Computer Servicing Course | Technician Training online

INTERMEDIATE COMPUTER SERVICING - DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE

Develop your ability to independently undertake routine maintenance and to analyse faults in personal computers.

This course covers more into the hardware diagnostics, fault analysis. It also covers software trouble shooting etc. This course expands on and continues from the basics covered in Computer Servicing 1.

Is this course right for me?

If you are looking into expanding your skills more into troubleshooting and hardware diagnostics this course is suitable for you.

Develop procedures for routine hardware maintenance of a computer system
Develop procedures for routine software maintenance of a computer system
Evaluate the appropriateness of different computer systems for different applications.
Determine different sources of faulty hardware operation in a PC computer system
Determine different sources of faulty software operation in a PC computer system

Pre-requisites: Computer Servicing I (or equivalent).

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

Introduction to hardware components
- Introduction
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Types of RAM
- Dynamic RAM
- Tips for buying RAM
- How to add memory to a computer
- Problems when installing memory
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Considerations when buying a new CPU
- Graphic card
- How to install a graphics card
- Installing a CD or DVD burner
- Jumper switch settings
- Hard disk upgrade
- Installing a back up drive
Basic Diagnostic Equipment
- Introduction
- Software diagnosis
- Temperature monitor
- Registry cleaner, virus scanner and spyware detector
- USB port tester
- Power supply tester
- CPU meter
- Hard disk tester
Electric Circuits and Components
- Understanding electricity
- Circuits
- Measuring electricity
- Ohm's law
- Power
Problem Solving and Fault Analysis
- Introduction
- Problem solving
- Request response, result strategy
- The circle back model
- Pitfalls in problem solving
- How to troubleshoot and isolate computer problems
- Hardware failures
- Software failures
- Recreating a problem; reproducing the error
Diagnostic Testing [A] (Self Tests and Diagnostic Cards)
- Power up
- Boot drive
- Errant keyboard
- Mouse problems
- Slow computer performance
- Computer freezes and displays BSOD (Blue screen of death)
- No display on monitor
- No sound
- Computer rebooting or turning itself off
- How to troubleshoot a computer that does not boot
Diagnostic Testing [B] (System Board and Memory Tests)
- Components overview
- Operating system diagnostics
Software maintenance and troubleshooting
- Software and hardware
- Operating systems
- Command prompts
- SOS, DIR command
- Formatting
- File types
- Back up (all types)
- Copy
- Print
- Erasing files
- Autoexec.bat and Config.sys
- History of windows
- Viruses
- Data corruption
Disk drives and CD-ROM
- Servicing CD Rom drive
- RAM servicing
Video and Audio Systems
- Video cards
- Troubleshooting a graphics card
- Sound cards and troubleshooting
Developing a Maintenance Program
- Work scheduling
- Project component estimate form
- Performing routine computer maintenance

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

Identify a variety of basic computer system components and, describe how they can be interchanged and upgraded in a personal computer.
Explain equipment used for monitoring the condition of electrical equipment and software
Develop a better understanding of basic electronics, as a background to understanding some parts of a computer system
Develop a systematic approach to solving problems with computers.
Develop a basic understanding of diagnostic testing with self tests and diagnostic cards.
Further develop your understanding and skills in diagnostic testing.
Develop a basic understanding of system software maintenance procedures to be used in computer servicing
Develop a better understanding of memory storage devices and their servicing.
Develop a better understanding of video and audio equipment and their servicing.

What You Will Do

Explain how to dismantle a Personal Computer
Explain how to reassemble a dismantled personal computer
Analyse potential hardware faults that may occur in different computer systems.
Determine likely causes of potential hardware faults, including faulty equipment, damage to equipment
Analyse potential software faults that may occur in different computer systems.
Determine likely causes of potential software faults, including faulty equipment, power surges
Describe causes of data corruption
Describe ways of addressing software problems including data corruption.
Develop a procedure for routine maintenance of a specific computer system.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of three different operating systems
Outline the role of ROM BIOS.
Explain a range of common computer hardware faults which are easily repaired by a technician.
Test cables for faulty operation
Explain faults which can occur with a VDU
Explain how to use several different hardware diagnostic tools
Determine procedures to minimise risk of computer problems including equipment breakdowns and data loss.
Explain a range of common computer software faults which are easily repaired by a technician.
Test different software for faulty operation
Explain how to use several different software diagnostic tools

Computer Servicing Involves Solving Problems

Technical knowledge alone does not solve computer problems. You do need a certain level of technical competence; but in today's world, anyone can find factual information readily, with an internet search; if they know how to look, and can comprehend what they find.

The other key component is solving problems is to have a proper and organised approach to finding out what has gone wrong; and then to decide how to respond.

There are many different ways of making decisions. Effective decision making however is always well considered. Supervision textbooks and courses often outline a formal problem solving technique. This can take time to work through, and there is not always the time available to apply such a technique to every decision. This problem solving technique should be applied when faced with difficult or complex decisions. It may take time, but if the implications of a bad decision are significant; a good decision may eventually save a great deal of time.

For any decision making we must first take time to consider all the facts......Whom, what, when, where, how and why. Once you have the facts it can be useful to write them down in two columns, positive and negative; or advantages and disadvantages. Usually one outweighs the other which can determine your choice. If positive and negative factors are equal then a flip of the coin is not a bad idea.

The quick decision making supervisor generally does not weigh up the facts! Their main concern is making a quick decision which they often have to do repeatedly because many of the decisions are wrong. At the other end of the scale is the supervisor who takes weeks to make a decision which should take a couple of hours. Between these two extremes is the middle of the road supervisor who is out to please everyone. They can be coerced into making a particular decision, for sometimes misplaced political reasons. A good supervisor should have an open mind and be willing to learn new approaches in making decisions. Of course some problems can be solved based upon past experience.

Remember when making a decision: Plan, Communicate, Follow-Up and Evaluate.

What Next?

ENROL or Use our FREE Course Advice Service to Connect with a Tutor

ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.

Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.

ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).

What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.

Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.

What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

What if I change my mind?

Our terms and conditions of enrolment are here.

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Connie Hu

Alexander O'Brien

Alex was born and raised in Cork, in the Republic of Ireland. Having been trained in Architecture, Permaculture, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramics, Furniture Design/Construction, Sustainable building and Art,Craft and Design, his knowledge base is broad. Much of his professional work has been designing and making nature inspired spaces, creative reuse of materials, permaculture and natural ecology regeneration.

That being said, in his own words, "....my real passion is teaching. I adore sharing my knowledge and experience. Seeing students progress, and learning, that is my soul food."'

Helen Rex

Helen started her career as a chef before travelling extensively in Europe while living in the U.K. She moved from cooking to the financial markets where she started her career in Information Technology.
With over 25 years experience in information technology primarily in the financial markets, local government and animal health sectors. Helen moved from working in IT to the education sector where she has been involved in tutoring, course development and learning management systems.
She is currently living in rural New South Wales with her family and enjoying studying law part time.

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