Advanced Computer Repair I – SS2 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Third Term)

Advanced computer repair covers two major operations for problems that are not physical damage: updating the BIOS, the firmware on the motherboard that starts the computer, and reinstalling the operating system (OS), the software that manages the computer. This note explains when to use each one and the steps to follow.

Class: SS2
Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repair

Behavioural objectives

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

• State what BIOS stands for and explain why a BIOS update may be needed.
• Describe the safe steps for updating a BIOS.
• Describe the steps of a clean OS installation.
• List the tasks to complete after installing Windows.
• Use the diagnostic table to choose between a BIOS update and an OS reinstallation.

When is a computer fault a software or firmware problem?

Sometimes a computer looks fine on the outside: the screen is not cracked and the keyboard works. Yet it will not turn on, or it keeps “freezing”. This is often a software or firmware problem.

This lesson covers two major operations:

1. BIOS update: fixing the firmware that starts the computer.
2. OS reinstallation: giving the computer a fresh start.

What is a BIOS update?

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is a tiny piece of software stored on a small chip on the motherboard. It is the very first thing that “wakes up” when you press the power button.

Why update the BIOS?

• To make the motherboard recognise a new, faster CPU.
• To fix bugs that make the computer crash or stay on a black screen.
• To allow the computer to use newer, faster RAM.

What is the danger of a BIOS update?

Updating the BIOS (often called “flashing”) is risky. If the power goes out while the update is at 50%, the motherboard may “die” (become bricked) because it has forgotten how to wake up.

How do you update the BIOS safely?

1. Check the version: Type msinfo32 in Windows to see your current BIOS version.
2. Get the file: Download the exact update from the manufacturer’s website (HP, Dell, Lenovo).
3. Stay powered: Always plug the laptop into a charger. Never do this on battery alone.
4. Run the process: Most modern computers let you update directly from a USB drive inside the BIOS menu.

What is an OS reinstallation?

The Operating System (OS), usually Windows, is the “manager” of the computer. Over time, Windows slows down because of viruses, junk files and bad updates. Sometimes the only way to make the computer fast again is to wipe it and start over.

What are the steps of a clean install?

• Step A, the backup: This is the most important part. Reinstalling the OS deletes everything on the C: drive. Move your documents and photos to a flash drive or the D: drive first.
• Step B, the bootable media: You need a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) with the Windows installer on it. You can create this using the “Media Creation Tool” from Microsoft.
• Step C, the boot menu: You must tell the computer to start from the USB instead of the hard drive. Usually, you tap F12, F9 or ESC as the computer is turning on.

What should you do after installing Windows?

After Windows is installed, the job is not finished. The computer is working, but it does not yet know how to use its own parts.

1. Drivers: Install the drivers. These are the instructions that tell Windows how to use the specific graphics card, Wi-Fi and sound in that computer.
2. Windows Update: Let the computer connect to the internet to download the latest security “patches”.
3. Essential apps: Install a browser (Chrome or Edge), an Office suite and a PDF reader.

Which fix should you use? The diagnostic table

Checklist for students

• BIOS = firmware (hard to change, stays on the motherboard).
• OS = software (easier to change, stays on the hard drive).
• The “Golden Rule”: Always check the health of the hard drive (HDD or SSD) before reinstalling the OS. If the drive is dying, a new OS will not fix it.

Student practical activity

Try to enter the BIOS of your computer today. Usually, you tap the F2 or DEL key repeatedly right after pressing the power button. Look around, but do not change any settings unless your teacher tells you to. See if you can find the “BIOS Version” and the “CPU Temperature”.

Evaluation

1. What does BIOS stand for, and where is it stored?
2. Give three reasons for updating a BIOS.
3. Why must a laptop be plugged into a charger during a BIOS update?
4. Why must you back up your files before reinstalling the OS?
5. A computer shows “Operating System Not Found”. What should you check first?

Assignment

Write a short note on the steps of a clean OS installation. Then list the three tasks to complete after Windows is installed.