Hardware Workshop

Course Title: Hardware Workshop

Course No: BCA106

Nature of the Course: PRACTICAL

Semester: 1

Full Marks: 60 + 20 + 20

Pass Marks: 24 + 8 + 8

Credit Hours: 3

Course Description

This course provides a hands-on foundation in computer hardware, electronics, and networking through practical exploration of system components and real-world troubleshooting. Students will learn to identify and test electronic components, assemble and disassemble desktops and laptops, and configure both wired and wireless networks. The training emphasizes diagnostic methods using tools like Multimeters, POST cards, and cable testers to resolve hardware and connectivity issues. Additionally, learners will gain experience in preventive maintenance and system upgrades, including RAM, storage, PSU, and BIOS configurations. The course concludes with a comprehensive practical assessment, equipping students with the skills needed for IT support and hardware technician roles.

Course Objectives

To understand basic components of computer hardware and networking; To learn to assemble, disassemble, and troubleshoot both hardware and network setups; To gain hands-on experience in configuring and testing basic networks; To develop diagnostic and maintenance skills for common IT issues; To build foundational skills required for careers in IT support; To gain system administration role and network troubleshooting.

Course Contents

1. Introduction to Hardware (Electronic Components)

5 hrs

1.1. Introduction to Electronics & Safety

Lab safety demo, basic electronics kit introduction

1.2. Passive Components: Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors

Identify by color code & markings, using multimeter

1.3. Active Components: Diodes, LEDs, Transistors, ICs

Orientation, pinouts, forward/reverse bias testing

MOSFET (NPN & PNP logic gate)

1.4. Connectors, Switches, Relays, Buzzers, Crystals

Identification, test switching/buzzing circuits

1.5. Reading Datasheets and Packaging Types

DIP, SMD, TO-92, TO-220, etc.

1.6. Testing and Troubleshooting Components

Faulty vs working component tests, use of ESR meter

Mini Project or Component Identification Test

2. Introduction of Networking components

2 hrs

2.1. Overview of Network Devices

Identify modem, NIC, router, switch, hub, access point

2.2. Cabling & Connectors

Crimp RJ45, identify CAT5/6, Coaxial, Fiber-optic, Rollover, Ethernet crossover, Straight Through cable

2.3. Testing and troubleshooting Common physical Issues

Simulate network faults, replace cables/devices

Cable tester

3. Desktop and Laptop Hardware Identification and Handling

6 hrs

3.1. Introduction to PC Hardware

Identify components: Case, motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, PSU

Demonstration different types of Case, motherboard, RAM (SD, DDR, DDR1234), ROM (PROM, EPROM, EEPROM), PSU

Identify components front-panel and back-panel

3.2. Preparing the Workbench & Safety

ESD safety, tool handling, workspace preparation

3.3. System Unit Components

Motherboard, CPU, southbridge, Northbridge, RAM, Power Supply, BIOS/UEFI-Internal Buses and Slots

Identify components in a system- Label and describe functions

3.4. Storage Devices

HDD, SSD, Optical Drives- Comparison and Interfaces (PATA, SATA, SSD, NVMe)

Remove & reinstall a drive- Show real vs fake SSD

3.5. Input/Output Devices

Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer, Scanner

Connect and test devices- Discuss port types (USB, HDMI, etc.)

3.6. Understanding, role and Testing the Power Supply Unit (PSU)

PSU Overview (ATX, Modular, SMPS)

PSU Connectors and Their Purposes

Voltage Standards (3.3V, 5V, 12V rails)

Testing PSU with Multimeter

Common PSU Failures

Safety Tips for Handling PSUs

4. PC and Laptop Assembly

6 hrs

4.1. Installing Motherboard, CPU, and RAM

Mount motherboard, RAM, Install CPU, apply thermal paste

4.2. Connecting PSU, Storage, and Cables

Connect SATA, power cables, front panel ports

4.3. BIOS/UEFI Configuration & POST Checks

Access BIOS, set boot order, set password, run POST tests

4.4. Troubleshooting Basics

POST, Beep Codes- Common errors and solutions

Use diagnostic tools (multimeter, POST card)- Simulate hardware errors

4.5. Installing Operating System (Optional)

Boot from USB/DVD, install Windows/Linux

BIOS updates, driver updates, disk cleanup, antivirus scan

Virtual/real printer installation

Smart and Useful commands of OS

Cross-Platform Useful Commands

4.6. Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

Simulate no boot, no power, display error, beep codes

Simulate boot failure, no power, overheating, connectivity issues

4.7. Final Practical Assessment

Complete PC build, POST, and viva questions

5. Basic Network Device and Deployment

2 hrs

5.1. Identification of Different Network devices. (Modem, NIC, Hub, Switch, Router, AP)

Configure topology

Configure crossover/ straight through cable with devices

5.2. Sharing

Printer Technologies

Install, Configure, and Maintain Printers

File/Folder

6. Basic Networking Configuration

2 hrs

6.1. IP Addressing, Subnetting

IP class, Subnet Mask, Gateway, DNS

6.2. Router & Switch Configuration

Configure IP address, test connectivity, console setup

6.3. Wireless Access Points (AP) & Extenders

Setup SSID, password, MAC filtering, signal test

6.4. Network Design and Topologies

Build and test star, bus topologies using real devices

6.5. Testing & Diagnostics

Use ping, tracert, ipconfig, netstat, arp, nslookup, route, netsh etc.

cable testers

6.6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Simulate network faults, replace cables/devices

Mini LAN/WLAN setup task with demo and viva

7. Problem Solving Techniques

2 hrs

7.1. Start with visual inspection: loose cables, damaged ports

7.2. Use elimination method: test one part at a time

7.3. Check for BIOS/UEFI messages and beep codes

7.4. Use ping, ipconfig/ifconfig, and network tester tools for network issues

7.5. Maintain a troubleshooting log for repeated issues

7.6. Follow a systematic approach: Identify → Test → Isolate → Fix → Verify

8. Maintenance & Upgrade

5 hrs

8.1. Hardware Upgrade Tips

Upgrade Planning & Compatibility Checks

Memory (RAM) Upgrades

Storage Upgrades

Graphics Card (GPU) Upgrade (Desktop)

CPU Upgrade Tips (Desktop)

8.2. Preventive Maintenance Tips

Cleaning Internal Components

Thermal Paste Replacement (Advanced Task)

Battery Care for Laptops

BIOS/UEFI & Firmware Updates

Cable Management & Airflow Optimization

Health Monitoring & Diagnostics

9. Final Practical Assessment

2 hrs

9.1. Hardware Identification and Handling: Label parts, explain function, use anti-static measures

9.2. PC Assembly/Disassembly: Step-by-step guided practice using demo PCs

9.3. Network Setup: Configure wired LAN, assign IPs, test with ping

9.4. Troubleshooting Simulations: Use POST card, interpret beep codes, fix connectivity issues

9.5. Maintenance Tasks: Clean internal components, apply thermal paste, verify power supply

Text Books

1.Gookin, D. (2017). Troubleshooting & maintaining your PC all-in-one for dummies® (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2.Halsey, M. (2022). Troubleshooting and supporting Windows. Apress.
3.Mueller, S. (2005). Upgrading and repairing laptops (2nd ed.). Que Publishing.
4.Roberts, R. M. (2010). Networking fundamentals (2nd ed.). Goodheart-Willcox Publisher.
5.Singh, V. P. (2025). Laptop repairing course (with Windows 8). Computech Publications.
6.Yusufu, A. M. (2014). A guide to electronic maintenance and repairs. Partridge Singapore.
7.Zacker, C., & Rourke, J. (2001). PC Hardware: The Complete Reference (Illustrated ed.). Osborne/McGraw-Hill.

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Hardware Workshop

Course Description

Course Objectives

Course Contents

Text Books