A TECHNICAL REPORT ON

CPE 490: INDUSTRIAL TRAINING II

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME
(SIWES)

AT
UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI COMPUTER
AND INTERNET CENTER
BY
MUSTAPHA MOHAMMED BASHIR
06/05/04/058

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI
2009/2010 SESSION
i

DEDICATION
To my beloved Dad.

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A good academic work can never be the sole effort of an individual. Many people are
bound to offer help, advice or encouragement, and active assistance in getting the work
ready. It is impossible in a brief acknowledgement like this to mention the names of all
my colleagues, comrades and relation who shared in the preparation of this work.
Therefore, I wish to use this opportunity to express my immense profound gratitude to
them generally.

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ABSTRACT
Today we stand at a critical turning point in the use of technology to extend and empower our
human network. The manner in which social, commercial, political and personal interactions
occur is rapidly changing to keep up with the evolution of this global network. In this era,
Information Technology (IT) and Internet are the driving force for much development and
innovation in both developed and developing countries. To meet up with this current trend in
technology, Industrial training Fund was established by the Federal Government to promote
skills acquisition among graduates in industry and commerce so as to generate a pool of
indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the Nigerian economy. The Training
last for a period of 24 weeks (6-months), during which the student attached his/herself to an
established institution or organization relevant to his course of study.
This report is basically centered on the training, work, experience and the skills I acquired during
the period of my industrial attachment at the University of Maiduguri Computer and Internet
Center in CISCO Networking, Web site design and Computer Maintenance as they are the most
important tools in this generation of Information Technology.
The Cisco Networking Academy is an innovative educational initiative and communication
Technology (ICT) meant to improve career and economic opportunities around the world. It is
ideal for people looking to gain professional certification and career in networking which is
recognized world wide. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certified professionals can
install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks including
the use of certain protocols.
Web site design deals with the planning and organization of electronic media content and its
delivery over the Internet in the form of technologies suitable for interpretation and display by a
web browser. While Computer maintenance is concerned with the troubleshooting and
management of these computer devices that aid in data transmission and processing.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................................II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................................III
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................IV
CHAPTER ONE.............................................................................................................................................1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
ABOUT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND................................................................................1
STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)....................................2
PLACE OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT................................................................................2

CHAPTER TWO............................................................................................................................................3
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9

ABOUT CISCO............................................................................................................................3
CCNA EXPLORATION 1 COURSE............................................................................................3
Communicating over the Network............................................................................................3
Application Layer and network services..................................................................................4
Transport Layer........................................................................................................................5
Network Layer..........................................................................................................................5
Network Addressing - IP and Routing......................................................................................6
Data Link Layer.......................................................................................................................7
Physical Layer..........................................................................................................................7
Planning & Cabling the Network.............................................................................................8
Configuring & Testing the Network.........................................................................................8

CHAPTER THREE........................................................................................................................................9
4.1
4.1.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.3

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR..........................................................................9

DEFINITION OF THE COMPUTER......................................................................................9
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS........................................................................................9
Super computers.......................................................................................................................9
Mainframe computers..............................................................................................................9
Mini computers.......................................................................................................................10
Microcomputers.....................................................................................................................10
COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS...........................................................................10

CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................................25
5.1
5.2

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION............................................................................................25

RECOMMENDATION...............................................................................................................25

REFERENCE...................................................................................................................................................
27

CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
According to the provision (1) of Decree 47 of 8th October, 1971 empowers the Industrial Training
Fund (ITF) to "promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industry and commerce with a
view to generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the
Nigerian economy". The main thrust of ITF programmes and services is to stimulate human
performance, improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce.
Through its SIWES and Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also builds
capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small Scale Industrialisation,
in the economy.

1.2 ABOUT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND

Established in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund has operated consistently and painstakingly
within the context of its enabling laws, i.e. Decree 47 of 1971. The objective for which the Fund
was established has been pursued vigorously and efficaciously. In the three decades of its
existence, the ITF has not only raised training consciousness in the economy, but has also helped
in generating a corps of skilled indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing
various sectors of the national economy.
Over the years, pursuant to its statutory responsibility, the ITF has expanded its structures,
developed training programmes, reviewed its strategies, operations and services in order to meet
the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower in the economy. The Fund has a 13
member Governing Council and operates with 6 Departments and 3 Units at the Headquarters, 27
Area Offices, 2 Skills Training Centers, and a Centre for Industrial Training Excellence.
As part of its responsibilities, the ITF provides Direct Training, Vocational and Apprentice
Training, Research and Consultancy Service, Reimbursement of up to 60% Levy paid by
employers of labour registered with it, and administers the Students Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (SIWES). It also provides human resource development information and training

technology service to industry and commerce to enhance their manpower capacity and in-house
training delivery effort.

1.3

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

SIWES was established by ITF in 1973 to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills
preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions.
The Scheme exposes students to industry based skills necessary for a smooth transition from the
classroom to the world of work. It affords students of tertiary institutions the opportunity of being
familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in handling machinery and equipment which
are usually not available in the educational institutions.

1.4 PLACE OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

I had my SIWES training at the University of Maiduguri Computer and Internet Center which
was established in 1991. However, there were no serious development and activities at the center
therafter until August 2001 when Mr. Peter Ogedebe was posted to head the center. The centre
relocated from Science Complex to Academic Area of the University 2002. The organization
offers various programs and training in information technology and computer related fields.
Some of the programs offered by the organization include Consultancy services, internet Fax and
telephony, computer training programmes, voice mail, browsing and E-mail, and website
downloading.
During my industrial training attachment which lasted for 24-weeks (6-months) I underwent
training in the most important fields which cannot be ignored in this era of information
technology which are relevant to my profession. The courses were;
CISCO Networking Academy
Computer maintenance and repairs

CHAPTER THREE
CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY

2.1

ABOUT CISCO

CISCO is an acronym for Construction Industry Service Corporation which is a non-profit labor
management association. CISCO was founded in 1988 in an effort to bring union construction
labor and management representatives together to work cooperatively in order to better the
construction industry as a whole.
The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is the first step in a Cisco career
certification path. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN,
and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use
of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

2.2

CCNA EXPLORATION 1 COURSE

The Cisco Exploration 1 Course, "Networking Fundamentals", is the first of the four courses
leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Exploration 1 introduces
Cisco Networking Academy Program students to the networking field. The course focuses on
network terminology and protocols, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs),
Open System Interconnection (OSI) models, cabling, cabling tools, routers, router programming,
Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and network standards. Hands-on labs using Cisco
network equipment reinforces learning.
The course contents are:

2.2.1 Communicating over the Network

This chapter introduced the platform of data networks upon which our social and business
relationships increasingly depend. The material lays the groundwork for exploring the services,
technologies, and issues encountered by network professionals as they design, build, and maintain
the modern network through:
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 Describing how networks impact our daily lives.

Describing the roles of data networks in the human network.
Identifying the key components of any data network.
Identifying the opportunities and challenges posed by converged networks.
Describing the characteristics of network architectures: fault tolerance, scalability, quality
of service and security.
Installing and use IRC clients and a Wiki server.

2.2.2 Application Layer and network services

Visualizing the mechanisms that enable communication across the network was made easier by
the use of layered framework of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. In this chapter,
we focused on the role of one layer, the Application layer and its components: applications,
services, and protocols. We also explored how these three elements make the robust
communication across the information network possible through:
Describing how the functions of the three upper OSI model layers provided network
services to end user applications.
Describing how the TCP/IP Application Layer protocols provided the services specified by
the upper layers of the OSI model.
Defining how people use the Application Layer to communicate across the information
network.
Describing the functions of well-known TCP/IP applications, such as the World Wide Web
and email, and their related services (HTTP, DNS, SMB, DHCP, SMTP/POP, and
Telnet).
Describing file-sharing processes that use peer-to-peer applications and the Gnutella
protocol.
Explaining how protocols ensure services running on one kind of device can send to and
receive data from many different network devices.

 Using network analysis tools to examined and explained how common user applications
work.

2.2.3 Transport Layer

In this chapter, we examined the role of the Transport layer in encapsulating application data for
use by the Network layer. The Transport layer also encompasses these functions:
Enables multiple applications to communicate over the network at the same time on a single
device, ensures that, if required, all the data is received reliably and in order by the correct
application, employs error handling mechanisms.
We were also able to:
Explain the need for the Transport layer.
Identify the role of the Transport layer as it provides the end-to-end transfer of data
between applications.
Describe the role of two TCP/IP Transport layer protocols: TCP and UDP.
Explain the key functions of the Transport layer, including reliability, port addressing, and
segmentation.
Explain how TCP and UDP each handle key functions.
Identify when it is appropriate to use TCP or UDP and provide examples of applications
that use each protocol.

2.2.4 Network Layer

This chapter focuses on the role of the Network layer - examining how it divides networks into
groups of hosts to manage the flow of data packets within a network. We also considered how
communication between networks is facilitated. This communication between networks is called
routing.
These were achieved through:

 Identifying the role of the Network layer as it describes communication from one end
device to another end device.
Examining the most common Network layer protocol, Internet Protocol (IP), and its
features for providing connectionless and best-effort service.
Understanding the principles used to guide the division, or grouping, of devices into
networks.
Understanding the hierarchical addressing of devices and how this allows communication
between networks.
Understanding the fundamentals of routes, next-hop addresses, and packet forwarding to a
destination network.

2.2.5 Network Addressing - IP and Routing

This chapter examines in detail the structure of IPv4 addresses and their application to the
construction and testing of IP networks and sub networks through:
Explaining the structure IP addressing and demonstrated the ability to convert between 8bit binary and decimal numbers.
Given an IPv4 address, classified by type and described how it is used in the network.
Explaining how addresses are assigned to networks by ISPs and within networks by
administrators.
Determining the network portion of the host address and explaining the role of the subnet
mask in dividing networks.
Given IPv4 addressing information and design criteria, calculated the appropriate
addressing components.
Use common testing utilities to verify and test network connectivity and operational status
of the IP protocol stack on a host.

2.2.6 Data Link Layer

This chapter introduced the general functions of the Data Link layer and the protocols associated
with it through:
Explaining the role of Data Link layer protocols in data transmission.
Describing how the Data Link layer prepares data for transmission on network media.
Describing the different types of media access control methods.
Identifying several common logical network topologies and describing how the logical
topology determines the media access control method for that network.
Explaining the purpose of encapsulating packets into frames to facilitate media access.
Describing the Layer 2 frame structure and identifying generic fields.
Explaining the role of key frame header and trailer fields, including addressing, QoS, type
of protocol, and Frame Check Sequence.

2.2.7 Physical Layer

The role of the OSI Physical layer is to encode the binary digits that represent Data Link layer
frames into signals and to transmit and receive these signals across the physical media - copper
wires, optical fiber, and wireless - that connect network devices.
This chapter introduced the general functions of the Physical layer as well as the standards and
protocols that manage the transmission of data across local media through:
Explaining the role of Physical layer protocols and services in supporting communication
across data networks.
Describing the purpose of Physical layer signaling and encoding as they are used in
networks.
Describing the role of signals used to represent bits as a frame is transported across the
local media.
Identifying the basic characteristics of copper, fiber, and wireless network media.
Describing common uses of copper, fiber, and wireless network media.

2.2.8 Planning & Cabling the Network

In this chapter, we also examined the various media and the distinct roles they play with the
devices that they connect. We identified the cables needed to make successful LAN and WAN
connections and learned how to use device management connections.
The selection of devices and the design of a network addressing scheme was presented and then
applied in the networking labs through:
Identifying the basic network media required to make a LAN connection.
Identifying the types of connections for intermediate and end device connections in a
LAN.
Identifying the pin-out configurations for straight-through and crossover cables.
Identifying the different cabling types, standards, and ports used for WAN connections.
Defining the role of device management connections when using Cisco equipment.
Designing an addressing scheme for internetwork and assigning ranges for hosts, network
devices, and the router interface.
Comparing and contrast the importance of network designs.

2.2.9 Configuring & Testing the Network

In this chapter, we examined the process for connecting and configuring computers, switches, and
routers into an Ethernet LAN.
We were introduced to the basic configuration procedures for Cisco network devices. These
procedures require the use of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) and the related
configuration files for intermediary devices.
An understanding of the configuration process using the IOS is essential for network
administrators and network technicians through:
Defining the role of the Internetwork Operating System (IOS).
Defining the purpose of a configuration file.

 Identifying several classes of devices that have the IOS embedded.

Identifying the factors contributing to the set of IOS commands available to a device.
Identifying the IOS modes of operation.
Identifying the basic IOS commands.
Comparing and contrasting the basic show commands.

CHAPTER THREE
4.1

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Learning computer basics is important to fully understand any specific area such as computer
maintenance.

4.1.1 DEFINITION OF THE COMPUTER

A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions (programs) that
can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules (process), produces
results (output), and store the results for future use.

4.2

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computers can be classified based on size and use. In classifying based on size, the following
classification can be obtained;

4.2.1 Super computers

A super computer is the fastest, most powerful computer and the most expensive. It is capable of
processing more than 64 billion instructions in a single second. Super computers are used for
application requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations mainly used in big
industries.

4.2.2 Mainframe computers

A mainframe computer is a large, expensive, Very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands of

users Connected to it simultaneously. It acts as a server in a network environment.

4.2.3 Mini computers

A mini computer is also a powerful and large (smaller than mainframe). It can support up to 4000
connected users at the same time. Users often access a mini computer via a terminal, which is a
device with a monitor and a key board. A mini computer can also act as a server in a network
environment.

4.2.4 Microcomputers
It is often called personal computer because it can only

support one user at a time.

Microcomputer can also be classified into following;

Desktop computer.
Tower computer.
Laptop computer.
Palmtop computer.
The type of processor the microcomputer uses is called microprocessor. This makes up the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer.

4.3

COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Also a specific computer hardware component can have various types and models. For an
example a Computer Processor has different brands such as Intel and AMD. Within Intel there are
generations such as Pentium, Celeron etc.
Today, due to the rapid development of Computer technology, assembling computer hardware
components and building a computer has become a very easy task. Operating systems such as
Windows XP can easily identify new PC Computer parts and configured it. This is called Plug &
Play.
Below are major Computer hardware components inside a Computer.
The Processor

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This is the "brain" of your Computer. An extremely sophisticated piece of miniaturized

electronics, the processor (often called the CPU or Central Processing Unit) is at the bottom of all
tasks the PC performs. The processor reads instructions (commands) from memory that tell it what
it needs to do to accomplish the work that the user wants, and then executes them. Intel is one of
the major manufacturers of Computer processors.

The processor

Memory or RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) holds all of the "active" information that
the computer is using. Memory is empty when your PC is switched off then
each program or data file used grab part of the system memory. When you
close a program the memory grabbed by that program is freed up. Generally,
the more memory your system has, the more things you can do with it
simultaneously. Increasing the amount of memory in the system also improves performance in
most cases.

Hard Disk
Hard Disk is the computer's permanent storage capacity. Size of the
Hard Disk determines how many files or programs can be saved in
your computer. Unlike RAM, you can store your files permanently
in the Hard Disk until you remove them.

11

Ex: Take the example under above Memory section. Hard Disk is similar to the book, because the
items written in the book are permanent.
Motherboard
Motherboard is the main circuit board inside your computer. All other PC
computer parts are connected to specific slots on the Mother Board.
Sometimes it is called as the Main Board. Motherboard has in-built chips.
One of it holds the computer time. Motherboard also has a battery, which
will enable it to perform some tasks such as maintaining the system time
even when the PC is switched off.
There are different types of motherboard;
AT Motherboard: which stands for Advance Technology
ATX Motherboard: Acronym for Advance Technology Extension

AT motherboard

ATX motherboard

Connectors
There are different types of connectors on a system;
1)

DB connectors: they are named because of their D shape, and are used to connect different

types of peripheral devices. They are of two ways, either male or female DB connectors. Types of
DB connectors are;
a. DB 9: Has 9 pins in 2 rows also called serial port. The male DB is mostly used to
connect mouse and the female is used to connect different devices that has male
connectors.
b. DB 15: they are of two types;
-15 pins in 3 rows. They are also called VGA ports. It is used to connect the display
connector and its a female connector.
12

-15 pins in 2 rows. They are also called game ports. Used for connecting game controllers
like joysticks etc.
c. DB 25: Has 25 pins in 2 rows and its female. Also called game ports. It is general
purpose but its mostly used for printers.
2)

DIN connectors: they are of two types;

Classic DB connectors

Male and female DB connectors

a. DIN: comes with AT motherboard. Has 5 pins and it has a round shape. It is used to
connect an AT keyboard.
b. mini DIN: also called PS/2. it has 6 pins and its round shaped. Used for connecting
PS/2 keyboard and mouse.

Din connector
3)

PS/2 connector

RJ connectors: it is used for connecting network devices. They are of two types; RJ 11 for

telephone connection and RJ 45 for internet connection.

RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors

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4)

USB connectors: It is a modern type of connector. A single USB connector can be

connected to HUB, and it is capable of connecting up to 127 devices. Almost any device
nowadays has USB connection.

USB connector
5)

Fire wire: it is the latest type of connector that comes with a system. It is also called IEEE

1394. Faster than USB and can support 63 devices in a single port.

Fire wire connector

Fire wire cable

Power slot:
1)

AT power connector: it has two connectors working together. The types of connectors are

called P8 and P9.

P8 and P9 connectors
2) ATX power connector: It has a single connector and it is the biggest of all the connectors.
The type of connector is called P1.

Different types of power slots

P1 connector
14

Expansion slot: they are slots that are used to upgrade a systems
functionality. Types are;
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture): old type of expansion slot that comes with AT
motherboard.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): Modern type of expansion slot. Faster than
ISA.
AGP (Advance Graphics Port): It is only used for Graphics adaptors.

Add-On Cards
In addition to above there are other computer hardware components known as add-on cards. These
PC computer parts are commonly known as PCI cards. They are using software called drivers to
communicate with the operating system. Operating Systems such as Windows XP maintains a
driver database to configure these computer hardware component cards. However, you will get the
manufacturers driver CDs at the time of purchasing these cards.
Add-on cards are fixed to specific slots on the Motherboard. Windows can immediately identify
when you fix a new card and search its driver database to install a suitable driver for the new card.
It will ask you to insert the manufacturer's CD if there is no suitable driver found in the database.
Graphics Card (VGA card)
This is the device that sends the output to your monitor. You fix the
monitor cable to the back of the VGA card (VGA port) in order to get
the display. Please note that some of the computers have the VGA
card built-in with the motherboard. You won't see a separate card for
VGA in these computers. There are slots on the Mother Board to fix
the graphics card.

15

VGA card has its own memory to hold graphics and videos. It is important to have a VGA card
with high memory if you want to play latest PC games.
Sound Card
This computer hardware component is used to send the sound to
your speakers. This is the card that you plug speaker cables. Sound
card also built-in to the Mother Board in some PCs.
Having a quality sound card is a must for latest games and especially if you are using your PC to
watch movies and listen to music.
LAN Card
LAN card (Network card) is used to connect your PC to a
Network. Some broadband modems also can be connected to the
PC using LAN cards.
Most of the new LAN cards are using a port called Ethernet port
which is in the back of the card. Network cables are required to
connect a PC with a LAN card to rest of the computers or to a
broadband modem.
Internal Modem
Internal Modem is used to connect your computer to the Internet.
They are using the dial-up method. There are two types of dial-up
Modems known as Internal and External. Internal Modem is fixed
inside the PC and you fix the phone cable to the backside of it.
These modem cards are disappearing fast with the introduction of
high-speed broadband technology.

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Computer Input Devices

Computer input devices are the components that have been used to pass data into a computer to
process and provide the desired output. The input data could be letters, numbers, images or sound.
Keyboard
Mouse
Joysticks
Scanners
Most of the computer input devices are common to home or office environments. However, there
are devices that are not commonly available. These include:
Touch screens
In touch screens, users have to press (touch) areas on the screen to pass data. A typical usage of
the Touch Screen technology is some Bank ATM machines.
Smart Cards
This input device stores data in a microprocessor embedded in the card. This allows information,
which can be updated, to be stored on the card. This method is used in store cards which
accumulate points for the purchaser, and to store phone numbers for cellular phones.
Light pen
A Light Pen is a pointing device shaped like a pen and is connected to a VDU. The tip of the light
pen contains a light-sensitive element which, when placed against the screen, detects the light
from the screen enabling the computer to identify the location of the pen on the screen. Light pens
have the advantage of 'drawing' directly onto the screen, but this can become uncomfortable, and
they are not as accurate as digitising tablets.

17

 OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

OCR is designed to translate images of typewritten text (usually captured by a scanner) into
machine-editable text, or to translate pictures of characters into a standard encoding scheme
representing them in (ASCII or Unicode). OCR began as a field of research in artificial
intelligence and machine vision. Though academic research in the field continues, the focus on
OCR has shifted to implementation of proven techniques.
Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
The Optical Mark Reader (OMR) can read information in the form of numbers or letters and put it
into the computer. The marks have to be precisely located as in multiple choice test papers.
Bar Code Reader
You might have seen bar codes on goods in supermarkets, in libraries and on magazines. Bar
codes provide a quick method of recording the sale of items. A bar code is a pattern printed in
lines of differing thickness. The system gives fast and error-free entry of information into the
computer.

General Computer Output Devices

Computer output devices are the components that have been used to receive the output of
processed data. The output could be a picture displayed on the screen, printed document or a song
played.
1. Monitor
Most of you may call this as Computer Screen. Monitors are in different sizes and types.
Average size of a Monitor used in a home environment is from 15 21. However, there are
large specially made Monitors have been used for special purposes such as architecture designing,
production designing etc.

18

Having a quality Monitor is not enough to get a quality output. It is important to have a quality
Video card (graphic card) installed in your PC. More information on Video cards can be found in
Computer hardware components page.
2. Printers
There are different types of printers such as
Laser Printer: This is the highest quality printer among all types of printers. These printers and
the consumables are expensive than other printers. Laser printers are useful in office environments
where speed and high quality is important.
Inkjet Printer: Good for low volume home use. These printers are using cartridges filled with ink
to produce the printouts. Relatively slow in printing (around 4-6 pages per minute)
Dot-matrix Printer: This is a very old type printer. They are using ribbons. Quality is not very
good. Useful for low quality continues printing.
Thermal Printer: These printers do imaged based printing. Usually they have been used to print
plastic cards, labels etc.
3. Speakers (sound) it is important to have a quality sound card in order to get the best output
from your speakers.
Most of the computer output devices are common to home or office environments. However, there
are devices that are not commonly available. These include:

Plotter: Used especially for building plans and engineering drawing and really large
pictures. Plotters use a pen to draw continuous lines and are favored for engineering
drawings, which require both large sheets of paper and precise lines.

Microfilm (COM): Computer Output Microfilm. The computer directly generates the
microfilm images.

19

Document printers (multi functional devices)

These are the devices that can handle multiple tasks. The common tasks they can handle are:

Printing

Photocopying

Faxing

COMPUTER PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING

Computer problem troubleshooting is a step-by-step process. Some PC problems are easy to
troubleshoot and some are very complicated and should be done with care. Computer problems
can be cause due to a software issue or a hardware issue. Hence the Computer troubleshooting can
be divided into these two categories, which are software and hardware.
Majority of the Computer problems are due to one or many devices (physical failure) or software
(driver) of the hardware device. There are many computer problems due to software, especially
due to issues with the Operating System.
Below are some of the common issues and how proper Computer troubleshooting can be used to
repair those issues.
System has no power at all. Power light does not illuminate, fan inside the power
supply does not turn on, and indicator light on keyboard does not turn on.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION
Make sure power cable is
securely plugged in.

Power cable is unplugged.

Visually inspect power cable.

Defective power cable.

Visual inspection, try another

Replace cable.
cable.

Power supply failure.

Power cable and wall socket

are OK, but system is still
Contact technical support
dead.

Faulty wall outlet; circuit

Plug device into socket know Use different socket, repair

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breaker or fuse blown.

to work and test.

outlet, reset circuit breaker or

replace fuse.

System not respomding. Keyboard lights are on, power indicator lights are lit, and
hard drive is spinning.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION
Expansion card is partially
dislodged from expansion
slot on the motherboard.

Turn off computer. Take

cover off system unit.
Check all expansion cards to
ensure they are securely
seated in slots.

Defective floppy disk drive

or tape drive.

Turn system off.

Disconnect the cables from
one of the floppy drives.
Turn on the system, check to Contact Technical Support.
see if the keyboard operates
normally. Repeat until you
have located defective unit.

Defective expansion card.

Turn computer off.

Make sure expansion card is
Remove an expansion card. secure in expansion socket.

Using even pressure on both

ends of the expansion card,
press down firmly on
expansion card.

System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION

Connector between hard

drive and system board
unplugged.

When attempting to run the

FDISK utility described in
the HARD DISK section of
the manual you get a
message, INVALID DRIVE
SPECIFICATION.

Check cable running form

disk to disk controller on the
board. Make sure both ends
are securely plugged in; check
the drive type in the Standard
CMOS Setup (in your
motherboard manual).

Format hard disk; if unable

Damaged Hard Disk or Disk
to do so, the hard disk may
Controller.
be defective.

Contact Technical Support.

Run the FDISK program,

format the hard drive(See
Hard Disk directory or FAT is
HARD DRIVE section of
scrambled.
manual). Copy your backup
data back onto hard drive.

Backing up the hard drive is

extremely important. All Hard
Disks are capable of breaking
down at any time.

System only boots from Floppy Disk. Hard Disk can be read and applications can be
used, but booting from Hard Disk is impossible.
21

PROBABLE CAUSE

DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION

Back up data and applications

files.
Reformat the Hard Drive as
Hard Disk boot program has A number of causes could be
described in the Hard Drive
been destroyed.
behind this.
section of the manual. Reinstall applications and data
using backup disks.
System only boots from Floppy Disk. Hard Disk can be read and applications can be
used, but booting from Hard Disk is impossible.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION

Use a file by file backup

A number of causes could be
instead of an image backup
behind this.
to backup the Hard Disk.

Back up any salvageable data.

Then do a low level format,
partition, and high level
format of the hard drive( see
Hard Disk section of your
manual for instructions). Reinstall all saved data when
completed.

Disk formatted on IBM PS/2 will not operate with this system.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION
The IBM PS/2 uses a
different format than other
computers.

IBM PS/2 disk format will

not work in an AT type
computer.

Format disk in the AT type

computer insert disk into the
IBM PS/2 and copy the files
you wish.

After install an expansion card (network card, tape drive card, etc.) the system no
longer works properly.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION

No power to monitor.

Change the interrupt or RAM

address on the new expansion
All or part of the system may card. See the documentation
be inoperable. The new card that came with the new card in
may work but a mouse or
order to change pin settings.
COM port may not work.
many expansion devices come
with proprietary software that
will assist you in doing this.

22

Screen message says "Invalid Configuration" or "CMOS Failure."

PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION
Incorrect information entered Check the configuration
into the configuration (setup) program. Replace any
program.
incorrect information.
Screen is blank.
PROBABLE CAUSE

No power to monitor.

DIAGNOSIS

Power connectors may be

loose or not plugged in.

Review system's equipment.

Make sure correct information
is in setup.

SOLUTION
Check the power connectors
to monitor and to system.
Make sure monitor is
connected to display card,
change I/O address on
network card if applicable.

Monitor not connected to

computer.

See instructions above.

Network card I/O address

conflict.

See instructions above.

System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTION
Connector between hard
drive and system board
unplugged.

Problem
PROBABLE CAUSE

When attempting to run the

FDISK utility described in
the HARD DISK section of
the manual you get a
message, INVALID DRIVE
SPECIFICATION.

DIAGNOSIS

Check cable running form

disk to disk controller on the
board. Make sure both ends
are securely plugged in; check
the drive type in the Standard
CMOS Setup (in your

SOLUTION
Reboot computer. Re-install
memory, make sure that all
memory modules are installed
in correct sockets. Check
jumper and switch settings on
display card. See display card
section for information of
settings.

Memory problem, display

card jumpers not set
correctly.

23

Use anti-virus programs

(McAfee/PC-cillin, E-port,
etc) to detect and clean
viruses.

Computer virus.

Screen goes blank periodically.

PROBABLE CAUSE

DIAGNOSIS

Screen saver is enabled.

Keyboard not responding
PROBABLE CAUSE

Disable screen saver.

DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION
Reconnect keyboard. Check
keys again, if no
improvement, replace
keyboard.

Keyboard is disconnected.

No color on screen.
PROBABLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION

Faulty Monitor.

If possible, connect monitor to

another system. If no color,
replace monitor.

CMOS incorrectly set up.

Call technical support.

Floppy drive lights stays on.

PROBABLE CAUSE

DIAGNOSIS

Reconnect floppy cable

making sure PIN1 on the
Floppy Drive corresponds
with PIN1 on floppy cable
connector.

Floppy Drive cable not

connected correctly.

Error reading drive A:

PROBABLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION

Bad floppy disk.

Try new floppy disk.

Floppy disk not formatted

Format floppy disk(type

ENTER)

C: drive failure.

24

PROBABLE CAUSE

DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION

SETUP program does not

have correct information.

Boot from drive A: using DOS

system disk. Input correct
information to SETUP
program.

Hard Drive cable not

connected properly.

Check Hard drive cable.

Cannot boot system after installing second hard drive

PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS

SOLUTION

Master/Slave jumpers not set

correctly.

Set master /Slave jumpers

correctly.

Hard Drives not compatible /

different manufacturers.

Run SETUP program and

select correct drive types. Call
drive manufactures for
compatibility with other
drives.

Missing operating system on hard drive

PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
CMOS setup has been
changed.
Certain keys do not function.
PROBABLE CAUSE

SOLUTION
Run setup and select correct
drive type.

DIAGNOSIS

Keys jammed or defective.

SOLUTION
Replace keyboard.

Keyboard is locked, no keys function.

PROBABLE CAUSE
DIAGNOSIS
Keyboard is locked.

SOLUTION
Unlock keyboard

25

CHAPTER FOUR
5.1

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The mission statement of the IT is to promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industry
and commerce with a view to generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet
the needs of the Nigerian economy".
With my Industrial Training experience, I have acquired skills in computer networking, Web site
design and computer systems maintenance.
After much classes, field work, projects and assignments, I can now set up different types of
networks, ranging from simple LAN to wireless communication.
I can also now develop web sites that convey some electronic content over the internet.
Lastly, I can tackle a number of computer problems that could arise with the use of computers. My
24 week training at the University of Maiduguri Computer and Internet center was not a waste but
a productive one.

5.2

RECOMMENDATION

Considering the significance of ITF which exposes students to industry based skills necessary for
a smooth transition from the classroom to the world of work. Which also offers the students of
tertiary institutions the opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in
handling machinery and equipment which are usually not available in the educational institutions.
I hereby make the following recommendation to enable the sustainability of the training:

26

i)

The institution should make sure that the students attach his/herself to the right
industry or organization relevant to their field of discipline for proper and adequate
training.

ii)

The institution should monitor and supervise their students by at least visiting the
students in their place of attachment to assess the level of their training.

iii)

The SIWES should also have a cordial relationship with the industries so as to achieve
their aims in producing skilled professionals.

iv)

Modern tools and machinery necessary in laboratories for training in that profession
should be adequately provided by the institution.

27

REFERENCE
1) http//www.industrialtraining.org/itf.html Access on 28/12/2008 by 3:30pm
2) http//www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/web_design.mht access on 28/12/2008 by
3:45pm
3) Cisco (2007a). CCNA Exploration 4.0: Network Fundamentals, Cisco Systems,
Inc; USA.
4) Cisco (2007b). CCNA Exploration 4.0: Routing Protocol Concepts, Cisco
Systems, Inc; USA.
5) Cisco (2007c). CCNA Exploration 4.0: LAN Switching and Wireless, Cisco
Systems, Inc; USA.
6) Cisco (2007d). CCNA Exploration 4.0: Accessing the WAN, Cisco Systems, Inc;
USA.
7) Preventiveguru.com (2008). Operating system and application software.
http.//www.preventiveguru.com/operating-system.html. Access on 29/12/2008
by 10:20 AM.
8) Preventiveguru.com (2008). Computer Hardware and troubleshooting
http.//www.preventiveguru.com/computer-troubleshooting.html. Access on
29/12/2008 by 10:25AM.

28