Computer Memory
Computer Memory is an electronic component that stores data and instructions for computers to access and manipulate.
Common types of Computer Memory:
1. Random Access Memory
It is a temporary storage device that stores data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly.
→ RAM is volatile (Data is lost when power is lost)
→ It is very fast
2. Read Only Memory
It stores data and instructions permanently or semi-permanently.
The data is not intended to be modified or erased.
→ It is used to store firmware or software instructions required to bootup a computer and initialize systems.
→ ROM is non - volatile.
3. Flash Memory
It is a memory device used for portable devices and does not have moving parts.
→ It is faster than hard disk drives.
→ Flash memory includes: SSD drives, memory cards, solid state disks etc.
4. Hard Disk
It uses magnetic storage to store data on spinning disks.
→ Hard disks are slower than SSDs and they rotate when reading and writing data.
5. Cache Memory
It is a memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce the time it takes for the CPU to retrieve them from RAM.
6. Virtual Memory
Date:
It is a technique used by the operating system to allow the computer to use secondary storage (SSD and HDD) as an extension of the RAM.
This creates an illusion of a greater RAM capacity than what is actually installed.
MEMORY MODULES
A memory module is simply a RAM chip.
Different motherboards support different types of memory modules.
The design of the memory module depends on the motherboard form factor, system speed and technology used.
Common types of memory modules includes:
1. Single In-line memory Module (SIMM)
It has a single row of pins on one side mounted on memory chips.
They were commonly used in older computers.
2. Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM)
It has a series of DRAM chips on a small circuit board with pins on both sides.
→ DIMM is faster than SIMM
Small outline DIMM is a smaller version of DIMM module used in laptops, Mini PCs and small form factor systems.
3. Rambus In-line Memory Module (RIMM)
It is a high-speed memory used in rambus systems.
4. Double Data Rate Memory Module (DDR-MM)
DDR modules have the same design as DIMMs, but with specific notches that prevent incorrect insertion into incompatible slots.
Error Correcting Code Memory Modules
Date:
They are designed for systems that require high reliability, error-correction capabilities and providing robust data integrity.
They are commonly used in servers and workstations.
CMOS Chips
They are separate blocks of memory made from very low power consumption CMOS RAM chips.
The chip is kept alive by a CMOS battery even when the PC powers off.
Functions of the CMOS RAM:
1. Keeps BIOS configuration about: i. no. and type of hard disk and floppy disk. ii. the capacity of the memory installed. iii. the location of
the O.S. iv. Boot sequence.
2. Keeps system time and date up-to-date.
NB: System time is managed by real-time clock chip (RTC chip)
BIOS
It is a ROM that holds firmware embedded in a computer motherboard.
It provides fundamental instructions and initialization routines for the computer to boot and interact with hardware.
Functions of BIOS:
1. Starts the computer
2. Performs power on self-test (POST)
POST is a process through which the computer initializes primary devices (memory storage devices, Graphic Processing units GPU etc.)
and ensure that they are working correctly.
3. Initial program load (IPL)
The process of getting O.S started.
4. Store driver info for basic I/O devices e.g keyboards, HDD, serial and parallel ports.
Used to keep system settings.
BIOS setup
→ BIOS setup utility displays system configuration status and provide options to setup system parameters.
→ The system parameters are then stored on the CMOS RAM.
→ To access BIOS setup different computers use different keys e.g F1, F2, F8, F9, ESC, Enter etc.
Clearing the CMOS
1. The most common way is using the Jumper on the motherboard.
A Jumper is a sliding button with 2 settings normal and clear.
2. Removing the CMOS battery and waiting for 15 minutes to 8 hours for the CMOS to lose settings.
3. Short-circuiting the CMOS RAM.
NB After clearing CMOS restarting the computer will through the error CMOS checksum error.
Purpose of heat sink/cooling fan and Thermal Paste
1. Distinguish between DRAM and SRAM
2. Explain the various types of ROM.
3. What is an O.S? List the functions of O.S
4. What are the differences between BIOS and UEFI
5. State the likely cost and suggest a solution to the following CMOS errors: i. CMOS display mismatch ii. CMOS memory size mismatch iii.
CMOS options not set iv. CMOS checksum failure v. CMOS date and time not set.
Maintenance Support and troubleshooting
✓ Computer maintenance ensures that Computer runs efficiently and extend its life span.
✓ It can be either hardware or software maintenance.
✓ Hardware maintenance includes:
• Keeping PC cleaning
• Checking and securing connections & cables & connectors
• Temperature management and backup server supply
✓ Software maintenance includes:
• Updates on Software and drivers
• Optimizing disk storage
• Managing startup applications
There are 4 types of PC system maintenance i.e
a) Corrective maintenance
✓ Used to fix errors and faults in a system. Examples of Corrective maintenance: i) Fixing software bugs in an application ii) Replacing
damaged hardware components iii) Resolving system crashes iv) Repairing database links etc.
b) Adaptive maintenance
✓ It update the system to accommodate the environmental changes and newly legal requirements.
Examples of adaptive maintenance: i) Updating Software to work with new OS version ii) Adapting application to comply with new
regulatory standards iii) Modifying hardware configuration to support new devices.
c) Preventive maintenance
✓ It prevents the likelihood of system failure in the future.
Examples are: i) Regularly clean Hardware to prevent dust buildup ii) Install security patches to protect against vulnerabilities iii) Run
diagnostics to detect potential Hardware issues
d) Perfective maintenance
✓ Used to enhance the performance of a system and add new features i.e Examples: i) Adding new features to mobile application based
on user feedback. ii) Optimizing database queries iii) Upgrading CPU and RAM for faster processing.
PC Support & troubleshooting
✓ It is offering technical support to solve user issues.
✓ Common activity done during Support include: i) User training ii) Remote support using tools like teamviewer and any desk.
Documentation & system configuration and procedures to check and identify regular audits.
To check and
Troubleshooting
✓ The process of diagnosing and resolving Hardware and Software issues.
Common PC issues and fixes:
PC not booting - loose connection, fault RAM - Check all cables, Replace RAM
Slow performance - Bloat ware, full processes - Clear temporary files, scan antiviral
Frequent crashes - Overheating driver issues - Monitor temperature, update drivers
Installing O.S
25/06/25
✓ Insert the bootable USB into the Computer
✓ Access BIOS or UFI
✓ Use the BIOS settings to Change boot sequence to set USB drive as first boot device.
✓ Save the changes and exit the BIOS
✓ Restart the computer and boot from the USB
✓ Begin windows installation by setting up your language time and currency format, keyboard layout layout.
✓ Enter the product key, accept user license agreement
✓ Choose installation type (upgrade or customs)
✓ Upgrade keeps files and application from the previous windows version.
✓ Custom installation overwrites everything on the selected drive.
✓ Partition the hard disk and select the drive where the windows will be installed.
✓ Install windows following the wizard guide
✓ Configure windows - Creating system username
Explain Common errors encountered during window installation
1. Discuss some errors that window users are likely to encounter during missing system files
Having not no. bootable device detected
Requirements to consider before software installation
No display output - loose cables, faulty GPU - Check cables, replace GPU
Overheating - Dust buildup, poor ventilation - Clean fans, improve airflow
Unresponsive Software - Corrupted files, Not enough space - Reinstall Software, upgrade system resources
Internet issues - Network driver issues - Restart, update & check connection
Computer Malware
✓ These set of computer programmes that harmful to the computer.
⚠ Computer virus & computer get faults
Quiz
1. Explain tools used for troubleshooting a slow computer for windows.
2. What are the advantages of USB port & over PATA ports.
Explain the following windows startup options: a) Safemode with Command Prompt b) Last known Configuration
c) Safemode with networking Support
3. Explain default installation, customs and upgrade installation
4. Explain the difference btw impact and non-impact printers.
