Republic of the Philippines

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Department of Education
Region v
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF SORSOGON
BITON HIGH SCHOOL

TLE - ICT
Name of Learner: ___________________________ Grade Level _______________
Section: ___________________________________ Date Submitted: ____________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET 7

DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE TOOLS
Quarter 3, Week 7 & 8

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT/ PANIMULANG KONSEPTO

Diagnosis is a very important and essential fault tolerant computing

technique involved in maintenance.  It is an action of investigation and
determining the cause of a problem, or error, in location and nature. 

II. LEARNING SKILLS FROM MELCs/ KASANAYANG

PAMPAGKATUTO MULA SA MELCs

Adhere to the recommended schedule and techniques in maintaining

and cleaning computer systems

III. ACTIVITIES/ MGA GAWAIN

A. Let Us Review/ Pagbalik-aralan Mo.

Directions: Read and justify your answer.

1. Are you caring for your cellphone?

2. What have you done to make your phone last for longer time?
3. Have you done cleaning your phone? If Yes, then how? If not, then
why?
4. What do you think is the essence of cleaning the phone?

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B. Let Us Study/ Pag-aralan Mo.

DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE TOOLS

Diagnostic software is
used to identify problems
on a computer or piece of
equipment. These programs
test the onboard systems
for issues and help to alert
users of potential problems
or breakdowns.

Over the years, these

programs have gone from
very basic to complex and highly specialized. With this increase in
technology, the skill required to use the software has actually
decreased to the point where most people can use this software
with little or no training.

Some Downloadable Diagnostic Tools

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Disk management tools:

 Fdisk - creates and deletes disk partitions.

 Format - prepares a hard drive prior to use.
 Scandisk or Chkdsk - checks for physical errors on the disk
surface.
 Defrag - optimizes use of space on a disk.
 Disk Cleanup - removes unused files.
 Disk Management - creates partitions and formats disks (GUI
interface).
 System File Checker (SFC) – scans the operating system critical
files.

PROCEDURE IN CLEANING HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Cleaning your computer and its components and peripherals

helps keep the in good working condition and helps keep the
computers from spreading germs.

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How often should I clean my computer?

The frequency of how often you should clean your computer

varies on several different factors. To help you determine how often
you need to clean your computer, we have created the chart below.
Check the appropriate boxes below that apply to your computer’s
environment to determine how often it should be cleaned.

General Cleaning Tips

Below is a listing of general tips that should be taken when

cleaning any of the components or peripherals of a computer, as
well as tips to help keep a computer clean.

1. Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component.

If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that
cloth to rub down the component.
2. You can use a vacuum to clean up dirt, dust, or hair around the
computer on the outside case. However, do not use a vacuum for
the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity
that can damage the internal components of your computer. If you
need to use a vacuum to clean the inside of your computer, use a
portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job or try
using compressed air.
3. When cleaning a component or the computer, turn it off before
cleaning.
4. Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents; some individuals
may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and
some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use water
or a highly diluted solvent.
5. When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs
or controls. In addition, when cleaning the back of the computer, if
anything is plugged in, make sure turn off the PC and unplug the
power cable.
6. When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a portable
computer or laptop it is suggested that you either hold the fan or
place something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from
spinning. Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with
a vacuum may cause damage or back voltage to be generated.
7. Never eat or drink around the computer area.

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Cleaning Tools

Although many companies have created products to help

improve the process of cleaning your computer and peripherals,
you can also use household items to clean your computers and
peripherals. Below is a listing of items you may need to use while
cleaning your computer or computer peripherals.

Keep in mind that some components in your computer may only

be cleaned using a product designed for cleaning that component.

 Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a

component; although paper towels can be used with most
hardware, we recommend using a cloth whenever possible.
Caution: It is recommended that you use a cloth when cleaning
components such as the outside of the case, a drive, mouse, etc.
You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as the RAM
or motherboard since they can generate Electro Static Discharge
(ESD) that can damage electronics.
 Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to
use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the
plastics used with your computer.
 Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette
particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the
best methods of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can
restrict the airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode.
Do not use a standard vacuum as it can generate a lot of static
electricity that can damage your computer.
 Cotton swabs - Cotton swabs moistened with rubbing alcohol or
water are good for wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard,
mouse, and other peripherals.
 Foam swabs - It is Always better to use lint-free swabs such as
foam swabs.

PROCEDURES IN CLEANING HARDWARE COMPONENTS

CASE CLEANING

Why do we need to clean the computer case regularly? It keeps

the appearance of the computer looking new. During cleaning, if
ventilation locations are found, these can be cleaned helping the

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case keep a steady airflow to the computer, keeping components
cool and in good working condition.

Procedures:

1) The plastic case that houses the PC components can be cleaned

with a lint-free cloth that has been slightly dampened with water.
For stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth.
It is recommended that you never use a solvent cleaner on plastics.

2) Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint free by
rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents. It is also helpful to take a
vacuum around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the
computer. It is safe to use a standard vacuum when cleaning the
outside vents of a computer. However, if you need to clean the
inside of the computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum to
prevent static electricity.

CD-ROM, DVD, AND OTHER DISC DRIVE CLEANING

Why do we need to clean disc

drives? A dirty CD-ROM drive or other
disc drives can cause errors when
reading discs. These read errors could
cause software installation and other
issues while running the program.

Procedure: To clean the CD-ROM drive,

it is recommend to purchase a CD-ROM
cleaner from your local retailer. Using a
CD-ROM cleaner should sufficiently
clean the CD-ROM laser from dust, dirt,
and hair.

In addition to cleaning the drive with

a special disc designed to clean drives,
you can also use a cloth dampened with
water to clean the tray that ejects from
the drive. Make sure however, that after
the tray has been cleaned, it has to be
completely dried before putting the tray
back into the drive.

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CD AND DVD DISC CLEANING

Why do we need to clean disc? Dirty CDs can cause read

errors or total malfunction.

Procedure: Cleaning CDs and DVDs should be done with a

cleaning kit but can also be done with a normal clean cotton cloth
or shirt. When doing this with a clean cotton cloth or shirt, wipe
against the tracks, starting from the middle of the CD or DVD and
wiping towards the outer side as shown in the below picture. Never
wipe with the tracks; doing so may put more scratches on the disc.

It is recommended to use water when cleaning a CD. However, if

the substance on a CD cannot be removed using water, pure
alcohol can also be used.

HARD DRIVE CLEANING

Why do we need to clean a hard drive? While hard drives

cannot be cleaned physically, they can be cleaned with various
utilities on the computer to help it run fast and more efficiently.
Disk Management is one of the utilities that will prevent the hard
drive from slowing down.

Procedure: Disk Management can be accessed in the Control

Panel, look for Administrative Tools, then double-click on the
Computer Management icon. In the System and Security window,
click on the Administrative Tools. In the Administrative Tools
window, double-click on the Computer Management icon.

When Computer Management opens, click on Disk Management

on the left side of the window, located under Storage. After a brief
loading period, Disk Management should now appear on the right
side of the Computer Management window.

KEYBOARD CLEANING

Why do we need to clean the keyboard? The computer keyboard

is often the most germ infected item in your computer. Often, it will
contain more bacteria than your toilet seat. Cleaning it can help
remove any dangerous bacteria. Dirt, dust and hair can also build
up causing the keyboard to malfunction.

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Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard, turn off the computer or
unplug the USB keyboard. Not unplugging the keyboard can result
in causing other computer problems as you may press keys that
cause the computer to perform an unwanted task.

Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and

shaking. A more effective method is to use compressed air.
Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very
long nozzle. Aim the air between the keys and blow away all of the
dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum cleaner can
also be used, but make sure the keyboard does not have loose "pop
off" keys that could possibly be drawn up by the vacuum.

After the dust, dirt, and hair had been removed spray a
disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths and rub each of
the keys on the keyboard. As mentioned in our general cleaning
tips, never spray any liquid onto the keyboard.

SUBSTANCE SPILT INTO THE KEYBOARD

Below are a few recommendations to help prevent a keyboard

from malfunctioning once a substance has been spilt within it.

If anything is spilt onto the keyboard turn the computer off

immediately or at the very least disconnect it from the computer.
Then, flip the keyboard over helping to prevent the substance from
penetrating the circuits. While the keyboard is upside down, shake
the keyboard over a surface that can be cleaned later. While still
upside down, use a cloth to help clean out what can be reached.
After you have cleaned it to the best of your ability, leave the
keyboard upside down for at least one night allowing it to dry.
Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any remaining
substances.

If after cleaning the keyboard you have keys that stick, remove
the keys and clean below the keys and the bottom portion of the
key.

Finally, if the keyboard still works but remains dirty or sticky,

try washing the keyboard in the dishwasher.

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 If after doing all the above steps the keyboard does not function
properly or at all, it is recommended you buy a new keyboard.

LCD SCREEN CLEANING

Why do we need to clean the LCD screen? Dirt, dust, and finger
prints can cause the computer screen to project blurry
images/texts.

Procedure: Unlike a computer monitor, the LCD or flat-panel

display is not made of glass, it therefore requires special cleaning
procedures.

When cleaning the LCD screen, it is important to remember not

to spray any liquids onto the LCD directly. Press gently while
cleaning, and do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to
gather scratches.

To clean the LCD screen, use a non-rugged microfiber cloth, soft

cotton cloth, or swiffer duster. If a dry cloth does not completely
clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth and
wipe the screen with the damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is used to
clean the LCD before it leaves the factory.

MONITOR CLEANING

Why do we need to clean the monitor? Dirt, dust, and

fingerprints can cause the computer screen to project blurry
images/texts.

Procedure: The glass monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary

household glass cleaner. Be sure to remove power from the monitor
and spray the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth so the fluid does not
leak into the electrical components inside the monitor. Vacuum off
any dust that has settled on top of the monitor, and make sure no
books or papers have been placed on the air vents. Obstructed
monitor vents can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch fire.

Caution: We suggest using a cloth dampened with water when

cleaning monitor or a screen that is not made of glass or has any
anti-glare protection on the screen. Using ordinary household glass

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cleaner on special screens, especially cleaners with ammonia can
remove anti-glare protection or other special surfaces.

Other good cleaning tools

 Microfiber Towels
 Swiffer Dusters
MOTHERBOARD CLEANING

Why do we need to clean the motherboard? Dusts can build up

and corrode circuitry causing various problems such as computer
lockups.

Caution: When working with interior computer parts (e.g.

motherboard), take the necessary ESD precautions and avoid
unplugging any cables or other connections.

Procedure: Compressed air is recommended when cleaning the

motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair. When using compressed air,
hold it in the up-right position; otherwise, it is possible that
chemicals may come out of the container that could damage or
corrode the motherboard or other component within the computer.
Also, make sure to always blow the dust or dirt away from the
motherboard, or out of the case.

Another good alternative to compressed air is to use a portable

battery powered vacuum that can effectively remove the dust, dirt,
and hair from the motherboard completely and prevent it from
getting trapped within the case. However, do not use a standard
electric vacuum as it can cause a lot of static electricity that can
damage the computer. When using the vacuum, it is vital that you
stay a couple of inches away from the motherboard and all other
components to help prevent contact as well as to help prevent
anything from being sucked into the vacuum. Ensure that you do
not remove any small components with the vacuum such as
jumpers.

OPTICAL MOUSE CLEANING

Why do we need to clean optical mouse

regularly? A dirty mouse (mouse with a
ball) can be difficult to move. It can also
cause strange mouse movement.

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Procedure: To clean the optical mouse, you
must first wipe the bottom cover of the
mouse. Turn the mouse upside down to
look at the lens.

If there is a smudge on the lens, gently

clean the area with a plain cotton-tipped
swab. If there is debris in the lens, gently blow the debris away
from the area. Check the surface on which you are using the
mouse.

Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help
improve a computer's mouse movement.

Why? To help keep a mouse clean and germ free it can be helpful
to clean the mouse.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm

water and rub the surface of the mouse and each of its buttons.

MECHANICAL MOUSE CLEANING

Why is it important to clean an

optical mouse? A dirty optical-
mechanical mouse (mouse with a ball)
can be difficult to move. It can also
cause strange mouse movement.

Procedure: To clean the rollers of an

optical-mechanical mouse, you must
first remove the bottom cover of the
mouse. To do this, examine the bottom
of the mouse to see what direction the
mouse cover should be rotated. As you
can see in the illustration below, the mouse cover must be moved
counter clockwise. Place two fingers on the mouse cover and push
the direction of the arrows.

Once the cover has rotated about

an inch, rotate the mouse into its
normal position, covering the bottom of
the mouse with one hand and the
bottom should fall off including the
mouse ball. If this does not occur,
attempt to shake the mouse gently.

Once the bottom cover and the ball

are removed, you should be able to see

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three rollers located within the mouse. Use a cotton swab, finger,
or fingernail to remove any substance. Usually, there will be a
small line of hair and dirt in the middle of the roller, remove as
much as this substance as possible.

Once you have removed as much dirt and hair as possible, place
the ball back within the mouse and place the cover back on.

If the mouse still appears to be having the same issue, repeat

the above process. If after several attempts the mouse is still
having the same issues, it is likely that your mouse has other
hardware issues and we recommend that it be replaced.

Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help
improve a computer's mouse movement.

Why do we need to do this? To help keep a mouse clean and

germ free.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm

water and rub the surface of the mouse and each of its buttons.

PRINTER CLEANING

With some printers it may be necessary

to clean the inside of the printer to help
keep the printer running smoothly.

Why do we need to do this? Cleaning the outside of a printer can

help keep the printer's appearance looking good; and in the case of
a printer that is used by many different people, it will keep the
printer clean and free from germs.

Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the printer before cleaning
it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol and wipe the case
and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As mentioned
earlier, never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.

SCANNER CLEANING

Why do we need to do this? Flatbed scanners commonly become

dirty with dust, fingerprints, and hair. When a scanner is dirty, the
images may have distortions.

Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by spraying a window

cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe the glass until
clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid directly onto the
component.

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 To clean the outside of the scanner, the same towel or cotton cloth
can be used.

MISCELLANEOUS CLEANING STEPS

Below are listings of miscellaneous computer hardware that is

rarely used today, but some people who will use it and therefore
need to know how to clean their devices.

Floppy drive cleaning

Why do we need the floppy drive? Because dirty read/write

heads on the floppy drive can cause errors during the reading or
writing process.

Procedures: The floppy drive can be cleaned in two different ways.

The first method of cleaning a floppy drive; (and our recommended
method) is to purchase a kit at your local retail store designed to
clean the read/write heads on your floppy drive.

The second method of cleaning the floppy drive is only

recommended for experienced computer users. Open the floppy
drive casing and physically swab the read/write heads with a lint-
free foam swab soaked in pure alcohol, or trichloroethane. When
performing these steps, be extremely careful when cleaning the
heads to ensure that you do not lock them out of alignment
causing the floppy drive not to work. To help prevent the heads
from becoming out of alignment, use a dabbing motion lightly
putting the swab on the head and removing it, do not perform a
side-to-side motion with the swab.

C. Let Us Practice/Pagsanayan Mo.

Think in a Box

Direction: In a separate sheet of paper, create a table or box that

like the one below, then answer the answers inside the box.

Q1. What did you learn today?

Q2. Did you learn anything that
surprised you?
Q3. Being a student in ICT, do
you think the lesson is

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 important? Why?
Q4. What question would you
like to ask in order to learn
more in this kind of topic?

D. Let Us Remember/ Tandaan Mo.

Programs that provide diagnostic information are common

everywhere. Something as simple as the oil light on a car dashboard
is a type of diagnostic software. These hard-coded diagnostic tools
usually monitor one specific part of a larger piece of equipment and
typically are always operating. While these types of diagnostic
programs are the most common, they are usually the least versatile.

When people think of true diagnostic software, they usually

think of the types used on computers. These programs monitor the
computer for problems involving every aspect of the machine, from
hardware to software—far more complex and versatile than the
change oil light.

E. Let Us Practice More/ Gawin Mo.

Directions: Copy the format below and answer the question. Use the
rubric as your guide.

A. Why is cleaning computer system (devices and equipment)

important?

Cleaning is important because:

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

RUBRIC

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 F. Evaluation/ Pagtataya

Directions: Give the proper ways on how to clean the following.

Computer Device/Equipment How to clean?

1. System Case -
2. Keyboad -
3. LCD Monitor -
4. Mouse -
5. Printer -

IV. RUBRIC FOR SCORING/ RUBRIK SA PAGPUPUNTOS

- Rubric for letter E “Let Us Practice More/ Gawin Mo.”

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V. REFERENCE/ SANGGUNIAN

- K to 12 – Technology and Livelihood Education TLE_ICTCS10MNIIIf-j-2

Prepared by:

Jonathan T. San Juan

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