COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Sector

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Qualification Title

Computer Hardware Servicing

Unit of Competency

Maintain Computer System and Network

Module Title

Maintaining Computer Systems and Networks

HOW TO USE THE MODULE

This module contains training materials and activities for you to complete.
The unit of competency Maintain Computer System and Networks
contains knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a Computer Hardware
Servicing NC II Qualification.
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to
complete each of the learning outcomes of the module. In each learning outcome
there are Information Sheets, Job Sheets, Operation Sheets, and Activity
Sheets. Follow these activities on your own and answer the Self-Check at the
end of each learning activity.
If you have questions, dont hesitate to ask your facilitator or trainer for
assistance.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may already have some of the knowledge and skills covered in this
module because you have:
been working for some time
already have completed training in this area.
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a
particular skill or skills, talk to him/her about having them formally recognized
so you dont have to do the same training again. If you have a qualification or
Certificate of Competency from previous trainings show it to your trainer. If the
skills you acquired are still current and relevant to this module, they may
become part of the evidence you can present for RPL. If you are not sure about
the currency of your skills, discuss it with your trainer.
Remember to:
Work through all the information and complete the activities in each
section.
Read information sheets and complete the self-check. Suggested
references are included to supplement the materials provided in this module.

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Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager.

He/she is there to support you and show you the correct way to do things.
You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice on
the job. Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work shift. This
way you will improve both your speed and memory and also your confidence.
Use the Self-checks, Operation Sheets or Job Sheets at the end of each
section to test your own progress.
After completing this module ask your trainer to assess your competency.
Result of your assessment will be recorded in your competency profile. All the
learning activities are designed for you to complete at your own pace.
Inside this module you will find the activities for you to complete followed
by relevant information sheets for each learning outcome. Each learning
outcome may have more than one learning activity.

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SUMMARY OF COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

No.

List of Competencies
Unit of Competency
Module Title

Code

Install computer systems

and networks

Installing computer
systems and
networks

ELC724318

Diagnose and troubleshoot

computer systems

Diagnosing and
troubleshooting
computer systems

ELC724319

Configure computer systems

and networks

Configuring
computer systems
and networks

ELC724320

Maintain computer
systems and networks

Maintaining
computer systems
and networks

ELC724321

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Table of Contents
HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIALS--------------------------------------------------------------- 1
LIST OF COMPETENCIES-------------------------------------------------------------4
TABLE OF CONTENTS------------------------------------------------------------------5
MODULE CONTENT----------------------------------------------------------------------6
TECHNICAL TERMS---------------------------------------------------------------------7
LEARNING OUTCOME #3--------------------------------------------------------------9
LEARNING EXPERIENCES------------------------------------------------------------10
INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-1 Maintenance and Service Safety --- ----11
SELF CHECK 4.3-1--------------------------------------------------------19
ANSWER KEY 4.3-1--------------------------------------------------------20
INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-2 Network Cabling -----------------------------21
SELF CHECK 4.3-2---------------------------------------------------------26
ANSWER KEY 4.3-2---------------------------------------------------------27
TASK SHEET 4.3-1----------------------------------------------------------28
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA CHECKLIST 4.3-1--------------------------29
INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-5 Documentation------------------------------------30
SELF CHECK 4.3-3-----------------------------------------------------------32
ANSWER KEY 4.3-3-----------------------------------------------------------33

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MODULE CONTENT
QUALIFICATION
UNIT OF
COMPETENCY
MODULE TITLE

COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II

Maintain Computer Systems and Networks
Maintaining Computer Systems and Networks

INTRODUCTION:
This module deals with the knowledge, skills, and application
towards Maintaining Computer Systems and Networks.
NOMINAL DURATION:

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Plan and prepare for the maintenance of computer systems and networks.
Maintain computer systems and networks
Inspect and test configured/repaired computer system and networks
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Plan and prepare maintenance with OHS policies and procedures.
Obtain and check the materials, tools, equipment and testing devices.
Check, identify and maintain computer system and networks with
specifications and requirements to conform to manufacturers.
Check and test the normal functions of computer systems.
Perform the scheduled/periodic maintenance and cleaning.
Check and test the normal functions of network systems.
Perform the scheduled/periodic maintenance and cleaning.
Check to ensure safe operation of computer system and network.
Final inspection and testing taken to conform to manufacturer
specifications.
Reports prepared and completed to company regulations.
Prerequisite: PC Operation
Technical Terms
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
LAN Card Local area network interface card.
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Server is a part of a network. It is a special computer that users on the

network can assess to carry out a particular job.
Port hub /Port is a connector on the back of a computer or other device.
A port is either a serial port or a parallel port.
Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem is a device that allows a
given computer to share data or otherwise a device which let computers
exchange information
USB (Universal Serial Port)
Scanner- it is an input device that read text or illustration printed on
paper, translates the information into a form that a computer can use.
Printer - It is a piece of hardware that produces a paper copy (also known
as hardcopy) of the information generated by the computer.
Flash drive a portable storage device which is plug directly to the USB
port.
Network a group of computers and associated devices that are connected
by communications facilities.
OS (Operating system) software that controls the allocation and use of
programs and data that a computer uses.
Software programs and data that a computer uses.
Motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, Memory, mass storage interfaces,
serial and parallel ports, expansion slot and all the controllers required to
control standard peripheral devices such as the display screen, keyboard and
disk drive
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) least expensive and most popular network
media.
LAN Local Area Network, the connection of computers within an
organization or a building.
MAN Metropolitan Area Network, the establishment of connection among
computers within a country or municipality.
WAN Wide Area Network, global connection of networked computers.
Otherwise known as the internet.
Maintenance - is the testing and cleaning of equipment.
Planning is both the organizational process of creating and maintaining a
plan; and the psychological process of thinking about the activities required
to create a desired future on some scale
Computer System - The complete computer made up of the CPU, memory
and related electronics (main cabinet), all the peripheral devices connected
to it and its operating system. Computer systems fall into two broad
divisions: clients and servers. Client machines fall into three categories from
low to high end: laptop, desktop and workstation. Servers range from small
to large: low-end servers, midrange servers and mainframes.

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LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOME #3

INSPECT AND TEST COMPUTER SYSTEM AND

NETWORKS

CONTENTS:

Maintenance and service safety

Network Cabling

Documentation
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Computer system and network checked to ensure safe operation.
Final inspection and testing taken to conform to manufacturers
specification.
Reports prepared and completed to company regulations.
CONDITION:
Trainees must be provided with the following:
- PC specification
- Diagnostics software and CDROM
- Books/manuals/magazines
- Tools and test equipment
- Slotted head screwdriver
- Philips head screwdriver
- Long nosed pliers
- Allen bit wrench
- Cable tester
- Crimping Tool
EVALUATION METHOD:
Hands-on
Direct observation
Practical demonstration

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LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Learning Outcome 3: INSPECT AND TEST COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND
NETWORKS
Learning Activities
1. Read information sheet 4.31 Maintenance and Service
Safety

Special Instructions
Work through all the information and
complete the activities in each section.
Read information sheets and complete the
self-check.
Suggested
references
are
included to supplement the materials
provided in this module.

2. Answer self-check 4.3-1

3. Read information sheet 4.32 Network Cabling
4. Answer self-check 4.3-2
5. View Video on How to
Make a Category 5 Network
Cable
6. Answer oral questions
7. Observe Demonstration on
Network Cabling
8. Perform Task Sheet 4.3-1
Network Cabling
9. Read information sheet 4.33 Documentation

10. Answer self-check 4.3-3

Congratulations on a Job well done!!! You have now successfully
completed the last competency for this qualification and is now ready
for the National Assessment. Good luck and use what you have learned
here well!!!

INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-1

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Maintenance and Service Safety

Learning Objectives: After reading this information sheet, you will be able to
inspect and record the condition, and other vital information of the computer
systems and networks.
Introduction:
Keeping track of the conditions of all the computers and network will help
us maintain the smooth and effective operation of the facility, assessment center,
computer laboratory, office, and company. Since computers and networks are
important to us, effective inspection of these equipment will help us prolong their
usability and save us a lot of time and effort on fixing things again and again.
How to Maintain Your Computer
A properly maintained computer will provide you with substantially higher
speeds, both via RAM and on the internet, regardless of your hardware setup
and configurations. The second law of thermodynamics states that all systems
atrophy (degrade) over time - well, here are a few tips on how delay the inevitable.
Software/Hard drive

1. Clean out all the junk left behind by browsers. To do this, you can use
the Disk Cleanup utility included on the Windows systems, or download
a freeware program such as CCleaner to do it for you. In Linux you can
use Kleansweep or Bleachbit. Cookies and cache left behind by browsers

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can amount up to gigabytes of wasted space, so it is imperative they're

deleted.
2. Search and destroy spyware and/or viruses on your PC. There is a
myriad of tools available to do this. AVG Anti Virus is a good one to use.
Download.com is a great place to legally obtain these tools.

3. Defragment your hard drive monthly to keep your computer running

smoothly. Windows XP includes a utility to do this, but a tool called
Magical Defrag also exists, which automatically defrags your system
during periods of inactivity.

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4. Uninstall programs you no longer use, and delete music you no longer
listen to. The more free space your computer has, the faster it will go.
You'll be surprised how much space you'll free up and how much your
computer's performance will increase.

5. Use the msconfig command in the RUN command prompt to open up

a window that will allow you to uncheck start up programs you don't
use. This can up your start up and boot down times a lot. CCleaner also
has a feature that allows you to do the same thing (Tools--->Startup)
6. Use your computers disk management systems.

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a. For Windows, select Performance and Maintenance and then choose

"Rearrange items on your hard disk..." and "Free up space on your
hard disk."

b. For Mac, go to the Applications Folder, select Utilities Folder then

launch Disk Utility.

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Hardware/CPU

1. Always run your computer on a UPS as this will help protect it from
electric surges. Phone lines for modems and cat 5 or cat 6 network lines
also need surge suppression as they can and will take out your network
card or modem in an electric storm.

2. Your computer can grow dusty in less than a year, depending on

where it is stored. Open it up depending on how dusty your house is. If
it's not too dusty, then check every few months, but if it's super
dusty(your house), then be much more proactive about it. Remove the
dust on the bottom with a vacuum (or cloth), then spray with

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compressed canned air. Pay special attention to the CPU heat sink and
CPU fan. Hold the fan still while spraying it as you can cause it to spin
out and on reboot it may have more noise. Spray the intakes to the
Power supply fan also. Since you have the cover off reboot and listen for
noisy fans make sure all fans are working. Replace the fan if it stops
spinning or starts making unnatural sound or you can try to lubricate
the bearing, this might help.

3. Be careful when plugging in USB, Ethernet, speakers, printer etc. into

your computer. Ports such as USB and Ethernet can easily be damaged
from careless placement. These repairs can be costly and these ports are
a necessity.
4. Underclock your CPU for the ultimate in longevity.
Checking the Maintained Computer Systems:
The effectiveness of checking maintained computers depends on the
quality of inspection. A quality inspection of computer systems must include
the following:
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Powering On the Computer

Testing all the computers devices
Check if all the devices are working properly
Checking the computers performance
Check if the computer is performing at its best
Inspecting the cables attached on the computer
Check if the Cables are fixed properly
Power Cables
LAN (Local Area Network) Cables
PS2 Cables
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Cables
Monitor Cables
Having a checklist will help us on what things to consider so that we can
be sure that the computer systems and networks are in good working condition
or not.
Inspection Checklist Template
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Equipment Type
: Desktop Computer
Property Code
: WTCA-123456
Number
: P.C.#1
Location
: Computer Laboratory/E-learning Area
YES

NO

N/A

INSPECTION ITEMS
1. Does the machine operate normally?
2. Are accessories checks for damage?
3. Are all device driver installed and configured
properly?
4. Are the display properties configured correctly?
5. Is the sound functioning?
6. Is the pc connected to the server?
7. Is the printer installed shared?
8. Is IP address configured correctly?
9. Is their internet connection?
10.
Is desired workgroup followed
11.
Is internal parts cleaned?
12.
Is external parts cleaned?
13.
Is check disk performed
14.
Is unwanted programs removed

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15.
Is necessary files back-upped
16.
Is anti-virus program updated and run
17.
Is disk defragment performed
Summary of Inspections
Area to be
Inspected

Good
running
condition

Bad
running
Condition

Remarks

HARDWARE

No malfunctioned hardware

SOFTWARE

Drivers and Application are up to

date

NETWORK

Network connection is stable

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Self-check 4.3-1
TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and F if it is false.
1. The effectiveness of checking maintained computers depends on
the quality of inspection.
2. A quality inspection of computer systems is important.
3. Powering On the Computer is not included in the inspection.
4. One must not check if the computer is performing at its best.
5. One must check if the Cables are fixed properly.

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Answer Key 4.3-1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

T
T
F
F
T

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INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-2

Network Cabling
Learning Objectives: After reading this information sheet, you will be able to
know and understand network cabling and make the two wiring standards used
for wired Ethernet networks and their uses.
Introduction:
The physical pathway used to connect two or more computers together as
a network includes the transmission media. The quality of the network system
dependent on its transmission media. The most common forms of electrical and
electronic transmission are solid and composite wire cables. There are several
types of cable, including coaxial, unshielded twisted-pair and fiber optic. Each
type adheres to standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE).
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic
Industries Association (EIA) standards govern all aspects of cable installation,
such as regulations on cabling distances and connector configurations.
In choosing cabling for a network, there are several factors to consider:
cost, expansion capabilities, bandwidth, signal attenuation, and EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference). Each type of cable has different specifications that affect
these factors, and each organization has different needs. Considering cable
system factors is very important for building a network system that meets an
organizations needs.
The effectiveness of running computer to computer communications is to
make sure that the computers in a network is connected properly for effective
and easier sharing of files, information and other resources.
Common Network Cable Types
1. Coaxial Cable it consists of a copper wire surrounded first by a layer of
plastic, then a layer of metal mesh and a final layer of protective plastic.
It is used for peer-to-peer networking.

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2. Unshielded Twisted Pair is network cable that consists of up to 4 pairs

of wires. Each pair is twisted around each other at a different rate and
the entire cable is encased in a protective plastic covering.

3. Fiber Optic cable uses light to transmit information across a network.

The core of the cable is made of glass, which is protected by a layer of
gel or plastic. A plastic cover surrounds the entire cable.

UTP characteristics
Unshielded
Twisted (why?) pairs of insulated conductors
Covered by insulating sheath

UTP Categories

Category 1

Voice only (Telephone)

Category 2

Data to 4 Mbps (Localtalk)

Category 3

Data to 10Mbps (Ethernet)

Category 4

Data to 20Mbps (Token ring)

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Category 5
Category 5e

Data to 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet)

Data to 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet)

Category 6

Data to 2500Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet)

Cat5e cable

1000Mbps data capacity

For runs of up to 90 meters
Solid core cable ideal for structural installations (PVC or Plenum)
Stranded cable ideal for patch cables
Terminated with RJ-45 connectors

Making connections Tools

Cat5e cable
RJ45 connectors
Cable stripper
Scissors
Crimping tool

Making connections - Steps

Step 1 Strip cable end
Strip 1 1 of insulating sheath
Avoid cutting into conductor insulation

Step 2 Untwist wire ends

Sort wires by insulation colors

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Step 3 Arrange wires

TIA/EIA 568A: GW-G OW-Bl BlW-O BrW-Br (Straight through)
TIA/EIA 568B: OW-O GW-Bl BlW-G BrW-Br (Crossover)

Step 4 Trim wires to size

Trim all wires evenly
Leave about of wires exposed

Step 5 Attach connector

Maintain wire order, left-to-right, with RJ45 tab facing downward

Step 6 - Check
Do all wires extend to end?
Is sheath well inside connector?
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Step 7 Crimp
Squeeze firmly to crimp connecter onto cable end (8P)

Step 8 Test
Does the cable work?

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Self-check 4.3-2
TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and F if it is false.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

UTP is network cable that consists of up to 4 pairs of wires.

CAT5e cable has 100Mbps data capacity.
Fiber Optic cable uses light to transmit information across a network.
UTP is covered by insulating sheath.
The CAT5e cable runs of up to 90 meters.

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Answer Key 4.3-2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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T
F
T
T
T

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Task Sheet 4.3-1

Title: How to Make a Category 5 Network Cable
Performance Objective: Create a category 5 Network cable (straight through
and crossover) in order to connect the computer to the network.
Supplies, Tools &Equipment
:
1. LAN Cable(about 2-5 meters)
2. Wire stripper
3. Wire cutter
4. Crimper
5. RJ 45
Steps/ Procedure:
1. Prepare all the materials needed for this task.
2. Ensure safety when performing this task.
3. Strip cable end. Strip 1 1 of insulating sheath. Avoid cutting into
conductor insulation.
4. Untwist wire ends. Sort wires by insulation colors.
5. Flatten wires.
6. Arrange wires. TIA/EIA 568A: GW-G OW-Bl BlW-O BrW-Br
TIA/EIA 568B: OW-O GW-Bl BlW-G BrW-Br
Straight Through- both ends have the same color configuration
Crossover-use 568A on one end and 568B on the other end.
7. Trim wires to size. Trim all wires evenly. Leave about of wires
exposed.
8. Attach connector.
9. Maintain wire order, left-to-right, with RJ45 tab facing downward.
10. Check.
11. Crimp. Squeeze firmly to crimp connecter onto cable end.
12. Test
Assessment Method:
Demonstration , Performance Criteria checklist

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PERFORMANCE CRITERIA CHECKLIST 4.3-1

Performance Criteria
Did you

Yes

No

1. Prepare all the materials needed for this task.

2. Follow safety procedures while performing inspection
3. Strip the cable end without cutting into the conductor
4. Arrange the wires according to the insulation colors for
straight through cable
5. Arrange the wires according to the insulation colors for
crossover cable
6. Trim wires to size.
7. Attach the connector.
8. Maintain wire order, left-to-right.
9. Check the wire order and
10. Crimp and squeeze firmly to crimp connecter onto cable
end.
11. Get the correct result when testing the cable.

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INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-3

Documentation
Learning Objectives: After reading this information sheet, you are to record the
events and create documentation or logs. You will be able to learn the importance
of logging.
Introduction
Creating a event/incident summary report on the maintenance of
computer system and network will help us maintain our computer systems and
networks. Together with the efficient inspection of these equipment, the life of
these devices will be extended. Having a complete report on the events/incidents
happening to our devices will also help us to trace easily the defects and
troubleshoot and fix them.
What is a report?
In writing, a report is a document characterized by information or other
content reflective of inquiry or investigation, which is tailored to the context of
a given situation and audience. The purpose of reports is usually to inform.
However, reports may include persuasive elements, such as recommendations,
suggestions, or other motivating conclusions that indicate possible future
actions the report reader might take. Reports can be public or private, and
often address questions posed by individuals in government, business,
education, and science. Reports often take the structure of scientific
investigation: Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion (IMRAD). They
may sometimes follow a problem-solution structure based on the audience's
questions or concerns. As for format, reports range from a simpler format with
headings to indicate topics, to more complex formats including charts, tables,
figures, pictures, tables of contents, abstracts, summaries, appendices,
footnotes, hyperlinks, and references.
The purpose of a report is to show information collected to the reader
about certain topics, usually to set targets or to show a general view on the
subject in hand. Another purpose is to discuss and analyze ideas and thoughts
on any problems or improvements to be made and to inform the audience. They
can either persuade, suggest or to motivate conclusions.
A report is an extended formal document with lots of pages that shows

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different types of information with details of the findings like e.g. Methodology,
findings and added Appendices. The document structure is easily navigated by
using a table of contents, so the audience can easily find specific information
by clear headings and a set structure of text and images.
Types of reports include:
Scientific reports, recommendation reports, white papers, annual
reports, auditor's reports, workplace reports, census reports, trip reports,
progress reports, investigative reports, budget reports, policy reports,
demographic reports, credit reports, appraisal reports, inspection reports,
military reports, bound reports, etc.
Many textbooks discuss reports in greater detail. See minority report,
final report, majority report, environmental resources reports, error and other
reports from software systems, etc. With the dramatic expansion of information
technology, and the desire for increased competitiveness in corporations, there
has been an increase in the use of computing power to produce unified reports
which join different views of the enterprise in one place. Termed Enterprise
Reporting, this process involves querying data sources with different logical
models to produce a human readable report. A computer user has to query the
Human Resources databases and the Capital Improvements databases to show
how efficiently space is being used across an entire corporation.
Incident- an event which is either unpleasant or unusual.
Failure- when something does not work or stops working as well as it should.
Benefits
Reports provide clues about performance issues, application function
problems, intrusion and attack attempts etc.
The reports provide vital inputs for managing the computer security
incidents, both for Incident Prevention and Incident Response
When responding to computer security incident, reports provide leads to
the activities performed over the system
Importance of Making a Report
It enables you to practice your skills of presentation, argument, evaluation, and
calculation, and provides a permanent record of your work.
Things that we usually record in a report
We record the events occurrence of the following
-

Hardware failure
Network failure
Software failure
Computer Hardware
Servicing
Maintaining Computer
System and Networks

Date Developed:

Document No.
Issued by:

Developed by:
Ma. Louella B. Gavan

Revision # 00

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Self-check 4.3-3
TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and F if the statement is
false.
1. A Report is a piece of information describing, or an account of certain
events given or presented to someone
2. Making a report enables you to practice your skills of presentation,
argument, evaluation, and calculation, and provides a permanent record
of your work.
3. A report is an event which is either unpleasant or unusual
4. Failure is when something does not work or stops working as well as it
should.
5. Record the events occurrence only of the following:
a. Hardware failure
b. Software failure

Computer Hardware
Servicing
Maintaining Computer
System and Networks

Date Developed:

Document No.
Issued by:

Developed by:
Ma. Louella B. Gavan

Revision # 00

Page 31 of
32

Answer Key 4.3-3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Computer Hardware
Servicing
Maintaining Computer
System and Networks

T
T
F
T
F

Date Developed:

Document No.
Issued by:

Developed by:
Ma. Louella B. Gavan

Revision # 00

Page 32 of
32