DIVINeXPRESS COMPUTERS SIWES TECHNICAL REPORT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is the accepted

technical training program, which forms part of the approved minimum Academic
Standard in the various degree programme for all Nigerian Polytechnics. It is
aimed at imposing students to instruments and equipments, professional work
methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries. It was
designed to give Nigerian students occupationally related courses in higher
institutions the experience that would supplement their theoretical learning.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The programmes of SIWES are designed to achieve the following:

 Provision of avenue for students to acquire industrial skills and experience during
their course of study.
 To prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after graduation.
 To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipments and
machineries that may not be available in their school.
 To make the transition from the tertiary institution to the world of work easier and
thus enhances contacts for later job placement.
 To provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in
real situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

1.3 BODIES INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

The bodies involved in the management if SIWES are the federal government,
Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Supervisory bodies --National University
Commission (NUC) and National Board and and the Institutions. They all have
functions they perform.

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(a) Federal Government of Nigeria

 Provide adequate funds to the ITF through the federal ministry of works for the
scheme.
 To make mandatory for all ministries, companies and organizations to offer places
to students in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 47 of 1971 as amended in
1990.
 Formulate policies to guide the running of the scheme nationally.

(b) Industrial Training Fund

 Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for distribution to all the SIWES
participating bodies.
 Provide logistic materials needed to administer the scheme.
 Organize orientation programmes for the students prior to attachment.
 Provide information on companies of attachment and assist in industrial placement
of students.
 Supervise students on industrial training.
 Accept the process master and placement lists from institutions and supervising
agencies.
 Vet and process student’s logbook and ITF forms.

(c) Supervisory Agencies:

 Ensure the establishment and accreditation of SIWES unit/Directorate of
Institutions under their jurisdiction.
 Vet and approve master and placement list of students from participating
institutions and forward it to ITF, fund SIWES Directorate adequately.
 Direct appointment of full time SIWES coordinator/Director.
 Review programmes qualified for SIWES regularly.
 Participate in biennial SIWES conference and seminars in conjunction with ITF.

(d) Institutions:
 Establish SIWES Directorate with a separate account adequately staffed and
funded to ensure effective operation of the scheme.

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CHAPTER TWO

SIWES WORKPLACE

NAME: DIVINE EXPRESS COMPUTER TECH. SERVICES (DECTS)

Address: Chief Nwogo Plaza, Nkwo Ugwulangwu Market Square, OH/LGA, Ebonyi State

2.1 About DECTS and Its Services

Divine Express Tech. Computer Services(DECTS) is a technical company that

carries out maintenance and repairs, of computers (laptops and desktops), printers,
copiers and projectors, installation, networking, sales of computer, printers and
their spare parts. The company also trains students/apprentices to become soft ware
operators and/or technicians and offers a Diploma certificate for the course.
Training period lasts for 3-6 months for soft ware operation and 6-12 months for
hardware maintenance and repairs.

2.2 DECTS’ ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Divine Express Computer Tech. Services is headed by the Executive Director,

Miss Ruth Okeh N. The sales are handled by the service centre secretary. Training
of students is done in two phases, the first being computer appreciation and the
second being the software maintenance. These are done in the faculty headed by
the software tutor and the second being hard ware maintenance and repairs is done
in the workshop by the technicians respectively.

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CHAPTER THREE

THE PROCESS, COMPONENTS AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

EXECUTED IN DECTS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Since computer is made up of two main parts, thus; software and hardware, this
chapter gives detailed experiences got in software and hardware maintenance and
repairs.

3.2 COMPUTER APPRECIATION

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes data and gives out
the required information and also stores information. (DECTS Training Manual,
2010)

 Data
Data are unprocessed information that is also termed “raw facts”. There are
represented in binary code i.e zeros and ones. (DECTS Training Manual)

3.3 CLASSIFICATION OF A COMPUTER

Computer is classified base on two broad groups, they are:

 Classification By Size
 Super computer: This is the most powerful set of computer. It is most common
and very expensive. It is produced by demand.
 Main Frame computer: This is the largest type of computer. It is large in size and
memory capacity. It has up to 100 terminals.
 Mini Frame computer: It is large in size and memory but not up to the main
frame computer. It has up to 50 terminals.
 Micro computer: This is the smallest types of computer. It is usually called
personal computer (PC). It has only one terminal.

 By Funtion
 Digital computer: Makes use of button alone. This makes it possible for it to
process data that is discrete in nature.

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 Analogue computer: Makes use of what it feels (screen). It processes data that is
continuous in nature.
 Hybrid computer: Does the work of analogue and digital computer

3.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER (VISAPS)

V-Versatility: Computer can be used in most if not all fields of life.

I-Interactive: Computer can communicate with user through dialogue boxes, pop-
up menu etc.

S-Speed: Computer can perform complex tasks in split seconds.

A-Accuracy: Computer gives results that are correct.

P-Programmable: The user can set the computer to carry out specific functions at
a given time.

S-Storage: The computer can store information.

I-Intelligence: The computer has no intelligence of its own; it only does what the
user commands it to do.

3.5 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

According to Fry, (1997) Components are things that make up the computer. It is
divided into hardware and software.

 Hardware

These are parts of the computer that we touch and handle. It comprises of:

 Input Devices: these are components of the computer responsible for sending data
into the computer system. Eg, keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.

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 Output Devices: These are components responsible for displaying or bringing out
information. Eg monitor, printer, speaker etc.

 Processing devices: This component is responsible for processing data and it is

called processor which is also called central processing unit (CPU).

 Storage Devices: This is responsible for saving information temporarily and

permanently. Information is stored temporarily on a device called Random Access
Memory (RAM) and permanently on Read Only Memory (ROM).

 Software

These are set of rules or commands that are used to communicate with the
computer. It is divided into two: Operational or system software and Application
software.

 Operational software: This is the software that manages the work flow of the
hardware. Eg windows, disk operating system (DOS), Linux etc.

 Application software: These are soft-wares that are used to carry out specific
tasks eg ms-word, Corel draw, etc.

 Virus And Anti Virus

 VIRUS: These are programs that destroy files in a computer system. (DECTS
Training Manual, 2010) They are designed by computer programmers to track
piracy. These programs have the ability to replicate and move around computer
files. Viruses can enter a computer system through internet and external storage
devices.
 ANTI VIRUS: These are programs used to destroy viruses. They are also designed
to track viruses eg Avast, Norton, AVG.

3.6 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

This refer to the operations carried that are related to computer software

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i FORMATTING

Formatting is the process of removing exiting operating system and putting in new
operating system. Valley, (2012)

ii INSTALLATION

It is the process of putting operating system software in a newly cloned system.

While installing and operating system software, you start through the booting
sequence. Valley, (2012)

iii PARTITIONING HARD DISK

This means setting the hard disk into different allocations or space. This is done
logically not physically. When the hard disk is partitioned, the first partition is
normally referred to “local disk c”, while the second partition is called “local disk
D” The hard disk can be partitioned into more than two. It is done when
formatting/installing an operating system.

iv INSTALLING APPLICATIONS
 Inset the application source ( CD, Flash, Floppy etc)
 Click on start menu
 Click on my computer
 Open the source
 Locate the application setup. It always have application under type
 Click on continue
 Follow the instructions that follow

vi UNINSTALLING APPLICATIONS
 Click on start menu
 Click on control panel
 Click on uninstall a program
 On the list of programs click on the program you want to uninstall
 Click on uninstall or remove
 Click on continue then follow the steps to uninstall

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3.7 FORMATTING EXTERNAL DEVICES

 Click on start menu

 Click on my computer
 Right click on the device
 Click on format
 On the dialogue that displays, click on quick format
 Click on start
 After formatting, click on close

3.8 HARD WARE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

This has to do with repair and replacement of the hard ware components of the
computer system.

i TOOLS NEEDED

 Screw driver (Star and Flat)

 Long nose
 Allen key
 Soldering iron
 Soldering leads
 Lead sucker
 External hard disk drive
 Electro static wrist wrap

ii CLONNING

Cloning is the process of assembling the system unit. The following are items
needed in cloning a computer system. Valley, (2012)

iii BASIC COMPONENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

They are several component parts of a computer, we have the outer parts of the
computer like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, system unit and we have the inner
part of the computer which contains the motherboard, the processor, the RAM

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sticks or modules, the cables, the hard disks or secondary storage and many other
components. Let us look at them in detail.

Monitor:
This is the visual part of the computer that looks like a television. It is called an
output device because it enables the user to view an output of whatever operation
he or she is performing. It is also called the visual display unit (VDU). Common
problems we find with it include, slacking of the video connector (VGA
connector).

Keyboard/Mouse:
The keyboard is an input device and is typically used for inputting data into the
computer. The mouse is also an input device used as an alternative to the keyboard.
The common problem with the keyboard and the mouse is breaking of the pins in
the PS/2 connectors on their connector cables due to frequent plugging and
unplugging.

 Casing: this is the outer cover case of the system unit. There are two types of
casing: Tower and desktop casing.

Chassis or case

 Mother Board: This is the circuit board of the system. The mother board
comprises of the following: Processor slot, External cards slot, Ram slot, Heat

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sink, Transistors, Resistors, Capacitors, Ports (V.G.A, USB LAN etc), Simos
battery, Bios

Motherboard sample

 Drives: These are the components used to store information eg Hard Disk drive,
CD-ROM drive, Floppy disk drive.

 Network Card/Modem: This is a component that is usually integrated on the

motherboard to provide an interface for network connectivity.

Network Card

 Power Pack: the power pack supply power to the system. It converts AC to DC.
There are two types of power pack: A.T (2 ports) and A.T.X (1 port).

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 Ram: ram is the temporal storage device in a system unit. There are two: SD-Ram
(1 slot) and DD-Ram (2 slots). The ram enables the system boot to desktop.

RAM (memory) modules

 Data Cable: data cables are belts used to connect the R.O.M to the motherboard.
There are of two types: serial and data belt.

 Processor:

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor could be thought of as the engine
of the computer. It is identified by mainly two features, its speed and its width. The
speed is a simple concept graded in Megahertz (MHz). The faster the speed of the
processor, the better the performance (speed) of the computer.

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Processor examples

Processor examples
continued

Video Card: This is the component on the motherboard that controls the
information that we see on the monitor.

Sound Card: A sound card is the component on the motherboard that enables the
PC to generate complex sounds.

Sound/audio device

 Hard Drive: The hard disk is the primary high-capacity storage media for the
system.

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 External Cards: there are alternatives to connect other components to the

computers system unit if the original cards of that device are bad or not found in
the system motherboard.

iv TROUBLE SHOOTING

This is the application of technical knowledge and human expertise to isolate,

locate identify and repair faults in computer.
Table 1. Steps To Troubleshoot
Problem Identification Possible Cause Solution
Operating system will Poor heat dissipation, improper Check the capacity of the heat sink
not boot. voltage settings, loose connection of and replace it if necessary,
hard disk or faulty hard disk cable Check the hard disk cables for tight
connectivity and interchange them
to ensure proper functionality.
Error: Operating system not Corrupt operating system, bad hard Verify that the hard disk is working
found disk correctly, re-install the operating
system if necessary.
System appears to work but no Monitor turned off or has failed Test the monitor and the power
video is displayed source and replace with known
good source to confirm if necessary
No sound No audio adapter present, incorrect Make sure the audio adapter is
connection of speakers or no power present and well connected on the
to speakers, no audio drivers present mother board, Ensure that the
speakers are tightly connected and
are linked to a working power
source, ensure that sound drivers
for the sound device are installed
and working correctly.
Power supply failures like Faulty power supply which may be Check the AC input, make sure the
spontaneous rebooting during due to bad power cord, or loose cord is firmly seated in the wall
normal operations, hard disk and connection, socket, and in the power supply
fan refusing to spin, over heating socket, or try a different cord, also,
due to fan failure, electric shocks check the DC connectors, make
felt on the system cases or sure the motherboard and disk drive
connectors, smoke power connectors are firmly seated
and making good contact, check for
loose screws.

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CHAPTER FOUR

SOME SKILLS ACQUIRED DURING THE PERIOD OF SIWES

The work experience scheme was indeed interesting, following the knowledge
acquired during the scheme. As a student I now know the basic practical
knowledge of common maintenance of some computer electronics components.

4.1 SKILLS ACQUIRED AS AN INDUSTRIAL TRAINEE

The skills acquired as a student during my four months industrial work experience
at Divine Express Computer Tech. Services (DECTS) are as follows:

 Replacement of keyboard
 Replacement of battery
 Overhauling
 Replacement of hinges
 Servicing of the motherboard
 Servicing of the cooling fan

CHAPTER FIVE

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SUMMARY, CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED,

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY

The steps and tools needed for computer software and hardware maintenance and
repairs were given in chapter three in details based on their respective headings,
therefore they are summarized. The steps are enumerated and conclusions drawn
from the entire work done. The following are the results drawn from the work
done:

 Maintenance makes computer to last long

 Maintenance helps reduce loss of data due to crash of hard disk drive
 General maintenance should be done monthly
 People do not have maintenance culture because of ignorance

5.2 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

 I had to walk to other shops to look for spare parts that were not available in our
store since the company is not too close to other companies that provide the same
service.

 Since there is no general rule for troubleshooting, I took quite some time to detect
problems related to the computer mother board.

 Lots of spare parts are needed to aid trouble shooting and these parts are expensive.

 Some computers are not common and as such their parts are rarely found in the
market. Their parts need to be imported on special orders from companies that
manufacture computer spare parts. These and some minor problems were
encountered.

5.3 PROBLEMS SOLVED

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 A good relationship was established with technicians and sales representatives of

other companies so that the availability of spare parts can be confirmed before
going to get them.

 During the four months attachment period I also learnt a lot of things as indicated
by my report so far. Before starting I knew little or nothing about hardware,
computer assembly and disassembly, but now I can carry out basic troubleshooting
operations on a computer, assemble a computer from scratch, and disassemble it if
necessary.

5.4 RECOMMENDATION

 Computer user should develop maintenance culture in order to ensure longevity

and prevent loss of data.
 The company should get more spare parts since it aids in trouble shooting and
good relationship should be maintained with other companies.
 The company should educate computer users on the need for regular maintenance.

5.5 CONCLUSION:

 SIWES Programmes enables engineering students gain technical experience to

supplement theoretical learning and get them ready to face the labor market after
graduation.
 Students should try to gain knowledge and experience in computer maintenance
and repairs the Information Technology (IT) is taking over the world.

REFERENCE

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DECTS Training Manual, (2010)

Fry, T.F. (1997). Further computer appreciation. New York: Elsevier Ltd.

Valley, G.(2012). Book for computer beginners. California: UnTechnical Press.

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