Computer Repair & Maintenance — Course Brief (Bagz Institute Technology)

Overview

A hands-on program to diagnose, repair, and maintain desktops and laptops. You’ll learn PC architecture, safe disassembly, component upgrades, thermal and power troubleshooting, storage/data workflows, OS installation & drivers, malware remediation, networking basics, documentation, and customer service—everything needed to be job-ready or to start a micro-repair business.

Who It’s For

Beginners, aspiring technicians, ICT support staff, and entrepreneurs.

Entry Requirements

• No prior repair experience required

• Basic computer literacy and willingness to follow safety procedures

• Recommended: personal laptop and internet access for tools/ISOs

Learning Outcomes — You will be able to:

• Perform systematic diagnostics (hardware + software) and quote repairs

• Upgrade/replace RAM, SSD/HDD, fans, thermal paste, PSU, keyboards, batteries

• Troubleshoot no-power, overheating, display, keyboard, trackpad, Wi-Fi issues

• Reinstall Windows/Linux, manage drivers, firmware/BIOS, and performance tuning

• Remove malware, harden systems, and implement backup & recovery plans

• Set up a professional workflow, QC checklist, and client documentation

Tools & Lab Requirements

Essential: Precision screwdriver set, spudgers/tweezers, ESD wrist strap & mat, isopropyl alcohol (≥99%), microfiber cloths, thermal paste, compressed air, multimeter, cable ties, external USB enclosure/USB-to-SATA adapter, bootable USB (Windows installer + Linux live).
Helpful: PSU tester, POST diagnostic card, DC bench power supply, replacement parts (RAM/SSD/fans/batteries), small hot-air station for laptop DC-jack repairs.
Software examples: Media Creation Tool, Rufus, MemTest86, CrystalDiskInfo/SMART tools, HWiNFO, vendor driver utilities, imaging/backup tools (e.g., Macrium Reflect/Clonezilla), WinPE-based rescue disk.

Course Outline (8 Weeks · ~60–72 hours)

Week 1 — Foundations, Safety & Architecture
PC components (CPU, RAM, storage, chipset, BIOS/UEFI), ESD & PPE, lab setup, intake forms.
Lab: Safe disassembly/reassembly on desktops and laptops.

Week 2 — Diagnostics & Documentation
Troubleshooting flowcharts, error codes/POST beeps, SMART, logs.
Lab: Multimeter basics, SMART checks, building a ticket & quote.

Week 3 — Storage, Memory & Performance
HDD vs SSD, NVMe, partitions, cloning, RAM sizing/timing.
Lab: RAM/SSD upgrades, cloning OS, TRIM checks, benchmarks.

Week 4 — Power & Thermals
PSU rails, battery health, fans/heat pipes, dust & airflow.
Lab: PSU testing, repaste CPU/GPU, fan replacement, thermal validation.

Week 5 — Displays, Keyboards & I/O (Laptop Focus)
LCD/LED backlight, hinges, keyboard/trackpad, ports (USB/HDMI).
Lab: Screen swap, keyboard top-case replacement, DC-jack assessment.

Week 6 — Operating Systems, Drivers & Imaging
Clean installs (Windows/Linux), drivers/firmware, dual-boot, activation.
Lab: Fresh install, driver packs, BIOS updates, gold-image creation.

Week 7 — Security, Malware & Data Management
Threat models, AV/EDR basics, backups (3-2-1), recovery, privacy.
Lab: Malware cleanup workflow, backup/restore, BitLocker/Veracrypt basics.

Week 8 — Networking, Printers & Business + Capstone
IP/DNS/DHCP, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, printer setup, SOPs, pricing, warranties.
Capstone Lab: End-to-end repair: diagnose → fix → QC → deliver with report.

Optional Pro Track (2 extra weeks)
Board-level diagnostics, DC-jack microsoldering, liquid-damage triage, BIOS chip flashing, advanced data recovery workflows.

Assessment & Certification

• Weekly Labs (40%) — practical checklists

• Troubleshooting Challenge (20%) — timed diagnostics & quote

• Capstone Repair (30%) — full workflow with QC and client handover

• Professional Practice (10%) — safety, documentation, communication
  Certificate of Completion awarded upon passing and attendance.

Delivery & Schedule

In-person labs with instructor demos (hybrid theory available).
2–3 sessions/week, 3–4 hours/session. Class size: 10–16 for close supervision.

Support & Career Pathways

Lab access, vendor/parts lists, ticket/QC templates, and a portfolio of completed repairs to support employment or a micro-repair business.