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There is no such thing as effective troubleshooting if safety has not been met. The
effectiveness of the troubleshooting comes only if there are no injuries, tool and
equipment failure due to mishandling, peripheral malfunction due to
misdiagnoses and mishandling and other things that marks the big 7-letter word -
FAILURE . So what should you do to be able to do "Effective Troubleshooting" ?
Follow the three most important things below to find out how and what to learn!
Yes you did not read it wrong. What you wear really matters specially if we are
dealing with safety. In big companies, overall uniforms, laboratory gowns and
technicians' gown are required to be worn in their work areas. As freelance
technicians, we don't strictly follow company protocols but at least we must
ensure safety through using proper clothing.
What is appropriate for every computer technician to wear are clothings that
won't catch fire fast like cotton. Nylon clothes should be avoided. One must also
wear clothes with shorter sleeves to keep the connectors and other things in the
system unit from clinging to your clothing. Buttoned shirts and clothing with
dangling laces or similar should not be worn during computer troubleshooting.
Please don't use very loose clothes like the hip hop crews wear, rings, necklaces,
dangling earrings, bracelets, and similar objects as well.
ESD is a form of electricity that can wreck havoc to your computer peripherals or
its components. How do you get ESD's? Just everywhere, upon walking when you
rub your shoe against a carpet, or combing your hair or just anything you rub
against or touch. To be able to avoid damaging your computer system unit, you
must discharge the ESD by using the ESD Wrist Strap while working with your
computer.
But what if you don't have any ESD Wrist Strap? Don't worry before opening up
your unplugged computer system, touch any unpainted portions of the system
Since ESD's can damage computer peripherals and components, it is best to store
your removed components and peripherals in Anti-Static Bags.
Whether your home outlet is 110 or 220 volts Alternating Current (AC), it can
potentially kill you. But before working safely with the insides of your computer,
let us be familiar first with the outsides of the computer.
In powerlines, the electricity that flows through the lines are not perfectly stable.
The voltage may rise and fall and this action of the unstable voltage is called
a voltage spike. Though most devices can operate even with voltage spikes, your
computer cannot endure this spikes. What your computer eats is a stable supply
of electrical current. The Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) does this job. It
regulates or flattens out the AC flow of electricity to be fed to your computer.
After the AVR, your computer receives the regulated 110 or 220 V AC electricity
into your Power Supply Unit (PSU) and converts it into Direct Current (DC) like 12,
5, and 3.3 V respectively.
So we have in mind that the electricity we get from the outlet is 110 or 220 V,
unregulated and as it passes though the AVR it is still 110 or 220 V but the spikes
are now removed - and still dangerous. As the electricity from the AVR is received
by the PSU, it is converted to DC and is now less dangerous. In other words if you
are working with your computer, turn off your system unit and unplug the power
cord from the AVR. If you might say that the DC current of the motherboard is
small and can not cause you harm, consider that the components of your
computer are sensitive to electrical shortages.
Do's
- Wear anti-ESD Wrist Strap and if there is none, drain off the ESD by touching
the unpainted part of your system unit. ESD's are known to destroy discrete
devices like your RAM, BIOS, Chipsets and other components of your
motherboard. So take this precaution seriously.
- Wear proper clothing. Use cotton and short-sleeved clothes during work. If ever
the computer your working on catches fire, cotton most likely better resist
burning than nylon clothes.
- Turn off the system unit and unplug the power cord from the AVR every time
you will be working with your computer. Keep in mind that there is a constant 5
volts DC electricity even if your computer is turned off with cords unplugged and
AVR not turned off.
- Clean your tools and equipment before and after use. Take care of your tools
because they will also take good care of you. Tools and equipment in good
condition lessens accident.
- Clean your system unit before fixing it.
- Fix your computer if it is broken. Yes, don't assume that the computer is broken
lest you're sure it really is. You might add up or make the problem yourself rather
than to fix it.
- Backup files and drivers before anything else. Files costs millions of dollars to
other clients. Our main concern before everything else is our clients' files. Fixing
the hardware part of the computer is just next to saving and retrieving the files
that the computer may contain. So always prepare a large backup media for your
clients.
No's!
- Forgetting everything with the Do's and leaving the brain on the bed while
working. Just remember all those Computer Safety Do's and I assure you, you'll
never have to remember the No's.
You might think that disassembly and assembly of the system unit is easy. Yes it
is provided that you have done it correct and safely. The first thing that every
computer technician should keep in mind is SAFETY. You must think that
electrocution and nasty cuts are the most common injuries a computer technician
might have and we need to avoid it by following simple safety procedures.
To disassemble and assemble a computer is integral as being a Computer
Hardware Servicing Technician.
Aside from electrocution, we must also think that the computer that we are about
to disassemble requires care. Safety of the equipment must also be considered.
Not only thinking of the computer's safety but also to that of your tools. Your
tools are your best friends and you need to take good care of them so they in
return can make your job easy and fast. Example, if you just leave your software
installer anywhere then accidentally falls to the ground and accumulates
scratches? Do you think you can still use the installer again?
To Disassemble
2. Before opening the system case, be sure to turn off the system unit. Turn off
and unplug the AVR from the wall socket as well. After that, unplug all the cables
connecting to the back of the system unit. After clearing all the connected cables,
put the system unit on an empty working table.
3. Touch the unpainted part of your system unit with your bare hands to remove
the ESD of your body. This is an important part before opening your system case.
You might destroy your RAM, Chipsets and other components of your
motherboard.
4. Remove the screws of the side cover opposite to the side where the ports are.
By most system cases, if you are facing the back of the system unit the right side
cover is to be removed. Return the screws back to the screw holes to avoid losing
them.
5. Once the side cover is removed, turn your system side down where the opened
side of the system unit should be facing upward where you can comfortably look
down on the inside of your system case.
6. We are now ready to remove the components inside of the computer. The first
7. With the power supply removed, the data cable should be removed next. This
includes IDE, SATA, and floppy drive cables. Secure the removed data cables.
8. Next to remove are the RAM, Video Card and other card peripheral
components. Again have them secured in a safe place and put the screws back.
Clean the connector edges of the card peripherals by rubbing the gold colored
edge moderately with a rubber eraser then brushing off the shredding. Do not
attempt to clean the edge by blowing or brushing it off with your fingers. Our
body is acidic and you might only cause the edges to tarnish faster.
9. Remove all drives. This will include your hard drive, cd/dvd drives, and the
floppy drive.
10. Since all peripherals where removed, the next thing to do is to remove the
front panel connectors. This will include the USB, Front Panel (FP) and Audio
header. If you are not sure of which connector is being match to, write down or
document the connections and orientation of the connectors before removing
them from the headers. Remember that not all motherboards have the same
header configuration so be careful and watchful while documenting.
11. After removing the header connectors, we are now ready to remove the
motherboard. To remove the motherboard, locate first all the screws and lightly
unscrew all screws alternately. With this technique, we are reducing the risk of
warping or bending our motherboard. It may not have a large impact on the
bending of the motherboard but still it does have even a little. Upon lightly
loosening all screws, remove all screws then. Remove the motherboard by
carefully and lightly pulling it away from the I/O shield. Why? because we need to
free the ports that are fitted from the holes in the I/O shield. After freeing the
12. Clean the system unit chassis with your brush, also clean your motherboard
and the rest of the peripherals being removed.
To Assemble
1. Provided that all peripherals are clean and ready. We are now going to
assemble your computer. In assembling back your computer, what we have done
during disassembling is just doing the reverse order to assemble it. Since the
motherboard was last to be removed, it should then be the first to put back.
Remove the retaining screws from the standoff screws of the motherboard and
let the motherboard seat on it with the ports facing out towards the I/O shield.
Lightly push the motherboard to set its ports to the holes of the I/O shield. Put
the retaining screws on the motherboard screw holes but do not tighten it yet.
Now be careful in doing this one and if this is your first time doing it, it is best if
you lend a hand for assistance. Lightly push the motherboard towards to I/O
shield and lightly tighten the motherboard retaining screws alternately until all
screws are tight enough but not too tight. This is to ensure that your ports are
protruding correctly out of the I/O shield.
2. Once the motherboard is secured, put back the FP, Audio, and USB header
connectors as you will be using your documentation for reference.
4. Connect back the RAM, Video Card and other card peripherals to its proper slot
inserting it properly and some cards will require screws to be secured.
5. The data cables (IDE, SATA, floppy cable) should be connected to its proper
headers and drives. Remember the proper configuration of the placement of the
cables specially if you are dealing with the IDE cables.
6. After the data cables are properly connected, put back the power supply and
secure it with the screws you removed earlier. After securing the PSU to the
chassis, connect the power connectors to the drives and the motherboard.
8. Put the assembled computer back to its place and connect the rest of the
cables and connectors. Power it up and see if there are unusual effects of your
disassembling/assembling procedure done earlier.
Remember SAFETY. Do not neglect it. Neglect can cause catastrophic effects.
By answering the questions above, you will be able to evaluate yourself whether
you are confident enough to do it (or whether your way or based on other
reference like this blog)? If you aren't sure enough, just read on and learn before
doing any actual application.
1. Safety - Safety should be a priority specially that you are dealing with
electricity, precious data, and expensive computer parts to handle. Find out more
about computer troubleshooting safety here.
2. Tools - Though are are many tools a computer technician should have, we can
however do the job well with fewer tools. A long philip screwdriver, a wide bristle
brush, and a rubber eraser. This are the basic tools need to disassemble a
computer.
3. Notes - What's a note for? If you are to disassemble a computer and unsure of
which things is first to remove and how it is positioned, sometimes you get
disoriented of the proper procedure and end up having the computer dumped in
a bin. Note taking is essential so that it will serve as your personal guide. Believe it
or not, I have been working as a computer technician for more than five years
now and still maintains a notepad.
All are now set for the procedure. Again think safety, have the appropriate tools,
and have a notebook alongside to take down important notes. Let's begin to to
disassemble your computer or system unit.
1. Find a suitable insulated table (or wooden table) to begin with your work.
3. We are now ready to remove the side covers. At the back side of your
computer you should see some screws locking the covers, but which side cover
should we remove? Can you see where the ports are located? If they are located
on the left side, then you need to remove the right side cover and vice versa. Use
your Philip screwdriver to do this.
5. You may now begin to remove the computer's components. Here is a short list
of which components should be first removed.
1. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - remove the molex connector or power cablings (with
red,yellow,black,orange wires) from the board and drives. When you remove the connectors,
try to swivel it along its length.
2. Data Cables (IDE and SATA) - carefully remove these cables by swiveling it. Removing all cables
clears the space for us to work things easier.
3. Card Peripherals - this should include removing the RAMs, Video Card, Modems, Sound Cards,
and other card peripherals. Be sure to remove them properly
4. Drives - DVD,Blue Ray, and hard disk drives should be removed after the card peripherals. Be
sure to put back the screws back to the drives upon removing it
5. Front Panel Connectors - since every motherboard has its own configuration, we need to take
down notes of the proper orientation of the pins. But if you memorize it, the better. Asus and
intel board are almost having the same front panel pin configuration. Other boards like ECS and
IBM boards have the same pin configuration as the latter. This is where we will be taking notes,
draw the pin configuration if possible.
6. Motherboard - be very careful in removing the motherboard, avoid scratching any surface on
the motherboard as there are many surface mounted components soldered on it. And after
removing the motherboard, put it in an area where there is insulation on its bottom or best, put
it in a anti-static bag.
6. After all the components are taken apart, clean them with the brush that
you have. Dust will accumulate heat and can destroy your computer's
components.
7. Do not forget to clean the connector edges of your peripheral cards. The
connector edges are those shiny gold-colored edges of your RAM, Video card,
and other similar components. Use an eraser to do the cleaning but if you have
a flux cleaning agent, that should do the job better. Using an eraser, just lightly
If you are trying to learn how to fix computers and don't know where to start, this
is the right place for you. When learning how to fix or troubleshoot computers,
one must have a trusted guide and clear instructions to follow.Computer
hardware servicing is not that hard as you may be thinking and not as easy as
some people claim. A step by step approach of teaching should favor the student
and that is what this Beginner's Guide to Troubleshooting Computer Hardware is
promoting for you to learn computer hardware servicing fast, easy, and free.
Before we proceed with our tutorial, let us first assess things that you currently
learn about computers and yourself.
1. Are you familiar and practicing occupational health and safety (OHS) when
working with computers?
2. Do you know how to operate a computer?
3. Are you afraid of electricity?
4. Do you have the passion to learn on how to fix computers?
5. Have you ever tried tinkering or opening an electronic device?
6. Are you resourceful enough?
7. Do you have patience?
Asking these questions to yourself gives you a hint of what a computer hardware
service technician's attributes are. If ever you say no for any of the questions
above, it is ok. Read on and you will know why I am saying it really is ok.
Safety Is A Priority
Working with computers may seem harmless. You can't be sure though because
Now how about if your are to fix a computer? Accidents may happen like
electrocution, cuts, dropping and damaging the tools and equipment, blowing or
frying the motherboard and other peripherals if safety is disregarded. To make
things short, computer safety must be followed.
So be resourceful, don't just get stuck with few resources. Research and don't be
afraid to learn. Experience will also bring more knowledge. Try to apply what you
have learned and you will surely thank yourself.
Have you thought of these things? If you think you have or able to develop the
attributes discussed above, then you already becoming a good computer
technician in the process. Learning is a process, it takes enormous effort and time.
So let me give you a draft on what things you should be learning to become full
fledged computer hardware servicing technician.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Before testing the system unit, we must first ask few questions to the owner of
the system unit to give us some clues on what and when's regarding the
computer problem encountered. Remember that first hand information about the
computer problem encountered by the owner or user is the most near-
reliable source of idea on what really is the problem of his or her computer. But
be warned, I have had said near-reliable because most users being asked lies on
the details fearing that the blame is on them. You must ask them in low tone, soft,
non-vindictive, and non-agitating manner. The details they give might be useful
for your approach introubleshooting.
After gathering the information provided by the user, you must verify it by
SAFETY PROCEDURES
There are certain procedures you should follow when you are installing items in
your system. Below is information to avoid damage to your system or/and
yourself.
Before entering the computer, move computer off the carpet (for static
purposes). If your not able to then try not to move on the carpet to keep
the static from building.
Disconnect all cables including power cord. I can't stress this enough.
Remove the power cord, monitor, keyboard, mouse, phone line, network
cable, speakers, printer, scanner, USB cables, cable modem, DSL modem
and anything else that is connected. (it should look similar to the picture
below)
With everything disconnected, push the power button for 5 seconds. (with
power cord disconnected). The computer can store power even with the
power cord disconnected. Pushing the power button drains that power
(only if the power cord is disconnected). VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Touch something metal on the case of the system to release any static build
up in your body.
Computers are the best dust collectors. Do not blow on the dust with your
breath. Your breath has moisture and electronics hate moisture.
If you want to clean the inside of the system of dust, use compressed air
that is designed for electronics.
While using the compressed air, do not hold down the button. Not only will
the can get cold, moisture will also form. Use quick short bursts.
When handling parts, do not touch the bronze teeth. Hold the parts on the
edges if at all possible.
If you are troubleshooting noise issue, some people will stick a pencil or
other objects in the fan to stop the fan from turning to see if the noise goes
away. DON'T DO THAT! The fan might shatter the pencil, cause a fire, cause
electrical shock or short.
If you disconnect the cable that goes to the processor fan to check for
noise, do not leave system on for long with it disconnected.
Keep these important tips in mind as you work inside your computer:
Remember to Flip the Switch
Always, always, always remember to turn the power off before servicing anything.
This should always be your first step. Do not even open the computer case unless
the power is turned off. Many computers have a number of lights inside that
serve certain functions so check to see that no lights are on. If any are still on then
the power is probably not completely off.
Many power supply units have a switch on the back, killing power to the device
and ultimately the rest of your PC. If your PSU has one, be sure to turn it to the off
position.
Avoid Capacitors
Capacitors are miniature electronic components contained in many of the parts
inside a PC. Capacitors can store electric charge for a short while after the power
is turned off so it's a wise decision to wait a few minutes after pulling the plug
before working on your PC.
INTRODUCTION TO PC COMPONENTS
Here you will learn computer hardware tutorials introduction, basic pc
components, networking devices, ram, vga, monitor and printer etc. Computer
hardware is the physical part of the computer including the digital circuits inside
the computer as opposed to the software that carry out the computing
instructions. The hardware of a computer is unlikely to change frequently unless
due to the crash or for upgrading them. The devices that is capable of storing,
executing system instructions and controlling other logical outputs.
Hardware comprises all of the physical part of the computer such as Monitor,
CPU, motherboard, ram, CD-Rom, printer, scanner, hard disk, flash drive (AKA pen
drive), processor, pci buses, floppy disk, power supply, VGA card, sound card,
network interface card, peripherals, joystick, mouse, keyboard, foot pedal,
computer fan, camera, headset and others.
On the other hard software is a logical part of a computer and is used to carry out
the instructions, storing, executing and developing other software programs. A
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Your PC (Personal Computer) is a system, consisting of many components. Some
of those components, like Windows XP, and all your other programs, are
software. The stuff you can actually see and touch is hardware.
Hardware
The hardware are the parts of computer itself including the Central Processing
Unit (CPU) and related microchips and micro-circuitry, keyboards, monitors,case
and drives (hard, CD, DVD, floppy, optical, tape, etc...). Other extra parts called
peripheral components or devices include mouse, printers, modems,scanners,
digital cameras and cards (sound, colour, video) etc...
CHAPTER 2: PROCESSOR
The Central Processing Unit, Which is often referred to as the “Processor” is the
brain of the computer. The chip that performs the majority of calculations and
Internal clock speed – Is the speed at which the processor can obtain information
within itself, like with internal cache and registers. (Pentium III 800 MHz. the 800
MHz is the internal clock speed)
External clock speed – Is the speed at which the CPU communicates with
components outside itself.
CHAPTER 3: MOTHERBOARD
MOTHERBOARD COMPONENTS
The motherboard holds all the major logic components of the computer. Here we
are going to see with no particular order, some of those major motherboard
componets and their function in a computer or to be more precise in your
computer.
A core 2 Duo Intel Processor
CPU- Central Processing Unit
It is also known as the microprocessor or the processor. It is the
brain of the computer, and it is responsible for fetching,
decoding and executing program instructions as well as
performing mathematical and logical calculations.
Memory Modules
Main Memory / Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random access memory or RAM most commonly refers to
computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data when
you are working with your computer to enhance the
computer performance. In other words, it is the working
place of your computer where active programs and data are loaded so that any
time time the processor requres them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the
hard disk which will take a longer access time.
Random access memory is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents once
power is turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory such as hard disks
and flash memory, which do not require a power source to retain data. When a
computer shuts down properly, all data located in random access memory is
returned back to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next
boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded at startup, and
with files opened by the user a process called booting.
BIOS Chip
BIOS- Basic Input Output System
BIOS is a term that stands for basic
input/output system, which consists of low-
level software that controls the system
hardware and acts as an interface between the
operating system and the hardware. Most
people know the term BIOS by another name—
device drivers, or just drivers. In other words, the BIOS is drivers, meaning all of
them. BIOS is essentially the link between hardware and software in a system.
All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is
separate from the main system memory used for loading and running software.
CMOS Battery
CMOS-Complimentary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor
Motherboards also include a small separate
block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips
which is kept alive by a battery (known as a
CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is
off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PC’s configuration
e.g.
Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
CPU
RAM size
Date and time
Serial and parallel port information
Plug and Play information
Power Saving settings
The Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is
updated by a Real Time Clock (RTC).
PCI Slots
Expansion Buses
An input/output pathway from the CPU to
peripheral devices typically made up of a
series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion
boards (cards) plug into the bus. PCI is the
common expansion bus in a PC and other
hardware platforms. Buses carry signals, such
as data; memory addresses, power and control signals from component to
component.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing
features in their computers in form of adapter cards that are slotted in expansion
slots.
The different types of buses include PCI, ISA, and EISA expansion bus.
Chipset
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from
key components of a PC. This includes the CPU itself, the main memory, the
secondary cache and any devices situated on the buses. The chipset also controls
data flow to and from hard disks, and other devices connected to the IDE
channels. A computer has got two main chipsets:-
The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of
controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is way it is
located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for
Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.
The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion
controller) handles communications between peripheral devices. It is also
called the ICH (I/O Controller Hub). The tem bridge is generally used to
designate a component which connects two buses.
Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, OPTI e.t.c.
Interesting hubs
Cpu Clock
The clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic
timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into
the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses.
For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the
clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in a
communications device, a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses
between sender and receiver.
A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day
and makes this data available to the software. A "timesharing clock" interrupts
the CPU at regular intervals and allows the operating system to divide its time
between active users and/or applications.
These are just some of the features that a motherboard may have as standard,
some motherboards come with integrated components such as a sound card,
graphics card, modem, NIC (Network Interface Card) and more.
Types of Motherboards
The type of motherboards depends on the CPU it was designed for. You can
therefore categories motherboards by which socket type they have. e.g. Socket A,
Socket 478 etc.
The Type of motherboard you buy is very important, as it will need to house your
CPU, and they are not interchangeable. When buying a motherboard, it will
always tell you what socket type it has.
CHAPTER 4: RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the basic working
memory of your computer system. A computer used
RAM to hold volatile (Temporary) instructions and data
needed for processing. Volatile simply means that it is
not permanent, which means anything written to RAM
will be loses if the machine loses power or if it's turned off.
Another key point about RAM is that data stored init can be accessed much more
quickly than data retrieved from the hard disk. Theoretically data retrieved from
RAM is accessed 100 to 300 times faster then the same information from a hard
disk, optical drive, or a floppy.
Memory is measured in bytes, so you'll often encounter the terms megabyte (MB)
and gigabyte (GB) in describing RAM sizes (a megabyte is a million bytes; a
gigabyte, a billion). RAM is something that you do not want to skimp on. You can
choose a slower processor, but with RAM you want as much as you can get.
Types of RAM:
SDRAM DDR2
DDR DDR3
To use DDR3 memory, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots
and a DDR3-enabled chipset.
CHAPTER 5: HARDDISK
The hard disk (or hard drive) is the permanent
storage area of your computer. It stores information
whether the computer is on or off. A hard drive is a
mass storage device found in all PCs (with some
exclusions) that is used to store permanent data
such as the operating system, programs and user
files.
The data on hard drives can be erased and/or
overwritten, the hard drive is classed as a non-
volatile storage device which means it doesn't require a constant power supply in
order to retain the information stored on it (unlike RAM).
Inside every hard drive are small round disk-like objects made of either an
aluminum/alloy or a glass/ceramic composite, these are called platters, each
platter is coated with a special magnetic coating enabling them to store data
magnetically. Hovering above these platters are read/write heads that transfer
data to and from the platters.
Hard drives come with many different storage capacities, hard drive capacity is
measured in bytes, with common capacities being stated in MB (Megabytes) and
GB (Gigabytes).
CHAPTER 6: CARD
6.1: Video Card
VGA Card is the one sending the monitor signal to the monitor.
A computer video card is placed in the motherboard, where it transfers video
signals through a cable to your monitor. The video card can either be built into
Server
If you're using your computer as a mail server, FTP server, print server, or even a
game server, you definitely do not need a high-end video card. What you need is
a simple, no-frills low-end video card.
Simple Applications
Say you're using the PC for simple applications only, for example, word
processing, email or web surfing. Again, you do not need the best video card out
there. A cheap and decent one will do the trick.
Complex Applications
If you need to perform more complex tasks like 3D computer aided design or
video editing, it will make more sense to go for a heavy duty card. Screen
General Games
If you'll only play simple games like Minesweeper, Reverse or Backgammon, then
my advice is to save your money and just get a simple video card. No need for the
latest 3D graphics gizmo.
Remember a sound card by itself is not enough to hear sound. You will still need
to purchase some computer speakers or a headphone set. If you want to make
use of the microphone feature then you will need to buy a computer microphone
and you should then be able to record sound to your computer.
How to Choose a Sound Card
When you are choosi ng one Sound Card you have to consider:
First thing to consider here is your intended usage of the sound card. If all
you want is basic sound support and not spectacular 3D surround sound, I'd
say go buy a cheap, simple card or even rely on your motherboard's on-
board sound.
If you want great surround sound and better speaker connectivity options,
then you'll want to consider a dedicated sound card.
A device that translates data from your PC into a form that can be sent to other
computers over regular phone lines. The modem also receives signals from other
External modems are slightly more expensive than internal modems and are
housed in an external box or enclosure. External modems require a socket on the
computer or port (usually the serial port on the back of your computer.) The serial
port is also called a COM port, com for communications.
CHAPTER 7: PERIPHERALS
Chapter 7.1: Keyboard and Mouse
These two input devices are obviously needed, otherwise you can't interact with
the computer system. These components are fairly standard stuff and can be
purchased at pretty cheap prices.
Keyboards
The keyboard is the main input device for most
computers. There are many sets of keys on a
typical “windows” keyboard. On the left side of the
keyboard are regular alphanumeric and
punctuation keys similar to those on a typewriter.
These are used to input textual information to the
PC.
A numeric keypad on the right is similar to that of an adding machine or
calculator. Keys that are used for cursor control and navigation are located in the
1.Multimediakeyboard. 2.OrdinaryKeyboard.
Mouse
Mouse is another input device used in computer. Mouse
is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or
pointer on a display screen.
A mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard, flat
surface. Its name is derived from its shape, which looks a
bit like a mouse, its connecting wire that one can
imagine to be the mouse's tail, and the fact that one
must make it scurry along a surface. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the
display screen moves in the same direction.
Mouse contain at least one button and sometimes as many as three, which have
different functions depending on what program is running. Some newer mouse
also includes a scroll wheel for scrolling through long documents.
CD-Rom
A CD-ROM drive used to be an 'optional extra' in
computers - it is no longer so. Most software
packages come in CD format, so you must have a
CD-ROM drive to read them. Typically, CD-ROM
drives today need to be at least 24X speed to
keep up with the newer software applications out
there.
Computer Case
The computer case is your computer's housing. You need this to store your
components, the largest of which is your motherboard.
Mid-Size Tower:
Full-Size Tower
Advantages: Excellent computer for
upgradeability. Excellent case for a server
machine.
Disadvantages: Cost is going to be a lot more
then a standard case. Generally A large case
which cannot be placed on top or beneath a desk.
Recommendations: This case is an excellent
choice for all users and businesses.
External Space
The first factor to consider is how much space your PC case is going to take up.
Are you placing it on a tight, crammed desk? Or on a large desk? If you have the
space, tower PC cases are a good choice. If you're short of space, you may wish to
consider smaller mini PC cases which are getting more popular these days.
Internal Space
Another factor to consider is how many components you wish to fit in your PC
case. If you're a computer nut like me, you'll want to fit in a good motherboard,
CPU, a couple of hard drives, video card, LAN card, cooling fans, a CD-ROM drive
and a DVD writer. That's a lot of components to be cramming into a PC case!
Again, a good choice would be a tower PC case. However, with so many
components, you have to watch out for overheating problems - make sure you
deck out the system with a couple of good fans.
Motherboard Support
Check that your motherboard can fit into the case! Some cases are flexible
enough to support AT, ATX and Baby-AT boards, but others only support one of
these sizes. Even then, you need to be careful - some cheaper 'ATX' cases don't
Power Supply
Most PC cases come with power supplies. With more and more components
being fitted into a PC, you will certainly need enough juice to power them.
Cooling
If you're a over clocker or have many system components, you'll need to ensure
you've got enough fans in that case to cool the system. Good PC cases allow
multiple (4 or more) cooling fans to be installed, ensuring good ventilation.
Looks
Just a few years back, PC cases were boring white boxes. These days, you can find
a plethora of colorful PC cases - if you're concerned about your PC's 'look'. Many
PC enthusiasts I know go for good looking PC cases that come in a variety of colors
- red, black, green, blue and what not.
The most common power supply that we have in our computers today are the
ATX Power Supply. The AT Power Supply was found in many computers a few
years ago but this has become less common.
The graphic below shows each power cable and its name.
The information listed here is to assist Network Administrators in the color coding of Ethernet
cables. Please be aware that modifying Ethernet cables improperly may cause loss of network
connectivity. Use this information at your own risk, and ensure all connectors and cables are
modified in accordance with TIA standards.
BASIC THEORY:
The T-568A standard is supposed to be used in new network installations. Most off-the-shelf
Ethernet cables are still of the T-568B standard; however, it makes absolutely no functional
difference in which you choose.
Both the T-568A and the T-568B standard Straight-Through cables are used most often as patch
cords for your Ethernet connections. If you require a cable to connect two Ethernet devices
directly together without a hub or when you connect two hubs together, you will need to use a
Crossover cable instead.
RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable
A good way of remembering how to wire a Crossover Ethernet cable is to wire one end using
the T-568A standard and the other end using the T-568B standard. Another way of
remembering the color coding is to simply switch the Green set of wires in place with the
Orange set of wires. Specifically, switch the solid Green (G) with the solid Orange, and switch
the green/white with the orange/white.
What is an IP address?
Every machine on a network has a unique identifier. Just as you would address a
letter to send in the mail, computers use the unique identifier to send data to
specific computers on a network. Most networks today, including all computers
on the Internet, use the TCP/IP protocol as the standard for how to communicate
on the network. In the TCP/IP protocol, the unique identifier for a computer is
called its IP address.
There are two standards for IP addresses: IP Version 4 (IPv4) and IP Version 6
(IPv6). All computers with IP addresses have an IPv4 address, and many are
starting to use the new IPv6 address system as well. Here's what these two
address types mean:
IPv4 uses 32 binary bits to create a single unique address on the network.
An IPv4 address is expressed by four numbers separated by dots. Each
number is the decimal (base-10) representation for an eight-digit binary
(base-2) number, also called an octet. For example: 216.27.61.137
IPv6 uses 128 binary bits to create a single unique address on the network.
An IPv6 address is expressed by eight groups of hexadecimal (base-16)
numbers separated by colons, as in
2001:cdba:0000:0000:0000:0000:3257:9652. Groups of numbers that
contain all zeros are often omitted to save space, leaving a colon separator
to mark the gap (as in 2001:cdba::3257:9652).
IP Classes
Earlier, you read that IPv4 addresses represent four eight-digit binary numbers.
That means that each number could be 00000000 to 11111111 in binary, or 0 to
255 in decimal (base-10). In other words, 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. However,
some numbers in that range are reserved for specific purposes on TCP/IP
networks. These reservations are recognized by the authority on TCP/IP
addressing, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Four specific
reservations include the following:
0.0.0.0 -- This represents the default network, which is the abstract concept
of just being connected to a TCP/IP network.