Course Overview

Learn how to troubleshoot a PC, identifying and fixing both hardware and software errors and discover how to install new components and upgrade existing systems. Gain extensive knowledge about computer networks and while finding out how to protect PCs from viruses. Operate multimeters and other tools.

Pre-requisites

You should be experienced in the fundamentals of the Windows operating system.

Qualification

ICS PC Repair and Upgrading Diploma

Support and benefits

• Complimentary textbook: “The Complete PC Upgrade & Maintenance Guide” by Mark Minasi
• PC Repair Kit, Anti Static Strap & Multimeter
• Access to a dedicated ICS tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
  

Key topics

• PC Components

Examine the major components of PC systems. Study the main features of CPUs and their associated slots and sockets. Explore memory types and the various types of expansion buses.

• Symbols, Terminology, Ports and Cables

Examine a range of components, connectors, cables and ports. Learn basic mathematical and electrical concepts.

• Working with Modules

Learn how to disassemble a PC. Examine the features of a variety of modules. Explore possible sources of faults with these modules and discover remedies for these.

• Configuration Techniques and Software Solutions

Examine the main steps in configuration. Explore I/O addresses, DMA channels, IRQs and PnP. Examine issues associated with BIOS and CMOS. Discover how to use Windows tools to resolve resource conflicts and other faults.

• Installation Procedures

Learn how to install IDE hard drives, SCSI devices and partition drives.

• Working with Printers, Scanners and Modems

Examine the different types of printer and, for each, explore possible sources of faults as well as their solutions. Learn how to identify and correct faults associated with scanners. Consider issues associated with modems, ports and connections.

• Prevention, Maintenance and Viruses

Consider a variety of hazards, such as viruses, that may affect PCs, and gain the knowledge to advise others on methods of prevention.

• Networking

Learn the different components and protocols involved in networks, and discover how to install a network. Examine hubs and switches, internetworking and intranetworking, and security issues relating to networks.

• Using Multimeters and Tools

Learn how and when to use tools such as nut drivers, pliers and diagonal cutters. Discover how to use multimeters to solve a variety of different problems.

• Practical Troubleshooting

Learn a number of troubleshooting techniques and familiarise yourself with common problems and solutions associated with specific components. Gain the ability to troubleshoot systems with confidence.

• Portable Computing

Explore a variety of problems that can arise when using solid state memory devices, and discover how these problems can be solved. Learn how to perform a number of different upgrades on laptops.

• Hard Disk Theory and Practice

Explore DOS, FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. Examine a variety of methods of backing-up hard disk data. Learn how to recover data from damaged disks and how to resurrect a system after hard disk failure.

Course Code

X04

Hours of study

180 hours

Technical requirements

A computer with Internet access is required.

Outline

You’ll complete four assessments during your course. It is simple and easy to complete these assessments online via the ICS Student Community. When you complete an assessment online, it is marked instantly, meaning that you receive your result straightaway. This allows you to progress through your course without delay. It is, however, also possible to handwrite your answers and post these to ICS.

Assessment Breakdown

• Assessment 1: 30 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 2: 30 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 3: 30 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 4: 30 multiple choice questions

Notes

Each multiple choice question comes with four potential answers. Only one of these answers is correct; the other three are wrong. You must identify the correct answer.