$[24$ Marks$]$

You are a computer hardware technician at a local repair shop, and a customer brings

QUESTION $1$ in their desktop computer complaining of frequent crashes and slow performance. As part of your diagnostic process, you disassemble and reassemble the desktop to ensure all components are properly connected and compatible.

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Describe the step$-$by$-$step process involved in safely disassembling a desktop computer. Discuss the importance of each step in preventing damage to

$(8$ marks$)$

components.

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Explain how the motherboard, power supply, drives, and expansion cards collaborate to facilitate the functionality of a desktop computer. Discuss the specific roles of each component in this collaborative process.

$(8$ marks$)$

$1\mathrm{.}3$ Identify the tools and precautions necessary for safely disassembling and reassembling a desktop computer. Discuss how these tools and precautions contribute to a successful maintenance process.

$(8$ marks$)$

$[24$ marks$]$

QUESTION $2$

John, a computer technician, is assisting Sarah, a customer with a desktop computer, who is experiencing frequent crashes, unexpected shutdowns, and strange noises. Suspecting issues with the motherboard or power supply, John explains the need for further diagnostics to pinpoint the exact problem. He assures Sarah of his commitment to resolving the issue promptly.

$2\mathrm{.}1$ Describe the role of a motherboard in a computer system and how it interacts with other components.

$(4$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Describe the process of configuring onboard devices and managing security features in BIOS$/$UEFI setup. Provide two examples of security features and their functionalities.

$(12$ marks$)$

$2\mathrm{.}3$ Compare and contrast the Intel and AMD processors commonly used in personal computers.

$(8$ marks$)$

QUESTION $3$

$[23$ marks$]$

Imagine you are working in a small IT consulting firm, and one of your clients, a medium$-$sized engineering company, has recently experienced frequent system shutdowns and performance issues with their computer systems. Upon investigation, you discover that the main cause of these problems is overheating due to inadequate cooling solutions.

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Explain the significance of various cooling methods and devices in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for computer systems.

$(9$ marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}2$ Explain the technologies and interface standards used in modern hard drives, highlighting the differences between magnetic hard drives and solid$-$state drives $($SSDs$).$

$(14$ marks$)$

QUESTION $4$

$[14$ marks$]$

A customer brings their laptop to a computer repair shop, reporting difficulties signing into Windows, quiet audio output, and blurry images on the screen. They also note a yellow triangle beside an item labelled $"$SM Bus Controller" in Device Manager. To address these issues, the technician will troubleshoot common problems with $\frac{1}{0}$ devices to restore full functionality to the customer's laptop.

$4\mathrm{.}1$ Explain troubleshooting of input$/$output $($I$/$O$)$ devices common issues using NumLock indicator lights, Device Manager, and audio and video systems on both desktops and laptops.