AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PERSONAL COMPUTER

AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PERSONAL COMPUTER

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. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system Era expected to generate specific results or outputs. ( For example selecting the “print” option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behaviour is a symptom. Troubleshooting is then process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results.

(Nothing was printed, for example).

An automated system can be developed to aid users in diagnosing System problems. Windows operating system for instance have Troubleshooting programs that ask the user question s and also provide possible causes and solutions. This is the job of expert systems, they help in performing tasks that can be done by human experts, An automated system for the troubleshooting of personal computers is therefore an artificial intelligence based system that provides a knowledge base of personal computer problems and solutions for easy troubleshooting.

1.1 Theoretical Background

The computer system has grown to become an indispensable tool in the processing, storage, retrieval and transmission of information. In view of these vital functions of the computer system, it is adequate that the maintenance of computer systems is performed to enable the system last longer. To ensure this, computer maintenance engineers perform some regular routine activities to monitor the state of the computer system so that it performs its expected functions. In the light of the importance of computer maintenance activities, it is adequate for an automated system for troubleshooting personal computers be developed. It will also help to identify and quickly resolve personal computer problems.

1.2     Statement of Problem

Many computer users are troubled over the rate of breakdown and malfunction of their computer system. Most times the problems arise as a result of the lack of regular maintenance activities and inability to troubleshoot personal computer problems. in addition, since a computer  System may contain important files, the lack of proper maintenance may bring about data loss if the system breaks down because of virus attacks and  Other system threats. Also the inexperience of computer users on how to troubleshoot the computer system with minor problems also brings about the problem of system breakdown it is in view of these problems that this  research study is carried out to design and implement an automates system for the troubleshooting of computers.