Basic Troubleshooting – JSS3 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Troubleshooting is a logical, step-by-step process used to find and fix a problem with a computer or other digital device.

• Tech detective: a good troubleshooter stays calm and tests one idea at a time.
• Golden rule: always check the simplest things first. Many “broken” computers are only unplugged or switched off at the wall.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define troubleshooting.
2. List the four steps of troubleshooting in order.
3. Identify common hardware faults and give a fix for each.
4. Identify common software faults and give a fix for each.
5. State the problems they must not fix themselves and say why.

What are the steps of troubleshooting?

There are four steps of troubleshooting: identify the problem, think of causes, test your theory and apply the solution.

1. Identify the problem: say exactly what is happening, for example “the screen is black”.
2. Think of causes: list what could be wrong, such as no power or a loose cable.
3. Test your theory: try one fix at a time, for example use a different cable. Did it work?
4. Apply the solution: if it worked, the fault is fixed. If not, try the next theory.

What is the difference between a hardware fault and a software fault?

• Hardware fault: a problem with a physical part of the computer, such as the mouse, cable, monitor or power supply.
• Software fault: a problem inside the system, where the computer is on but programs behave badly.

What are the common hardware faults and their fixes?

Hardware faults are usually easy to spot because something does not light up or move.

The computer will not turn on at all

• Check: is the power cable plugged in tightly? Is the socket switched on?
• Fix: check the power supply at the back of the system unit. Make sure the cables are firm.

The mouse or keyboard is not working

• Check: is the USB plug loose?
• Fix: unplug it and plug it into a different USB port.

The screen is black but the system unit is on

• Check: is the monitor turned on? Is the VGA or HDMI cable (the one joining the screen to the system unit) loose?
• Fix: push the cable in firmly. For a VGA cable, tighten the screws on its plug.

The printer will not print

• Check: is the printer switched on, with paper and ink or toner? Is its cable connected?
• Fix: reconnect the cable, refill the paper and try printing again.

What are the common software faults and their fixes?

Software faults happen inside the system, so the computer is on but the programs are behaving badly.

An app is frozen (the “hang”)

• Fix: press Ctrl + Alt + Delete together, then choose Task Manager.
• Next: select the frozen app and click End Task.

The computer is very slow

• Cause: too many apps may be open at once.
• Fix: close the apps you are not using.
• Also check: whether the hard drive is almost full. Delete files you no longer need.

The “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD)

• Meaning: a serious system error that shows a blue screen.
• Fix: do a hard restart. Hold the power button until the computer shuts off, then turn it on again.

Why does restarting the computer help?

Restarting clears the computer’s temporary memory (RAM) and gives the system a fresh start.

• Use it when: you are stuck and the cause is not clear.
• Result: it fixes many common software problems.
• Remember: save your work first if you can.

When should you call for help?

You should call a teacher or a technician when a problem is dangerous or too complex to fix yourself.

1. Smoke or burning smell: if you see or smell smoke, unplug the computer immediately and tell a teacher.
2. Opening the power supply: never open the big metal box inside the computer. It can give a dangerous electric shock even when unplugged.
3. Cracked screens: software cannot fix a cracked laptop screen. A trained technician must replace it.

How can we prevent computer faults?

• Shut down properly: use the Shut down option instead of switching off at the socket.
• Protect from power surges: use a surge protector or voltage stabiliser where power supply is unstable.
• Keep it clean: keep dust, water and food away from the computer.
• Free up space: delete files you do not need so the hard drive does not fill up.
• Handle cables with care: plug and unplug gently and do not pull on the wire.

Class activity: the “mock” fault

• Teacher task: secretly unplug a mouse or loosen a monitor cable before students arrive.
• Student task: use the four troubleshooting steps in this note to find the fault without asking the teacher for help.

Evaluation

1. Define troubleshooting.
2. List the four steps of troubleshooting in order.
3. A computer is on but the screen is black. State two things you would check.
4. Describe how to close a frozen app using Task Manager.
5. Give two problems you must not try to fix yourself.

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns: Problem, Check and Fix. Fill in one hardware fault and one software fault from this note.