Introduction to Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs – SS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Computer hardware is all the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch, and GSM repair is the skill of fixing mobile phones.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define computer hardware and give examples;
2. state what GSM stands for and explain what GSM repair means;
3. describe the four main areas covered by the field;
4. give reasons why knowledge of hardware is important;
5. list career opportunities in hardware and GSM repair;
6. name four tools used by hardware and GSM technicians and state what each is used for.

What is computer hardware?

Hardware is all the physical parts of a computer that you can see, touch and carry.

• Hardware: the body of the computer, such as the screen, keyboard and the parts inside the box.
• Software: the programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Common examples of hardware

• Monitor: the screen that shows what the computer is doing.
• Keyboard and mouse: the devices we use to give instructions to the computer.
• System unit: the box (desktop) or the base (laptop) that holds the most important internal parts.

What is the difference between hardware and software?

Hardware is the physical part of a computer, while software is the set of programs that run on it.

• Hardware: parts you can touch, such as the mouse, monitor and hard disk.
• Software: programs you cannot touch, such as Microsoft Word, a web browser or Android.

What are the types of computer hardware?

There are four main groups of computer hardware: input devices, output devices, processing devices and storage devices.

Input devices

• Function: they send data and instructions into the computer.
• Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner and microphone.

Output devices

• Function: they show or give out the result of the computer’s work.
• Examples: monitor, printer and speakers.

Processing devices

• CPU: the central processing unit, which carries out instructions and is called the brain of the computer.
• RAM: the temporary memory the computer uses while it is working.

Storage devices

• Function: they keep data and programs for later use.
• Examples: hard disk drive, solid-state drive (SSD), flash drive and memory card.

What are the main parts inside a system unit?

The system unit holds the parts that do the main work of the computer.

• Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all the other parts.
• CPU: processes instructions.
• RAM: holds data the computer is using at the moment.
• Hard disk or SSD: stores files and programs permanently.
• Power supply unit: changes mains electricity into the power the parts need.
• Cooling fan: blows away heat so the parts do not overheat.

What is GSM?

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, a standard used by mobile phone networks.

• GSM repair: the skill of fixing mobile phones, from a cracked screen to a phone that will not charge.
• GSM technician: a person trained to find faults in phones and repair them.

What are the main parts of a mobile phone?

• Screen: shows the display and receives touch.
• Battery: stores the power that runs the phone.
• Charging port: the socket where the charger connects.
• Motherboard: the circuit board that holds the chips and connects the other parts.
• Camera, speaker and microphone: take pictures and handle sound.
• SIM tray: holds the SIM card.

What are common phone faults?

• Cracked screen: usually caused by a fall.
• Phone will not charge: may be a faulty charger, a dirty or damaged charging port, or a weak battery.
• Battery drains fast: often a worn-out battery.
• Water damage: liquid reaches the circuit board and damages it.
• No sound: may be a faulty speaker or microphone.

What does the field of hardware and GSM repair cover?

The field covers four main areas: diagnosis, maintenance, repairs and replacement, and soldering.

1. Diagnosis: finding out what is wrong, for example checking whether a black screen comes from a dead battery or a broken display.
2. Maintenance: care that prevents faults, such as cleaning dust out of a computer or stopping a phone from overheating.
3. Repairs and replacement: taking out a bad part, such as a faulty camera, and fitting a new one.
4. Soldering: using a hot soldering iron and solder to join small metal parts on a circuit board.

Why is knowledge of hardware important?

Knowledge of hardware helps everyone, not only technicians, to save money, stay safe and solve problems.

• Saving money: you are less likely to be overcharged for a simple fix, and you may repair some faults yourself.
• Safety: swollen or punctured batteries are dangerous, and knowing how to handle them reduces the risk of fire or leaking chemicals.
• Problem solving: you learn to break a big problem into small steps that can be fixed.
• Reducing e-waste: repairing a faulty laptop or phone keeps it out of the dustbin and reduces harmful waste.

What careers can hardware and GSM repair lead to?

Hardware and GSM repair skills can lead to paid jobs or to a business of your own.

• Computer hardware engineer: designs computer parts and systems, and works for companies such as HP, Dell or Apple.
• GSM technician or entrepreneur: repairs phones and can open a repair shop, since many people own phones that will need repair.
• IT support specialist: keeps the computers of banks, hospitals and schools working.
• Systems administrator: manages the servers and networks of an organisation.
• Gadget refurbisher: buys faulty phones cheaply, repairs them and sells them at a higher price.

What tools do hardware and GSM technicians use?

Technicians use hand tools and test instruments to open, test and repair devices safely.

• Precision screwdrivers: turn the tiny screws found in phones.
• Multimeter: checks whether electricity is flowing correctly through a device or a part.
• Opening tools (prying tools): open plastic cases without scratching or breaking them.
• Anti-static mat: prevents static electricity from your body from damaging computer chips.

What safety rules should a technician follow?

A technician protects both the device and himself or herself by following basic safety rules.

1. Switch off the device and disconnect the charger before opening it.
2. Use an anti-static mat to protect the chips.
3. Keep liquids away from the work area.
4. Do not press or puncture a swollen battery.
5. Keep screws in a tray so none are lost.
6. Handle a soldering iron with care because it is very hot.

Evaluation

1. Your phone screen stops responding to touch. Which of the four areas of the field would you deal with first?
2. Name the four groups of computer hardware and give one example of each.
3. Mention two career paths you can take if you master hardware repairs.
4. Explain two reasons why knowing about hardware is important.

Assignment

List the four tools in the technician’s toolkit and state what each one is used for.