BECE Oriented Practical – JSS3 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Third Term)

Computer hardware and GSM repair practical is the hands-on skill of naming tools and parts, maintaining computers and fixing common phone faults.

Behavioural objectives

1. Name the common repair tools and state the use of each.
2. Describe the safe way to open a system unit.
3. Clean the RAM and the cooling fan correctly.
4. Troubleshoot a dead phone and an “Insert SIM” error.
5. State the safety rules for computer and GSM repairs.
6. Show good practical habits on examination day.

What tools are used in computer hardware and GSM repair?

There are seven common tools: the multimeter, soldering iron, hot air blower, screwdriver set, tweezers, anti-static wrist strap and soft brush.

In a BECE practical, the examiner may place tools on a table and ask you to name them and state their uses.

• Solder: a soft metal alloy that melts easily and joins electronic parts.
• IC (chip): a small part that holds many tiny electronic circuits.

What is a motherboard?

A motherboard is the main circuit board to which all the other parts of a computer are connected.

• Computer motherboard: holds the processor, RAM, CMOS battery and connectors for the drives.
• Phone logic board: the main board of a phone, which carries the power IC and other chips.
• CMOS battery: a small round battery on the motherboard that keeps the date, time and BIOS settings.

How do you hold a motherboard?

• Hold it by the edges only.
• Do not touch the chips or the metal pins.
• Place it on a clean, dry, flat surface.

What are the main parts inside a system unit?

The system unit is the box that holds the main working parts of a desktop computer.

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is taking care of a computer so that it does not break down in the first place.

• Proper shutdown: always shut down Windows before switching off the power.
• Regular cleaning: remove dust from the fan, vents and ports.
• Keep liquids away: drinks near a computer can spill into it.
• Handle parts gently: never drop or force any part.

How do you open a system unit safely?

You open a system unit safely by cutting off power and removing static electricity before touching any part.

1. Shut down the Windows operating system properly.
2. Unplug the power cable from the wall socket.
3. Touch a metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body.
4. Unscrew the side panel and slide it out gently.
5. Keep the screws in a small cup so none are lost.

How do you clean computer parts?

You clean computer parts by removing dust and dirt with safe materials, after the computer is switched off and unplugged.

How do you clean the RAM?

• Fault sign: the computer beeps and shows nothing on the screen.
• Likely cause: dirt on the golden contacts (the “teeth”) of the RAM.

1. Open the system unit safely.
2. Remove the RAM from its slot.
3. Rub the golden contacts gently with a clean pencil eraser.
4. Wipe the RAM with a dry cloth.
5. Put the RAM back and press it down firmly.

How do you clean the cooling fan?

• Fault sign: the computer is noisy or gets hot.
• Likely cause: dust on the fan blades.
• The fix: blow out the dust with a can of compressed air or clean it with a small brush.

How do you fix common GSM phone faults?

You fix a phone fault by testing the simple causes first and checking the motherboard last.

The BECE practical may give you a scenario and ask you how to fix it.

Scenario A: What do you do if a phone is dead?

1. Check the battery with a multimeter. A reading well below 3.7V means it needs charging.
2. Check the charging port for dirt or lint. Clean it with a toothpick or a soft brush.
3. If the phone still fails, suspect a power IC fault on the motherboard.

Scenario B: What do you do if a phone says “Insert SIM”?

• Problem: the SIM is inside, but the phone says it is missing.

1. Take out the SIM card.
2. Clean the golden part of the SIM with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
3. Check that the SIM tray is not bent.
4. Put the SIM back and restart the phone.

Scenario C: What do you do if a phone has no sound?

1. Check that the phone is not on silent mode and the volume is up.
2. Clean the speaker opening with a soft brush.
3. Plug in a headset to see if sound works there.
4. If there is still no sound, the speaker may be faulty and need replacement.

What are the safety rules for computer and GSM repairs?

Safety rules protect the technician and the machine from injury and damage.

• No metal prying: never use a metal tool to pry out a battery. It can puncture the battery and cause fire.
• Wear a wrist strap: use an anti-static wrist strap when touching the motherboard.
• Switch off first: unplug the power or remove the battery before opening a device.
• Dry hands: never work on a powered device with wet hands.
• Edges only: hold boards by the edges.

What should you do if water spills on a laptop?

The first thing to do is switch the laptop off and unplug it at once.

1. Switch off the laptop immediately.
2. Unplug the charger.
3. Remove the battery if it can be removed.
4. Wipe the outside with a dry cloth.
5. Do not switch it on again until a technician has checked it.

How should you behave on the practical exam day?

Examiners watch how you handle machines, so good habits earn marks.

• Cable management: keep cables untangled and off the floor where people can trip.
• Keep screws safe: put screws in a small cup or on a magnetic mat, not loose on the table.
• The no-force rule: if a RAM stick or cable will not go in, do not force it. Flip it and try again.
• Use correct names: name each tool and part exactly.

Evaluation

1. Pick up a tool from the table, name it and state its use.
2. Describe the correct way to hold a motherboard.
3. Identify the CMOS battery on a motherboard and state its function.
4. State the first thing you do if water spills on a laptop.
5. Explain how a technician would find the cause of a “no sound” problem on a phone.

Assignment

Under your teacher’s supervision, open an old system unit using the safe opening steps. Identify the RAM, the hard drive and the power supply unit. Write one line on the function of each.