Servicing computers is a course directed to training the individual when it comes to troubleshooting hardware and software. Information Technology Courses set Computer Servicing with emphasis on working with IBM clones as Personal Computers are at times no longer branded or should they come branded, it is relevant to have a head start on troubleshooting techniques that can be employed on all types of PC’s instead of focusing on one type. Knowledge in PC servicing can save you a lot of money and time. Let us share with you some basic tips for PC servicing.
As a precautionary measure, always, turn off the power when servicing anything. Power has many sources. The main source of a computer’s power is its power supply and you can turn that off by either flipping the switch found in front of the computer or at the back. Apart from turning the PC switch off, turn the Power adaptor off too then unplug the PC from any power sources like the wall socket and the like. Only then and there should you attempt to open the computer casing. Many computers have built in lights that may not be seen when the casing is on. As the lights are supposed to be signals that power is still on, it is best that you cut power from the source itself. Similarly, the lights that are evident to the human eye that show that the computer is turned on may at times not reflect that the power source has been cut off. This is so when the computer shows no sign of power or when you cannot turn on the computer (which is altogether a different computer problem).
If smoke can be seen or there is a burnt smell or solder scent or the smell of ozone coming from what you are doing, STOP immediately. Unplug the power source and allow the computer to cool for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. There are computer parts that store electricity and it is helpful to wait for them to discharge prior to servicing. When you have noted which part of the computer generated the smell and the smoke, replacement of such part is recommended. Never retry to plug in the device nor attempt to repair it at this stage.
Remove any hand or wrist jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair. The easiest way to get electrocuted is when you have metal jewelries from rings to watches to bracelets and so on. Anything metal are considered conductors of electricity, so be sure to remove any jewelry you are wearing. And it does help to repeat that statement as a word of precaution. Remove any hand jewelry prior to attempting to do a repair.
Like metals, capacitors inside the computer are conductors. And mind you, they are not only conductors but they also store electric charges. Conductors are the best examples of what we mentioned earlier about computer parts storing electricity. So even if you have unplugged the computer be sure not to work on them till after a few minutes of waiting after the power source has been unplugged.
Computer parts like any electronic gadget have parts labeled “No serviceable components inside.” When such parts are so labeled, DO NOT, in any case attempt to repair that part. For the time and money savvy person, the best option is not to indulge in the challenge of trying to fix the part. If you think you can save by servicing the part yourself, you’re wrong. You’d end up spending more while trying to save. Parts like this were not meant to be repaired. They were meant to be replaced.
Now that we are done with precautionary measures prior to servicing, let us discuss a scenario that is often mistaken to be a computer problem. Earlier we discussed about computer lights showing no sign of power yet may as well still be plugged to the power source. Complete power loss is not the worst of your computer problems. The number one reason why power is not evident is because it was not switched on in the first place! Unbelievable, but it is true! We also discussed earlier that there are switches found on the front and back of the computer to include switches on the power supply. Before attempting a tedious process of troubleshooting and opening your computer, be sure to flip all switches before clicking on the power button itself. It does help to turn the computer off and on again.
Power buttons or switches on the computer front and back. Turn on the Power switch on the surge protector, power strip or UPS. Sometimes, loose power cables can also be reasons for the computer not to turn on.
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