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CH 1 Computer Basics
CH 1 Computer Basics
Maintenance
Chapter 1
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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.)
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Figure 3-1 PC support technician tools
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Recovery CDs
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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
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Figure 3-6 Post Code Master diagnostic card by MSD, Inc.
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Personal Computer Preventive Maintenance
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When a PC is your Permanent Responsibility
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Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan
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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
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Static Electricity
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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
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Fundamental Rules for PC Troubleshooting
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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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