Computer installer-repairer training

Lesson 1 • Motherboard Architecture Overview

Examines chipsets, socket types, expansion slots, and onboard connectors. Provides the structural map students reference throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • PC Form Factors and Case Types

Covers ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, and tower vs. small-form-factor cases. Establishes physical context for all component placement discussed later.

Lesson 3 • Memory and Storage Technologies

Distinguishes RAM types, speeds, and capacities from HDD, SSD, and NVMe storage. Prepares students to match memory and storage to system requirements.

Lesson 4 • Processors and Cooling Systems

Explains CPU cores, clock speeds, TDP ratings, and thermal management. Links processor specs to appropriate cooler selection and installation.

Lesson 1 • Electrostatic Discharge Fundamentals

Explains how ESD is generated, how it damages components, and the voltage thresholds that cause failure. Motivates every safety protocol introduced in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • ESD Protection Equipment and Use

Covers anti-static wrist straps, mats, bags, and grounding points. Students practice correct equipment use before handling any real components.

Lesson 3 • Workspace Organization and Ergonomics

Defines bench layout, lighting requirements, and ergonomic posture for extended repair sessions. A well-organized workspace reduces errors and physical strain.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Build Planning and Parts Verification

Covers compatibility checks, parts manifest review, and documentation reading. Prevents assembly errors caused by incompatible or missing components.

Lesson 2 • First Boot and BIOS Verification

Walks through POST sequence, BIOS entry, and hardware detection confirmation. Students verify all installed components are recognized before OS installation.

Lesson 3 • Motherboard and CPU Installation

Demonstrates CPU seating, thermal paste application, cooler mounting, and RAM installation. These steps establish the core compute platform for the build.

Lesson 4 • Storage and Expansion Card Installation

Covers SATA drive mounting, NVMe M.2 seating, and GPU installation in PCIe slots. Students connect data and power cables correctly for each device.

Lesson 1 • BIOS and UEFI Interface Navigation

Distinguishes legacy BIOS from UEFI and maps common menu structures. Fluent navigation is prerequisite for all configuration tasks in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Hardware Detection and Configuration

Covers CPU ratio settings, memory frequency, storage detection, and fan curve setup. Proper configuration prevents instability and thermal issues.

Lesson 3 • Firmware Update Procedures

Teaches USB-based and internet-based BIOS flashing methods with rollback precautions. Students minimize brick risk through proper preparation and verification.

Lesson 4 • Secure Boot and TPM Configuration

Explains Secure Boot chains of trust, TPM module enabling, and OS compatibility requirements. These settings are mandatory for modern OS installations.

Lesson 1 • System Updates and Security Baseline

Covers OS update deployment, antivirus setup, and firewall configuration for a secure baseline. Students deliver systems that meet minimum security standards.

Lesson 2 • Driver Installation and Management

Explains chipset, GPU, audio, and network driver sourcing and installation order. Correct driver sequencing prevents device conflicts and instability.

Lesson 3 • Bootable Media Creation

Covers ISO sourcing, USB flashing tools, and partition scheme selection for UEFI vs. legacy boot. Correct media creation prevents installation failures.

Lesson 4 • Post-Install Performance Verification

Uses benchmarking and diagnostic tools to confirm OS and hardware performance after installation. Identifies configuration gaps before system handoff.

Lesson 1 • No-Power and Boot Failure Diagnosis

Covers PSU testing, short-circuit isolation, and POST failure interpretation. Students trace no-power and no-boot symptoms to root causes systematically.

Lesson 2 • Storage and Memory Failure Diagnosis

Uses diagnostic utilities to detect bad sectors, RAM errors, and NVMe health degradation. Early detection prevents data loss and system instability.

Lesson 3 • Display and GPU Fault Isolation

Diagnoses no-display, artifacting, and driver crash symptoms across integrated and discrete GPUs. Students distinguish hardware failure from software and cable faults.

Lesson 4 • Thermal and Power Instability Diagnosis

Identifies overheating, voltage sag, and power-related crashes using monitoring software and meters. Students correlate thermal data with instability symptoms.

Lesson 1 • Thermal Compound and Heatsink Service

Covers old compound removal, surface preparation, and fresh application for CPUs and GPUs. Proper thermal service restores safe operating temperatures.

Lesson 2 • Connector and Port Repair

Addresses broken USB, HDMI, and power connector repair on motherboards and peripherals. Students restore physical connectivity without damaging surrounding circuitry.

Lesson 3 • Soldering and Desoldering Fundamentals

Covers iron temperature control, solder alloy selection, and flux application for PCB work. Proper technique prevents pad lift and thermal damage to nearby components.

Lesson 4 • Capacitor and Resistor Replacement

Teaches identification of failed capacitors and resistors, value reading, and replacement on motherboards and PSUs. Restores power delivery and signal integrity.

Lesson 1 • Battery Service and Power Management

Covers battery health assessment, safe removal, and replacement with correct capacity ratings. Students also configure power management settings for optimal battery life.

Lesson 2 • Keyboard and Trackpad Replacement

Teaches keyboard ribbon removal, backlight connector handling, and trackpad calibration after replacement. Restores primary input functionality for end users.

Lesson 3 • Laptop Thermal and Storage Upgrades

Addresses laptop CPU and GPU thermal paste service, RAM upgrades, and SSD replacement. Students improve performance and longevity of aging laptop hardware.

Lesson 4 • Laptop Display and Hinge Repair

Covers LCD panel replacement, backlight diagnosis, and hinge tightening or replacement. Display repairs represent a high proportion of laptop service requests.