Name:__________________________________________Sec:_______________________________

Activity no 2. Diagnostic tools and other peripherals

Diagnostic tools and other peripherals are essential components for any IT professional or enthusiast who wants to diagnose and
troubleshoot computer hardware and software issues. These tools allow you to detect and repair problems in a systematic and efficient
manner, saving time and money while minimizing frustration. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most important
diagnostic tools and peripherals you should consider for your IT toolkit.
Diagnostic Software
Diagnostic software is a must-have for any IT professional or enthusiast. It allows you to run comprehensive tests on hardware and
software to identify and diagnose problems. Some popular diagnostic software includes:
HWiNFO: This is a comprehensive hardware diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about your computer's hardware
components, including the CPU, motherboard, memory, and storage devices.
CrystalDiskInfo: This tool provides detailed information about the health of your computer's hard drive, including temperature, error
rates, and other important parameters.
Memtest86: This is a memory diagnostic tool that tests the RAM to detect any potential errors or faults.
Malwarebytes: This is a popular antivirus tool that can detect and remove malware and viruses that may be causing problems on your
computer.
Multimeter
A multimeter is a tool that measures various electrical parameters, including voltage, current, and resistance. It is an essential tool for
diagnosing hardware problems, particularly issues related to power supply and circuitry. Some of the most common uses for a
multimeter include testing the voltage output of a power supply, checking for shorts or open circuits, and measuring the resistance of
various components.
Anti-static Wrist Strap
An anti-static wrist strap is a small, inexpensive device that can save you from costly hardware failures. When working on computer
hardware, it's important to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on your body to prevent damage to sensitive
components. An anti-static wrist strap connects to a grounding point, such as a metal computer case, and helps to dissipate any static
charge on your body.
Compressed Air Canister
Dust and debris can accumulate inside a computer over time, leading to overheating and other problems. A compressed air canister is
an essential tool for cleaning the inside of your computer and removing any built-up dust and debris. It's important to use a canister
that's specifically designed for cleaning electronics, as standard compressed air can contain moisture or other contaminants that can
damage sensitive components.
USB Flash Drive
A USB flash drive is a small, portable device that can be used to store and transfer data between computers. It's an essential tool for
transferring diagnostic software, firmware updates, and other files between different computers. It's important to keep a few spare
USB flash drives on hand in case you need to transfer data quickly.
Ethernet Cable Tester
An Ethernet cable tester is an essential tool for diagnosing networking issues. It allows you to test the connectivity of Ethernet cables,
identify any wiring issues, and locate faults. This tool is particularly useful for diagnosing problems with a network that may be
caused by faulty cabling.
In conclusion, diagnostic tools and other peripherals are essential components for any IT professional or enthusiast. They help you to
diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues in a systematic and efficient manner, saving time and money while
minimizing frustration. With the right tools in your toolkit, you can be confident in your ability to diagnose and repair computer
problems.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. How does HWiNFO gather information about computer hardware components?
2. Can an anti-static wrist strap prevent all types of hardware failures, or only those related to static electricity?
3. What is the maximum distance an Ethernet cable can be before signal degradation occurs, and how does an Ethernet cable
tester measure this distance?
4. What are some common sources of error when using a multimeter, and how can these errors be minimized or eliminated?
5. How does CrystalDiskInfo interpret the health parameters of a hard drive, and what actions can be taken based on this
information?
6. What is diagnostic software, and why is it important for IT professionals and enthusiasts?
7. What are some examples of information that can be obtained from HWiNFO about a computer's hardware components?
8. Why is it important to discharge static electricity when working on computer hardware?
9. How does a compressed air canister help to clean the inside of a computer, and why is it important to use a canister designed
for electronics?
10. What are some common uses for a multimeter when diagnosing computer hardware problems?
11. What is an anti-static wrist strap, and how does it connect to a grounding point?
12. What is Malwarebytes, and how can it help to diagnose and repair computer problems?
13. What is a USB flash drive, and why is it an essential tool for transferring data between computers?
14. What are some common networking issues that can be diagnosed using an Ethernet cable tester?
15. How can an Ethernet cable tester help to locate faults in a network?
16. What is the importance of testing the voltage output of a power supply using a multimeter?
17. How can measuring the resistance of various components using a multimeter help to diagnose hardware problems?
18. What is the importance of keeping spare USB flash drives on hand for transferring data?
19. How can a multimeter be used to check for shorts or open circuits in computer hardware?
20. How can an anti-static wrist strap save you from costly hardware failures?

Answer activity 2
1. HWiNFO gathers information about computer hardware components through a combination of direct access to system hardware and system-level software interfaces.
It uses hardware monitoring chips and sensors to collect real-time data on various system components such as CPU, GPU, motherboard, and storage devices. It also
utilizes system-level software interfaces such as WMI, SMBIOS, and ACPI to collect information about other components such as the BIOS, system memory, and
network adapters.

2. An anti-static wrist strap can only prevent hardware failures related to static electricity. Static electricity can damage computer components by discharging static
electricity that can build up on your body, causing a sudden surge of current that can damage sensitive electronic components. An anti-static wrist strap is designed to
discharge any static buildup on your body safely to a ground point, thus protecting your computer hardware.

3. The maximum distance an Ethernet cable can be before signal degradation occurs depends on the type of Ethernet cable being used. For example, for Cat5e and Cat6
Ethernet cables, the maximum distance is 100 meters. Ethernet cable testers measure the distance by sending a signal down the cable and measuring the time it takes for
the signal to bounce back. Based on the time taken, the tester can calculate the length of the cable accurately.

4. Some common sources of error when using a multimeter include using incorrect settings, improper connection to the circuit, and inaccurate calibration. To minimize
or eliminate these errors, it's important to select the appropriate settings for the test being performed, ensure proper connection to the circuit, and regularly calibrate the
multimeter to maintain its accuracy.

5. CrystalDiskInfo interprets the health parameters of a hard drive by analyzing the SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data of the drive.
Based on this data, it can provide information on the temperature, read/write error rates, spin-up time, and other factors that can indicate the health of the hard drive.
Based on this information, the user can take appropriate actions such as backing up important data, replacing the hard drive, or upgrading the system.

6. Diagnostic software is a type of software designed to diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software problems in computer systems. It is important for IT
professionals and enthusiasts because it can help to identify and isolate issues in a system, thus enabling more efficient repairs and maintenance.

7. HWiNFO can provide information about a computer's hardware components such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, system memory, hard drives, and network
adapters. It can provide details on the specifications, temperature, voltage, and clock speeds of these components, as well as real-time data on their usage and
performance.

8. It is important to discharge static electricity when working on computer hardware because static electricity can build up on your body and discharge suddenly,
potentially damaging sensitive electronic components. Discharging static electricity by using an anti-static wrist strap or other grounding methods can prevent costly
damage to computer hardware.

9. A compressed air canister helps to clean the inside of a computer by blowing air into the system to remove dust and other debris that can accumulate over time. It is
important to use a canister designed for electronics because regular compressed air can contain moisture or other impurities that can damage the computer hardware.

10. A multimeter can be used to diagnose computer hardware problems by measuring the voltage, resistance, and current of various components. Common uses include
testing power supplies, checking the continuity of circuits, and measuring the resistance of components such as resistors, capacitors, and diodes.

11. An anti-static wrist strap is a device worn around the wrist that is designed to discharge any static buildup on your body safely to a ground point, thus protecting
computer hardware from static electricity. It connects to a grounding point through a conductive wire that is attached to the wrist

12. Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity software that can help to diagnose and repair computer problems related to malware and viruses. It uses advanced scanning
techniques to detect and remove malware from a computer, thus improving its overall performance and security.

13. A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that can be used to transfer data between computers. It is essential because it provides a convenient and reliable way
to transfer files, documents, and other data without the need for a network or internet connection.

14. Some common networking issues that can be diagnosed using an Ethernet cable tester include cable faults, connector problems, and signal degradation. These issues
can be caused by factors such as improper installation, damage to the cable or connectors, or interference from other devices.

15. An Ethernet cable tester can help to locate faults in a network by sending a signal down the cable and measuring its response. By analyzing the signal, the tester can
identify issues such as cable faults, signal degradation, and connector problems, thus enabling more efficient troubleshooting and repair.

16. Testing the voltage output of a power supply using a multimeter is important because it can help to identify issues such as overvoltage or undervoltage that can
cause instability or damage to the computer hardware. By measuring the voltage output, the user can determine if the power supply is functioning properly and replace
it if necessary.

17. Measuring the resistance of various components using a multimeter can help to diagnose hardware problems by identifying faulty or damaged components. By
measuring the resistance of components such as resistors, capacitors, and diodes, the user can determine if they are functioning correctly and replace them if necessary.

18. Keeping spare USB flash drives on hand for transferring data is important because it provides a backup option in case of failure or loss of data. By having multiple
USB flash drives, the user can ensure that important data is always backed up and easily accessible.

19. A multimeter can be used to check for shorts or open circuits in computer hardware by measuring the resistance of various components. If the resistance is too low
or too high, it can indicate a short or open circuit, respectively, and the user can take appropriate actions such as replacing the component or repairing the circuit.

20. An anti-static wrist strap can save you from costly hardware failures by preventing static electricity from damaging computer components. Static electricity can
cause sudden surges of current that can damage sensitive electronic components, leading to costly repairs or replacement. By wearing an anti-static wrist strap, the user
can discharge any static buildup safely to a ground point, thus protecting computer hardware from static electricity.