PC Construction & Repair
Tutorials:
Building:
Repairing:
The above links are not moderated and are all external. A closer look at the sites that seem best may reveal they are more fluff than they're worth. Then again, the less exciting sites may have more usable information. There may also be useful links on the
Computer Architecture & Systems page. There is also a lengthy but highly informative
Troubleshooting Guide.
Sample Exam 2005
There is a sample exam
here. (PDF, 2.13MB)
Assessment 2004/5:
- 1. Written Exam (30%) available here.
- 2. Assignments: (70%)
- Assignment #1: Design and assembly of PC (30%) (PDF, 0.11MB)
- Assignment #2: Diagnosis & repair of system fault (10%) (see below)
- Assignment #3: Diagnosis & repair of system fault (10%) (see below)
- Assignment #4: 4 or more routine system maintenance tasks (5%*4=20%) (see below)
The Repair Assignments form is
here. You will need 1 each for Assignments 2 & 3, and 4 for Assignment 4 (total: 6) Assignment 1 should be written up in greater detail with
cover page etc.
Assessment 1998/9
Related:
Possible diagnosis & repair tasks:
| Task Number | Description |
| 10.3.1 | identify standard components* |
| 10.3.2 | list system components based on POST - CPU, RAM, FDD, HDD, serial/parallel ports |
| 10.3.3 | access firmware set-up programs |
| 10.3.4 | operate firmware set-up programs |
| 10.3.5 | perform un-installation and re-installation of software elements - operating system components, device drivers, applications software |
| 10.3.6 | diagnose functional status of system components |
| 10.3.7 | replace faulty components |
| 10.3.8 | bypass operating system start-up files |
| 10.3.9 | remove misfed paper from printers |
| 10.3.10 | remove stuck floppy disks |
| 10.3.11 | account for parts used in repairs* |
| More than one individual task from the list above will tend to be required per diagnosis/repair task. In particular, items marked * will tend to be used in conjunction with other elements. List all element/task numbers you cover on your repair sheet. |
Possible routine maintenance tasks:
| Task Number | Description |
| 10.2.1 | identify substances and materials suitable for cleaning external computer surfaces |
| 10.2.2 | clean the inside of a mouse |
| 10.2.3 | clean keyboard keys |
| 10.2.4 | clean external surfaces |
| 10.2.5 | clean vents and similar case openings |
| 10.2.6 | backup configuration files |
| 10.2.7 | use disk defragmentation tools |
| 10.2.8 | use disk diagnosis tools |
| 10.2.9 | reclaim disk space lost due to file system errors |
| 10.2.10 | remove unused operating software components |
| 10.2.11 | use tape and CD drive cleaning devices |
| 10.2.12 | perform print-head cleaning operations on printers |
| 10.2.13 | change ink cartridges and ribbons |
| 10.2.14 | perform standard upgrades |
| 10.2.15 | analyse upgrade options for a given system |
| 10.2.16 | summarise costs for upgrade options |
