PC assembly, SSD/RAM, UEFI, operating-system installation, drivers, peripherals, basic networking and practical fault diagnosis.
What you will cover
PC assembly
SSD/RAM
UEFI
operating-system installation
drivers
peripherals
basic networking
practical fault diagnosis
Topic list from the institute's programme record.
Certification
Certificate terms for this programme are confirmed by the institute at admission. Any ADIVAS course-completion certificate is an institute certificate; it is not a university degree, an externally accredited qualification or a vendor certification (such as AWS or Microsoft) unless the institute states so in writing.
The programme title is as supplied in the institute's list. Please confirm the awarding body and recognition with the institute before enrolling.
Curriculum 0.1 · Draft: written for ADIVAS and awaiting academic review and approval. Topics and weeks may change before your batch starts.
Your skill trail
You move through 7 stations. Each week builds one skill you can show, not just a topic you have heard.
1
Know your hardware
Identify and describe the parts of a PC and work safely.
Week 1 Tour of the PC
Week 2 Motherboard and CPU
Week 3 Power supply and cabinet
Week 4 Ports, cables and adapters
2
Assembly and firmware
Choose compatible parts, assemble a PC and configure UEFI.
Week 5 Choosing compatible components
Week 6 Assembling a PC
Week 7 UEFI setup
Week 8 Firmware updates and resets
Week 9 Cooling, noise and thermals
3
Storage and memory
Install and prepare RAM and storage, and manage partitions.
Week 10 Memory (RAM)
Week 11 SSD, HDD and NVMe
Week 12 Partitions, formatting and data recovery
4
Operating systems and drivers
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates and plan recovery.
Week 13 Operating system fundamentals
Week 14 Installing Windows
Week 15 Installing Linux and dual boot
Week 16 Drivers, updates and recovery
5
Peripherals and power
Connect and maintain printers, displays, scanners and power protection.
Week 17 Printers and scanners
Week 18 Displays, audio and input devices
Week 19 Power protection and UPS
6
Basic networking
Connect a PC to a network and test the connection.
Week 20 Networking basics for technicians
Week 21 Wi-Fi and connectivity testing
7
Fault diagnosis and service practice
Find and fix faults systematically and complete a service project.
Week 22 Troubleshooting method
Week 23 Software and performance faults
Week 24 Capstone: service-shop simulation
★
Build, Install and Hand Over a Student PC
Your project, reviewed by a trainer.
The ADIVAS mastery ladder: how each skill is recognised
Explored You have seen the idea and tried a first example.
Practising You can do it with hints and keep improving.
Proficient You complete the weekly practical task correctly on your own.
Proven You apply it in a project reviewed by your trainer.
Skill-level tracking is being added to the learner workspace. Your trainer already reviews weekly practical work.
What you will be able to do
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms.
Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management.
Configure UEFI settings, boot options and firmware updates for a PC.
Install and upgrade RAM, SSD and HDD, and prepare, partition and format storage.
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan.
Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units.
Connect a PC to a wired or wireless network with correct basic IP settings and test the connection.
Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Who it suits
School Class 9-12 students who enjoy taking things apart and want to learn how a computer works inside.
College Diploma, ITI and degree students who want hands-on PC assembly and repair skills for a technician role.
Professional Shop owners, office staff and career changers who want to maintain and repair computers confidently.
Prerequisites: Basic computer use. No prior hardware knowledge is needed; interest in practical work is enough. Tools: Practice desktop PCs with removable parts, Antistatic wrist strap and screwdriver set, Digital multimeter and PSU tester, Bootable USB with Windows and a Linux distribution, Spare RAM, SSD, HDD and cables, A printer and a UPS for practice, Command-line tools: ping, ipconfig, diskpart (Windows), lsblk (Linux).
Weekly plan
Know your hardware Weeks 1–4
Week 1: Tour of the PC
Theory
Parts of a desktop PC and what each does
Input, output, processing, memory and storage
Workshop safety and antistatic precautions
Lab
Disassemble a practice PC with an antistatic strap, photograph and label every part and re-assemble it without forcing anything.
Homework
Draw and label a diagram of the inside of a PC from memory.
Deliverable
A labelled photo set of a PC's internal parts.
Weekly checkpoint
Name and point to ten parts on a real PC.
You will be able to
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms.
Week 2: Motherboard and CPU
Theory
Motherboard layout, chipset and slots
CPU sockets, cores, clock speed and cache
Cooler and thermal paste
Lab
Identify sockets and slots on three boards and practise fitting and removing a CPU and cooler on a spare board.
Homework
Read a motherboard specification sheet and explain five items.
Deliverable
An annotated motherboard diagram.
Weekly checkpoint
Match slots and connectors to components.
You will be able to
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms. Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management.
Week 3: Power supply and cabinet
Theory
PSU wattage, rails and connectors
Cabinet types, airflow and fans
Measuring PSU output with a tester
Lab
Test a PSU with a tester, identify every connector and plan the power needs of a sample build.
Homework
Calculate the wattage needed for two sample builds.
Deliverable
A PSU connector chart and power calculation.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify PSU connectors and their uses.
You will be able to
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms. Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management.
Week 4: Ports, cables and adapters
Theory
USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, audio and Ethernet
Power cables and data cables
Adapters and converters
Lab
Connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers using the right cables and ports on a practice PC.
Homework
Make a table of ports, their shapes and uses.
Deliverable
A port and cable reference table.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify ten ports and cables from photos.
You will be able to
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms. Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units.
Assembly and firmware Weeks 5–9
Week 5: Choosing compatible components
Theory
CPU, board, RAM and storage compatibility
Budget planning and user requirements
Reading specifications and price lists
Lab
Prepare a costed parts list for an office PC and a student PC, checking compatibility of each part.
Homework
Find a compatibility fault planted in a parts list.
Deliverable
Two costed parts lists with compatibility notes.
Weekly checkpoint
Spot incompatible parts in a given list.
You will be able to
Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management.
Week 6: Assembling a PC
Theory
Assembly order and ESD practice
Standoffs, mounting and cable routing
First power-on checks
Lab
Assemble a complete PC from parts with neat cable management and complete the power-on test.
Homework
Write a personal assembly checklist with photos.
Deliverable
An assembled working PC and checklist.
Weekly checkpoint
Timed assembly practical.
You will be able to
Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management.
Week 7: UEFI setup
Theory
UEFI versus legacy BIOS
Boot order, Secure Boot and virtualisation settings
Hardware monitoring and fan control
Lab
Enter UEFI, set boot order, enable Secure Boot, check temperatures and save settings safely.
Homework
Document ten UEFI settings and what each does.
Deliverable
A UEFI settings guide.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: change boot order and verify.
You will be able to
Configure UEFI settings, boot options and firmware updates for a PC.
Week 8: Firmware updates and resets
Theory
Why and when to update firmware
Clearing CMOS and resetting passwords
Risks of a failed update
Lab
Check the current firmware version, perform a CMOS clear and apply a firmware update only on the designated practice board.
Homework
Write a safe firmware update procedure.
Deliverable
A firmware update procedure and log.
Weekly checkpoint
Sequence the steps of a safe firmware update.
You will be able to
Configure UEFI settings, boot options and firmware updates for a PC.
Week 9: Cooling, noise and thermals
Theory
Air versus liquid cooling basics
Reading temperatures and throttling
Cleaning dust and reapplying thermal paste
Lab
Clean a dusty PC, reapply thermal paste and compare idle and load temperatures before and after.
Homework
Write a maintenance routine for dusty shop conditions.
Deliverable
A before and after temperature record.
Weekly checkpoint
Scenario: diagnose an overheating PC.
You will be able to
Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management. Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Storage and memory Weeks 10–12
Week 10: Memory (RAM)
Theory
DDR types, speed and capacity
Dual channel and slot rules
Testing RAM for faults
Lab
Install, remove and swap RAM sticks in correct slots, verify capacity in UEFI and the operating system and run a memory test.
Homework
Recommend RAM upgrades for three users.
Deliverable
A memory upgrade report.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: upgrade RAM and verify.
You will be able to
Install and upgrade RAM, SSD and HDD, and prepare, partition and format storage.
Week 11: SSD, HDD and NVMe
Theory
Hard disks versus SSDs
SATA and NVMe interfaces and M.2 slots
SMART health and lifespan
Lab
Install an SSD and an HDD, check SMART data and compare speeds with a benchmark tool.
Homework
Prepare a storage recommendation for an office.
Deliverable
A storage comparison and health report.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify drives and interfaces from photos.
You will be able to
Install and upgrade RAM, SSD and HDD, and prepare, partition and format storage.
Week 12: Partitions, formatting and data recovery
Theory
MBR and GPT, partitions and file systems
Quick versus full format
Safe data copy and recovery basics
Lab
Create, resize and format partitions, clone a drive and recover a deleted file from a practice disk.
Homework
Write rules for protecting customer data during repair.
Deliverable
A partition plan and clone verification note.
Weekly checkpoint
Match file systems to scenarios.
You will be able to
Install and upgrade RAM, SSD and HDD, and prepare, partition and format storage.
Operating systems and drivers Weeks 13–16
Week 13: Operating system fundamentals
Theory
What an operating system does
Windows, Linux and mobile OS
System requirements and licensing basics
Lab
Create a bootable USB drive and explore Windows and Linux live environments.
Homework
Compare Windows and Linux for three user types.
Deliverable
A bootable USB and comparison note.
Weekly checkpoint
Short quiz on OS functions.
You will be able to
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan.
Week 14: Installing Windows
Theory
Clean install steps
Product editions and updates
Creating user accounts
Lab
Perform a clean Windows install on the assembled PC, create accounts and complete updates.
Homework
Write a post-install checklist.
Deliverable
A working Windows installation and checklist.
Weekly checkpoint
Sequence the steps of a Windows install.
You will be able to
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan.
Week 15: Installing Linux and dual boot
Theory
Choosing a distribution
Partitioning for dual boot
Basic commands and package installs
Lab
Install Linux alongside Windows or in a virtual machine and install two packages from the command line.
Homework
Write ten basic commands with their purposes.
Deliverable
A working Linux install and command sheet.
Weekly checkpoint
Command-line practical task.
You will be able to
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan.
Week 16: Drivers, updates and recovery
Theory
Finding the correct drivers
Windows update and device manager
System image, restore points and reinstall plans
Lab
Install missing drivers from a list, fix a yellow-mark device and create a system image and restore from it.
Homework
Make a driver and recovery kit for a new PC.
Deliverable
A driver kit folder and restore test report.
Weekly checkpoint
Scenario: resolve a missing-driver problem.
You will be able to
Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan. Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Peripherals and power Weeks 17–19
Week 17: Printers and scanners
Theory
Inkjet, laser and ink-tank printers
Print queues and common jams
Scanning and multi-function devices
Lab
Install a printer, set it as default, clear a queue jam and perform a scan to PDF.
Homework
Compare printing costs of two printer types for a school office.
Deliverable
A printer setup record and cost comparison.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: install and test a printer.
You will be able to
Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units.
Week 18: Displays, audio and input devices
Theory
Monitor resolution, refresh rate and ports
Audio devices and settings
Keyboards, mice and webcams
Lab
Set up dual monitors, adjust resolution, test audio devices and fix a no-sound fault.
Homework
Troubleshoot three sample display problems on paper.
Deliverable
A display and audio configuration note.
Weekly checkpoint
Identify the right fix for common display faults.
You will be able to
Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units.
Week 19: Power protection and UPS
Theory
Surges, sags and outages
UPS types, capacity and runtime
Earthing and safe power practice
Lab
Connect a PC to a UPS, calculate its runtime from the load and test a simulated power cut.
Homework
Recommend a UPS for a ten-PC lab.
Deliverable
A UPS sizing worksheet.
Weekly checkpoint
Compute UPS runtime for a given load.
You will be able to
Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units.
Basic networking Weeks 20–21
Week 20: Networking basics for technicians
Theory
LAN, router, switch and Wi-Fi
IP address, subnet mask and gateway
Wired cable types and crimping
Lab
Crimp a Cat6 cable, test it and connect a PC to a router using DHCP and a static address.
Homework
Draw your home network and label each device.
Deliverable
A tested cable and a network sketch.
Weekly checkpoint
Practical: crimp and test a cable.
You will be able to
Connect a PC to a wired or wireless network with correct basic IP settings and test the connection.
Week 21: Wi-Fi and connectivity testing
Theory
Joining and securing Wi-Fi
ping, ipconfig and tracert
Sharing files and printers
Lab
Join a Wi-Fi network, test connectivity with ping, fix a wrong gateway and share a folder on the network.
Homework
Write a connectivity troubleshooting list for customers.
Deliverable
A connectivity test log.
Weekly checkpoint
Interpret ping and ipconfig output.
You will be able to
Connect a PC to a wired or wireless network with correct basic IP settings and test the connection. Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Fault diagnosis and service practice Weeks 22–24
Week 22: Troubleshooting method
Theory
The structured troubleshooting steps
POST beeps and diagnostic LEDs
Documenting faults and fixes
Lab
Diagnose three planted faults (no display, no boot, random shutdown) and write a service record for each.
Homework
Write a decision tree for a PC that will not start.
Deliverable
Three service records and a decision tree.
Weekly checkpoint
Order diagnostic steps for a given symptom.
You will be able to
Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Week 23: Software and performance faults
Theory
Slow PC causes and fixes
Malware symptoms and cleanup basics
Backup before repair
Lab
Speed up a slow practice PC: remove startup bloat, check disk health and apply updates, comparing boot times.
Homework
Prepare a customer advice sheet for keeping a PC healthy.
Deliverable
A performance improvement report.
Weekly checkpoint
Scenario: choose the right fix for a slow PC.
You will be able to
Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record. Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan.
Week 24: Capstone: service-shop simulation
Theory
Customer handling and job cards
Estimates, warranties and honest advice
Handover and follow-up
Lab
Run a simulated service desk: take in three faulty PCs, diagnose, repair, test, record and hand over.
Homework
Write a reflection and an improved checklist.
Deliverable
Completed job cards and a service report for each PC.
Weekly checkpoint
Final practical assessment and viva.
You will be able to
Identify internal and external PC components and explain what each does, using correct terms. Select compatible components for a PC build and assemble it safely with good cable management. Install and upgrade RAM, SSD and HDD, and prepare, partition and format storage. Install Windows and Linux, drivers and updates, and create a recovery plan. Connect and configure peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and UPS units. Connect a PC to a wired or wireless network with correct basic IP settings and test the connection. Diagnose and repair hardware and software faults with a systematic method and write a service record.
Sample lessons
Week 6
Assembling a PC step by step
Assembly follows an order that keeps parts safe and accessible. The processor, cooler and memory are fitted on the motherboard while it is outside the cabinet, where there is plenty of space. The board is then fixed on standoffs inside the cabinet, storage and the power supply are installed and connected, and front-panel cables are attached. Wearing an antistatic strap and checking every connector before powering on avoids damage and helps you find mistakes quickly.
1CPU, cooler, RAM
2Board into cabinet
3Drive and PSU
4Power and front panel
5First power-on test
Step by step
Prepare a clean, dry bench and wear an antistatic strap.
Fit the CPU, cooler and RAM on the motherboard.
Mount the motherboard in the cabinet using the correct standoffs.
Install the storage drive and power supply and connect the power cables.
Connect the front-panel switch, USB and audio headers.
Connect the monitor and keyboard, power on and check the POST and UEFI.
In real life
A technician at a Madurai computer shop builds PCs for students every week using the same checklist so that no step is missed.
Worked example
Problem. After assembly the PC fans spin but nothing appears on the screen and you hear no beeps. What do you check first?
Solution. Check the monitor cable and input source, then reseat the RAM and graphics card, and verify the 8-pin or 4-pin CPU power connector is attached. Test with one RAM stick.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the CPU power connector or the I/O shield.
Not pressing the RAM in until it clicks.
Using the wrong standoffs, which can short the board.
Try it yourself
List the assembly steps for a tower PC in the correct order.
Why do we install the CPU and RAM before mounting the board?
Write a final check before the first power-on.
Week 22
The troubleshooting method
Troubleshooting is finding the cause of a fault in a planned way instead of guessing. You start by asking what the problem is and what changed, then test the simplest and most likely causes first, change one thing at a time, and confirm the fix by checking that the original symptom is gone. Writing down each step helps you avoid repeating tests and gives the customer a clear record.
1Identify the problem
2Test likely causes
3Fix
4Verify
5Document
↻
Step by step
Ask the user what happened and what changed recently.
Reproduce or observe the symptom yourself.
List likely causes from simple to complex.
Test one cause at a time, using known-good parts where possible.
Apply the fix and verify the original symptom is gone.
Document the cause, fix and advice.
In real life
A shop technician found a PC that restarted randomly. After testing power, RAM and temperature in order, the cause was a clogged cooler; cleaning it fixed the fault.
Worked example
Problem. A PC beeps repeatedly at power-on and shows no display. What is your test order?
Solution. Check the motherboard manual for the beep meaning; commonly this indicates a memory problem. Reseat the RAM, try one stick in another slot, test with known-good RAM and note the result.
Common mistakes
Changing several parts at once so you do not know which fixed it.
Skipping simple checks like the power cable.
Not backing up customer data before repair.
Try it yourself
Write a decision tree for a PC that powers on but does not boot.
List three simple checks for no network on a PC.
Why must you verify after the fix?
Try the questions
The same skills are asked at three levels: School (Classes 6–12), College and Professional. Switch the level and the language (English or Tamil), and say how sure you are before you check: knowing what you are unsure about is part of learning.
Classes 6–12: everyday examples, no prior knowledge. Practice only. Nothing here is graded or saved.
Question 1 / 4 · Identify PC parts
Match each computer part with its job.
Projects
Build, Install and Hand Over a Student PC
A student needs a reliable desktop for coding and online classes within a budget of ₹35,000. Select parts, assemble the PC, install the operating system and deliver it with a care guide.
Tasks
Select compatible parts and justify each choice within the budget.
Assemble the PC with tidy cable management and complete a power-on test.
Configure UEFI, install the operating system, drivers and updates.
Connect to the network and verify the connection.
Write a one-page care and backup guide for the student.
Sample input
Budget ₹35,000; use: coding, video classes and light multitasking; need Wi-Fi and a printer.
Expected output
A costed parts list, a working PC, a UEFI and install record, network test results and a care guide.
How it is assessed
Criterion
Weight
Part selection and compatibility
20%
Assembly quality and safety
25%
OS, drivers and UEFI configuration
25%
Network and peripheral setup
15%
Documentation and customer guide
15%
Stretch challenge: Add a second SSD for backups and describe the backup schedule.
Service Desk: Three Faulty PCs
Three PCs arrive with different faults. For each, diagnose, repair and record the work as a technician would for a customer.
Tasks
Write the symptom and customer description for each PC.
Follow a structured method to find the cause and note each test.
Repair and verify; record the parts and time used.
Write advice to prevent the fault from recurring.
Sample input
PC A: no display; PC B: boots slowly and freezes; PC C: no network connection.
Expected output
Three job cards with cause, fix, verification and preventive advice.
How it is assessed
Criterion
Weight
Method and test notes
30%
Correct diagnosis and repair
30%
Verification
20%
Clarity of the customer advice
20%
Stretch challenge: Create a one-page troubleshooting poster for the workshop wall.
How you are assessed
A weekly checkpoint of 6 to 8 questions (choice, matching, sequence, calculation) and a short hands-on task on the week's lab with a signed lab sheet.
Practical work. Practical tests on identifying components, timed assembly, UEFI configuration, drive and OS installation, peripheral setup, cable crimping and diagnosis of planted faults, each with a written service record.
What trainers look for
Weight
Correct and safe hands-on work
35%
Compatibility, calculation and planning accuracy
15%
Diagnosis method and evidence
20%
Documentation and service records
15%
Customer communication and professionalism
15%
Where this can lead
Prepares you for roles such as hardware technician, desktop support assistant or service-centre technician.
Prepares you to assemble, upgrade and repair computers in a shop or office.
Builds a foundation for further study in networking or IT support pathways of your choice.
These describe skills you will build. ADIVAS does not guarantee jobs, placement or salary.
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