Below is a reviewer on the skill assessment exam of those who wanted to get a certificate on Computer Hardware Servicing NC II from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA, Philippines). It is assumed that you have the prior basic knowledge on computer hardware and software operations. This is not a comprehensive one but provides examples, hints and basic outline of the exam:
1. List of Tools and Materials/Inventory (written):
2. Occupational Health and Safety Procedure (OHS) (written):
1. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized.
2. Personal protective equipment are correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices.
3. Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment.
4. Take necessary precautions to protect the components of the computer from damage caused by ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).
5. Hold the components by the edges and do not touch the IC’s.
6. Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.
7. Do not use excessive force if things don’t quite slip into place.
3. Assemble System Unit (manual):
PROPER ASSEMBLING PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare the computer case (install power supply, I/O shield and spacers).
2. Install the drives (DVD, floppy and HDD).
3. Install the CPU, fan, heat sink and memory module on the motherboard.
4. Install the motherboard into the casing and expansion cards.
5. Install the cablings (power connectors, FDD connector, IDE/SATA connector, USB headers and system panel header).
6. Attach the monitor, keyboard, mouse and plug into a power source.
7. Troubleshoot if necessary.
8. Assemble and install network connection.
4. Install Operating Systems (OS- XP/98, dual boot), Device Drivers, LAN Cable (manual).
Extensive procedures on dual/triple boot operating systems (OS) installation can be found on this site http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mosaddique/. The type of operating systems to be installed might change overtime.
For LAN cable color coding, memorize the pairings below:
5. Configure and Print (manual):
1. Click on the Start menu, then click on Control Panel
2. When the Control Panel window opens you will see items in either Category View (continue with step #3) or Classic View (skip to item #4)
3. Find and double-click on the Network and Internet Connection icon.
4. Next, find and double-click on the Network Connections icon, a window will open with all network connections available on the computer (wired and wireless)
5. Find the network connection you want to manually configure, right-click on it and select Properties from the pop-up menu
6. In the Connection Properties window, under the section labeled This connection uses the following items: find the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item and double-click it.
7. A new window will open, select the second radio button which is labeled Use the following IP address
8. Enter the appropriate IP address (192.168.0.1); subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0); and gateway (the router or proxy server address)
9. The next part of the windows will now have a radio button selected which is labeled Use the following DNS server addresses
10. If you need to access the Internet, enter the DNS addresses provided by your ISP; if you do not have that information you can use the OpenDNS server. Their DNS addresses are: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
11. After entering the required information, click the OK button twice and close the Control Panel window.
Changing Workgroup and Computer Name
- Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Computer Name Tab > Change Tab
>Type New Computer Name and Workgroup > OK..OK..OK..Restart
Installing Network Printer
- Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Add Printer (Printers Tasks) > (Add Printer Wizard) Next > Select “A Network Printer, or …..” > Next > Browse Printer > Next > Select Installed Network Printer > Next >Yes..Finish!
Note: Turn-off your firewall before installing network printer.
File/Folder Sharing
- Right-Click Folder to Share > Properties > Sharing Tab > Network Sharing and Security (Click “If you understand the security Risk….”) > Just Enable Sharing > OK > Select Share this folder on the network > OK
Sharing Printer
Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Right-click Installed Printer > Sharing > Share this Printer > OK 6. Questioning/Interview (oral):
Most of the questions will be on troubleshooting but anything around the subject matter can be asked. You also need to master the parts of the computer particularly of the Main Circuit Board or the Mother Board and their specific functions, cable color-coding as shown above.
central processing unit (CPU) - Interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate a computer
Heat sink—component with fins that cools processor
random access memory (RAM) - Memory chips that can be read from and written to by processor. Also called main memory or primary storage. Most RAM is volatile, it is lost when computer’s power is turned off.
read-only memory (ROM) - Memory chips that store permanent data and instructions. Nonvolatile memory, it is not lost when computer’s power is turned off.
basic input and output system (BIOS) - the first program to run when you turn on your computer. It is stored in a ROM chip on the motherboard.
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor memory (CMOS) - Stores date, time, and computer’s startup information. Maintained by a small battery after you turn the computer off.
adapter card - Enhances system unit or provides connections to external devices called peripherals. Also called an expansion card.
expansion slot - An opening, or socket, on the motherboard that can hold an adapter card
Port connects external devices to system unit
Connector joins cable to peripheral
(add additional notes)
Good luck! =)
