IDENTIFYING COMPUTER HARDWARE PROBLEMS:

Some of the most common PC hardware problems that need troubleshooting are:

1. Your computer won’t turn on.

2. Your computer turns on, but still doesn’t work.
3. Your computer screen freezes.
4. Your computer has insufficient memory.
5. You get a CMOS error.
6. Your operating system is missing or your hard drive isn’t detected.
7. You get the blue screen of death.

Problem #1: Your Computer Won’t Turn On

This is a common problem that often offers a simple solution.

1. Is everything plugged in?

2. Try plugging into different power outlets.
3. Is the monitor, mouse, or keyboard the only thing not working? If so, try plugging in a
different one to see if that does the job. Most of the time, replacing one of these is
cheaper than attempting a repair.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to look at the tower.

1. Are the lights on in the front or back of the tower? If not, the power supply unit (PSU)
may be turned off.
2. Next, you can open up your tower and look at the motherboard. Most have a small LED
light built in to show if power is running to the motherboard. If it’s turned off, you can
either try using a PSU tester, or replace the PSU. Never try to open a PSU and try to
repair it yourself as this is extremely dangerous.

Problem #2: Your Computer Turns On, But Still Doesn’t Work

If power is obviously flowing to the computer system and its peripherals, there may be a
component issue. When you first turn on the computer, do you hear or see anything out of the
ordinary? Many times the computer’s Power-On Self-Test (POST) will let you know what’s
going on with the machine.

Beep Codes

If you hear any beeps when your computer turns on, they can help you troubleshoot common PC
hardware problems. Here’s a list of beep codes

No beep but the system turns on and runs fine - Under normal circumstances, most computer
systems will beep one short beep when turned on. If yours doesn’t, your “beeper” may have died
out.
  No beep - The power supply is not plugged in or turned on. Or, the power supply is
completely dead.
 Steady, short beeps - The power supply may be bad or the voltages might be wrong. A
replacement would usually be necessary.
 Steady, long beeps - The power supply has gone bad.
 Long, continuous beep - Your Random Access Memory (RAM) sticks may have gone
bad. If there is more than one stick installed, try taking one out to see if the computer
boots. If it does not, try the same thing with the other stick. This will tell you which stick
has gone bad and you can replace or upgrade accordingly. If there is only one stick
installed, you will need to replace or upgrade it to fix the problem.
 One long, two short beeps - There has been a video card failure. Your first action is to
try reseating the video card. This often solves the problem when the computer system is
connected to projectors because the VGA/DVI/Video cable gets moved so often that the
card can be slowly unplugged. If reseating doesn’t work, replace the video card.

Problem #3: Your Computer Screen Freezes

When your computer freezes and isn’t responsive to your mouse or keyboard, the first thing to
do is just wait. Sometimes it will just take a few minutes for your computer to process. Then,
end-task the non-responding program. If that doesn’t work, turn off the computer by holding
down the power button and then rebooting into Safe Mode (don’t forget about saving your work
first, if you can).

If you’ve tried all of this and your computer still won’t unlock, you may be dealing with either
defective hardware or a defective device driver. If this is your case, replace the defective piece
immediately so it doesn’t cause further damage.

Another thing you could be dealing with is a virus that is overwhelming your system. Run a virus
scan, remove the virus, recover or reinstall damaged files or software, and implement the latest
security software.

Problem #4: Your Computer Has Insufficient Memory

Receiving an “insufficient memory or disk space” error message can usually be solved (at least
temporarily) by closing extra windows to free up some RAM. If you’ve done that and the error
still comes up, you can try rebooting your computer and installing the latest operating system
update.

If you really don’t have enough available memory and space (which can be checked in Windows
10 by pressing the Windows-R button and typing perfmon in the Open field to run the
Performance Monitor), you can uninstall or delete any unused or unnecessary files, especially
those of the video/music type. Your final solution is to add more RAM.

Problem #5: You Get a CMOS Error

The CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) is an onboard chip that stores
information ranging from the time and date to system hardware settings. If you get a CMOS alert
message showing up on your screen, it’s likely you need to replace the CMOS battery located
on the motherboard. Remove it carefully, insert a new battery that is exactly the same as the old
one, and enter the CMOS values to the defaults.

Problem #6: Your Operating System Is Missing or Your Hard Drive Isn’t Detected

If the message “Missing Operating System” shows up on your screen, there are four possibilities
the problem could be (and four ways to solve it):

1. The basic input/output system (BIOS) doesn’t detect Windows’ hard disk, or the disk failed. If
you know how, take out the hard drive and reconnect it. If that doesn’t work, the hard drive’s
interface is forbidden or the hard drive is seriously damaged.

Restart the computer and watch for the message telling you which key to strike to go into the
BIOS. The key can vary from system to system so you may need to use a search engine to find
the instructions for your system. Be sure to strike the specified key as soon as you see the
message.

In the BIOS highlight the hard drive and set it to “Auto”. If it’s still invisible, you need a hard
drive repair or replacement.

2. The BIOS settings are incorrect. Set the BIOS back to Default State.

3. The Master Boot Record (MBR) is damaged or corrupted. Rebuild the MBR using either the
Windows installation disk, the Windows repair disk, or a bootable partitioning tool.

4. The Windows boot file partition isn’t active. Start the computer using a bootable partitioning
tool. If that doesn’t work, set the wrong partition to ‘inactive’ and activate the correct partition.

Problem #7: The Blue Screen of Death

The blue screen of death (BSOD) appears when Microsoft Windows has an unrecoverable,
critical error that causes a crash and subsequent data loss. This can be caused by the low-level
software in Windows crashing.

When the BSOD occurs, the computer automatically creates a minidump file and restarts the
computer. If the blue screen appears again, follow the prompts, identify and search for the error
code online, and learn how to fix the problem.

Some of the common solutions are to:

 Make sure your computer isn’t overheating. If it is, close unused applications, check the
fan is working properly, and conduct a good dusting after the computer is turned off
before trying other solutions for an overheating PC.
  Boot into Safe Mode before trying to fix a problem.
 Test your hardware components and check the computer’s memory for errors.
 Check for incorrectly installed or buggy drivers. Install updated drivers.
 Scan for Malware that is causing the crash.
 Reset or reinstall Windows.

Use System Restore to get your computer back to its previous state. If it works, you probably
have a software problem on your hands.

Signs You Need to Call a Professional

If you don’t feel confident doing any of these troubleshooting steps, the answer is simple–call an
IT professional. There are no reasons to risk the life of your computer (or your own safety) just
to tinker around and avoid putting in a ticket.

Other signs you should pick up the phone are:

 Your first or second try doesn’t fix the problem.

 You are having troubles with a laptop, rather than a PC. Laptop repairs are harder and
more expensive to fix yourself for a number of reasons, namely:
o Detecting what is failing is difficult and time-consuming due to tiny components
put together with hundreds of screws and a lot of tape
o Integrated circuits and boards are expensive to manufacture and can’t be lifted out
or opened up, making repair impossible.
o They use proprietary components that are impossible to find replacements for,
especially since they are not designed to be repaired.

Final Notes

One of the main ways to avoid having to know how to troubleshoot common PC hardware
problems is to put a higher emphasis on preventive maintenance. These can be short-term fixes
for minor things, but the value of following a long-term strategy that will keep the technology
reliably up and running well cannot be understated. The elements of time, frustration, money,
and security will always add up to be more than what procrastination is worth.

And of course, there will always come a day when it’s time to start from scratch with a new
computer. Technologies are changing for the better every single day. You may want to just take
the plunge and get something spiffy, speedy, and state-of-the-art.
Computer virus

Definition

A computer virus is a malicious application or authored code used to perform destructive activity
on a device or local network. The code’s malicious activity could damage the local file system,
steal data, interrupt services, download additional malware, or any other actions coded into the
program by the malware author. Many viruses pretend to be legitimate programs to trick users
into executing them on their device, delivering the computer virus payload.

Types of Computer Viruses

Every virus has a payload that performs an action. The threat actor can code any malicious
activity into the virus payload, including simple, innocuous pranks that don’t do any harm. While
a few viruses have harmless payloads, most of them cause damage to the system and its data.
There are nine main virus types, some of which could be packaged with other malware to
increase the chance of infection and damage. The nine major categories for viruses are:

Boot Sector Virus

Your computer drive has a sector solely responsible for pointing to the operating system so that it
can boot into the interface. A boot sector virus damages or controls the boot sector on the drive,
rendering the machine unusable. Attackers will usually spread this virus type using a malicious
USB device. The virus is activated when users plug in the USB device and boot their machine.

Web Scripting Virus

Most browsers have defenses against malicious web scripts, but older, unsupported browsers
have vulnerabilities that allow an attacker to run code on the local device.

Browser Hijacker

A virus that can change the settings on your browser will hijack browser favorites, the home
page URL, your search preferences and redirect you to a malicious site. The site could be a
phishing site or an adware page used to steal data or make money for the attacker.
Resident Virus

A virus that can access computer memory and sit dormant until a payload is delivered is
considered a resident virus. This malware may stay dormant until a specific date, time, or a user
performs an action.

Direct Action Virus

When a user executes a seemingly harmless file attached with malicious code, direct action
viruses deliver a payload immediately. These viruses can also remain dormant until a specific
action is taken or a timeframe passes.

Polymorphic Virus

Malware authors can use polymorphic code to change the program’s footprint to avoid detection.
Polymorphic viruses make it more difficult for an antivirus to detect and remove them.

File Infector Virus

To persist on a system, a threat actor uses file infector viruses to inject malicious code into
critical files that run the operating system or important programs. When the system boots or the
program runs, the virus is activated.

Multipartite Virus

These malicious programs spread across a network or other systems by copying themselves or
injecting code into critical computer resources.

Macro Virus

Microsoft Office files can run macros, and these macros can be used to download additional
malware or run malicious code. Macro viruses deliver a payload when the file is opened, and the
macro runs.

What Causes Computer Viruses?

Computer viruses are standard programs; only instead of offering useful resources, these
programs can damage your device. For a threat actor to execute a virus on your machine, you
must initiate execution. In some cases, an attacker can execute malicious code through your
browser or remotely from another network computer. Modern browsers have defenses against
local machine code execution, but third-party software installed on the browser could have
vulnerabilities that allow viruses to run locally.

The delivery of a computer virus can happen in several ways. One common method is via a
phishing email. Another technique is hosting malware on a server that promises to provide a
legitimate program. It can be delivered using macros or by injecting malicious code into
legitimate software files.

What Is a Computer Worm?

A computer worm is malware, just like a virus, but a worm takes a copy of itself and propagates
it to other users. Worms can also deliver a payload and exhaust resources. For example, an email
worm sends a copy of itself to everyone on an infected user’s email contact list. When it reaches
recipient inboxes, anyone who runs the worm sends it to their contact list. Email worms exhaust
storage space and spread very quickly across the internet, so they create issues differently than a
virus.

What Does a Computer Virus Do?

The way a computer virus acts depends on how it’s coded. It could be something as simple as a
prank that doesn’t cause any damage, or it could be sophisticated, leading to criminal activity
and fraud. Many viruses only affect a local device, but others spread across a network
environment to find other vulnerable hosts.

A virus that infects a host device will continue delivering a payload until it’s removed. Most
antivirus vendors have small removal programs that eliminate the virus. Polymorphic viruses
make it difficult for removal because they change their footprint consistently. The payload could
be stealing data, destroying data, or interrupting services on the network or the local device.

Symptoms of Computer Virus

Malware authors write code that is undetectable until the payload is delivered. However, like any
software program, bugs could present issues while the virus runs. Signs that you have a computer
virus include:

 Popup windows, including ads (adware) or links to malicious websites.

 Your web browser home page changes, and you did not change it.
 Outbound emails to your contact list or people on your contact list alert you to strange
messages sent by your account.
 The computer crashes often, runs out of memory with few active programs, or a blue
screen of death in Windows.
 Slow computer performance even when running few programs or the computer was
recently booted.
 Unknown programs start when the computer boots or when you open specific programs.
 Passwords change without your knowledge or your interaction on the account.

Examples of Computer Virus

The web contains millions of computer viruses, but only a few have gained popularity and infect
record numbers of machines. Some examples of widespread computer viruses include:
  Morris Worm
 SQL Slammer
 Stuxnet
 CryptoLocker
 Conficker
 Tinba
 Welchia
 Shlayer

How to Prevent Computer Viruses

Computer viruses can damage your PC, send sensitive data to attackers, and cause downtime
until the system is repaired. You can avoid becoming the next computer virus victim by
following a few best practices:

 Install antivirus software: Antivirus should run on any device connected to the network.
It’s your first defense against viruses. Antivirus software stops malware executables from
running on your local device.
 Don’t open executable email attachments: Many malware attacks including
ransomware start with a malicious email attachment. Executable attachments should
never be opened, and users should avoid running macros programmed into files such as
Microsoft Word or Excel.
 Keep your operating system updated: Developers for all major operating systems
release patches to remediate common bugs and security vulnerabilities. Always keep your
operating system updated and stop using end-of-life versions (e.g., Windows 7 or
Windows XP).

 Avoid questionable websites: Older browsers are vulnerable to exploits used when just
browsing a website. You should always keep your browser updated with the latest
patches, but avoiding these sites will stop drive-by downloads or redirecting you to sites
that host malware.
 Don’t use pirated software: Free pirated software might be tempting, but it’s often
packaged with malware. Download vendor software only from the official source and
avoid using software that’s pirated and shared.
 1. Multimeter

A multimeter is an electronic device which measures electric current, resistance and voltage.

Parts of a Multimeter

A multimeter is has three parts:

 Display
 Selection Knob
 Ports
The display usually has four digits and the ability to display a negative sign. A few multimeters
have illuminated displays for better viewing in low light situations.

The selection knob allows the user to set the multimeter to read different things such as
milliamps (mA) of current, voltage (V) and resistance (Ω).

Two probes are plugged into two of the ports on the front of the unit. COM stands for common
and is almost always connected to Ground or ‘-’ of a circuit. The COM probe is conventionally
black but there is no difference between the red probe and black probe other than color. 10A is
the special port used when measuring large currents (greater than 200mA). mAVΩ is the port
that the red probe is conventionally plugged in to. This port allows the measurement of current
(up to 200mA), voltage (V), and resistance (Ω). The probes have a banana type connector on the
end that plugs into the multimeter. Any probe with a banana plug will work with this meter. This
allows for different types of probes to be used.
Main functions of multimetes are

 measuring of voltage of direct current and alternating current,

 measuring of direct and alternatig current,
 measuring of resistance, electrical capacitance and inductance,

Types of millimeters

Multimeters are divided into two types depending on the way the indication is displayed: analog
and digital.

Analog multimeters are multifunction electrical measuring instruments with indication by

means of an arrow (analog) scale.
Modern analog multimeter

Advantages of analog multimeters:

1. Possibility to carry out measurements at low temperatures down to -30 ° С.

2. Fast operation with a large amount of measurements, when high precision is not required.
3. Do not require power consumption from the built-in power supply in the mode of voltage
and current measurement.
4. Instant display of the dynamics of the signal change.

Disadvantages and features:

1. Non-linear scale and setting zero before starting measurements.

2. Absence of automatic detection of voltage polarity.
3. A small set of functions: most models can measure only DC and AC voltage, DC current
and resistance.
4. Low input resistance and, consequently, a high error in low-voltage measurements.
5. Sensitivity to mechanical damage, vibration.
Digital multimeters are modern, reliable measuring devices characterized by high measurement
accuracy and various functional capabilities. Digital devices have replaced analogue in
connection with the possibility of wide application of semiconductor technologies. Today most
of the produced multimeters are digital. Specialists working with electrical equipment, if
necessary, can choose among the digital multimeters a model focused on a specific task.

Advantages of digital multimeters:

1. Maximum possible measurement accuracy.

2. Automatic polarity detection: If the probes are connected incorrectly, the correct values
with a minus sign appear on the screen.
3. Possibility of automatic and manual selection of measuring ranges.
4. Multifunctionality.
5. Does not require mandatory zero adjustment.
6. The accuracy of the meter reading does not depend on the battery charge.
7. Resistance to mechanical damage.
8. The ability to record measurement results in memory and synchronize with a PC.

Digital multimeters can be classified by number of digits, accuracy class, size, protection class,
availability of additional functions or other parameters. For example, the line of multimeters
ZEN, depending on the size and purpose of models is divided into 4 groups:
 1. 1 - compact,
2. 2 - medium-sized
sized (standard),
3. 3 - large portable,
4. 4 - bench.

More information about ZEN multimeter range can be found in the article.

Designations on the multimeter

Answering
wering the question, what is a multimeter, we will consider the external panel of the device
in more detail. The symbols and controls for digital multimeters may vary depending on the
model. As an example, let's look at the notation on a high
high-level digital multimeter - ZEN-MM31-
13.

The front panel of the digital multimeter consists of 4 main units:

1. LCD display for displaying the readings,

2. Buttons for selecting functions,
3. Rotary switch with designations for selecting primary measurement values,
 4. Input sockets for connecting probes and other test leads.

Electronic components:
i. Resistor
A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical
current in an electronic circuit. Resistors can also be used to provide a specific voltage
for an active device such as a transistor.

ii. Transistor

A transistor is a type of a semiconductor device that can be used to both conduct and insulate
electric current or voltage. A transistor basically acts as a switch and an amplifier. In simple
words, we can say that a transistor is a miniature device that is used to control or regulate the
flow of electronic signals.

iii. Diode

Diode is an electrical component that allows the flow of current in only one
direction.