User:Bismarc/Computer repair

Computer Repair is a service of maintaining computers and other peripherals including hardware and software trouble-shooting, network setup and cabling, data back-up and recovery, virus removal and other security issue. Most people would learn computer repairs on a hands-on basis, so adequate amount of "practical session" is a must. This article intends to help those who are interested in computer repairs to get a head start, but it is not a full-fledged article that can turn novices into expert troubleshooters. Discussions are welcomed.

The articles are arranged into several sub-topics. Each sub-topics have some troubleshooting tips for those who already know the hardware. If you don't, then readers are encouraged to read the links provided to get to know the hardware better.

Software Problems
Software Problems is the biggest problem frequently encountered on all computers. There are 29% of computer problems are software problems (source from PC CLINIC 2005 service report), Virus and Spyware infection were 15%.

Computer virus. Spyware

Major Hardware Problems
The most frequently experienced hardware problems on desktop computer are power supply 6%; hard disk 5%; video card 4%. The topics below are some fundamentals needed for computer repair.

The Motherboard
It is a good idea to know your motherboard in order to troubleshoot it the next time. The motherboard is a printed circuit board containing all the important components for the computer's operation. There are numerous motherboard in the market from different manufacturers. Readers are advised to click the following link to learn the components that make up the motherboard. The motherboard used in this explanation is an ABIT KT7 motherboard. Encourage yourself to read any link that extend from this link below for deeper understanding. This is important as the activity below demands generous amount of knowledge on motherboard hardwares.

PC motherboard.

Once you've acquainted yourself to the structure of the motherboard, try out these activities. The best way to learn troubleshooting motherboards is to learn how to assemble it first! SO...

Step 1-Preparation

1. Get the motherboard out of the box and retrieve any books that comes with it. This is important because that book will contain numerous useful information. Make sure you know what processors (CPU) was suppose to go into that motherboard through reading that book. Then get the RAM and CPU (with heat sink). Both of these should come with its own book or manual. Read it to find out its installation method. For preparation, make sure you have some screws specifically for the motherboard. Prepare also the hard disk, CDROM drive and the Floppy Disk Drive. If these things also comes with a manual, read it. It can be very useful during installation.The casing for the motherboard must also be the of correct size. For more information on the casing size you can read about the ATX form factor on the PC motherboard link above.

Step 2-Assembly

2. Fix the motherboard to the computer's casing. You might have to fix some special screws called spacers first before doing this. This is so that some parts of the motherboard would be fixed firmly to the casing's wall. After placing the motherboard on top of the spacers, fix the motherboard screws, usually there will be six of them.

3. Next install the CPU. Be wary of the shape of the pins below the CPU and observe for damage. Also make sure that the position of the CPU is correct as some CPU have to be placed in a specific manner. For example there will be an indicator on one of the CPU's corner as well as one of the slot's corner. This shows that both indicator have to be properly aligned. If there are any levers, fix them and put it in place. CPU will come with their own heat sinks, fix them well and fix the CPU fan wire on the motherboard. You will have to locate the CPU fan slot on the motherboard by reading the manual. Dont confuse this with the chasis fan slot.

3. Fix all the smaller stuffs like the RAM (can be EDO RAM, SDRAM or the more popular DDR-RAM) and jumper wires. Some motherboards will have a specific way of putting the RAM into the slots so this would have been indicated by the motherboard book. Jumpers can refer to the wires or a tiny device that can produce a short between two pins once you put them in place. Unfortunately I dont have a legitimate image of these to show it here. The Motherboard book would refer to these settings so readers would know this anyway. Things to look out for are usually settings for CMOS Clear and Front Side Bus Select Speed. Other than that, the book just indicates how to set the jumpers that control the light you would usually see at the front panel of your casing. Also Fix the motherboard power supply. Usually the slots are of specific shape, so you wouldn't confuse which cable goes to where in the motherboard.

4. Then, you can start to fix the IDE cables which is the cable used by the hard disk and floppy disk to communicate to the computers. Two cables are usually required for the hard disk and CDROM and another thinner sized cable required for the floppy drive.

5.Lastly, fix all the drives (hard disk, floppy drive, CD drive) and connect the IDE cables.Also connect the power supply cables to all these drive. These cables are called Y-cable. CD's and Hard Disk use the same cable but the floppy drive uses a smaller one.

Step 3-Testing

When all is well, fix the finished casing to the monitor and turn it on. You should be able to see some images forming. The BIOS topic is the next step.

BIOS. Memory Storage. Dynamic random access memory. Power Supply.

Printers and Mouse Repairs
Repair of Printers and Mouse requires a technician with electronics background. All in all, 41% of printer problems are caused by mechanical problems; 16% by defective print head; 9% by defective mainboard.

Mouse (computing). Computer printer. Keyboard

Graphic Card and Sound Cards
The wiki links below are introductory articles. Once the links are completed. This page will be edited for repair information. Reader contribution/s are very much appreciated.

Graphics processing unit. Sound card

Monitor Repair
Repair of Monitors requires a technician with electronics background. Repairing of computer monitors especially is strictly a QUALIFIED technician's domain. This is because you are dealing with voltages in excess of about 2000V, and that is dangerous. 28% of Monitor problems are caused by horizontal and vertical deflection components; 21% by power supply; 21% fly back (CRT monitor).

Computer display