Proper Tool Use

• For every job there is the right tool. Make sure

that you are familiar with the correct use of
each tool and that the right tool is used for the
current task
• Skilled use of tools and software makes the
job less difficult and ensures that tasks
are performed properly and safely.
A. HARDWARE TOOLS AND THEIR PURPOSES.

• ESD Tools, include antistatic wrist strap and

antistatic mat
– An antistatic wrist strap is used to prevent ESD
damage to computer equipment.
– An antistatic mat is used to stand on or to place
hardware on to prevent static electricity from
building up.
• Hand Tools, include various screwdrivers,
needle-nose pliers, hex drivers, wire cutters,
tweezers, part retriever, and flashlight
• Cleaning Tools, include soft cloth, compressed
air can, cable ties, and parts organizer
• Diagnostic Tools, include Digital multimeter,
loopback adapter, Toner Probe and POST card
 B. SOFTWARE TOOLS AND THEIR PURPOSE

Disk Management
• Fdisk - used to create and delete partitions on
a hard drive
• Format - used to prepare a hard drive to store
information
• Scandisk or Chkdsk - used to check the
integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by
scanning the disk surface for physical errors
• Defrag - used to optimize space on a hard drive to
allow faster access to programs and data
• Disk Cleanup - used to clear space on a hard drive
by searching for files that can be safely deleted
• System File Checker (SFC) – a command-line
utility that scans the operating system critical files
and replaces any files that are corrupted.
– Use the Windows 7 boot disk for troubleshooting and
repairing corrupted files. The Windows 7 boot disk is
designed to repair Windows system files, restore
damaged or lost files, or reinstall the operating system.
Third-party software tools are available to assist in
troubleshooting problems.
Protection Software
• Windows 7 Security Center
• Antivirus Program
• Spyware Remover
• Firewall
C. ORGANIZATIONAL TOOLS AND THEIR PURPOSE

• It is important that a technician document all

services and repairs.
• The documentation can then be used as
reference material for similar problems that
are encountered in the future.
• Good customer service includes providing the
customer with a detailed description of the
problem and the solution.
1. Personal reference tools

• Notes – Make notes as you go through the investigation

and repair process. Refer to these notes to avoid repeating
previous steps and to determine what steps to take next.
• Journal – Document the upgrades and repairs that you
perform. The documentation should include descriptions of
the problem, possible solutions that have been tried in
order to correct the problem, and the steps taken to repair
the problem. Be sure to note any configuration changes
made to the equipment and any replacement parts used in
the repair. Your journal, along with your notes, can be
valuable when you encounter similar situations in the
future.
2. History of repairs – Make a detailed list of problems and
repairs, including the date, replacement parts, and
customer information. The history allows a technician to
determine what work has been performed on a computer
in the past.
3. Internet reference tools - The Internet is an excellent
source of information about specific hardware problems
and possible solutions:
– Internet search engines
– News groups
– Manufacturer FAQs
– Online computer manuals
– Online forums and chat
– Technical websites
– Manufacturer download areas for new drivers
• Miscellaneous tools – With experience, you will
discover many additional items to add to the
toolkit. A working computer is a valuable resource
to take with you on computer repairs in the field.
• A working computer can be used to research
information, download tools or drivers, or
communicate with other technicians. Using known
good working components to replace possible bad
ones in computers will help you quickly determine
which component may not be working properly.
 IMPLEMENT PROPER TOOL USE

• Safety in the workplace is everyone's

responsibility. You are much less likely to
injure yourself or damage components when
using the proper tool for the job.
• Before cleaning or repairing equipment, check
to make sure that your tools are in good
condition. Clean, repair, or replace any items
that are not functioning adequately.
ANTISTATIC WRIST STRAP
• Properly using an antistatic wrist strap can prevent
ESD damage to computer components.
• The wrist strap is a conductor that connects your
body to the equipment you are working on.
• The main purpose for using a wrist strap is to
equalize the electrical charge between the
technician and the equipment.
• The connection to the person's wrist may not be
complete (zero ohms), but even a fairly high
resistance connection is sufficient to keep the
person and the chassis at the same potential.
 The strap has two parts and is easy to wear:
• Wrap the strap around your wrist and secure it using
the snap or Velcro. The metal on the back of the wrist
strap must remain in contact with the skin at all times.
• Snap the connector on the end of the wire to the wrist
strap and connect the other end either to the
equipment or to the same grounding point that the
antistatic mat is connected to.
• The metal skeleton of the case is a good place to
connect the wire. When connecting the wire to
equipment you are working on, choose an unpainted
metal surface. A painted surface does not conduct the
electricity as well as unpainted metal.
• NOTE: Attach the wire on the same side of the
equipment as the arm wearing the antistatic wrist
strap. This will help to keep the wire out of the way
while you are working.
• Although wearing a wrist strap will help to prevent
ESD, you can further reduce the risks by not wearing
clothing made of silk, polyester, or wool. These fabrics
are more likely to generate a static charge.
• Technicians should roll up their sleeves, remove
scarves or ties, and tuck in their shirts to prevent
interference from clothing. Ensure that earrings,
necklaces, and other loose jewelry are properly
secured.
• CAUTION: A wrist strap does not protect you
against high voltages. Do not use it to repair
monitors or power supplies. Only qualified
personnel should open monitors or power
supplies.
 Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic mat
• An antistatic mat is slightly conductive and works
by drawing static electricity away from a
component, and transferring it safely from
equipment to a grounding point.
– Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the
computer case.
– Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface
on which you can place parts as you remove them from
the system.
• Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the
likelihood of damage to delicate circuits or
components.
• NOTE: Always handle components by the
edges.
• When you are working at a workbench, ground
the workbench and the antistatic floor mat. By
standing on the mat and wearing the wrist
strap, your body has the same charge as the
equipment and reduces the probability of ESD.
 Demonstrate proper use of hand tools

• Use the proper type and size of screwdriver by

matching it to the screw.
– Phillips, Flat Head and Hex are the most common
types.
• Do not over tighten screws because the threads
may become stripped.
• CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to
remove or add a component, something is likely
to be wrong. Do not force the removal or
assembly of any components. Instead, look for
the cause to avoid breaking components.
• CAUTION: Magnetized tools should not be
used around electronic devices.
• CAUTION: Pencils should not be used inside
the computer because the pencil lead can act
as a conductor and may damage the computer
components.
Demonstrate proper use of cleaning materials

• Keeping computers clean inside and out is a

vital part of a maintenance program. Dirt can
cause problems with the physical operation of
fans, buttons, and other mechanical
components.
• CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it
off and unplug the device from the power
source
• Components that need to be cleaned periodically
include monitor/LCD, exterior of the computer,
optical drive, floppy drive, keyboard, printers and
the inside of the case or chassis.
• When cleaning, shut down and turn off the device
to be cleaned. Disconnect any attached devices and
disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
• Electronic components should never be near water.
Use isopropyl alcohol to clean contacts. However,
de-mineralized water can be used on a cloth to
clean keyboards. Only use products specifically
designed for cleaning computer components.
• Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from
the slots and holes on your laptop and between
the keys on the keyboard. Use compressed air
rather than vacuum. Vacuuming can produce
ESD.
• To clean the outside of the computer and video
display, moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with the
proper cleaning solution, and wipe the
component until it is clean. To avoid damaging
the computer or display, never spray cleaning
solution directly onto the display.
• Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with water or an
LCD cleaner, and wipe the display until it is
clean. To avoid damaging the computer or
display, do not spray cleaning solution directly
onto the display. Only use products specifically
designed for cleaning
• lab- Computer Disassembly. To complete this lab
activity, students will disassemble a computer
using safe lab procedures and proper tools.