Computer Hardware and

Maintenance

Chapter 1

Basic Computer concepts and

Operations
Hardware Needs Software to Work

 Hardware: physical portion of a computer

 Components: monitor, keyboard, memory, hard drive
 Software: set of instructions that directs hardware to
accomplish a task
 Requirements: input, processing, storage, output
 All hardware operations are based on binary values
 Binary number system consists of two digits: 0 and 1
 Fundamental groupings of binary numbers:
 Bit: binary digit that can take on values of 0 or 1
 Nibble: four bits
 Byte: eight bits
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 Figure 1-1 All communication, storage,
and processing of data inside a computer
are in binary form until presented as output
to the user

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PC Hardware Components
 Most input/output (I/O) devices are external to case
 Most processing and storage devices are internal to case
 CPU is the most important hardware component
 Also called the processor or microprocessor
 Reads input, processes data, writes data to storage or to
output devices
 Elements required by I/O and storage devices
 A method for CPU to communicate with the device
 Software to instruct and control the device
 Electricity to power the device

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Hardware Used for Input and Output
 Connections to the case can be cabled or wireless
 I/O devices are connected to computer case using ports
(e.g. Serial, Parallel, USB, video, …)
 Port: access point located in back or front of case
 Popular input devices:
 Keyboard: enhanced type holds 101 or 102 keys
 Mouse: pointing device used to select screen items
 Popular output devices:
 Monitor: visually displays primary output of computer
 Printer: produces output on paper (hard copy)

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Ports

Fig 1-2

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 Hardware Inside the Computer Case
 Most storage and processing devices occur inside the case
 Internal devices common to most computers:
 Motherboard containing CPU, memory, other parts
 Floppy drive, hard drive, CD drive for persistent storage
 Power supply with power cords supplying electricity
 Circuit boards for internal and external communication
 Cables to connect devices to all circuit boards
 Expansion cards are installed in expansion slots
 Two types of cables: data (communication) and power
 Data cable (ribbon cable): to transfer data
 Power cable: to provide electricity to the device
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 Figure 1-3 Inside the computer case
8 Belay Kal
The Motherboard
 The largest and most important circuit board
 Also known as the main board, system board or planar
 Contains the CPU, RAM, expansion slots and other devices
 Categories used to group motherboard components
 Processing (CPU, chipset), temporary storage (Cache memory,
RAM), communication (Traces, Expansion slots), power
 All devices communicate with CPU on motherboard
 Peripheral devices are connected to motherboard via cable
 Some motherboard ports outside of the case:
 Keyboard, mouse, parallel, USB ports, sound ports, video ports, …

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 Figure 1-4 All hardware components are either located on the
motherboard or directly or indirectly connected to it because they
must all communicate with the CPU

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 Figure 1-5 A motherboard provides ports for common I/O devices

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The Processor and the Chipset
 CPU: brain of the PC that performs most data processing
 Is often the most expensive single component.
 3 components: I/O Unit, ALU(s), control Unit
 Chipset: group of microchips which controls data transfers
b/n the processor, cache, system buses and peripherals.
 Is embedded on the motherboard
 Includes several device controllers (USB controller, memory
controller, IDE controller)
 Major manufacturers of CPUs and chipsets for PCs:
 Intel Corporation, AMD,VIA, SiS, and Cyrix

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 Figure 1-6 This motherboard uses two chips in its chipset
(notice the bus lines coming from each chip used for
communication)

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Storage Devices
 Primary storage (main memory):
 Temporary holds data & instructions while processing them
 Faster to access than permanent storage devices.
 Example: RAM (Random access memory)
 Secondary storage (permanent storage):
 Enables data to persist after the machine is turned off
 Data and instructions must be copied into primary storage
(RAM) for processing
 Examples: hard drive, CD, floppy disk

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Primary Storage
 RAM (random access memory):
 Device providing temporary storage
 Located on motherboard and on other circuit boards
 Three types of RAM boards (memory modules):
 DIMM (dual inline memory module)
 RIMM (Rambus inline memory module)
 SIMM (single inline memory module)
 RAM is volatile (data does not persist)
 ROM (read-only memory) is nonvolatile

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 Figure 1-7 A SIMM, DIMM, or RIMM holds RAM and
is mounted directly on a motherboard

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Secondary Storage Devices
 Includes hard drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drive, Zip
drives and floppy drives
 Hard drive
 Case containing disks that rotate at high speeds
 An arm with a read/write head traverses the platter
 Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
 Technology used internally by a hard drive
 ATA (AT Attachment) standard
 Specifies motherboard-hard drive interface
 Types: Serial ATA or parallel ATA (Enhanced IDE)
 Parallel ATA accommodates up to four IDE devices
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 Figure 1-8 Two IDE devices connected to a motherboard
using both IDE connections and two cables

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Secondary Storage (Contd.)

 Serial ATA standard

 Allows for more than four drives in a system
 Applies only to hard drives and not to other drives
 Floppy drive
 3.5-inch disk holding 1.44 MB of data
 Floppy drive connector is distinct from IDE connectors
 CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) drive
 Standard equipment for reading software distributions

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 Motherboard Components Used For
Communication Among Devices

 Data bus
 System of pathways used for communication and the protocol
and methods used for transmission
 Data path sizes: 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 bits wide

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Fig 1.9

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Contd.

 Devices work according to beats (or cycles)

 Clock speed is measured in hertz (cycles/second)
 One megahertz (MHz): one million cycles per second
 One gigahertz (GHz): one billion cycles per second
 Common ratings for motherboard buses
 1066 MHz, 800 MHz, 533 MHz, or 400 MHz
 Range of CPU speeds: 166 MHz to 4 GHz
 Buses for expansion slots: PCI, AGP, ISA

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 Figure 1-10 PCI bus expansion slots are shorter
than ISA slots and offset farther; the one AGP slot
is set farther from the edge of the board

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Interface (Expansion) Cards

 Some names for circuits mounted in expansion slots:

 Circuit cards, adapter boards, expansion cards, cards
 Cards that connect the CPU to an external device:
 Video: provides a port for the monitor
 Sound: provides ports for speakers and microphones
 Network: provides a port for a network cable
 Modem: provides ports for phone lines
 A card’s function can be determined by identifying its port

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The Electrical System

 Power supply
 Most important electrical component
 Converts AC voltage external source to DC voltage
 Reduces voltage from 110-220 volts to 12 volts or less
 Runs a fan to cool the inside of the computer case
 Temperatures > 185° F can cause component failure
 Motherboard has 1 or 2 connections to power supply

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 Figure 1-11 The motherboard receives its power
from the power supply by way of one or more
connections located near the edge of the board or
near the processor

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 Instructions Stored on the Motherboard
and Other Boards
 BIOS (basic input/output system)
 Data and instructions stored on ROM chips
 BIOS supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface,
APM (Advanced Power Management) & plug and play technologies.
 Three purposes served by motherboard ROM BIOS:
 System BIOS: used to manage simple devices
 Startup BIOS: used to start the computer
 CMOS setup: used to change motherboard settings
 CMOS Chip: stores setup (configuration) information
 Powered by a battery on motherboard when power is off
 Setup information can also be set by jumpers and DIP(dual-
inline package) switches
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 Figure 1-12 This firmware chip contains flash ROM
and CMOS RAM; CMOS RAM is powered by the coin
battery located near the chip

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Operating Systems Basics

 An Operating system (OS) is:

 A program that controls the execution of application
programs
 Also an interface b/n applications and hardware
 It can also be analogized to a “middleman”
 What an operating system (OS) does:
 Managing hardware
 Providing a user interface
 Managing files
 Running & managing applications

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 Figure 1-13 Users and applications depend on the OS to
relate to all applications and hardware components

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Operating System Components
 All OSs have similar core components
 Shell
 Kernel (core)
 The shell exposes functions to users and applications
 Piece of software that provides an interface for users using
either command-line or graphical interface
 Acts as an interface between the user and the kernel.
 The kernel (nucleus) interacts with hardware devices
 Allocates time & memory to programs and handles the file store
& communication in response to system calls
 Is the hub of the OS

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 Figure 1-14 Inside an operating system, different
components perform various functions

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An OS Provides a User Interface
 Sequence of events occurring after PC is turned on
 The operating system is loaded
 Running OS provides an interface (desktop)
 OS awaits an event, such as a double-click
 A user can initiate an event in several ways:
 Click a menu item
 Enter a command in Run dialog or command console
 Double-click an icon

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An OS Manages Files and Folders
 File system: organizes files and folders
 File systems used by Windows for hard drives:
 File Allocation Table (FAT): tracks disk space usage
 New Technology File System (NTFS): replacing FAT
 Organization of a hard drive or floppy disk
 Platter contains concentric tracks
 Track contains 512 byte sectors
 Cluster contains one or more sectors
 Cluster is the smallest unit on disk for storing a file

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An OS Manages Applications
 The OS installs and runs all other PC software
 Application: software providing services for users
 Applications rely on the OS for support operations
 Example: MS word relies on OS to manage memory
 Applications are typically tailored to a single OS
 Ensure that OS is suitable for a given application

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An OS Manages Hardware
 OS interacts with hardware using drivers or BIOS
 Software falls into three categories:
 Device drivers or the BIOS
 Operating system
 Application software

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Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures
 To prolong the life of your PC, you must inspect and
clean it regularly.
 Inspecting your PC alerts you to any dangerous or damaging
conditions that exist, such as rust and corrosion, damaged
connectors, damaged and improperly installed components,
frayed cables, loose connections and heat damage.
 Cleaning your PC rids it of the dirt and dust that build up
from normal use.
 Cleaning your PC helps to prevent two of the most damaging
conditions: overheating and electromagnetic discharge (ESD).
 ESD is a quick electrical discharge that occurs when two objects
with different electrical potentials come into contact with each
other.

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Cleaning compounds and Tools
A. Liquid Cleaning Compounds
 Clean or Soapy water: Clean water is usually fine, but some
local water is heavy with minerals and may leave a residue.
 If water alone can’t do the job, use a mild soap solution.
 Denatured Alcohol: is used to clean electrical contacts and
components such as floppy disk drive heads.
 Don’t use it on motors or rubber drive belts.
 Glass Cleaner: such as Windex are usually safe to use on
most metal and plastic surfaces on PCs.
 Don’t use them on PC’s glass interfaces, like monitor screen.
 Vinegar and Water Cleaner: is great for taking dirt, grime, and
fingerprints off of surfaces such as your monitor screen, LCD
screen, or scanner bed.
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Contd.
B. Cleaning Tools
 Canned Air: is used to loosen dirt and dust from delicate PC
component.
 Lint-free Cloths: like the type used for cleaning eyeglasses
work well for general PC cleaning.
 Brushes and Swabs: are used to clean dust and dirt from
hard-to-reach areas, and to wipe grime from electrical
contacts.
 Nonstatic vacuums: small, hand-held vacuums are used to
suck up dirt and dust loosened by your brush or canned air.

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PC Support Technician Tools

 Help you maintain a computer

 Help you diagnose and repair computer problems
 Criteria for choosing tools:
 Level of PC support you expect to provide
 Amount of money you can spend
 Some essential tools:
 Ground bracelet, ground mat, or ground gloves
 Torx screwdriver set
 Recovery CD, DVD, or floppy disk for target OS
 Store tools in toolbox for PC troubleshooting

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 Figure 3-1 PC support technician tools

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Recovery CDs

 Used to boot a system

 Also used to repair and reinstall Windows OSs
 Primary recovery CD sources
 PC manufacturer (preferred)
 Operating system distributor, such as Microsoft
 Some hard drives have a hidden recovery partitions
 A hidden partition can be used to reinstall Windows
 A utility for creating recovery CDs may be provided
 Access hidden utilities by pressing a Fn key at startup

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Loop-Back Plugs
 Used to test various ports
 Some port types: serial, parallel, USB, network
 How to use a loop-back plug
 Plug in the loop-back plug
 Run the software that comes with the plug

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Cleaning Pads and Solutions
 Various types are designed for specific uses
 Example: contact cleaner
 Cleans contacts on expansion cards
 Warning: solutions may be flammable and/or toxic
 Sources of safety and emergency instructions:
 Side of the can of solution
 Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
 Adhere to safety procedures of your employer
 Example: fill out an accident report (if required)

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Post Diagnostic Cards

 Report computer errors and conflicts at POST

 How to use a POST diagnostic card:
 Install card in an expansion slot on the motherboard
 Attempt to boot your system
 Record any error codes appearing in LED panel
 Look up the entry associated with the error code
 Examples of Post diagnostic cards:
 PCI Error Testing/Debug Card by Winic Corporation
 POST card V3 by Unicore Software, Inc.
 Post Code Master by MSD, Inc.

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 Figure 3-6 Post Code Master diagnostic card by MSD, Inc.

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 Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance

 Preventive maintenance reduces number of problems

 Goals of preventive maintenance plans:
 Prevent failures
 Reduce repair costs
 Reduce downtimes
 Goal of disaster recovery plan: manage failures
 Some causes of PC failure: heat, dust, spills, viruses

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When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility

 Tasks and procedures to prepare for troubleshooting

 Keep good backups of data and system files
 Document all setup changes, problems, and solutions
 Protect the system against viruses and other attacks
 Always use a firewall (software or hardware barrier)
 Install and run antivirus software
 Keep Windows Updates current
 Physically protect your equipment

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Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan

 Plan based on history or pattern of malfunctions

 Example: PCs in dusty areas need more maintenance
 Goals common to maintenance plans
 Extend the working life of a PC
 Anticipate problems that could disrupt service
 Ensure data is secure and backed up
 Provide support to PC users
 Basic steps involved in designing a plan
 Define your overall goals
 Incorporate procedures for achieving goals

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Dealing with Dust
 Dust accumulates in layers over components
 Two major problems due to dust blankets
 PC components directly overheat
 Cooling fans jam, also resulting in overheating
 Maintenance task: remove the layer of dust
 Two tools used to remove dust:
 Antistatic vacuum
 Compressed air

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How to Work Inside a Computer Case

 Objective: dismantle a computer, put it back together

 Some safety precautions to follow:
 Make notes that will help you backtrack
 Keep screws and spacers orderly
 Do not stack boards on top of each other
 Do not touch the chips on circuit boards
 Do not use a graphite pencil to change DIP settings
 Turn off the power, unplug and ground the computer
 Do not remove covers of monitors or power supplies
 Keep components away from hair and clothing

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Static Electricity

 Build-up of charge due to absence of conductors

 Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
 Due to dissimilar electrical surfaces making contact
 Only 10 volts of ESD can damage PC components
 Walking across carpet generates up to 12,000 volts
 Two types of damage: catastrophic and upset failure
 Tool and methods for grounding yourself and the PC
 Ground bracelet, ground mats, static shielding bags, antistatic
gloves

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 Figure 3-13 A ground bracelet, which protects computer
components from ESD, can clip to the side of the computer case
and eliminate ESD between you and the case

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Steps to Take Apart a Computer

 Essential tools:
 Ground bracelet
 Phillips-head screwdriver
 Flat-head screwdriver, paper, and pen
 Follow safety precautions at all times
 Summary of Steps 1 - 4
1. Enter CMOS and write down customized settings
2. Power down the system, unplug all components
3. Put the computer on a good-sized table
4. Remove the cover of the PC

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 Figure 3-19 Removing the cover

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Contd.
 Summary of steps 5 - 11
5. Diagram cable connections and switch settings
6. Identify cables connecting drives to motherboard
7. Remove the cables to all drives
8. Remove the expansion cards
9. Remove the motherboard (or drives)
10. Remove the power supply from the case
11. Remove each drive (if not already removed)

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 Figure 3-33 Remove the motherboard from the case

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Steps to Put a Computer Back Together

1. Install power supply, drives, motherboard, cards

2. Connect all data and power cables
3. Plug in the keyboard, monitor, and mouse
4. Ask instructor to check work (if in a classroom)
5. Turn on the power and check PC functions

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Fundamental Rules for PC Troubleshooting

 Approach the problem systematically

 Divide and conquer
 Don’t overlook the obvious
 Check the simple things first
 Make no assumptions
 Become a researcher
 Write things down
 Reboot and start over
 Establish your priorities
 Don’t assume the worst
 Know your starting point

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 Figure 3-44 General approach to troubleshooting

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Summary
 Some PC repair tools: recovery CDs, screwdrivers, POST, cleaning
pads and solutions, diagnostic cards
 Preventive maintenance plans extend the life of a PC
 Follow an organization’s preventive maintenance plan, or develop one
if it does not exist
 Computers present chemical and electrical hazards
 Protect components in case from ESD by grounding yourself and the
PC
 Assembling and reassembling a PC prepares the technician for actual
repair work
 Expert troubleshooters ask good questions
 Before tackling a problem, develop a game plan

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Summary
 A computer comprises hardware and software
 Main functions: input, output, processing, storage
 Data is stored in a binary format (1 or 0, on or off)
 Input/output devices: keyboard, mouse, printer, monitor
 Motherboard (system board): contains the CPU, access to
other circuit boards and peripherals
 Primary storage (RAM) is volatile (temporary)
 Secondary storage is nonvolatile (permanent)
 Parallel and serial ATA standards: enable secondary storage
devices to interface with the motherboard

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Contd.
 Computer bus: system of communication pathways and
protocols
 ROM BIOS helps start PCs, manage simple devices, and
change some motherboard settings
 The OS manages system resources for users and
applications
 DOS (disk operating system): early command- driven OS
 Modern OSs:Windows 2000/XP, Linux, Mac OS X
 Operating systems are divided into a kernel and user shell
 OS functions: providing a user interface, managing files,
managing applications, and managing hardware

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