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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

POLYTECHNICS
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION MALAYSIA
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE

EC602 COMPUTER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

AND MAINTENANCE

INTRUCTIONAL DURATION

: 15 WEEKS

CREDIT(S)

: 3

PREREQUISITE(S)

: NONE

SYNOPSIS
COMPUTER

SYSTEM

DIAGNOSIS

AND

MAINTENANCE

course

provides

knowledge on the general concept of computer system diagnosis and maintenance.

Students are exposed to computer system hardware, laptop system, computer
peripherals and security. The course focuses on the methods of operation,
installation, diagnostic, troubleshooting, and maintenance in computer hardware.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.

explain the fundamental components and security system of personal

computer, laptop and computer peripherals using appropriate troubleshooting
techniques and diagnostic procedures. (C4)

2.

perform

correctly

preventive

maintenance,

installation,

configuration,

optimization and upgrade on personal computer, laptop, computer peripherals

and security system. (P2)
3.

demonstrate

problem

troubleshooting

and

solving
computer

and

leadership

maintenance

skills
skilfully

in

performing

using

proper

troubleshooting procedure in a team. (A3)

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

SUMMARY

(30 LECTURE : 45 PRACTICAL)

RTA
1.0

PERSONAL COMPUTER COMPONENTS

(10 : 15)

Fundamental component of personal computer hardware;

processors, motherboard, power supply, monitor, memory,
optical drives, hard disk, sound cards, graphics card, and
computer cooling system. Diagnostic procedure and
troubleshooting for personal computer.

2.0

(10 : 10)

LAPTOP AND PORTABLE DEVICES

Fundamental component of laptop and portable devices such
as memory, hard drive, ports, expansion slot, communication
connection, input devices, LCD. Identify tools, basic
diagnostic procedure and troubleshooting techniques for
laptop.

3.0

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PRINTER AND SCANNER

PRINCIPLES

(05 : 10)

Fundamental principles of printer and scanner. Installation,

configuration, optimization and use troubleshooting
techniques for printer and scanner.
4.0

(05 : 10)

SECURITY
Fundamental principles of security system; hardware
deconstruction, smart card, authentication technologies,
malicious software protection, software firewall, and file
system security. Wireless security; wireless encryption and
access point.

RTA

Recommended Time Allocation

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

SYLLABUS

1.0

PERSONAL COMPUTER COMPONENTS

1.1

Define fundamental principles of using PC

1.1.1 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of storage
devices.
1.1.2 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of
motherboards.(Form factor, components)
1.1.3 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of power
supplies, for example: AC adapter, ATX, proprietary, voltage).
1.1.4 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of
processor/CPUs.
1.1.5 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of memory.
1.1.6 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of display
device.
1.1.7 Determine the difference between a TFT and CRT monitors.
1.1.8 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of input device.
1.1.9 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of adapter
cards.
1.1.10 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of ports and
cable.
1.1.11 Define the names, purpose and characteristics of cooling
system.
1.1.12 Select a suitable motherboard based on the following factors:
a. Type of processor
b. Type of memory
c. Type of graphic card slot

1.2

Do installation, configuration, optimization and upgrade of PC

components
1.2.1 Define internal and external storage devices
1.2.2 Configure internal and external storage devices
1.2.3 Install display devices
1.2.4 Identify basic input and multimedia devices
1.2.5 Configure basic input and multimedia devices
1.2.6 Assemble all the components to build PC

1.3

Learn tools, diagnostic procedure and troubleshooting techniques for

PC component
1.3.1 Recognize the basic aspects of troubleshooting theory.
1.3.2 Identify basic diagnostic procedure and troubleshooting
techniques.
1.3.3 Recognize an issues with display, power, basic input devices,
storage, memory, thermal, POST errors (e.g. BIOS, hardware).
1.3.4 Isolate an issues with display, power, basic input devices,
storage, memory, thermal, POST errors (e.g. BIOS, hardware).
1.3.5 Determine the troubleshooting to check for problem (e.g.
thermal issues, error codes, power, connection including cable
and/or pins, compatibility, functionality, software/drivers) with
component for the following:
a. Motherboard
b. Power supply

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
1.3.6

1.4

Recognize the names, purposes, characteristics and

appropriate application of tools for example:
a. BIOS and self-test
b. Hard Drive self-test
c. Software diagnostics test

Do preventive maintenance on PC component

1.4.1 Identify basic aspects of preventive maintenance theory for the
following:
a. Visual/audio inspection
b. Driver/firmware updates
c. Scheduling preventive maintenance
d. Use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials
e. Ensuring proper environment
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4

2.0

Processors/CPUs
Memory
Display devices
Input Devices
Adapter cards

Apply basic aspects of preventive maintenance theory.

Identify the common preventive maintenance techniques.
Recommend the easiest technique for common preventive
maintenance.

LAPTOP AND PORTABLE DEVICES

2.1

Understand the fundamental principles of using laptop and portable

device
2.1.1 Identify names, purposes and characteristics of laptop-specific:
a. Form factor such as memory and hard drive
b. Peripherals (e.g. docking station, port replicator and
media/accessory bay)
c. Ports (e.g. mini PCI slot , HDMI)
d. Expansion slots (e.g. PCMCIA I, II and III, card and
express bus)
e. Communication connections (e.g. Bluetooth, infrared,
cellular WAN, Ethernet)
f. Power and electrical input devices
g. LCD technologies (e.g. active and passive matrix,
resolution such as XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WUXGA, contrast
radio, native resolution)
h. Input devices (e.g. stylus / digitizer, function (Fn) keys and
pointing devices such as touch pad, point stick/track point
2.1.2
2.1.3

2.2

Identify mobile and desktop motherboard and processor

including throttling, power management and WIFI
Distinguish between mobile and desktop motherboard and
processor including throttling, power management and WIFI

Do the Installation, configuration, optimization and upgrade of the

laptops and portable device
2.2.1 Identify the features of BIOS-ACPI

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2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4

3.0

EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

Distinguish between suspend, hibernate and standby

Configure power management
Demonstrate safe removal of laptop-specific hardware such as
peripheral, hot swappable devices and non-hot-swappable
devices

2.3

Learn tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting

techniques for laptops and portable device
2.3.1 Define the basic techniques to diagnose power condition,
video, keyboard, pointer and wireless card issues.
2.3.2 Determine the troubleshooting to check for problem power
condition, video, keyboard and wireless, for example:
a. Verify AC power (e.g. LEDs, swap AC adapter)
b. Verify DC power
c. Remove unneeded peripherals
d. Plug in external monitor
e. Toggle Fn keys
f. Check LCD cut-off switch
g. Stylus issues
h. Antenna wires

2.4

Do preventive maintenance on laptop and portable device

2.4.1 Identify the common preventive maintenance techniques
2.4.2 Apply preventive maintenance techniques for laptop and
portable devices

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PRINTER AND SCANNER PRINCIPLES

3.1

Understanding the fundamental principles of using printer and scanner

3.1.1 List the differences between types of printer and scanner
technologies (e.g. laser, inkjet, thermal, solid ink and impact)
3.1.2 Explain the names, purposes and characteristics of printer and
scanner component (e.g. memory, driver and firmware) and
consumables (e.g. toner, ink cartridge, paper).
3.1.3 Identify the names, purposes and characteristic of interfaces
used by printers and scanners including port and cable types
for example :
a. Parallel
b. Network (e.g. NIC, print server)
c. USB
d. Serial
e. IEEE 1394/fire wire
f. SCSI
3.1.4

3.2

Determine the best port interface which is highest speed

transfer data

Understanding basic concept of installing, configuring, optimizing, and

upgrading printer and scanner.
3.2.1 Install the printer/scanner
3.2.2 Configure the printer/scanner
3.2.3 Update printer/scanner driver

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3.2.4

3.3

4.0

EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

Optimize printer performance for printer setting such as:

a. Tray switching
b. Print Spool setting
c. Device calibration
d. Media Types
e. Paper Orientation

Learn tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting

techniques for printers and scanners
3.3.1 List the information about printer/scanner problems
3.3.2 Identify symptom to handle the problems
3.3.3 Review device error codes, computer error messages and
history (e.g. event log, user reports)
3.3.4 Analyze collected data problem/symptoms
3.3.5 Justify the best tools, diagnostic procedure and
troubleshooting techniques for printer/scanner

SECURITY
4.1

Understanding the fundamental principles of security

4.1.1 Define the names, purposes and characteristics of hardware
and software security for example :
a. Hardware deconstruction/recycling
b. Smart card/biometrics
c. Authentication technologies
d. Malicious software protection (e.g. viruses, Trojan, worms,
spam, spyware, adware, gray ware
e. Software firewalls
f. File system security (e.g. FAT32 and NTFS)
4.1.2

Identify names, purposes and characteristics of wireless

security for:
a. Wireless encryption (e.g. WEP.x and WPA.x)
b. Access Point

4.1.3

Identify names, purposes and characteristics of data and

physical security for:
a. Data access (basic local security policy)
b. Encryption technologies
c. Data Migration
d. Data/remnant removal
e. Password management
f. Locking workstation (e.g. hardware, operating system)

4.1.4 Describe importance and process of incidence reporting

4.1.5 Recognize appropriately to social engineering situations
4.2

Do Installation and configuration of the security

4.2.1 Install hardware, software and data security such as:
a. BIOS and Smart card
b. Authentication technologies
c. Data Access
d. Backup procedures and access to backup

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4.2.2

EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

Configure hardware, software and data security

4.3

Learn tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting

techniques for security
4.3.1 Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware, software and data
security issues such as:
a. BIOS
b. Smart card/biometrics
c. Authentication technologies
d. Malicious software
e. File System (e.g. FAT32, NTFS)
f. Backup

4.4

Do preventive maintenance for computer security

4.4.1 Recommend software security preventive maintenance
techniques such as installing latest service packs, patches and
training users about malicious software preventive
technologies

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

ASSESSMENT

The course assessment is carried out in two sections:

i.

Coursework (CA)
Coursework is continuous assessment that measures knowledge,
technical skills and soft skills.

ii.

Final Examination (FE)

Final examination is carried out at the end of the semester.

The percentage ratio of FE to CA shall follow the guideline stated in the ArahanArahan Peperiksaan dan Kaedah Penilaian which is approved by the Lembaga
Peperiksaan dan Penganugerahan Sijil/ Diploma Politeknik.

ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION TABLE (AST)

ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR COURSEWORK (CA)
CLO 3

CLO 2

CONTEXT

CLO 1

CLO

Personal Computer
Components

Theory
Test

Quiz

Practical
Work

End of
Chapter

*(1) 20%

*(4) 20%

*(6) 50%

*(2) 10%

Laptop and Portable

Devices

The Fundamentals of
Printer and Scanner
Principles

Security

Remark:
CLO1: Explain the fundamental components and security system of personal computer,
laptop and computer peripherals using appropriate troubleshooting techniques and
diagnostic procedures. (C4)
CLO2: Perform correctly preventive maintenance, installation, configuration, optimization
and upgrade on personal computer, laptop, computer peripherals and security
system. (P2)
CLO3: Demonstrate problem solving and leadership skills in performing troubleshooting and
computer maintenance skilfully using proper troubleshooting procedure in a team.
(A3)
*(x) refers to the quantity of assessment

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

REFERENCES

Andrew J. (2009). A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining and

Troubleshooting 5th Edition. Cengage Learning. (ISBN: 1-435-48739-9)
Andrew J. (2009). A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC 7th Edition.
Cengage Learning. (ISBN: 1-435-49778-3)
Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, and Misty E. Vermaat (2007). Discovering
Computers 2007: A Gateway to Information. Thomson Course Technology:
Boston, MA, (ISBN: 1-418-85956-7)
Michael W.Graves (2005).A+ Guide to PC Hardware Maintenance and Repair.
Thomson Delmar Learning: Clifton Park, N.Y. (ISBN: 1-401-85230-0)
Quentin Docter, Emmett Dulaney and Toby Skandier (2007). CompTIA A+ Complete
Study Guide. Wiley Publishing Inc.: Indianapolis, Indiana. (ISBN: 0-47004830-1)

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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

MATRIX OF COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO) VS PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLO)

Compliance to PLO
Course Learning Outcome (CLO)

1.

2.

3.

Explain the fundamental components and

security system of personal computer,
laptop and computer peripherals using
appropriate troubleshooting techniques
and diagnostic procedures.

PLO1

PLO2

PLO3

PLO4

PLO5

PLO6

PLO7

PLO8

PLO9

LD1

LD2

LD3

LD4

LD5

LD6

LD7

LD8

LD9

C4

Perform correctly preventive maintenance,

installation, configuration, optimization and
upgrade on personal computer, laptop,
computer peripherals and security system.

Assessment

Lecture
Discussion
Presentation

Quiz
Theory Test
End of Chapter

Discussion
Practical Activity

Practical Work

P2

Demonstrate problem solving and

leadership skills in performing
troubleshooting and computer
maintenance skilfully using proper
troubleshooting procedure.
Total

Recommended
Delivery
Methods

A3
1

Remark:
LD1 Knowledge
LD 2 Practical Skills
LD 3 Communication Skills
LD 4 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
LD 5 Social Skills and Responsibilities
LD 6 Continuous Learning and Information Management Skills
LD 7 Management and Entrepreneurial Skills
LD 8 Professionalism, Ethics and Moral
LD 9 Leadership and Teamwork Skills
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EC602 Computer System Diagnosis and Maintenance

DISTRIBUTION OF STUDENT LEARNING TIME

ACCORDING TO COURSE LEARNING - TEACHING ACTIVITY
Learning and Teaching Activity

No.

SLT

FACE TO FACE
1.0 Delivery Method
1.1 Lecture

2 hour(s) x

15 week(s)

30

1.2 Practical

3 hour(s) x

15 week(s)

45

1.3 Tutorial

0 hour(s) x

15 week(s)

2.0 Coursework Assessment (CA)

2.1 Lecture-hour-assessment
- Theory Test

[1]

2.2 Practical-hour-assessment
- Quiz

[4]

[2]

2.3 Tutorial-hour-assessment
NON-FACE TO FACE
3.0 Coursework Assessment (CA)
- End of Chapter
4.0 Preparation and Review
4.1 Lecture
[ 1.0 hour(s) x 15 week(s) ]
- Preparation before theory class eg: download lesson notes.
- Review after theory class eg: additional references, discussion group,discussion

[]
[]

4.2 Practical
[ 1.0 hour(s) x 15 week(s) ]
Preparation
before
practical
class/field
work/survey
eg: review notes, checklist/labsheets and/or
- Post practical activity eg: lab report, additional references and discussion session
- Preparation before studio work presentation/critique.

[]
[]
[ ]

4.3 Tutorial
- Preparation for tutorial

[ ]

4.4 Assessment
- Preparation for Theory Test
- Preparation for Quiz

[ 0 hour(s) x

[1]
[4]

[ 2.0 hour(s) x
[ 1.0 hour(s) x

15 week(s)

1
4

=
=

15

15

2]
4]

Total
Credit = SLT/40

120
3.0

Remark:
1. Suggested time for
Quiz : 20 - 30 minutes
Test (Theory) : 45 - 60 minutes
2. 40 Notional hours is equivalent to 1 credit

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