HARDWARE DIAGNOSTICS – tools to check the health of components

CHECK EVENT VIEWER – look for critical errors to identify potential causes

REINSTALL OPERATING SYSTEM – last resort, reinstall os to start with clean slate.

• Identify the Problem

o Hardware or Software: Determine if the issue is hardware-related or software-related.

o Recent Changes: Consider any recent changes or installations that might have caused
the problem.

• Basic Checks:

o Power: Ensure that the PC is plugged in and receiving power. Check power cables and
connections.

o Connections: Verify that all cables and peripherals are properly connected.

o External Devices: Disconnect non-essential external devices to see if the issue persists.

• Restart the Computer:

o A simple restart can resolve many software-related issues.

• Check for Error Messages:

o Look for error messages on the screen or in system logs. Google the error message for
more specific solutions.

• Hardware Checks:

o RAM: Reseat or replace RAM modules if there are memory-related issues.

o Hard Drive/SSD: Check for disk errors using built-in tools like CHeckDiSK for Windows or
Disk Utility for macOS.

o CPU and GPU: Monitor temperatures and ensure fans are working properly.

• Safe Mode:

o Boot into Safe Mode to see if the problem persists. This helps determine if the issue is
caused by third-party software.

• Update Drivers:

o Ensure that all drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, are up to date.

• Malware and Antivirus:

o Run a full antivirus scan to check for malware or viruses.

 • Software Conflicts:

o Identify and uninstall recently installed software that might be causing conflicts.

• Check for Windows/Mac Updates:

o Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.

• Check for Overheating:

o Monitor temperatures using software tools. Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.

• Restore to a Previous State:

Use System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (macOS) to revert your system to a previous state

• Seek Professional Help:

o If you're unable to resolve the issue, consider seeking help from a professional
technician or the device manufacturer's support.

• Back Up Data:

o Before disposing of a computer, make sure to back up any important data. You can use
an external hard drive, cloud storage, or other backup solutions.

• Erase Data:

o Use specialized software to securely erase all data from the hard drive. This ensures that
personal information cannot be retrieved by unauthorized individuals.

• Remove Personal Information:

o Manually remove any personal information from the computer, including browsing
history, passwords, and personal files.

• Check for Recycling Programs:

o Many municipalities and electronic retailers offer e-waste recycling programs. Check
with your local government or electronic stores to find out about available options.

• Manufacturer or Retailer Take-Back Programs:

o Some computer manufacturers and retailers have take-back programs where you can
return your old computer for recycling. Check with the manufacturer or retailer from
whom you purchased the computer.

• E-Waste Collection Events:

o Some communities host e-waste collection events where you can drop off old
electronics for recycling. Check with your local government for information on upcoming
events.
• Certified E-Waste Recyclers:

o Look for certified e-waste recyclers who follow environmentally responsible practices.
Certifications such as R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards can be good indicators of
responsible recycling practices.

• Donate or Sell:

o If the computer is still in working condition, consider donating it to a local school,

nonprofit organization, or community center. Alternatively, you can sell it to a second-
hand electronics store.

• Check with Local Landfill Regulations:

o Before disposing of a computer in the trash, check local regulations as some areas may
have restrictions on putting electronic waste in landfills.

• Environmental Considerations:

o Computers contain hazardous materials, so it's crucial to recycle them properly to

prevent environmental harm. Recycling ensures that valuable materials are recovered
and that hazardous substances are disposed of safely.

• Remove Batteries:

o If your computer has a removable battery, take it out before recycling. Batteries require
separate recycling procedures.

• Documentation:

o Keep records of the recycling process, including any receipts or certificates of recycling.
This can be important for compliance and documentation purposes.
BIOS, UEFI
POST Power On Self Test - is an operation initiated by a computer after it has been turned on but before
it boots up the OS.

FLASH BIOS - is a low-level software that the motherboard uses to interact with your CPU, cooling
systems, expansion cards and ports.

3 MAIN METHODS TO FLASH

• Update via the BIOS / UEFI environment

• Boot into the PC's BIOS (aka UEFI) environment and use the menus there to load the
BIOS update that you've put onto a USB Flash drive.

• BIOS Flashback

• Higher-end motherboards, this allows you to update without booting the PC or even
having a CPU installed.

• Update via Windows software

• Initiate an update from within the OS. However, these are riskier to use because if
Windows crashes during the process, you could have problems.

UEFI (UNIFIED EXTENSIBLE FIRMWARE INTERFACE) - is a specification for a software program that
connects a computer's firmware to its operating system (OS).

CONFIGURATION SETTINGS - A typical method to access the BIOS settings screen is to press ESC, F1, F2,
F8 or F10 right after you start your computer

Personal or desktop operating systems - are installed on a single computer and are called single-user
operating systems because one user interacts with the operating system at a time.

- MULTITASKING, WORK MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM

• Mac OS runs only on Apple Macintosh computers.

• Mac OS X is the current version of the operating system.

• Mac OS set the standard for GUI operating systems and is liked by its users for being a very
secure, reliable, and easy-to-maintain operating system

Mobile operating system is designed for small handheld computing devices.

• It includes features similar to a personal operating system but is simpler and smaller.

• A smartphone is a cell phone that includes many features of a computer.

• Tablets are one-piece mobile computers that usually include a touchscreen, which is a screen
you touch to interact with the GUI.
 • iOS is a version of Mac OS X written for Apple’s mobile devices, including iPhones and iPads.

• Google’s Android is an open-source operating system designed to run on many types of

smartphones and tablets, and is derived from Linux.

• Windows Phone and Windows RT are similar to Windows 8.

• Mobile operating systems primarily work as single-user, single-tasking operating systems.

Managing Memory - After starting up, the operating system manages computer resources.

Resource - is any component the system requires to do work

• Main resources are memory, processing components, storage space, and peripherals.

Crash - the operating system might close an application or shut down the computer unexpectedly

Virtual memory - a part of a computer’s hard disk that can work as additional RAM.

Swapping - To gain memory, Windows moves data from one running application out of RAM and into
virtual memory

On April 21, 2022, Apple announced that they have discontinued macOS Server and that the most
popular features are already bundled with every copy of macOS High Sierra

MOTHERBOARD
Motherboard - Holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of
a system

Central processing unit - It is basically the brain of a computer

Cache Memory of CPU - is a hardware cache used by the central processing unit (CPU) to reduce the
average cost to access data from the main memory

Cores in CPU - A set of instructions can allow a software program perform a specific function.

Speed of CPU - is measured in Hertz— generally in gigahertz, or GHz. is a measure of how many clock
cycles a CPU can perform per second.

Multithreading - is the ability of a central processing unit to execute multiple processes or threads
concurrently, supported by the operating system.

Bandwidth is the rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by a
processor
MEMORY
Memory chips are normally only available as part of a card called a module.

This card could then be plugged into a special connector in the motherboard called memory bank.

Integrated Circuit: Forms most of today’s electronic components, made from silicon chips

Transistor: a semiconductor device used to amplify and switch electronic signals and power

Capacitor: used to store energy in an electric field

Serial Access Memory (SAM) - stores data as a series of memory cells that can only be accessed
sequentially

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) - signals are retained

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) has memory cells with a paired transistor and capacitor

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) about five percent faster than EDO RAM and
is the most common form in desktops today

Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM) just like SDRAM except that is has higher
bandwidth, meaning greater speed

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association cards of this type are not proprietary and
should work with any notebook computer whose system bus matches the memory card's configuration

CMOS RAM (COMPLIMENTARY METAL OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR) - small amount of memory used by
your computer and some other devices to remember things like hard disk settings

Video RAM (VRAM) a type of RAM used specifically for video adapters or 3-D accelerators

HARD DISK DRIVE

DISK PLATTERS the primary components of a hard disk drive, where data stored in the hard disk is
recorded.

STORAGE MEDIA uses electromagnetic principles that are used to alter the particles of the disk media
placed on each side of a disk platter

• Oxide media - older disk drives

• Thin-film media - drives manufactured today

READ/WRITE HEADS constructed with a magnetic core that’s wrapped by one or more electrical wires
through which an electrical current is passed

• Ferrite heads: This is the oldest, biggest, and heaviest of the magnetic head designs

• Metal-in-Gap (MIG): This type of read/write head is an enhanced version of the ferrite head

• Thin-film (TF): This type of read/write head is manufactured from semiconductor material

• Magneto-resistive (MR): This type of head issued in most 3.5" disk drives

HEAD ACTUATORS extending and retracting the heads over the platters.

AIR FILTERS recirculating filter and a barometric or breather filter

LOGIC/CONTROLLER BOARDS controls the functions of the drive’s read/write mechanisms as well as
supports the interface of the drive

CONNECTORS AND JUMPERS data connector carries both the data and command signals to and from
the controller board and central processing unit

Cluster A logical grouping of disk sectors that are used by an operating system to track and transfer data
to and from the disk.

Sectors are segments of a track.

Disk Management is a system utility in Windows that enables you to perform advanced storage tasks.

Recovery partition special tools are stored to help you recover Windows in case it has trouble starting
or runs into other serious issues.

MULTIMEDIA
Optical Drive

An internal or external computer disk drive using laser beam technology.

Reads and writes data from compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray technology.

Sound Card (Audio)

An expansion card or IC for producing sound on a computer.

Sound is heard through speakers or headphones.

Choosing Speakers

Consider Bluetooth vs. Wired Computer Speakers.

Evaluate physical connections, sound quality, looks, and desk space.

Differentiate between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 Computer Speaker Systems.

Scanners

Optical scanners convert physical images, text, or objects into digitized 2D files.

3D scanning preserves history by capturing artefacts and fossils in a digital 3D form.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

OCR involves converting printed or handwritten text into machine-encoded text.

Enables the digitization of physical documents for storage and editing.

3D Scanning

Analyzes real-world objects or environments to collect three-dimensional data.

Collected data is used to construct digital 3D models.

Video Recording

Generic term for capturing analog or digital images for research purposes.

Records video to local storage devices, commonly a hard drive.

Vlogging

Vlogging cameras are designed for filmmakers working alone.

Various supports like tripods, gimbals, vehicle mounts, or handheld use.

VIDEO TECHNOLOGIES
Monitor (Visual Display Unit):

Visual output device displaying electronic signals from the processor.

Provides a user-friendly interface for accessing computer information.

Projector:

Uses light or laser beams to enlarge and project images on a screen.

Various uses including advertising, art installations, education, home theatres, and portable business
applications.

Video Card:

Extension card transferring graphical data to a display device (TV, projector, monitor).

Usage in gaming, video editing, and overall system performance.

Considerations: Budget, use case, compatibility with the motherboard, trends like ray tracing and AI-
enhanced graphics.

Video Ports and Cables:

Various types including HDMI (common for HDTVs), DVI (sharp picture, carries digital and analog
signals).

Windows supports multiple monitors for extended desktops.

Monitor Energy Efficiency:

Draws less power during "Sleep" and "Off" modes.

Energy-saving sleep mode activates after a period of inactivity.

KVM Switch (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse):

Hardware device enabling control of multiple computers from one set of peripherals.

Specialized Video Card:

Designed for specific tasks or applications (e.g., gaming, professional graphics, data centers, AI,
cryptocurrency mining, industrial, scientific, CAD/CAM).

Optimized for particular workloads.

Video Memory:

RAM installed on a video adapter.

Represents images as a bit map in the video memory frame buffer before sending to a display monitor.

PRINTERS
Printer Ports

Parallel Printing Port (LPT1):

Older printers use a 36-pin port with a slow connection (2 Mbps).

Serial Ports:

Nine pins, slower speed (115 Kbps).

USB Port:

Faster for small business users, provides data transfer rates up to 4.8 Gbps.

Types of Printers

Laser Printers:
Developed by Xerox in the 1960s.

Solid Ink Printers:

Use solid ink sticks for printing.

Melted ink sticks produce vibrant tones.

LED Printers:

Similar to laser printers but use LEDs.

Business Inkjet Printers:

Large-scale inkjet technology for busy offices.

Inkjet Printers:

Common in professional and domestic settings.

Dot Matrix Printers:

Oldest type, uses dots for printing.

3D Printers:

Creates 3D objects layer by layer using additive manufacturing.

Steps include 1) design, 2) slicing, 3) printing, 4) cooling, and solidification.

Virtual Printer:

Software-based emulation of a printer.

Creates digital documents instead of hard copies on paper.

Functions include document conversion, combining, editing, and adding digital signatures.

Cloud Printing

Connects digital devices to printer stations.

Allows printing from any device on the network.

Benefits include cost savings, environmental friendliness, BYOD support, software updates, and
simplicity.
POWER SUPPLY UNIT
PSU Overview

A computer power supply, or PSU, converts electrical energy from an external source (usually the
electrical grid) into the necessary voltages and currents to power the internal components of the
computer.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a computer power supply is to provide electrical power to various components
within the computer, including the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, storage drives, and peripherals.

Voltage Conversion

Converts incoming AC voltage from the electrical outlet into various DC voltage levels required by
different components within the computer.

Common DC voltage outputs include +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and sometimes -12V and -5V.

Wattage Rating

Computer power supplies are rated in terms of their wattage output, indicating how much power they
can deliver.

Wattage requirements depend on the components within the computer and their power consumption.

Gaming PCs and workstations with high-end graphics cards and CPUs typically require higher-wattage
PSUs.

Efficiency

Modern computer power supplies are designed for efficiency, converting incoming AC power into usable
DC power while minimizing heat generation and energy waste.

Efficiency is often rated using an 80 PLUS certification with levels like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and
Titanium.

Connectors

Power supplies come with various connectors for different components, including ATX connectors for
the motherboard, PCIe connectors for graphics cards, SATA connectors for storage drives, and Molex
connectors for peripherals.

Modularity
Some power supplies come with modular cables, allowing users to connect only the cables they need,
reducing cable clutter, and improving airflow within the computer case.

Safety Features

High-quality power supplies include safety features such as over-voltage protection, over-current
protection, short-circuit protection, and surge protection to prevent damage to the computer's
components.

Form Factors

Power supplies come in different form factors to fit various computer cases, with the most common
form factor for consumer desktop PCs being the ATX form factor.

Cooling

Power supplies typically have built-in fans for cooling, and the size and speed of the fan can impact the
PSU's noise level and cooling efficiency.

Ensuring sufficient power for components while maintaining efficiency is crucial for stable and reliable
operation.