desktop troubleshooting syllabus typically covers a comprehensive range of hardware components, operating system issues, networking basics, and methodological diagnostic steps.
Fundamental Troubleshooting Methodology
The Computing Process: Input, processing, and output device interactions.
Logical Diagnostic Steps: Stating the problem, identifying the who/what/when, gathering information, testing solutions, and verifying results.
Initial Quick Fixes: Checking power and physical connections, rebooting the system, and documenting error messages.
Hardware Troubleshooting
System Assembly & Core Components: Identifying front/rear panel ports, motherboards, processors, and power supplies (SMPS).
Internal Component Diagnostics: Handling motherboard issues, CPU overheating, RAM compatibility, and interpreting BIOS beep codes.
Storage Devices: Managing Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and CD-ROMs; performing partitioning, disk cleanup, and defragmentation.
Peripherals: Troubleshooting keyboards, mice, monitors (VGA/SGA), and modern serial/parallel devices.
Power Systems: Understanding SMPS circuit diagrams, pin assignments, and surge protector/UPS setups.
Operating System (OS) and Software Issues
OS Installation & Maintenance: BIOS/UEFI overview, booting processes, creating bootable USBs, and installing or upgrading Windows and Linux.
Diagnostic Tools: Using Safe Mode, the System Configuration utility (MSConfig), Event Viewer, and driver rollback.
Critical Errors: Diagnosing the "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) caused by unrecoverable low-level software crashes.
Preventative Maintenance: Creating restore points, backing up user profiles, and configuring third-party antivirus.
Networking and Connectivity
Network Basics: OSI model, network addressing, and established connection models (LAN/WAN).
Connectivity Issues: Troubleshooting wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, modems, and broadband.
Hardware for Networks: Configuring routers, switches, patch panels, and practicing cable crimping.
Network Security: Managing firewall configurations, virus protection, and recovering from malware infections.
Office and Peripheral Management
Printers and Scanners: Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of laser printers, passbook printers, and automatic document feeders (ADF).
Software Specific Support: Configuring Outlook files (OST), archiving emails, and managing cloud services like Office 365.
External Hardware: Managing docking stations and multiple monitor extensions.
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