description is a formal description and representation of
a system, organized in a way that supports reasoning about the structures and behaviors of the
system.

A system architecture can consist of system components and the sub-systems developed, that will
work together to implement the overall system. In computer engineering, computer architecture is
a set of rules and methods that describe the functionality, organization, and implementation
of computer systems.
 Figure 1.1 Computer Architecture

System configuration is a term in systems engineering that defines the computer hardware, the
processes as well as the various devices that comprise the entire system and its boundaries. This
term also refers to the settings or the hardware-software arrangement and how each device and
software or process interact with each other based on a system settings file created automatically
by the system or defined by the user.

1.3 Critical hardware and software components

1.3.1 Motherboard

A motherboard is a circuit board through which all the different components of a computer
communications and it keep everything together. The input and output devices are plugged into
the motherboard for function.
 Figure 1. 1 Motherboard

1.3.2 Input devices

Computers respond to commands given to them in the form of numbers, alphabets, images etc.
These inputs are then processed and converted to computer language and then the response is the
output in the language that we understand or the one we have programmed the computer with.
Example: keyboard, mouse, microphone,…

1.3.3 Output Unit

The result of the command we provide the computer with through the input device is called the
output. The most used is the monitor since we give commands using the keyboard and after the
processing, the result or outcome is displayed on the monitor.
 Figure 1. 2 Computer Components

1.3.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is called the brain of the computer since no action can take place without its permission
and execution as the main processing unit. It communicates with all the other components of the
computer and has Components that help in the smooth functioning of the CPU. Components of the
CPU are:

A. Memory Unit

The information entered through the input devices is saved in the memory of the CPU and then
passed on to the other parts. Similarly, when the output is ready it is saved in the memory before
the result is given to the user.

B. Control Unit

This unit controls the functioning component of the computer. It collects the data entered, leads it
on for processing after the processing is done, receives the output and provides it to the user. So
getting instructions, decoding it, signaling the execution and receiving the output is done by the
control center and hence it is called the center of all processing actions that happen in the
computer.

C. Arithmetic and Logical Unit

This unit does mathematical calculations, arithmetic operations, comparison of data and decision
making. It has circuits that are built for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other
calculations.

1.3.5 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Another vital component of the computer is GPU. The Graphics Processing Unit or the video card
helps generate high-end visuals like the ones in video games. Good graphics like these are also
helpful for people who have to execute their work. It generally communicates directly with the
monitor.

Figure 1. 3 GPU

1.3.6 Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is the most commonly referred component in a computer. The RAM is also known as the
volatile memory since it gets erased every time the computer restarts. It stores the data regarding
the programs which are frequently accessed programs and processes. It helps programs to start up
and close quickly. It being slower has made it more obsolete these days.
 Figure 1. 4 RAM

 SRAM (Static RAM)

Static RAM (SRAM) uses several transistors to hold each bit of data in memory. This
technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Once you had data in SRAM, the system
didn't need to do anything special to keep it there. Its access time was low and never interrupted
by wait states. Because it used so many transistors to keep each bit of data in place, SRAM cost
much more than other RAM.

 DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

DRAM) used only a single capacitor per bit of data and, thus, cost substantially less than
SRAM, but had many disadvantages. The DRAM memory required periodic refreshing during
which the processor couldn't access the RAM (called a wait state).

Refreshing caused DRAM to be slower than SRAM.

Additionally, DRAM used more power than SRAM. DRAM became the primary system RAM
in all computers for many years.

 SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)

SDRAM the current RAM of choice in most systems offers a great improvement over DRAM,
delivering data in high speed bursts. Plus, SDRAM runs at the speed of the system bus.

1.3.7 Storage Unit

A storage unit is a part of the computer system which is employed to store the information and
instructions to be processed. A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware which
stores information/data to process the result of any computational work. Without a storage
device, a computer would not be able to run or even boot up. Or in other words, we can say that
a storage device is hardware that is used for storing, porting, or extracting data files. It can also
store information/data both temporarily and permanently. Computer storage is of two types:

 Primary Storage Devices: It is also known as internal memory and main memory. This
is a section of the CPU that holds program instructions, input data, and intermediate
results. It is generally smaller in size. RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read
Only Memory) are examples of primary storage.

 Secondary Storage Devices: Secondary storage is a memory that is stored external to

the computer. It is mainly used for the permanent and long-term storage of programs and
data. Hard Disk, CD, DVD, Pen/Flash drive, SSD, etc, are examples of secondary
storage.

Figure 1. 5 Computer Components

1.4 Disassemble and assemble Computer Components

1.4.1 Disassemble

 Unplug your computer and peripheral items

Turn off the computer, unplug the power cord and unplug any peripheral items attached to the
computer, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, headphones, and any external drives.

Figure 1. 6 Unplug Computer

 Remove side covers

Remove at least one of the side covers, usually the right side as you face the front of the computer.
 Figure 1. 7 Remove Side Cover

 Disconnect connectors

Disconnect all the connectors, and then remove any card readers and internal DVD players. These
are usually screwed into place.

 Remove standalone fans

Remove any standalone fans. This is a good time to remove any dust, lint, and pet hair from the
fans if you’re planning on reusing them.

Figure 1. 8 Standalone fan

 Remove the storage drive

Disconnect the cables and remove the storage drive.

 Figure 1. 9 Remove Storage Device(Hard Disk)

 Remove memory (RAM) modules

Remove the memory (RAM) modules by pushing the clips on both ends of the module down.

Figure 1. 10 Remove Memory

 Remove power supply unit

Remove the power supply unit by unplugging the remaining connectors, then unscrewing the unit
from the frame.

 Remove motherboard adapter or expansion cards

Remove any adapter or expansion cards from the motherboard.

 Remove the motherboard

Disconnect all the cables from the motherboard, then unscrew it from the frame by loosening each
screw a little bit before going around again to loosen each screw properly.

1.5 Symptoms of common devices failure

1.5.1 Symptoms of RAM Failure

 Low Performance

A Faulty RAM can be identified from sudden decrease in performance. You PC may run fine
when you start up the computer, but as soon as you start using it you may notice the
performance gradually decreases.
 Frequent Crashes

Since there can be numerous reasons behind computer crashes, it is difficult to pinpoint the
exact cause. However, if the crash happens to occur randomly and without any warnings it
could be sign of a faulty RAM.

 Graphics Card Failure

Under normal circumstances when you turn on the PC, you may hear beep tones given by the
computer. This indicates that all the hardware components are recognized and functioning
properly. Literally if there are no any beep tones given, it could be sign of a RAM failure.
Along with these the Graphics card may also fail to load during the boot process.

 Corrupted Files

Corruption of file present on your system can be an indication of a failing RAM. Specifically
the files you access and save frequently may get corrupted.

 System Freeze

RAM issues can also manifest in the form of system freezing. Your PC could freeze without
any prior warnings. And even keyboard and mouse can become completely unresponsive.

 Blue Screen of Death

Blue Screen of Death errors are common when you have installed a new hardware or software.
But if the error seems to appear without any hardware installation that could mean that the
memory is facing some problems.

 Random Restart

Random restarts have found to be another symptom of a faulty RAM. This can happen all of a
sudden when you are performing a task or just when you are not literally doing anything.

 Beep Noises

Listen for the beep tones when you turn on the PC. Unlike usual one single beep, if there are
sequences of beeps heard that can be a sign of a failing RAM. However these beep codes vary
depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, you have to search the codes to find out whether
they are related to the RAM.
  Installation Failure

When the RAM faces issues, no longer you will be able to install new programs.

1.5.2 Symptom of CPU Failure

 Computer Freezes

One of the most common signs of CPU failure is the random freezing of your computer, usually
after just logging into the operating system. The system won’t respond to any of your instructions.
The mouse freezes on the screen and any attempt to use the keyboard will result in a series of short
beeps. Restarting the system may not solve the issue. This may also indicate that the motherboards
are in critical condition.

 Booting Issues

Normally you will hear a beep sound when your computer is powered on. However, in case of a
CPU failure, there can be booting issues such as – blank screens, no beep after the boot and no
response on pressing keyboard keys or clicking the mouse.

 Computer Automatically Turns Off

Figure 1. 11 Computer Automatically Turn Off

If your computer has been working for a long time, the processor can get heated up. In such a
condition, the motherboard shuts down the PC to cool down the processor. By shutting down, the
processor is saved from getting permanently damaged. If you are experiencing a frequent
shutdown issue, it can be due to CPU issues.

 A Blue Screen with Error Code

If your screen displays the error code 0x00000, then it is an indication of processor failure.

 Beep alerts

Each time the computer is booted, it checks whether all the components of the PC are functioning
properly. This is called the POST test. If you hear irregular beep sounds, a failing CPU can be one
of the reasons. A CPU issue will usually cause a series of 5-7 beeps.
  External Appearances of Damage

A computer can show signs of CPU damage even without booting it up. Overheating can cause
damages that may be visible externally. Any burnt marks on and around the CPU socket indicates
that the CPU has undergone extreme overheating. In such situations, a replacement may be the
only option.

Understanding what the symptoms of CPU failure are can help to prevent extensive damage.
However, computers can sometimes throw symptoms at you that need trained eyes and ears to be
decoded.

1.5.3 Hard disk Failure

 Frequent Computer Freezes and Crashes

If you find your computer freezes and crashes like the Blue Screen of Death issue frequently, it is
possibly caused by your hard drive. And if it occurs after a fresh installation, it is very likely due
to bad hardware, and possibly a failing hard drive.

There are many causes of computer freezes and crashes, but it also indicates hard drive failure
coming soon.

 Missing Files or Files Failed to Open

One of the typical signs of hard drive failure is files suddenly disappeared or failed to open.

 Consuming Excessive Time to Access Folders and Files

Really long wait time to access folders and files is also a sign of hard drive failure, which is due
to the failing areas of the hard drive requiring repeated read attempts before successful access.
However, this can be also caused by many other computer issues, but it is also a typical sign of
hard drive failure.

 A Rising Number of Bad Sectors

A rising number of bad sectors can be a sign of a failing hard drive. A bad sector is a disk sector
on a disk storage unit that is permanently damaged. Once damaged, all information stored on the
sector will be lost. Accumulated bad sectors are a sign of hard drive failure and they are hard to
identify. When large amounts of your disk are currently in use, the data stored on the disk could
be in danger.

1.5.4 Signs of Power Supply Failure

  Computer turns on for some time then it suddenly turns off.

 Random black & blue screen crashes

The infamous BSOD or the Blue Screen of Death is a frequent sign citing power supply failure.
But usually, it’s the lack of power that may cause the malfunctioning of different hardware
components of the system. Of course, bsod can be caused due to driver failures, memory,
and storage disk issues.

 Random Computer Crashes and Restarts

The CPU is off without notice, and then it restarts, leaving all of your unsaved progress gone
forever.

 Display Issues

It is usually a problem due to insufficient power that causes the CPU and the Graphics driver to
malfunction, resulting in this glitch.

If the same problem persists while connected with the main power supply, then there is something
wrong with the monitor. If not, it’s the Power Supply.

 Smoke/Burning Smell

In case your Power Supply unit is out of service, you may find it being smoked(literally). A power
surge on a dead PSU may lead to fatal accidents, including a fire.

 Strange noises from the PC case

It may also be a grinding sound with the fan. It could be that it has reached the end of its useful
life, that the fan is not being supplied with power, problems with the fan itself, dirt (try cleaning
it), or that it is rubbing against something.

 Presence of Frequent Electric Shocks When You Touch The Metallic Parts Of The Computer.

 PC won’t start, but the case fans spin.

So the case fans are spinning, but the PC isn’t starting.

 Overheating of PSU

If you don’t hear the PSU fan at all – and don’t feel air coming from the air vent on the back of
the unit – this could be a sign of fan ventilation failure.
Below are the AMI BIOS beep codes. However, because of the wide variety of different computer
manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes for your computer may differ slightly from those
listed below.

Self-check 1

Test-I Matching

Instruction: select the correct answer for the give choice. You have given 1 Minute for each
question. Each question carries 2 Point.

A B

------1. Motherboard A. Supper Computer

------2. RAM B. Read Only Memory

------3. Hard Disk C. Random Accessed Memory

------4. Power Supply D. Provides power source to computer

-------5. ROM E. Magnetic storage device

F. It connects all computer parts

Operation sheet 1.1: Disassemble computer motherboard

Operation title: disassemble motherboard
Purpose: To practice and demonstrate the knowledge and skill required in disassembling
computer motherboard.
Instruction: use antistatic wrist-strap device to protect damages and of the computer from any
power sources.
Tools and requirement: This operation sheet, Screw driver, Wrist strap, Air blower,
motherboard
Precautions: Apply OHS standards
Procedures
Figure 1. 12 Disassemble computer hardware components

Step 1 – Unplug your computer and peripheral items

Step 2 – Remove side covers
Step 3 – Remove standalone fans
Step 4 – Remove the storage drive
Step 5 – Remove memory (RAM) modules
Step 6 – Remove power supply unit
Step 7 – Remove motherboard adapter or expansion cards
Step 8– Remove the motherboard

Quality Criteria: The computer is motherboard is removed

Operation sheet 1.2: assemble computer motherboard

Operation title: Procedures of assemble and disassemble computer components

Purpose: To assemble computer motherboard
Instruction: use antistatic wrist-strap device to protect damages and of the computer from
Tools and requirement: This operation sheet, Screw driver, Wrist strap, Air blower,
motherboard

Figure 1. 13 assemble computer hardware components

Precautions: Apply OHS standards

Procedures
 Step 1: Procuring Parts
Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies
Step 3: Open the Case
Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly
Step 5: Ground Yourself
Step 6: Install Motherboard
Step 7: Install Hard Drive
Step 8: Install Optical Drive
Step 9: Install the CPU
Step 10: Install RAM
Step 11: Install the CPU Fan
Step 12: Install Case Fan
Step 13: Install Power Supply
Step 14: Connect Cables
 Quality Criteria: The computer is assembled

Lap Test-1: Disassemble & assemble Computer Components

Task-1: Disassemble Computer Components

Task-2: Assemble Computer Components