Qualification Code:

ICA30111

Qualification Title:

Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology

Unit Code/s:
Unit Title/s:

ICASAS301A
Run standard diagnostic tests

Assessment Due
Date:
Assessment Name:

Assessment Task 2

Students name:
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Group:
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11. Task Instructions

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to troubleshoot problems
and conduct diagnostic tests on a range of platforms.
The student will:
Use the Internet, a newspaper, or a local store to gather information about a hard drive
diagnostic program. Be prepared to discuss the diagnostic software you researched.

IT Essentials 5.0

Diagnostic Software
1. Based on your research, list at least two different hard drive manufacturers.
Toshiba
Western Digital including its subsidiary brand HGST.
2. Based on your research, choose a hard drive manufacturer. Does this
manufacturer offer hard drive diagnostic software to go with their products? If
so, list the name and the features of the diagnostic software.
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Software Name: Seagate Seatools 1.1.3.2
File Name: SeaToolsforWindowsSetup.msi
File Size: 25.5 MB
Version: v1.2.0.10
Publish Date: 09.19.2012
Description: Seatools for Windows is a comprehensive, easy to use diagnostic
tool that helps you quickly determine the condition of disc drive in your
external hard drive, desktop or notebook computers. It tests USB, 1394, ATA
(PATA/IDE), SATA, and SCSI drives.
3. Why do manufacturers offer hard drive diagnostic software? What are the
potential benefits of doing so to the manufacturer and/or customer?
To aid you in diagnosing problems and to repair the problems that you might
have with your hard drive. The software can test the drive to see if it is
developing bad sectors, which is a sign that the hard drive is beginning to fail.
It will allow time for the user to copy off any important files before complete
failure. This develops a sense of security in the customer and they will most
likely recommend the brand to others.

4. What is the purpose of preventive maintenance

The purpose of any preventative maintenance routine is to reduce the

chance of failure and, in doing so, increase reliability.

5. Identify and make a list of specific symptoms relevant to different types of

hardware, operating system and printer problems and maintenance
techniques (Min. 10 dot points)
OS related symptoms

Blue screen

System lock-up

Input/output device

Windows specific printing problems

o

Print spool stalled

Incorrect / incompatible driver

Common preventative maintenance techniques

Physical inspection
Updates
o Driver
o Firmware
o OS
o Security
Scheduling preventative maintenance
o

Defrag

Scandisk

Check disk

Use of appropriate repair tools and cleaning materials

o

Compressed air

Lint free cloth

Computer vacuum and compressors

Power devices
o

Appropriate source such as power strip, surge protector or UPS

Ensuring proper environment

Backup procedures

6. Describe and make a list of common software failure symptoms and

preventative maintenance techniques (minimum 10 dot points)

BOSD: Blue Screen of Death restart computer

Slow laggy applications- upgrade ram
Windows fails to start up- system restore
Popups keep appearing on login- virus scan to remove viruses
Files get corrupted ensure files are saved correctly
Files go missing ensure files are saved to a known location
External components wont work- ensure correct driver software is
installed
Abnormal Applications Behaviour- Read up instruction manual on
program features
Missing DLL File- backup and restore will fix this problem
Corrupted programs- reinstall application or use repair feature

Marking Criteria
UNGRADED

Grade
NN

Assessment aims have not been met

Understanding of troubleshoot hardware and OS problem
Understanding of diagnostic tests
Understanding of scanning systems, removing viruses
Understanding of restoring backups

1. Submission instructions
Answer all the questions and submit to your teacher on the due date given on MyKangan

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n Date:

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