Topicm45730c9e885f5284_1528449000663_0Topic

Diagnostic tools in operating systems

Levelm45730c9e885f5284_1528449084556_0Level

Second

Core curriculumm45730c9e885f5284_1528449076687_0Core curriculum

Grade VII and VIII

III. Using the computer, digital devices and computer networks. The student:

3) uses correctly the terminology related to computer science and technology.

Timingm45730c9e885f5284_1528449068082_0Timing

45 minutes

General objectivem45730c9e885f5284_1528449523725_0General objective

Using the computer.

Specific objectivesm45730c9e885f5284_1528449552113_0Specific objectives

1. Describing diagnostic tools and their functions.

2. Using diagnostic tools to assess the operation of the computer.

Learning outcomesm45730c9e885f5284_1528450430307_0Learning outcomes

The student:

- specifies when diagnostic tools should be used to assess the operation of the computer,

- describes diagnostic tools and their functions and uses them.

Methodsm45730c9e885f5284_1528449534267_0Methods

1. Learning through observation.

2. Using the knowledge in practical situations.

Forms of workm45730c9e885f5284_1528449514617_0Forms of work

1. Individual work.

2. Class work.

Lesson stages

Introductionm45730c9e885f5284_1528450127855_0Introduction

The teacher initiates a short discussion on when we use diagnostic tools.

The students formulate general conclusions:

- to specify the performanceperformanceperformance of the system componentscomponentscomponents,
- to monitor the operation of the computer components,
- to detect the instability of the computer at long‑term operation and high load,
- to detect the cause of a defect.

Procedurem45730c9e885f5284_1528446435040_0Procedure

Operating systems offer built‑in functions that can help diagnose the status of the computer.

The selected tools of Windows that facilitate the diagnosticsdiagnosticsdiagnostics of the system are discussed below.

Task Manager displays the list of running processesprocessesprocesses and servicesservicesservices and informs about the used resources of the particular componentscomponentscomponents of the computer. It also enables to start and stop applications and servicesservicesservices.

[Illustration 1]

Task 1

By using the Help menu of the system or on the Internet find the information how to run the task manager in your system. Start it and test its functions.

[Interactive graphics]

PerformanceperformancePerformance Monitor enables to check the activity of the particular componentscomponentscomponents of the computer and detect which of them slow the computer down. It also allows to assess the impact of particular processesprocessesprocesses on the operation of the computer and to check their interconnections.

[Illustration 2]

Task 2

By using the Help menu of the system or on the Internet find the information how to run the performanceperformanceperformance monitor in your system. Start it and test its functions.

Event Viewer is a list of reports, information and errors generated by the operating system and the software installed on the computer. It is used to detect the causes of errors and to analyse the unusual behaviour of the system and applications.

[Illustration 3]

Task 3

By using the Help menu of the system or on the Internet find the information how to run the event viewer in your system. Start it and test its functions.

Windows MemorymemoryMemory Diagnostic is a function that diagnoses the RAM memory and enables to detect defective RAM modules.

[Illustration 4]

Checking a hard drive

The tools for disc checking scan a disc in search of errors. They enable to repair them automatically, if it is possible. They can also identify bad sectors, i.e. defective sectors on the disc. CHKDSK is run after restarting the computer and before the startup of the graphical environment. Disc errors usually occur after the crash of the computer.m45730c9e885f5284_1527752256679_0The tools for disc checking scan a disc in search of errors. They enable to repair them automatically, if it is possible. They can also identify bad sectors, i.e. defective sectors on the disc. CHKDSK is run after restarting the computer and before the startup of the graphical environment. Disc errors usually occur after the crash of the computer.

[Illustration 5]

Device Manager displays information about the status of every device connected to the computer. It informs if the device drivers have been correctly installed. Yellow or red icons indicate problems with their functioning.

[Illustration 6]

Task 4

By using the Help menu of the system or on the Internet find the information how to run the device manager in your system. Start it and test its functions.

The temperature of the processor is a crucial factor determining the correct functioning of the computer. If it is too high, it results in the unstable operation of the computer. You can check the temperature of the processor in the BIOS of the computer or by using a special programme.m45730c9e885f5284_1527752263647_0The temperature of the processor is a crucial factor determining the correct functioning of the computer. If it is too high, it results in the unstable operation of the computer. You can check the temperature of the processor in the BIOS of the computer or by using a special programme.

Task 5

On the Internet find a programme for monitoringmonitoringmonitoring the temperature of the processorprocessorprocessor.

Lesson summarym45730c9e885f5284_1528450119332_0Lesson summary

As you can see, in every system you can find many tools that enable troubleshooting problems with the computer. However their skillful use requires the breadth of knowledge of computer systems.

Selected words and expressions used in the lesson plan

componentscomponentscomponents

diagnosticsdiagnosticsdiagnostics

discdiscdisc

memorymemorymemory

monitoringmonitoringmonitoring

performanceperformanceperformance

processesprocessesprocesses

processorprocessorprocessor

servicesservicesservices