ABSTRACT
This research study examined automated system for troubleshooting personal computer (PC), using Digital Center, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as a case study. The system was necessary to develop because personal computer users encounter problems and they can only solve this problem with the help of a human expert. Findings revealed that many people do not know how to maintain their computer systems due to limited knowledge on how to troubleshooting and the systems eventually break down. This can also be traced to the absence of an expert system that will help users fix system issues and troubleshoot PC problems. A software system has been developed to address this problem. The programming language used is visual Basic 6.0 and the codes have been source-listed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ i
Dedication _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ii
Acknowledgements _ _ _ _ _ _ iii
Certification _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ iv
Abstract _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ v
Table of Contents _ _ _ _ _ _ _ vi–viii
CHAPTER ONE; GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1-2
1.1 Theoretical Background _ _ _ _ _ 2-3
1.2 Statement of Problem _ _ _ _ _ 3
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study _ _ _ _ 4
1.4 Significance of the Study _ _ _ _ _ 4
1.5 Scope of the Study _ _ _ _ _ _ 4
1.6 Organization of the Research _ _ _ _ 5
1.7 Definition of Terms _ _ _ _ _ 5-6
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELAED LITERATURE
2.0 Introduction – – – – – – – 7
2.1 Maintenance Concept _ _ _ _ _ _ 7-8
2.2 General Troubleshooting process _ _ _ _ 8-9
2.3 Point to Remember while Troubleshooting _ _ _ 9-10
2.4 Personal Computer (PC) General Do’s and Don’ts _ _ 10-16
2.5 Importance Internal Devices of System Unit – – – 16-18
2.6 Expert System Overview _ _ _ _ _ 19-20
2.7 Challenges and Advantage of Developing an Expert System For Troubleshooting And Maintenance _ _ _ _ 20-21
CHAPTER THREE: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
3.0 Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 22
3.1 Research Methodology _ _ _ _ _ _ 22
3.2 System Analysis _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 22
3. 2.1 Analysis of the Existing System _ _ _ _ 23
3. 2.2. Problems of the Existing System _ _ _ _ 23
3.2.3 Analysis of the Proposed System _ _ _ _ 23
3.2.4 Advantages of the Proposed System _ _ _ _ 23
3.2.5 Disadvantages of the proposed System _ _ _ 24
3.3 System Design _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 24
3.3.1 Input Layout _ _ _ _ _ _ 24
3.3.2 Program Flowchart _ _ _ _ _ _ 24
3.3.3 Output Layout _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 24
CHAPTER FOUR SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND
DOCUMENTATION
4.0 Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 25
4.1 System Design Diagram _ _ _ _ _ _ 25
4.2 Choice of Programming Language _ _ _ 25
4.3 Analysis of modules _ _ _ _ _ 26
4.4 Programming Environment _ _ _ _ _ 26-27
4.5 Implementation – – – – – – – 27
4.6 Software Testing – – – – – – – 27
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 28
5.1 Constraints of the Study _ _ _ _ _ 28
5.2 Summary _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 29
5.3 Conclusion _ _ _ _ _ _ 29
5.4 Recommendation _ _ _ _ _ _ 29
References
Appendix A
Appendix B
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Introduction
Troubleshooting implies diagnosing a problem in order to know the Cause and proffer corresponding solution while maintenance refer s to work that is doing to keep a device or equipment in good working condition. Troubleshooting and maintenance is necessary to elongate the life span of any device: According to Wikipedia, Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair of failed product or processing. It is a logical, Systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be solved, and so the product or process can be made operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to develop and maintain complex systems where the symptoms of a problem can have much possible cause. Personal Computer (PC) problems can have much possible cause and this can be solved with the aid of a troubleshooting requires identification of the malfunction(s) or symptoms within a system. Then, experience is commonly used to generate possible causes of the symptoms. Determining which cause is most likely is often a process of elimination – eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification of, or diagnosis of “trouble” in the management flow of a corporation or a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying to the causes of these symptoms.