Ethiopian TVET- System

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICE

Level II
LEARNING GUIDE # 1
Unit of Competence: Implement Maintenance procedure
Module Title: Implementing Maintenance procedure
LG Code: ICT ITS2 06 1110
TTLM Code: ICT ITS2 TTLM 1110

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the module the learner will be able to:

 Determine best practices for equipment and software maintenance

 Revise practices, where appropriate Assist in planning of quality assurance procedures
 Identify and analyze IT system components to be maintained
 Apply maintenance procedures

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 Basic Electronics
The goal of this chapter is to provide some basic information about electronic circuits.
Voltage, Volts
The measure of electrical pressure in a circuit. One volt of pressure is required to
push one amp of current through a conductor with one ohm of resistance.

Current
Current is a measure of the number of electrons going through a circuit. Current is measured in amperes, or
amps (A). Computer power supplies deliver different amperages for each output voltage.
Wattage, Watts
The amount of power used by an electrical device. Wattage can be calculated by multiplying voltage
and amperage. Watts can be converted to amps with this calculation: watts divided by volts equals amps.
Resistance
Resistance is the opposition that a substance offers to the flow of electric current.  It is represented by the
uppercase letter R.  The standard unit of resistance is the ohm, sometimes written out as a word,
Capacitors
Capacitors store electric charge. They are used with resistors in timing circuits because it takes time for a
capacitor to fill with charge.
Transistor
A transistor regulates current or voltage flow and acts as a switch or gate for electronic signals.
Diode
A diode is a specialized electronic component with two electrodes called the anode and the cathode. Most
diodes are made with semiconductor materials. The fundamental property of a diode is its tendency to
conduct electric current in only one direction.
General Safety Guidelines
Follow the basic safety guidelines to prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock, and damage to eyesight.
As a best practice here are some general safety guidelines:
■ Remove your watch or any other jewelry and secure loose clothing.
■ Turn off the power and unplug equipment before opening the case and performing service.
■ Cover any sharp edges inside the computer case with tape.
■ Never open a power supply or a monitor.
■ Do not touch areas in printers that are hot or use high voltage.
■ Know where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.
■ Know where the first aid kit is located.
■ Keep food and drinks out of your workspace.
■ Keep your workspace clean and free of clutter.
■ Lift heavy objects with your legs to avoid back injury.
Caution
Power supplies and monitors contain very high voltage. Do not wear the antistatic wrist strap when replacing
power supplies or monitors

Identify Safety Procedures to Protect Equipment from

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 Damage and Data from Loss
Static electricity is the buildup of an electric charge resting on a surface. This buildup and sudden release of
energy, called electrostatic discharge (ESD), can be destructive to the electronics in a computer system.

ESD Protection Recommendations

ESD can cause permanent damage to electrical components. Follow these recommendations to help prevent
ESD damage:
■ Keep all components in antistatic bags until you are ready to install them.
■ Use grounded mats on workbenches and on the work area floor.
■ Use antistatic wrist straps when working on computers.
■ Avoid working on carpeted areas if possible.
Climate also affects risks when working with computer equipment. Consider the following
recommendations:
■ If the environment temperature is too high, equipment can overheat.
■ If the humidity level is too low, the chance of ESD increases.
■ If the humidity level is too high, equipment can suffer from moisture damage.

Identify Tools and Software Used with Personal

Computer Components and Know Their
Purpose
For every tool there is the right job, and for every job there is the right tool. Ensure that you are familiar with
the correct use of each tool and that the right tool is used for the current task.
This will reduce the chances of damage or injury. Skilled use of tools and software makes the job less
difficult and ensures that tasks are performed properly and safely. The Figure shows a sample tool kit used to
install, connect, remove, and repair PC components.

Figure Computer Tools

In addition to hardware tools, software tools are also available that help diagnose problems and determine
which computer device is not functioning correctly.

Identify Hardware Tools and Their Purpose

A tool kit should contain all the tools necessary to complete hardware repairs. Using the
wrong tool for a job might lead to bodily injuries or result in equipment damage.
Hardware tools are grouped into the following four categories:
■ ESD tools
■ Hand tools

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 ■ Cleaning tools
■ Diagnostic tools

ESD tools
There are also devices that enable us to protect ESD. These devices include:
1) Anti-static wristband: these devices have a strap that you wrap around your wrist or ankle on one end. The other end of the
strap is attached computer case to keep ground between the computer and you.

2) Anti-static mats: these are mats that you place on the work surface and on the floor in front of work area. They make an
excellent place to place your tools and components when you work on a system.

3) Anti-static bags (pouches): they have special coating or filament that prevents ESD. They are used to store any sensitive
electronic device like cards, RAM, drives, etc when they are not installed in a computer.

Hand Tools
Most tools used in the computer assembly process are small hand tools. They are available individually or as
part of a computer repair tool kit. Tool kits range widely in size, quality, and price.
The list that follows describes the small hand tools that you will most commonly use:

■ Flat head screwdriver: Used to loosen or tighten slotted screws.

■ Phillips head screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen cross-head screws.

■ Torx screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen screws that have a star-like depression on
the top, a feature that is mainly found on laptops.
Hex driver: Sometimes called a nut driver, this tool is used to tighten nuts in the same
way that a screwdriver tightens screws.

■ Needle-nose pliers: Used to hold small parts.

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 ■ Wire cutters: Used to strip and cut wires.
■ Tweezers: Used to manipulate small parts.
■ Part retriever: Used to retrieve parts from locations that are too small for your hand to
fit in.

■ Flashlight: Used to illuminate areas that you cannot see well.

Cleaning Tools
The appropriate cleaning tools are essential when maintaining or repairing computers.
These tools will ensure that computer components are cleaned correctly. The list that follows describes the
cleaning tools that you will most commonly use:
■ Soft sloth: Used to clean different computer components without scratching or leaving debris.
■ Compressed air: Used to blow away dust and debris from different computer parts without touching the
components.
■ Cable ties: Used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a computer.
■ Parts organizer: Used to hold screws, jumpers, fasteners, and other small parts to prevent them from
getting mixed together.

Diagnostic Tools
To test hardware, you will use the following diagnostic tools:
■ Digital multimeter: Used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer
components.
■ Loopback adapter: Used to test the basic functionality of computer ports.

Safety Measure and guide line

When we open a computer case, we need to make sure that Electro static discharge does not affect the computers’ internal
components. ESD occurs when an imbalance in the amounts of positive and negative charges on the surface of an object is
released.

number of electron=no of proton

When imbalance between the number of electrons and protons in an object is created, there is said to be static energy. This
energy flows from one object to another object if the two objects come into contact. This energy has the power that can do
damage to internal components of PC.
Sources of ESD are:

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  The human body has an electric field and it can generate static electricity.
 Another source of ESD is dust that build upon pc components. The dust can create charges that could damage internal
components of PC. To avoid this, we have to clean the PC regularly.

The amount of damage caused by ESD can be divided into three categories:
1) Catastrophic failure: This damage causes a computer component to fail immediately. Heat and sometimes noise and
smoke are generated during the process. This type of failure is easy to identify as the device fail completely. You can replace
such components.
2) Upset failure(degradation failure): ESD causes erratic fault in a component. This problem is very difficult to detect and
repair because the failure is intermittent. The best way to solve this problem is replacing suspected parts until the fault stops
appearing.

3) Latent failure: this type of failure weakens the actual transistor. The part will seem normal in most operations and will
frequently pass quality control and conformance tests. Like upset failure, it is difficult to identify.

Preventing ESD
Preventing ESD is the best defense against it. The number one cause of ESD is improper handling of electronic devices
during installation or maintenance. The key prevention to ESD is to keep all electronic components and yourself at a common
electric al point. When you open a computer, ground yourself by touching the case(chases) of a computer.

Rules for opening computer:

1) Turn off (shut down) the computer
2) Remove the power cable (unplug it)
3) Remove peripheral devices like mouse, printer, keyboard, etc
4) Open the case. Take care of ESD. Wear anti-static wristband or hold the case to ground yourself.
5) Take care when you hold internal components of computer like RAM, Cards, CPU, etc. Hold them on the sideways.

Computer Cases
Computer case is an enclosure that holds all the primary electronics of the PC. It is also called chassis. Computer cases:
 house all the internal components
 offers access to the external world through ports and connectors
 prevent delicate circuits from damage and EMI
 prevent EMI from pc from affecting surrounding devices such as TV, telephone, etc
EMI-is a radio frequency that is emitted from electronic or electrical device. It interferes with surrounding equipment. A
computer interferes with radio, telephone, TV, etc when it generates EMI. Running a computer without cases causes
interference to surrounding devices.

There are different types of cases:

 Full-sized tower
 Mid-size tower
 Mini-tower
 Desktop
 Slim desktop
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Slim desktops integrate the display into housing. The monitor and system unit are combined into one unit. E.g. imac G5/

When we consider a case, the following things are cared about:

 The bigger the box, the more components it can hold. This gives it more expansion capability, better air flow which is
good for cooling. Large cases are easier to work with.
 The more compact the box, the less expansion potential it has. Working with such cases is difficult and usually air
flow is reduced.

Motherboard
At the heart of every PC live certain core components. Motherboard is the PCs center of activity. All devices in a computer
are in some way or another are connected to motherboard.

Form Factor
 The form factor of a motherboard determines the specifications for its general shape and size.
 It also specifies what type of case and power supply will be supported, the placement of mounting holes, and the
physical layout and organization of the board. 
Types of Motherboard
Motherboards come in several standardized configurations called form-factors. Form-factors define the size, location of
expansion slot, what sorts of power supply it uses, its physical organization, etc of the motherboard. The following are some
of the common form-factors:

1)Obsolete form factors:

 Baby AT
 Full-size AT
 LPX
2) modern form factors:
 ATX
 Micro-ATX
 Flex ATX
 NLX
 WTX
 BTX
3) Proprietary designs. E.g Compaq

AT
 They are distinguished by their shape and usually by the presence of single full sized keyboard connector soldered
onto the motherboard.
 All other devices are connected to the motherboard via cards and expansion slots or cables.
 The serial and parallel ports are attached using cables that go between the physical connectors mounted on the case
and pin headers located on the motherboard.
 AT motherboards get power through P8 and P9 connectors.

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Fig 1 AT motherboard

ATX Motherboard(AT Extended)

 The ATX motherboard is rotated 90 degrees; the processor sits near the back of the board.
 In ATX motherboards, the connectors COM1, COM2, LPT, keyboard, mouse, and USB are directly mounted on the
motherboard. This motherboard requires a specifically designed chassis with an I/O access opening.

fig 3 ATX motherboard

Some of the advantages of ATX over AT are:

1) Soft power support: the ATX power supply is turned on and off using signaling from the motherboard, not a physical
toggle switch. This allows the PC to be turned on or off under software control, allowing improved power management.
2) Reduced expansion card interference: the CPU and memory modules are relocated so they can’t interfere with any bus
expansion cards. This makes upgrade easy because removing any installed cards is not necessary.
3)Reduced drive bay interference: since the board is essentially 90 degrees form AT style, there is much less overlap
between the board and drive bays. This means easier to access the motherboard and fewer cooling problem.
4) Better Power Connector: ATX uses a single 20-pin connector instead of two confusing connectors. You don’t have the
risk of blowing up your pc motherboard by connecting the power cable backwards.
5) Better air flow(cooling effect): The ATX power is intended to blow air into the case rather than out of it. This cuts down
dust. Furthermore, processor sockets and RAM are located next to power supply. Because of this the power supply fan can
cool CPU heat sink. Current power supply fans blow air into or out of the case.
6) Integrated I/O connectors: AT motherboard uses pins and cables. In ATX, the port is directly mounted on the
motherboard. This improvement saves cost, installation time, and improved reliability.

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BTX
 The BTX, or Balanced Technology Extended form factor.
 BTX was developed to take advantage of technologies such as Serial ATA, USB 2.0, and PCI Express. Changes to
the layout with the BTX form factor include better component placement for back panel I/O controllers and it is
smaller than microATX systems.
 The BTX form factor provides the industry push to tower size systems with an increased number of system slots.
 One of the most talked about features of the BTX form factor is that it uses in-line airflow.
 In the BTX form factor the memory slots and expansion slots have switched places, allowing the main components
(processor, chipset, and graphics controller) to use the same airflow which reduces the number of fans needed in the
system; thereby reducing noise.

Figure: BTX motherboard layout.

Common Motherboard Layout (INTEL Socket T (LGA775))

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1 CPU Socket
2 CPU_FAN - CPU cooling fan connector
3 DIMM1~2 - 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM slots
4 IRDA - Infrared header
5 FDD - Floppy diskette drive connector
6 ATX1 - Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
7 IDE1 - Primary IDE channel
8 CLR_CMOS - Clear CMOS jumper
9 SATA1~4 - Serial ATA connectors
10 PANEL1 - Panel connector for case switches and LEDs
11 USB1-2 - Front Panel USB headers
12 1394a - IEEE 1394a header
13 BIOS_WP - BIOS flash protect jumper
14 COM2 - Onboard Serial port hader
15 WOL1 - Wake On LAN connector
16 S/PDIF - SPDIF out header
17 F_AUDIO - Front panel audio header
18 AUX_IN - Auxiliary In connector
19 PCI1~2 - 32-bit add-on card slots
20 PCIE1 - PCI Express x1 slot
21 PCIEX16 - PCI Express slot for graphics interface
22 SYS_FAN - System cooling fan connector
23 ATX12V - Auxiliary 4-pin power connector

Integrated I/Os
 Rear panel on of a motherboard with many integrated inputs and outputs (I/O's).


PS2 Mouse Used to connect a PS/2 pointing device.
PS2 Keyboard Used to connect a PS/2 keyboard.
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Parallel Port (LPT1) Used to connect printers or other parallel communications devices.
Serial Port Used to connect serial devices such as mice or (COM1) fax/modems.
VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port.
1394a Port Use the 1394a port to connect to any firewire device.
LAN Port Used to connect an RJ-45 cable to a Network hub or router.
USB Ports Used to connect USB devices such as printers, scanners cameras et...
Audio Ports Used to connect audio devices.

Chipsets
Chipsets are a bunch of intelligent controller chips, which are found on any system board. They are closely tied to the CPU,
and they help the CPU control the system. Without chipset, neither RAM nor I/O buses like AGP,PCI, ISA could function
together with CPU.
Chipset represents the connection between the CPU and everything else. The processor can’t talk to the memory, adapter
boards, devices, and so on without going through chipset. Since chipset controls the interface or connection between the
processor and everything else, they end up dictating what type of processor you have, how fast it will run, how fast buses run,
the speed, type and amount of memory you can use,etc.

Chipset Evolution
When the first motherboard was introduced by IBM, they used several discrete chips:
 Math coprocessor
 Clock generator
 Bus controller
 System timer
 Interrupt and DMA controllers
 CMOS RAM and clock
 Keyboard Controller

Intel Chipsets
Intel produced CPU before 1989. For new CPUs produced by Intel to be on market, compatible chips are necessary. Before
chipsets are produced for new Intel CPU it takes as long as a year.
Intel used two distinct chipset architectures:

North South Bridge Architecture

Most of earlier Intel chipsets and all non-Intel chipsets are broken down into a multi-tiered architecture. This includes what is
referred to as north bridge, south bridge, and super I/O chip.

North Bridge:
The North Bridge handles communication between the CPU, RAM, AGP on PCI Express and South Bridge. It handles
communication with faster devices. Because different processors and RAM requires different signaling, North Bridge will
typically work with one or two classes of CPU and generally one type of RAM. There are a few chipsts that support two types
of RAM. This occurs when there is a shift to new standard.

South Bridge:
Because the south bridge is further removed from CPU, it is given the responsibility for slower devices on a typical micro
computer. A particular South Bridge will usually work

Fig 7 north and south bridge

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with different North Bridges but these two chips must be designed to work together. Traditionally the interface between
North Bridge and South Bridge was the PCI Bus. The functionality found on contemporary South Bridge includes:
 PCI bus
 ISA bus
 Interrupt controller
 DMA controller
 IDE controller(SATA or PATA)
 Real time clock

Super I/O Chipset:

The major function of Super I/O chips are:
a) Serial Port controller: super I/O chip controls the serial ports
b) Parallel port control: it provides the circuitry to drive the parallel port. This includes support for newer parallel port types.
c) Floppy disk control: support for floppy disk drives is provided by the super I/O chip
d) keyboard and mouse controller

I would say that one of the most important components of a computer systems is the motherboard (otherwise known as the
Main Board).

Since the first PCs hit the market, computer makers have followed the practice of placing most of the components of a system
on one board.

The motherboard or system board as it's sometimes called, is a printed circuit board containing millions of micro circuits. The
motherboard holds all of the chips required to make your computer work. Microchip s such as the microprocessor or Central
Processing Unit (CPU) and supporting chips are found on this board.

The motherboard is the board that contains the logic circuits that tie all parts of your PC together. It provides the connectors
for the CPU, the memory, BIOS, CMOS, Video devices, sound devices, storage devices, chip sets, etc. in order to form an
integrated set of components.

Some of the key components found on a motherboard include:

 The CPU (microprocessor

 Microchips that provide support for the CPU.
 Random Access Memory (RAM) chips.
 The system Bus
 A Keyboard controller and connector.
 A mouse connector.
 Power connectors.
 Serial and parallel communications ports.

Some of the most recent boards also contain:

 Integrated IDE disk controller circuits.

 USB Bus controller circuits.
 Built in video controller/adapters.
 Built in sound card circuits.

The motherboard also contains other components such as BIOS chips, the CPU
clock, cache chips, bus, etc. To see every detail, you will need to get a "User's
Manual" for the specific motherboard you have, and to locate all components on the board.

It is the system board components that determine the capability and speed of a computer. Several factors determine the
overall performance of a system.

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  Speed - The processor clock speed, size of the internal and external data bus, and the processors design all determine
the systems overall speed.
 Configuration - The way the individual parts of the board are layered out and connected.
 Memory - How much memory is on the board. What type of memory is being used.
 Bus Type - Does the system support ISA, or PCI buses. The actual speed of the bus makes a difference.

There are two different types of motherboards used in computers today: the AT and ATX. Each one uses different design
techniques depending on the CPU chip and bus type and size used.

Each of the components on a motherboard serve specific functions:

1. BUS- The bus is actually a set of circuits that run throughout the board and connect all the expansion slots, memory,
and CPU, etc. together.
2. Expansion Slots - Used for connecting other devices/controller cards to the motherboard bus.
3. Memory Slots - provides receptacles for adding additional memory chips (SIMMs, DIMMs, or other types of
memory).
4. ZIF Socket -The processor slot on modern boards is a grid of tiny holes in which the CPU is inserted. Older model
boards required a considerable amount of force to install or remove the CPU chip. The Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket
required a minimal force to insert and remove the chip. The ZIF socket has a lever at the side of the socket that allows quick
removal of the CPU Chip.
5. BIOS Chips - The method used in DOS to communicate with any device on the system such as disks, keyboard,
monitor, etc. Directs only system hardware, not network hardware.
6. USB Port - some newer machines will have a port for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. The USB port will
support up to 127 devices and runs at a speed of about 1.544MB.
7. Chip Set The "Chipset" is the set of intergrated circuits that control most of the activities that take place on the
motherboard. They also interface with most of the circuits of the motherboard.

In some cases a system will not have a full motherboard. The chips normally found on a motherboard are on a separate
adapter card which plugs into a connector. In this case the plug in board is called a backplane or planar board and contains the
expansion slots.

The Power Supply

The power supply typically located at the back of the computer’s

 Interior, has several very important functions:

 It is responsible for converting the alternating current (AC) voltage from wall outlets into the direct current
(DC) voltage that the computer requires.
 To ensure that the computer receives the proper amount of voltage. A standard power supply draws power
from a local, alternating current (AC) source (usually a wall outlet) and converts it to either 3.3 or 5 volts
direct current (DC) for on-board electronics, and 12 volts DC for motors and hard drives. In all cases, it
delivers both positive and negative DC to the computer. Power supplies must "condition" the power,
smoothing out any radical changes in its quality. Many homes and offices have power that fluctuates far more
than the delicate parts of a PC can tolerate and survive under.
 The power supply has a built-in fan that draws air in from outside the computer case and cools off the
components inside.
 The on–off power control circuit (not the button) on ATX boards is built into the motherboard. On AT-style PCs, it
comes from the power supply.
 AT-style power supplies connect to the motherboard through a pair of six-wire connectors. ATX-style power supplies
connect through a single 20-pin connector.

A few motherboards and power supplies provide both AT and ATX fittings and switch support. These are rare, but provide
more options should you have to repair such a system.

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When replacing a power supply, it's a good idea to compare the existing power supply to the new one. Make sure that they are
physically the same size, have the same connectors, and that the new one has at least the same power rating. Some high-quality
power supplies offer "silencer" fans that are much quieter than most models.

Power Supply Wattage

Power supplies are rated according to the maximum sustained power (measured in watts) that they can produce. A watt is
a unit of electrical power equivalent to one volt-ampere. It is important to keep in mind that the power supply must
produce at least enough energy to operate all the components of the system at the same time.

Power Supply Connectors

Power supplies employ several types of connectors, all of which are easy to identify and use.
On the outside of the computer enclosure, a standard male AC plug and three-conductor wire (two power wires and a
ground) draws current from a wall outlet, with a female connection entering the receptacle in the back of the power
supply.

AT-Style Connections to the Motherboard

A pair of almost identical connectors, designated P8 and P9, links the power supply to the motherboard

Figure P8 and P9 connectors and motherboard fitting

ATX-Style Motherboard Connections

The newer ATX main power connection found on Pentium II computers and later, is much easier to install.
A single 20/24 pin plug is set into a fitted receptacle and secured with a catch on the side of the plug that snaps over the
fitting.

Typical ATX 1.3 power supply.

Connections to Peripheral Hardware

Two standard types of connectors are used to connect the power supply to peripheral hardware:
1.Molex connector. This is the most commonly used power connector. It provides both 12-volt and 5-volt power. Hard
disk drives, internal tape drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD (digital video disc) drives, and older.

2.Mini connector. Most power supplies provide one or more mini connectors . The mini is used primarily for 3.5-inch
floppy disk drives. It has four pin-outs and, usually, four wires. Most are fitted with keys that make it.

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3. Serial ATA Power Connector :Molex offers power connectors for Serial ATA Solutions Designed for Serial ATA disk
drive power applications, Molex's power connectors a variety of configurations to meet various power supply

requirements.

4.Power adapter: These SATA Power Adapters convert your existing Molex power connector into two Serial ATA
power connectors

Adapter cards
Adapter card is a printed circuit card required to allow a computer to support a new device or enable a computer to
communicate with a peripheral; also called controller card

Types of adapter card

PCI
A specification introduced by Intel that defines a local bus system that allows up to 10 PCI-compliant expansion cards to be
installed in the computer. PCI video cards were replaced by the newer AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
Specifications:
PCIe
PCI Express is a computer system bus that allows expansion cards with various capabilities to be added to a system.
PCIe 1.1 transfers data at 250 MB/s in each direction per lane.
AGP
The Accelerated Graphics Port (also called Advanced Graphics Port, often shortened to AGP) is a high-speed point-to-point
channel for attaching a graphics card to a computer's motherboard, primarily to assist in the acceleration of 3D computer
graphics. Some motherboards have been built with multiple independent AGP slots. AGP is currently being phased out in
favor of PCI Express.
SCSI
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is a set of standards for physically connecting and transferring data between
computers and peripheral devices. The SCSI standards define commands, protocols, and electrical and optical interfaces.
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SCSI is most commonly used for hard disks and tape drives, but it can connect a wide range of other devices, including
scanners, printers, and optical drives (CD, DVD, etc.). The SCSI standards promote device independence, which means that,
at least in theory, almost any type of hardware can be connected via SCSI.
Serial Port
a serial port is a serial communication physical interface through which information transfers in or out one bit at a time. Data
transferred through serial ports connected the computer to devices such as terminals or modems. Mice, keyboards, and other
peripheral devices.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is a computer standard designed to eliminate the guesswork in connecting peripherals to a PC.
It is expected to replace serial and parallel ports
 USB 1.1 standard supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps.
 USB 2.0 (Also referred to as Hi-Speed USB) specification defines a new High-speed transfer rate of 480 Mb/sec.

Parallel
A parallel port is a type of socket found on personal computers for interfacing with various peripherals. It is also known as a
printer port.
Like the serial port, the USB interface has replaced the parallel port. As of 2006, most modern printers are connected through
a USB connection.
Network Interface Adapters
A hardware device that provides a computer with access to a LAN. Network interface adapters can be integrated into a
computer's motherboard or take the form of an expansion card, in which case they are called network interface cards or NICs.
The adapter has one or more connectors for network cables, or some other interface to the network medium.
Modem
Short for modulator/demodulator, a hardware device that converts the digital signals generated by computers into analog
signals suitable for transmission over a telephone line, and back again. Modems take the form of internal devices that plug
into one of a computer's expansion slots, or external devices that connect to one of the computer's serial ports.
The term modem is also used incorrectly, in many cases, to describe any device that provides a connection to a wide area
communications service, such as a cable or DSL connection. These devices are not actually modems, because the service is
digital, and no analog/digital conversion takes place.
> Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of ports and cables for example:
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is a computer standard designed to eliminate the guesswork in connecting peripherals to a PC.
It is expected to replace serial and parallel ports. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, such
as mice, modems, keyboards, digital camera's, printers, scanners, MP3 players and many more. USB also supports Plug-and-
Play installation and hot plugging.

 USB 1.1 standard supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps.

 USB 2.0 (Also referred to as Hi-Speed USB) specification defines a new High-speed transfer rate of 480 Mb/sec.

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USB 2.0 is fully compatible with USB 1.1 and uses the same cables and connectors.
USB has with two connector types. The first is Type A (on the right), This connector connects to the PC's USB port.
The Type B (on the left) connector and is for connecting to the relevant peripheral.

Where as the type A connector is truly standard, the Type B connector could be changed in size etc. with individual
peripherals meaning they require there own unique cables.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Is a personal computer (and digital audio/video) serial bus interface standard, offering high-speed communications and
isochronous real-time data services. FireWire can be considered a successor technology to the obsolescent SCSI Parallel
Interface. Up to 63 devices can be daisy-chained to one FireWire port.

IEEE 1394 connectors are used to con

17
 Processor/CPU
The processor or CPU (central processing unit) is the brain of the computer and also the most important component
on the motherboard.

 The most important parts (components) of a CPU are:

1. Control unit (CU): which controls the processor in that it instructs other parts of the processor,
telling them what to do, what data to work on, where to find it and where to put the results.

2. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): does all the simple calculation addition, subtraction, division and
so on. It also use comparative logic to give a true or false decision for a given criteria.

3. Register: is the small memory units found in the CPU that are used to store data and instruction
before and after execution.

All CPUs do the same thing – control the pc and doing different operation, but physically, they differ in their
packaging. Packaging is made from ceramic or plastic material to protect the core of the microchip together with
an arrangement of pins through which (Electronic) connection can be used.

Sockets and slots

Two general types of mountings are used to mount processors to the motherboard: sockets and slots. Most
processors are available in only one mounting style, disregarding ceramic versus plastic. Other processors, such as
the Celeron, are available in either a PGA-type or an SEC-type package.

Slots type:

Slot type connections use a single slot mounting on the motherboard that mounts the processor in the same manner
that is used for memory modules or expansion cards.

Socket

Socket is a receptacle into which a plug can be inserted. Motherboards are subcategorized by the type of processor
socket they have. The processor socket (also called a CPU socket) is the connector on the motherboard that houses
a CPU and forms the electrical interface and contact with the CPU.

Some examples for Socket and slot based processor

Socket Name CPU Families Package Pin out Bus speed

Socket 4  Intel Pentium PGA 273 60–66 MHz

Socket 5  Intel Pentium PGA 320 50–66 MHz

 AMD K5
Socket 7  Intel Pentium PGA 321 50–66 MHz
 Intel Pentium MMX
 AMD K6
Socket 8  Intel Pentium Pro PGA 387 60–66 MHz

Socket A  AMD Athlon PGA 462 100–200 MHz This is a

18
  AMD Duron double data rate bus
 AMD Athlon XP having a 400 MT/s
 AMD Athlon XP-M (megatransfers/second)
 AMD Athlon MP fsb in the later models
 AMD Sempron
Socket 370  Intel Pentium III PGA 370 66–133 MHz
 Intel Celeron
 VIA Cyrix III
 VIA C3
Socket 423  Intel Pentium 4 PGA 423 400 MT/s (100 MHz)
(Willamette
core only)
Socket 478/  Intel Pentium 4 PGA 478 400–800 MT/s (100–
Socket N  Intel Celeron 200 MHz)
 Intel Pentium 4 EE
 Intel Pentium 4 M
LGA 775/  Intel Pentium 4 LGA 775 1600 MHz
Socket T  Intel Pentium D
 Intel Celeron
 Intel Celeron D
 Intel Pentium XE
 Intel Core 2 Duo
 Intel Core 2 Quad
 Intel Xeon
Slot 1  Intel Pentium II Slot 242 66–133 MHz
 Intel Pentium III
Slot A  AMD Athlon Slot 242 100 MHz

CPU packages
Dual in-line pin package (DIPP)

 Some books call it DIP

 The earliest chips with pins down two long sides of the chip.

 Pressured was needed to push these into place, and pins could easily be damaged.

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

 The pins are arranged in concentric squares on the underside of the chip.

 CPGA (ceramic) and PPGA (plastic) versions were developed.

19
  Pin damage became less common but could still happen, but then the ZIF (zero insertion force) sockets
solved this problem.

 Another alternative to PGA is the PBGA (plastic ball grid array) which doesn’t have mounting pins
underneath the chip.

Single-Edge Contact (SEC)

 Has a continuous edge of connection and is mounted vertically on the motherboard (as expansion
cards and memory modules)

 Apart from the lack of pins that could not be bent or damaged.

Common CPU manufacturers

 Intel

 AMD

 Cyrix

Front Side Bus

Front side bus or system bus is a data bus that carries all information between CPU and all other devices within the system:
RAM,AGP Video Card, PCI Expansion Cards, hard disk, etc. It is also called data bus. All devices are connected to the bus.
Because of this, any information placed on the bus is available to all devices connected to the computer.

Fig 2 Front side Bus

20
They operate at a speed of 66MHZ, 100,133,200,266,400,533,800MHZ or 1066MHZ. The speed of CPU is specified as:

CPU Cooling
Specialized cooling system became serious starting from 486. Earlier chips ran at alow speed and contained relatively few
transistors. Because of this they needed no specialized cooling. Heat sinks conduct heat from CPU to heat sink and then
radiate it to air. Good cooling depends on the transfer of heat between the CPU and heat sink. The heat sin and CPU should
contact each other to the maximum surface area possible. This allows heat to flow easily.

There are two cooling mechanism:

Passive Heat Sink

Passive heat sinks have no moving parts. They are made up of aluminum. An aluminum extrusion creates fins. They cool the
CPU by using thermal conduction and radiation. The heat sink draws heat from the CPU and air flowing through the heat sink
cools the heat sink itself.

Active Heat Sink

Active heat sink adds a small fan that blows directly onto the heat sink metal to ensured direct air flow. An active heat sink
cools better than passive heat sink by forcing air flow. Unfortunately, the fans have short life span and they are the first thing
to fail in most PCs.

Overheated CPU causes:

 System crash
 Random reboot
 Memory errors
 Disk problems
 Application errors

21
 Computer Memory
Memory is used to hold binary strings of data that is going to be manipulated by CPU. There are two major classes of
memory: non-volatile and volatile. Non-volatile memory keeps the content even if the computer is off or power is gone. The
set up data held in CMOS uses this technique. In volatile memory, the data is lost when the computer loses power. It keeps
data as long as only computer is on. Random Access Memory is good example of volatile memory. By default, when we say
memory, we mean RAM.

RAM
Whenever you run a program on your computer, that program first loads into RAM before anything happens. It holds
temporary instructions and data for manipulation when the system is running.

It is called Random Access because CPU can access or place data to and from any part of RAM on the system. RAM come in
wide variety of modes defined by physical size, access speed, electrical set up, and width of the bus measured in bits. The bit
width of RAM defines the amount of information your CPU can access or write to your RAM within one cycle.

Types of RAM
There are two types of RAM based on the way they keep data:
 Static RAM (SRAM)
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

1) DRAM
This memory is dynamic. Because of this, it must be constantly refreshed periodically ( every few milliseconds). Otherwise
the memory will drain and the data is lost. During the process of refreshing, the CPU can’t access the memory. It is called
wait state. Refreshing caused DRAM to be slower than SRAM. They also use much power than SRAM. But because of their
cheapness, they are the primary RAM in all computers.

The memory cells in DRAM use tiny capacitors that retain charge. Capacitors are devices that can keep charge for some time
until discharged. They use one transistor per bit. Because of this they can be densely packed. This allows more memory
capacity per chip than other types of memory.

Note: there are 256million transistors in 256MB RAM chip. Compare this with Pentium II which has 7.5 million transistors.

Disadvantage:
DRAM is slow, much slower than CPU. This affects the speed of CPU. It may take as much as 10% of CPU time.

2) SRAM
It is called because it does not require periodic refreshing unlike DRAM. It is much faster than DRAM and able to keep pace
with processor. As long as there is power, SRAM keeps what is stored.

SRAM uses transistors for storage purpose, no capacitors are used. Because of this, no recharging required. It uses 6
transistors (flip flops) per bit. DRAM is lower in density which means they are larger physically and store fewer bits overall.
The high number of transistors used per bit makes it more expensive and physically larger. This prevented its wide use as
computer memory. SRAM is used to build cache memory.

Type speed density cost

DRAM slow high low
SRAM fast low high

RAM Modules
There are two types of RAM modules (memory packages)
 Single Inline Memory Module(SIMM)
 Dual Inline Memory Module(DIMM)

1) SIMM
SIMMs are available in two forms:
 30 pin and
 72 pin

22
The 30 pin SIMMs are available in sizes 1-16MB. They transmit one byte of data (8 bits) at a time. They are older standard.
The 72 pin SIMMs are available in 1-32MB. They transmit 4 bytes (32 bits) at a time.
SIMMs are inserted into a socket on the motherboard that will tightly hold them. They are available in single sided or double
sided which means DRAM chip is available in both sides of the SIMM or not.
30 pin—single side
72 pin—both single and double sided

2) DIMM
DIMM is used in latter versions of computer system. DIMM has 168 pins. They transmit 64 bits of data at a time. They are
becoming very popular. They are not available in smaller sizes such as 1MB or 4MB. They are available in capacities from 8
MB to 256MB.
DIMMs are inserted into special sockets on the motherboard similar to those used for SIMMs. They differ from SIMM in:
 they are larger and wider
 SIMMs have contact on both sides of the circuit board but they are tied together. A 30 pin SIMM has 30 contacts on
each side of the circuit board but each pair is connected. This is true for 72 pin SIMMs. DIMMs, however, have
different connections on each side of the circuit board. So, 168 pin DIMM have 84 contacts on each side and they are
not redundant.
A small version of DIMM is seen which is called Small Outline DIMM (SODIMM). They are used for laptop PCS. Two
types:
144 pin SODIMM-64 bits wide
72 pin SODIMM-32 bits wide

Fig SIMM and DIMM comparison

Asynchronous and Synchronous DRAM

Conventional DRAM, the type that has been used in PCs since the original IBM PC days, is asynchronous. In asynchronous
memory, the memory is not synchronized to the system clock. A memory access is began and at certain period of time later,
the memory value appears on the bus. It works in low speed memory bus system but not suitable for use in high speed
systems.

A newer type of DRAM called synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) is synchronized to the system clock. As a result, timing is
much tighter and better controlled. This memory is much faster than asynchronous DRAM. It is suitable for high speed
systems.

Memory Banks
Manufacturers arrange memory slots on motherboard in electronic groups of one, two, or four RAM slots according to the
type of RAM and processor. This grouping is called memory banks. The memory bank matches the processors’ data bus.

the number of slots to form a bank= bus width of CPU

bus width of RAM slot
e.g CPU bus=64 bits
RAM bus=8 bits
Bank=64/8=8 slots. 8 slots form one bank in such case.

The basic rule of bank is you need to fill a bank completely with identical RAM modules. Banks should be filled completely
or left completely empty. You should fill at least one bank on the computer for it to work properly. For 64 bit CPU, one 168
pin DIMM slot makes a bank. For the same CPU, two 72 pin SIMM slots form a bank.

Types of RAM
There are many types of RAM:

1) Conventional DRAM:
23
the oldest and slowest DRAM technology is called regular or conventional DRAM. It uses standard memory addressing
method, where first the row address is sent to memory and then column address is sent.

2) Fast Page Mode RAM (FPM RAM)

FPM is slightly faster than conventional DRAM. This memory works by sending row addresses just once for many accesses
to memory locations in near each other. This improves access time. In older ones, you have to specify the row and column
address. Despite its name, FPM is the slowest memory technology used in modern PCs.

3) Extended Data Out RAM (EDORAM)

it is the most common type of asynchronous DRAM. It is slightly faster than FPM. This is because its timing circuits are
modified. The architecture allows to simultaneously read new data while discharging the old. It allows to begin a new column
address instruction while it is reading data at the current address. To use EDO, your motherboard chipset must support it. It
has 72 pins (SIMM module). It has one notch in the center.

fig EDO RAM

4) Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM):

This is a relatively new and different kind of RAM. It differs from earlier types in that it is tied to the system clock i.e.
synchronous to system clock. It is a great improvement over FPM or EDO RAM. It delivers data in high speed bursts. It also
runs at a speed of system bus due to synchronization. It is new standard RAM for modern PC.

It is sold in DIMM form and is often rated by megahertz speed rather than nanosecond cycling of previous RAM types. It has
168 pins and two notches.

Fig SDRAM

5) Double Data Rate SDRAM( DDR SDRAM)

DDR works the same way as SDRAM. It doubles bandwidth of memory by transferring data twice per cycle—on both the
rising and falling edges of the clock signal. Clock changes from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 0. Both changes trigger data transfer in
DDR RAM which is not the case in previous RAM types. Older system use only one edge.
DDR SDRAM doubles data transfer rate. It has one notch in the center

fig DDR RAM

6) Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)

This is a radical new memory design found in high end PC systems. It was first developed for game technology and it became
popular.

RDRAM transfers only 16 bits at a time. But they transfer at a much faster speed. They are called narrow channel device
unlike wide channel systems which transmit as much as processor’s data bus i.e. they are not as wide as processor’s data bus.
24
They run at 800MHZ. The overall throughput is 800x2=1.6GB per second. This is twice as fast as that of SDRAM. It has
two notches in the center and 168 pins.

Fig Rambus RAM

The narrowing of the channel allows the running at high speeds. It transfers data on both rising and falling edges of clock like
DDR.

7) Video RAM (VRAM)

Modern video adapters use their own specialized RAM that is separate from main system memory. The demands placed on
video memory is far greater than placed on RAM. They have to be accessed at faster speeds. They allow the memory to be
accessed by CPU and video card’s refreshing circuitry at the same time. This is called dual porting. It is used on graphics
adpters.

8) Windows Accelerator Card RAM ( WRAM)

It is designed for two reasons:
 To speed up video(faster video)
 To speed up Windows operating system
It could be read and written at the same time. As video technology became more advanced, VRAM could not provide high
quality video. WRAM increased speed and provided excellent video. Most video cards now use SDRAM for video RAM.

Cache Memory
Cache is a high speed buffer made up of SRAM that directly feeds the processor. It runs at the speed close or equal to the
processor. This enables the CPU to use its full potential by getting data and instructions from the cache memory without any
wait state. RAM is slow and slows down the processor because the processor has to wait during memory refreshing. To avoid
wait states, data is preloaded from RAM (DRAM) to cache memory and the CPU can continue to process during wait states
by getting data from cache memory though RAM is not available.

There are two types of cache memory:

 L1 cache
 L2 cache

L1 Cache (Level 1)
It is directly built into the processor and is actually part of the processor. Starting from 486, there are internal caches in CPU.
All commands for the processor go through this cache. It stores a backlog of commands so that if wait state is encountered,
the CPU continues to process using commands from the cache.

Fig CPU and L1 cache

L2 Cache
This cache is mounted directly on the motherboard, outside CPU. It is called Level 2 cache. It is same as L1 cache but larger.
It can be expanded (add additional capacity) on some motherboards. If you install additional L2 cache, check the CMOS set
up and enable the cache. Some L2 caches are found on the processor itself. L2 caches located on the motherboard run at the
speed of motherboard.

Memory Usage
The system memory though it is often referred to as a single number, in fact is broken into several different areas. This is a
design in legacy systems built into earlier versions of IBM PC, and the versions of DOS that run on them.

25
The original Intel processor could use only 1MB of RAM to the maximum. The original IBM PC allowed only 640KB of
1MB RAM for direct use. MS-DOS applications were written to conform to this. The IBM pc divides the memory into two
areas:
 Conventional memory
 Reserved memory
1MB

Reserved 384 KB
memory

9FFFFh

Conventional 640KB
memory

OMB
Fig memory usage

Conventional Memory
 Takes the first 640KB of the memory
 It is used for operating system and application programs
 DOS program use only this memory

Reserved Memory
The remaining area out of 1MB not occupied by conventional memory is called reserved memory. It is 384KB in size. It is
used for BIOS, Video RAM, ROM, and so on.

Memory Division
As a result of a decision made in earlier PCs, memory is broken into four basic pieces(with some pieces being divided
further):
 Conventional memory
 Upper memory area(UMA)
 High memory area(HMA)
 Extended memory

Conventional Memory
The first 640KB of system memory is called conventional memory. This is a place where DOS and DOS programs
conventionally run. Originally, this is the place where programs run. Without special software support, DOS can’t run
programs that are not in this special area. Conventional memory occupies the address 00000h to 9FFFFh.

The upper memory area that are not used by ROM or for Video RAM are available for use by other programs. But they are
very small and can’t be used by programs. They are used for loading memory resident programs and drivers. To use this area,
driver programs are required to access them. The driver used in DOS environment is EMM386.exe. HIMEM.SYS is also
used.

Upper Memory Area (UMA)

The upper 384KB of the first Megabyte of RAM directly above conventional memory is the UMA. This area is reserved for
video RAM, BIOS, motherboard BIOs, etc. It starts from the address A0000 through FFFFF. It is used as follows:
 First 128 KB is called video RAM. It is reserved for use by video adapters. Address range A0000-BFFFF. Anything
displayed on the screen is stored here.
 The next 128KB is reserved for the adapter BIOS that resides in ROM chips on some adapter boards plugged into
bus slots. E.g network adapters (NIC), VGA-compatible video adapters, etc. The address range is C0000-DFFFF.
 The last 128KB is reserved for motherboard BIOS i.e. instructions stored in ROM chips. The bootstrap loader also
resides here. The address range is E0000-FFFFF.

Extended Memory
In modern systems, the memory above 1MB is used as extended memory. The name comes from the fact that this memory
was added as an extension to 1MB base that was the upper limit possible in previous systems.
26
 Remember The Four Type of RAM:
 30-pin SIMMS = 8 bit in wide
 72-pin SIMMS = 32 bit in wide
 72-pin DIMMS = 32 bit in wide (for laptop).
 168-pin DIMMS = 64 bit in wide
Memory Bank
Banking indicates how many sticks (RAM) are needed to boot (start) up the system.
Banking= External data bus
Width of RAM
The external data bus is 64-bit wide in modern system
Troubleshooting Memory
If there is a memory problem in your computer, your computer does not display anything on the monitor the same as when
CPU failed. When it is turned on, the BIOs give you a beep sound-continuous beep sound.

Storage Devices
Storage devices are used to store data permanently. Data is stored on them for future use. We have different storage media:
 Floppy disk
 Hard Disk
 Compact Disc (CD)
 Flash Disk
Each of these devices have a device that read data from them or write data onto them. This device is called drive

Floppy Drive
Floppy disk is made from a thin piece of plastic coated with magnetic material on both sides. The magnetic material is iron
oxide most of the time. Data is written to disk by magnetizing and demagnetizing the magnetic material.

Floppy is divided into logical areas for storing data on them. These are called sectors and tracks. Tracks are narrow concentric
circles on a disk. Sectors are pie shaped slice of individual tracks. Sectors form the unit for data storage. Data is written or
read one sector at a time. A single sector can store 512 bytes.The division allows floppy to be random access device. Data can
be read from any sector or track easily.

Fig. 1 sector and track of floppy disk

Note: the division is not visible for us. It is a logical division which is understood by computer only.
Data is stored on both sides of the disk .i.e. double sided. Early disks use only one side of the disk i.e. single sided.

Hard Disk
Hard disk is the data center of PC. It is here that all your programs and data are stored.

A hard disk drive contains rigid, disk-shaped platters. The platters are usually constructed of aluminum or glass; so they can’t
bend or flex unlike floppy disk. The platters are coated by magnetic substance on both sides.

27
Data is written to hard disk by magnetizing and demagnetizing the surface of the platters. Data is stored on both sides of the
platter.

fig 2 Hard disk platters with read-write head

The stack of platters form a hard disk. There is one head per platter side i.e. two head per platter. These heads do not touch
the platters during normal operation. If forceful contact with spinning platters is created that is forceful enough to do damage,
the event is called head crash. Dust and shock may cause head crash. Head crash could be catastrophic depending on
situationsdata loss, damage to heads, damage to surface of disk, etc.

During rest, the read-write head rests on the platters. It is during spinning that they should not touch.
Hard disk is also divided into tracks and sectors like floppy disk.

Fig 3 hard disk sectors and track

Most hard disk spin at 3,600 RPM-approximately 10 times faster than floppy disk. Some hard disks spin faster than this.
Spinning rate affects data transfer rate.

Types of Hard Disks

Based on the connectors used to connect hard disks to motherboard, there are three types of hard disks:
 SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
 SATA (Serial ATA)
 IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) or ATA or PATA(Parallel ATA)

1) IDE
It is also called ATA(AT Attachment). In IDE, the interface electronics or controller is built into the drive itself; why it is
called Integrated Drive Electronics. IDE is an evolutionary version of earlier interfaces that used separate drives and
controllers.

Today, IDE is used to connect not only hard disk, but also CD-ROM drives, tape drives, and high capacity super Disk floppy
drives.

2) SCSI
Stands for "Small Computer System Interface," and is pronounced "scuzzy." SCSI is a computer interface used primarily for
high-speed hard drives.

3) SATA
Serial ATA (SATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is a computer bus interface for connecting host bus adapters
to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives.

28
29
 Expansion Bus and Cards
The components inside the computer talk to each other using a path that carries data. Most internal components including the
processor, memory, expansion cards, storage devices, talk to each other over a bus. Bus is simply a channel over which
information flows between two or more devices. There are different types of bus:
-memory bus
-cache bus
-processor bus
-I/o bus(expansion bus)

Memory Bus
-used to connect chipset to RAM
-is second level bus

fig memory bus

Cache Bus
This is the bus that connects the processor (CPU) with the cache memory. It is also called Back Side Bus unlike Front Side
Bus. It is high level bus.

fig cache bus

Processor Bus
It is the highest level bus. It is used to send information to and from the processor.

Expansion Bus
Expansion bus provide connection between internally connected peripherals and system board(motherboard).

There are different types of I/O buses. These are:

-ISA(Industry standard architecture)
-EISA(Extended ISA)
-MCA(Micro Channel Architecture)
-PCI(Peripheral Component Interconnect)
-VESA(Video electronics Standard Association)
-USB(Universal Serial Bus)

Most modern PCs all have basic peripheral devices built into the motherboard. Still, we want to add additional devices to our
PC like sound card, network card, modem, video adapter, SCSI card, etc. These cards are installed on expansion buses on the
motherboard.

i) ISA
ISA stands for Industry Standard Architecture. It was introduced in 1981 with the IBM PC. There are two types of ISA bus:
30
-8 bit ISA bus
-16 bit ISA bus

8 bit ISA Bus:

-provides eight data lines
-runs at 4.77 MHZ
-introduced with the first IBM PC

16 bit ISA Bus:

-provides 16 bit data bus
-runs at 8MHZ(8.33 MHZ)
-introduced by IBM in 1984

fig ISA bus layout

ISA bus is black in color.

In general, ISA buses have problems:
-slow in terms of speed
-configuration of cards is difficult-setting IRQ and other resources
-No intelligence like plug and play-manual set up, not automatic

ii) MCA
-was introduced by IBM in 1986. The aim was to replace the ISA bus with something bigger and better.
-32 bits wide
-it is proprietary
-It offers several significant improvement over ISA
-It is intelligent and self configuring(plug and play)
-supports speeds of up to 10.33MHZ
-incompatible with ISA. This affected its acceptance in the market

fig MCA channel lay out

iii) EISA
-stands for extended ISA. It was introduced by Compaq as a response to the introduction of MCA by IBM- because of the
proprietary nature of MCA. It was introduced in 1988-89.
-provides 32 bit bus width and 8.33MHZ speed
-It is intelligent and self configuring
-It is compatible with ISA and it is non proprietary. You can install ISA card on EISA bus(compatible).

fig EISA bus

iv) Local Buses

The I/O buses discussed so far are relatively slow in speed. As the need better speed GUI operating system and graphics
applications arises, the need for better speed bus was unquestionable.
To solve the problem of speed, engineers developed the local bus. Local bus connects special peripherals to the system board
through expansion slot and enable the peripherals to work at the speed close to the microprocessor.

31
The major local buses are:
-VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association)
-PCI(Peripheral Component Interconnect)
-AGP(Advanced Graphics Port)

1) VESA
-introduced in 1992 by a group called VESA
-it was introduced to improve video performance. It was developed for video adapters(cards).
-It moves data 32 bits at a time, 33 MHZ speed
-It worked best in 486 processors. It is obsolete today.

2) PCI
-introduced in 1992 by Intel. It has the same goals as VESA, solving speed bottlenecks. It is the most popular today.

It has a lot of benefits:

-high performance (the highest performance I/O bus)
-low cost
-automatic configuration (plug and play)
-it runs at the speed of 33MHZ. Its advantage over VESA lies in the chipset that controls it. It has a special chipset in the
circuitry that is designed to control it.
-it supports a wide variety of cards compared to VLB(VESA). It supports video cards, SCSI adapters, high speed network
cards, etc. Hard disk drives are also connected to PCI bus on the motherboard.
-PCI slots are white in color.

3) AGP
-created by Intel as new bus specifically for high performance graphics and video support.
-It is based on PCI but contains a number of improvement over PCI. It is brown in color.
-was developed in response to greater and greater performance requirements for video.
-runs at speed of 66MHZ (double that of PCI) base clock rate
-AGP will allow the speed of video card to pace the requirements of high speed 3D graphics rendering and full motion video
on the screen.

4) USB
-stands for Universal Serial Bus
-used to connect external peripheral devices like keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, etc.
-You can connect any device to USB port and it supports it.

Configuring Expansion Cards

External and internal computer hardware such as disk drives, monitors, and internet lines can be connected to computer
motherboard by using expansion cards. The most common cards connected to expansion slots include:
-Network Interface Card(NIC)-for network
-Internal modem-for dial up internet
-Graphics card- for video display(monitor control)
-TV card- to display TV on computer
-Sound Card-for sound processing
-SCSI Card-connect devices to computer
All cards installed in the expansion slots need three things to function properly:
-I/O address (Input Output Address)
-IRQ (Interrupt Request)
-DMA (Direct Memory Access)

I/O Address
Bus system establish a connection between CPU and expansion devices(cards). They provide a path for flow of data. But the
CPU has to know which device is sending data and which device should receive data. This is done using I/O address.
I/O address is a unique ID given to devices for identification purpose. Everything in computer, hardware or software, requires
a unique name and address for the CPU to be able to identify what is going on.
The CPU must identify the device before any data is placed on the bus. CPU uses two wires(bus wires) to notify the devices
that the address bus is not being used to specify memory address, but rather to read or write to a particular device:
-Input/Output Read(IOR)
-Input/Output Write(IOW)

32
Though address bus has more than 20 wires(20 bits), when IOW or IOR has voltage, only 16 wires (16 bits) are relevant
(monitored). These 16 wires are used to send the ID of the device that is involved in the communication. These wires carry
I/O addresses of a device in another word.
-no two devices can have the same I/O address
-I/O addresses are written in the form of hexadecimal number
-I/O address is written in capital letters(case sensitive
-0 is the first number in I/O addresses and it is ignored(you don’t have to write it)
On AT motherboard, the following input output addresses are available:
-220h-26Fh
-320h-32Fh

You can use these addresses for configuring expansion cards.

Configuration:
-using jumpers
-using switches
-using BIOS

IRQ(Interrupt Request)
The CPU does a lot of activities like running application programs, running the operating system, etc. It has no time to give
full attention to devices all the time. So when a device needs CPU attention, it sends a request to the CPU. Then the CPU
stops what it does and pays attention to
Every CPU has a wire called interrupt(INT). If voltage is applied to this wire, the CPU interrupts what it is doing and attends
to the device. E.g. mouse click causes interruption of what CPU does and listen to it. But CPU has only one INT wire, but it
handles many peripheral devices. A CPU is helped by a chipset to identify which device is interrupting. This chipset is called
8259 chip. Every device that needs to interrupt CPU is provided with a wire called IRQ.

Fig interrupt number

The process of interrupt is:

1) Device applies voltage to 8259 chip through IRQ wire
2) 8259 informs the CPU that interrupt is pending through INT wire.
3) CPU uses wire called INTA to signal 8259 chip to send the I/O address of the device. This enables
the CPU know what device wants to talk to him.
4) the CPU runs BIOS related to the device

8088-one 8259 chip

80286-two 8259 chip

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Fig Cascading 8259 chips

The cascading removes IRQ 2. IRQ 9 is directed to the old IRQ 2 wire. Because of this IRQ 2 and IRQ 9 are the same.
IRQs 2/9, 10, 11, and 12 are available for you to use for configuration. The rest are preoccupied though some of them can still
be used. IRQs 3, 4, 5, 7, and 15 could be changed and used for other devices listed above.

IRQ 3- COM2, COM4

IRQ 4-COM1, COM3
IRQ5-LPT2
IRQ 7-LPT1
IRQ 15-secondary IDE
-no two devices can have the same IRQ like I/O address. To avoid conflict, document the IRQs you set for each device you
install. This works for I/O address also.
Configuration:
-using jumpers
-using switches
-using BIOs

Direct Memory Access(DMA)

CPU has to move a lot of data using considerable CPU time and power for what is a simple task. This is wastage of CPU
resource. To reduce this wastage, a chip called DMA was installed to work with CPU. The purpose of this chip is to move
data. It handles data movement from peripherals to RAM and from RAM to peripherals. It is numbered as 8237 chip.

Not all devices use DMA. The following devices use DMA:
-few SCSI controllers
-Sound Cards
-Network Cards
-Some CD-ROM drives
No two devices can use the same DMA channel. DMA conflicts cause problem in the PC.
DMA Channel Function
0 available
1 available
2 Floppy disk controller
3 ECP parallel/available
4 First DMA controller
5 second sound card
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 6 SCSI/available
7 available

Configuration:
-use jumpers
-use switches
-use BIOS

To install any non-plug and play card:

-first read device manual
-assign unique DMA, I/O address, and IRQ
-document these configurations for future use
To install plug and play card:
-install the device(insert it into the motherboard)
-turn on the PC and use it

COM and LPT Ports

Serial and parallel devices have preset combinations of IRQ and I/O addresses. The preset combinations are called ports. The
purpose of port is to make installation easier. Devices like external modems, printers do not require IRQ or I/O addresses.

Port I/O address IRQ

COM1 3F8 4
COM2 2F8 3
COM3 3E8 4
COM 4 2E8 3
LPT1 378 7
LPT2 278 5

I/O Connector
Modern PC uses input and output ports to connect external devices to motherboard. The most common input output ports are:
-Serial port
-Parallel port
-USB(Universal Serial Bus)

Serial Port
Serial ports transfer data one bit at a time. Data communication is done serially, not parallel. Each character that is sent over a
serial connection is framed by start-and-stop signal. This way of communication is called asynchronous because
synchronization between the two communicating devices is not needed. Serial ports could use synchronous way of
communication as well.

What devices are connected to serial port? A lot of devices could be connected to serial port:
-modem
-barcode reader
-plotter
-mouse
-keyboard
-older type of printers
-computer
In serial ports, the communication is two-ways: from pc to the device and from device to PC.
There are different types of serial ports:
-Enhanced serial ports(ESP)
-Super high speed serial ports(SHSSP)
Most motherboards have at least one serial port. Serial port 1 is called COM1. If there are more than one serial ports, they are
named as COM1, COM2, etc.

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Serial Port Configuration
When you install devices on ports, you do not have to set IRQ, I/O address and DMA channel. This has been set already for
ports during manufacturing. Serial ports use the following resources:
COM X I/O Ports IRQ
COM1 3F8-3FFh IRQ4
COM2 2F8-2FFh IRQ3
COM3 3E8-3EFh IRQ4
COM4 2E8-2EFh IRQ3
Types of Serial Ports
There are many serial port connectors:
-DB9
-DB15
-DB25

Parallel Port
Parallel ports are used to connect printers to PC in early days. Now parallel ports have become much more than that and used
as more general purpose, relatively high speed interface between devices. Data is sent/transmitted eight lines at a time (a byte
at a time). The data transfer rate is high because of parallel transmission. Parallel port transfer data only in one direction in
early days i.e. from computer to the device though this is not the case today.

Some of the devices that could be connected include:

-Printer
-CD-ROM drives
-ZIP drives
-Scanner
Remark: Parallel port is used to connect printers. But it is not used exclusively for printers. Other devices can also be
connected to parallel port as listed above.

Parallel ports are named as LPT1, LPT2 which means Line Printer Terminal. There are different types of parallel ports:
-unidirectional(standard parallel port)
-bidirectional
-Enhanced parallel port (EPP)
-Type 1(standard)
-Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP)

Fig parallel port

Unidirectional
In unidirectional parallel ports, data is transmitted only in one direction-from computer to the device. The device do not send
feedback to the computer. But it is sometimes necessary to get feedback from devices to the computer.

Bidirectional
IBM introduced bidirectional parallel port in 1987. This type of port allows true communication i.e. the port allows printers to
send information to computer unlike unidirectional port. The printer tells the computer the following:
-out of paper
-paper jam
-out of ink, etc

EPP
The Enhanced Parallel Port outperforms the standard parallel port. But it is compatible with standard port. Originally EPP is
used primarily by peripherals other than printers like CD-ROM, hard disk drives, network adapters because they require
constant two way communication with the PC.
36
-It offers high speed two way data transfers
-It handles hand shaking and synchronization between devices

ECP
-Like EPP, ECP offers improved performance for parallel port
- released in 1992
-developed by Hewlett Packard and Microsoft
-It is designed for high performance parallel communication for operation that involve moving large chunks of data but no
monitoring like scanners, CD-ROM drives.

There are different types of parallel connectors:

-DB 25
-DB36
The ports have male and female specification. Male connectors have pins most of the time. The part of cable that fits into
computer side port is male. The part of computer where we insert cable is female port. The male is inserted into female and
connection is created.

DB25: It has 25 pins on the cable side and a place where it fits on the motherboard.

DB36:

Parallel Port configuration

Configuration is not needed for parallel port devices because this has been done during manufacturing. The resources used by
parallel port devices:
Standard I/O port IRQ
LPT1 378-37Ah IRQ7
LPT2 278-27Ah IRQ5

USB
Universal Serial Bus is an external bus standard designed to bring plug and play to attach external devices to PC. It can help
to connect external devices without the need to configure the device by installing on expansion card. This makes the
configuration of new devices easier.

Fig USB logo

USB allows upto 127 devices to run simultaneously (at the same time). Intel has been the primary proponent of USB. USB
transfers data both synchronously and asynchronously:
-1.5MPS for devices such as mouse and keyboard
-12MPS transfer rate for high-bandwidth devices such as modem, speaker, scanner, and monitors. You can connect USB
devices while the computer is running while unlike other ports.

Input Devices
Keyboard and mouse are the most commonly used type of input device. Modern mouse and keyboard use USB port which is
easy to use for external devices. But before the introduction of USB, they use their own port or serial port.

Keyboard
There are different layout of character on the keyboard. Based on this, keyboards are divided into:
-101 key enhanced Keyboard
-104 key windows keyboard
-83 key PC and XT keyboard(obsolete)
-84 key AT keyboard(obsolete)
The connectors used for keyboard can be
-5 pin DIN connector
-6 pin Mini-DIN connector
-USB
-COM1/COM2

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PS/2 Connectors: a dedicated keyboard port.

Mouse
Mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbert in 1964. Since then it passed through many modifications. Today, mouse is one of
the most commonly used input device. Mouse can be connected to the motherboard through one of the following:
-serial interface
-dedicated motherboard port(PS/2)
-Bus card interface
-USB port

Serial Interface:
Older PCs use serial port to connect mouse to the motherboard. The connector on the other end of cable is either 9 pin or 15
pin male connector. The mouse could be connected in COM1 or COM2.

Fig Ps/2 Mouse ports

Dedicated Mouse Port(PS/2):

Most computer today come with a dedicated mouse port built into the motherboard. This dedicated interface is called
PS/2mouse interface. It was introduced in 1987 by IBM.

Bus Card Interface:

Assume your mouse port has malfunctioned and you do not have any free COM port. What do you do? In such cases, you can
install a mouse interface card on expansion slot and connect your mouse to the card.
Disadvantage:
-it occupies a slot that could have been used for other peripherals
-difficult to find such mouse or card in the market

BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It is the lowest level software that acts between the hardware and
software(operating system). Your Pc can be described as series of layers that interface with each other.

Fig layers of computer

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When you power on your PC, electricity flows into the pc and it wakes up. First, the power good wire wakes up the CPU. The
CPU then starts a set of essential programs called the Basic Input/Output Services (BIOS). Every modern PC has a special
read-only memory (ROM) chip on the motherboard that stores the System BIOS.

When your Pc is turned on, BIOS is loaded into memory. After loaded, the BIOS performs series of tests called POST. POST
means Power On Self Test. During this stage, BIOS checks the functioning/presence of hardware resources. Based on tests,
BIOS gives error messages or beeps. If there is non-functional device is found or if device is missing.

The beep codes for each PC vary according to the BIOS manufacturer, although you’ll find certain codes on most PCs. A
single beep at boot up signals all is well and the system is ready to load the operating system. A long, repeating beep often
signals a problem with RAM. A series of beeps one long and three short usually point t a problem with the video card or
connection.

The BIOS is computer system could be:

-motherboard ROM
-adapter card ROM
-device driver

BIOS performs the following four functions:

i)POST (power on self test): The POST tests your computer’s processor, memory, chipset, video
adapter, disk controllers, disk drives, keyboard, and other crucial components.

ii) Setup: System configuration and setup program. This is usually a menu-driven program activated
by pressing a special key during the POST, which allows you to configure the motherboard
and chipset settings along with the date and time, passwords, disk drives, and other
basic system settings. You also can control the power-management settings and boot-drive
sequence from the BIOS Setup. Some older 286 and 386 systems did not have the Setup
program in ROM and required that you boot from a special setup disk.

iii) Bootstrap loader: a routine that reads the disk drives looking for a valid master boot sector. If
one meeting certain minimum criteria (ending in the signature bytes 55AAh) is found, the
code within is executed. This master boot sector program then continues the boot process
by loading an operating system boot sector, which then loads the operating system core
files.

iv) BIOS (basic input/output system): this refers to the collection of actual drivers used to act as a
basic interface between the operating system and your hardware when the system is booted
and running. When running DOS or Windows in safe mode, you are running almost solely
on ROM-based BIOS drivers because none are loaded from disk.

The Booting Process

Booting is the process of starting a computer. When you turn on the computer, it passes through many steps before becoming
ready for use. All these processes are performed one after the other. This process is termed as booting(boot process). Most
computers execute what is found in the ROM/ROM. But operating systems are stored on hard disk. Who loads the OS from
hard disk? This is what happens during starting your computer.
1) Electric power is turned on
2) The CPU starts executing ROM BIOS
3) The BIOS performs tests to verify basic system functionality. This test is called POST. Any error during this stage is
reported using “beep” sound because video is not initialized yet.
4) Any new device is installed and configured if they are plug and play compliant.
5) The BIOS performs Video ROM scan. BIOS looks for video adapter BIOS found in video adapters. If successful, video is
initialized.
6) The ROM searches for boot records at cylinder 0, head 0, sector1. The BIOS loads Master Boot Record form the specified
location. MBR is part of the OS that loads the OS. The MBR in turn loads the OS.

CMOS
CMOS is a memory area with battery backup used to store system configuration settings. The CMOS chip retains
configuration information such as the date and time, and specifics about components common to all PCs, such as serial and
parallel ports, keyboard settings, and more.

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40
Hardware trouble

Should equipment fail to turn on, be recognized by your system, or function properly, follow these steps to address some of
the most common hardware issues:

1. Determine that equipment has been assembled correctly, by consulting your product manual or referencing the
manufacturer's website.
2. Confirm that your device is securely plugged in and receiving power. For equipment that relies on an A/C (wall outlet
plug) power adapter, you can double-check that the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in another device and
observing if it starts up or begins charging.
3. Check to see whether equipment is properly connected to your PC by making sure all cables are securely plugged into
the correct ports.
4. Verify that hardware is turned on.
5. Look for error messages displayed on either the equipment itself (commonly found on a small LCD screen) or on
your desktop. Solutions for many of these can be found in your product manual or by checking this comprehensive
database.
6. Install or reinstall drivers for the. Windows automatically searches for drivers when new devices are connected and
notifies you of any available updates. It may be necessary to manually install them yourself, if these files are
contained directly on the device, on a CD/DVD sold with the equipment, or on the manufacturer's website. To
activate setup, just double-click on the driver installation program.
7. Confirm that you're using the latest drivers for your hardware. Manufacturers routinely issue patches to correct errors
and inconsistencies that users encounter. To do so, simply use Windows Update, visit the Microsoft Download
Center, or check the Download or Support section of the manufacturer's website.
8. Reboot your system and test the device again.

Troubleshooting requires an organized and logical approach to problems with computers and other components.

The troubleshooting process consists of the following steps:

Step 1. Gather data from the customer.

Step 2. Verify the obvious.

Step 3. Try quick or less intensive solutions first.
Step 4. Gather data from the computer.
Step 5. Evaluate the problem and implement the solution.
Step 6. Close with the customer.

Explain the Purpose of Data Protection

Before you begin troubleshooting problems, always follow the necessary precautions to protect data on a computer.

A backup is a copy of the data on a computer hard drive that is saved to media such as a
CD, DVD, or tape drive. In an organization, backups are routinely done on a daily, weekly,
and monthly basis.

Gather Data from the Customer

During the troubleshooting process, gather as much information from the customer as possible. The customer will
provide you with the basic facts about the problem. Here is a list of some of the important information to gather from the
customer:
■ Customer information
■ Computer configuration
■ Manufacturer and model

41
■ Operating system information
■ Network environment
■ Connection type
■ Description of problem
■ Open-ended questions
■ Closed-ended questions

When you are talking to the customer, you should follow these guidelines:

■ Ask direct questions to gather information.

■ Do not use industry jargon when talking to customers. (special words or expressions used by a
profession or group that are difficult for others to understand).
■ Do not talk down to the customer.
■ Do not insult the customer.
■ Do not accuse the customer of causing the problem.
When gathering information from customers, use both open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Start with open-ended questions to obtain general information.
Open-ended questions allow customers to explain the details of the problem in their own words.
Some examples of open-ended questions are
■ What problems are you experiencing with your computer or network?
■ What software has been installed on your computer recently?
■ What were you doing when the problem was identified?
■ What hardware changes have recently been made to your computer?
Based on the information from the customer, you can proceed with closed-ended questions.
Closed-ended questions generally require a yes or no answer. These questions are intended
to get the most relevant information in the shortest time possible.
Some examples of closed ended questions are
■ Has anyone else used your computer recently?
■ Can you reproduce the problem?
■ Have you changed your password recently?
■ Have you received any error messages on your computer?
■ Are you currently logged in to the network?
The information obtained from the customer should be documented in the work order and
in the repair journal

Verify the Obvious Issues

The second step in the troubleshooting process is to verify the obvious issues.
start with the obvious issues before moving to more complex diagnoses.
Verify the following obvious issues:
■ Loose external cable connections.
■ Incorrect boot order in BIOS.
■ Non-bootable disk in floppy drive.
■ Power switch for an outlet is turned off.
■ Surge protector is turned off.
42
■ Device is powered off.
If you find an obvious issue that fixes the problem, you can go to the last step and close
with the customer. These steps are simply a guideline to help you solve problems in an effi-
cient manner. If the problem is not resolved when you verify the obvious issues, you will
need to continue with the troubleshooting process.

Try Quick Solutions First

The next step in the troubleshooting process is to try quick solutions first. Document each solution that you
try.
Some common quick solutions include
■ Check that all cables are connected to the proper ports.
■ Remove and reconnect cables.
■ Reboot the computer or network device.
■ Log in as a different user.
■ Check computer for the latest OS patches and updates.
If a quick solution does not resolve the problem, document your results and try the next
most likely solution. Continue this process until you have solved the problem or have tried
all the quick solutions. Document the resolution for future reference.

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Gather Data from the Computer
The next step in the troubleshooting process is to gather data from the computer. You have
tried all the quick solutions, but the problem is still not resolved. It is now time to verify the
customer’s description of the problem by gathering data from the computer.
To help gather information from the computer, you will need to be aware of some of the
most common utilities or features of a computer.
These utilities or features include the Event Viewer, Device Manager, BIOS information and beep codes,
and various diagnostic tools.

Event Viewer
When system, user, or software errors occur on a computer, the Event Viewer is updated
with information about the errors. The Event Viewer application, shown in Figure records the following
information about the problem:
■ The problem that occurred
■ The date and time of the problem
■ The severity of the problem
■ The source of the problem
■ Event ID number
■ The user who was logged in when the problem occurred

Figure Event Viewer

44
Although this utility lists details about the error, you might still need to research the
solution.

Device Manager
The Device Manager, shown in Figure 4-2, displays all the devices that are configured on a
computer. Any device that the operating system determines to be acting incorrectly will be
flagged with an error icon. This type of error is denoted as a yellow circle with an exclama-
tion point (!). If a device is disabled, it will be flagged with a red circle and an X.

Figure 4-2 Device Manager

Beep Codes
Each BIOS manufacturer has a unique beep sequence for hardware failures. When troubleshooting,
power on the computer and then listen. As the system proceeds through the power-on self test (POST),
most computers will emit one beep to indicate that the system is booting properly. If there is an error,
you might hear multiple beeps. Document the beep code sequence, and research the code to determine
the specific hardware failure.

BIOS Information
If the computer boots and stops after the POST, you should investigate the BIOS settings to
determine where to find the problem.

45
46
Diagnostic Tools
There are many programs available that can help you troubleshoot hardware. Often, manufacturers of
system hardware provide their own diagnostic tools. A hard drive manufacturer, for example, might
provide a tool that can be used to boot the computer and diagnose problems with the hard drive when it
will not start Windows.

Evaluate the Problem and Implement the Solution

The next step in the troubleshooting process is to evaluate the problem and implement the solution.
When researching possible solutions for a problem, use the following sources of information:
■ Your own problem-solving experience
■ Other technicians
■ Internet search
■ Newsgroups
■ Manufacturer FAQs
■ Computer manuals
■ Device manuals
■ Online forums
■ Technical websites
 Divide larger problems into smaller problems that you can analyze and solve individually.
 You should prioritize solutions, starting with the easiest and fastest to implement.
 Create a list of possible solutions and implement them one at a time.
 If you implement a possible solution and it does not work, reverse the solution and try another.

Close with the Customer

After the repairs to the computer have been completed, finish the troubleshooting process
by closing with the customer.
Communicate the problem and the solution to the customer verbally and in all documentation.
The steps to be taken when you have finished a repair and are closing with the customer include
■ Discuss the solution implemented with the customer.
■ Have the customer verify that the problem has been solved.
■ Provide the customer with all paperwork.

47
 ■ Document the steps taken to solve the problem in the work order and in the
technician’s journal.
■ Document any components used in the repair.
■ Document the amount of time spent to resolve the problem.
Verify the solution with the customer. If the customer is available, demonstrate how the
solution has corrected the computer problem. Have the customer test the solution and try
to reproduce the problem. When the customer can verify that the problem has been
resolved,
you can complete the documentation for the repair in the work order and in your journal.
The documentation should include the following information:
■ The description of the problem
■ The steps to resolve the problem
■ The components used in the repair

B Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer
components

Assess a problem systematically and divide large problems into smaller components to be analyzed
individually
You can usually divide common PC problems into four categories hardware, software, user and
environment. Each of these problem areas can be broken down further.
Hardware

 Failure - One or more components fail inside the computer.

 Compatibility - A component is not compatible with another component.
 Configuration - The hardware has not been installed or configured properly.

Software

 Configuration - Software (Operating System or Application Software) is not installed or

configured properly.
 Failure - Software glitch. (This can range from corrupted data to a flaw in the programming)
 Compatibility - Software may not be compatible with some hardware or other software.

Environment

 The location of the computer and its environment (temperature, air flow, dust, electromagnetic
interference ect).

User Error

48
  User hits the wrong keys. (sometimes as simple as the user hitting the zero (0) key rather than the
letter O)
 Is not familiar with the computer
 Is not familiar with the software.

Before replacing any components, you should do the following:

 Confirm that all cables and connectors are connected properly and securely
 Verify CMOS setup programs
 Update the BIOS
 Verify that all drivers are installed properly and that you have loaded the newest drivers
 Look for updated device drivers

After you fixed the problem, you should always thoroughly test the computer before returning it to the
customer or client. This will make sure that the problem did go away and that you did not cause another
problem when fixing the first problem.
> Apply basic troubleshooting techniques to check for problems with components:
Use Windows XP Help and Support
If running Windows XP, there's a simple system health monitoring tool available. The tool can be found
in the Help and Support Center.
To monitor system health using Help and Support

1. Log on as a local administrator on your computer, click Start, and then click Help and Support.
2. Under the Pick a task, click Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose
problems.
3. In the Task pane, click My Computer Information, and then click View the status of my system
hardware and software.

49
You can check what programs and hardware are installed on this computer, the amount of memory
available, or review diagnostic information about the health of the computer system.

> Motherboard Troubleshooting

The PC will not power on:

 Double check the power cable connection from the power supply to your AC power source.

50
  Ensure you are using the proper power supply.
 Ensure that the power supply connections to the motherboard are secure.
 Check for external power switch on back of power supply, Ensure it is turned ON.
 Remove and re-insert the processor, memory, and any add-in cards to make sure they are fully
seated.
 Remove any non-essential hardware components and boot the system.
 Disconnect all power and remove the CMOS battery. Wait 10 minutes, then re-install the battery,
reconnect power, and boot the system.

You get a beep code and no video during boot:

Click here for more on Beep Codes

 A sequence of short beeps after turning the power on may indicate that there was a problem
during DDR SDRAM memory device detection.
 Check to ensure system memory is properly installed, and ensure the DDR SDRAM DIMMs you
are using meet the specifications.

Processor heat sink fan will not turn:

 Connect the processor's fan heat sink cable to the processor fan connector labeled CPU FAN.
 Ensure that the power supply cable with the 4-pin connector is plugged into the 12 V processor
core voltage connector located near the processor socket on the desktop board.

Floppy drive or CD-ROM not detected during boot:

 If you make any hardware changes related to drives, such as adding/removing hard drives, floppy
drives or CD-ROMs, the specified boot order may change.
 Additionally, after you upgrade to a new BIOS or if you set the BIOS to factory defaults, your
floppy drive or CD-ROM may not be detected in the desired boot order.
 Enter the BIOS Setup program and re-specify the boot order.

> Power Supply Troubleshooting

Besides supplying the power to the PC components, the power supply also provides the power-good
signal. During boot up, the processor tells the computer to constantly reset. As soon as the power supply
performs a self-test, testing if all voltage and current levels are acceptable, the power supply will send a
power good signal (+5 volts) to the microprocessor. When the power good signal is sent, the computer

51
will finish the boot process. If the power supply detects a short or overload, the power supply will stop
sending the power good signal and the system will reboot.
Use a voltmeter to verify that each output from the power supply is correct. If any output is very low
(especially the +5 volt output), replace the power supply.

To check for shorts and overloads, you need to use isolation:

1. Take out all of the expansion cards except the video card.
2. Disconnect any drives except your floppy disk drive and your primary hard drive.
3. If the system powers on with the minimum devices, one of the components which you removed
or disconnected is causing a short or overload or all of the components together is too much for
the power supply.
4. To find out which one is causing the problem, put one expansion card or connect one drive at a
time and turn on the system to find out if that device causes the power supply to go into idle
mode.

If it still does not work after removing all of the extra devices, it could be the motherboard/RAM, video
card, floppy drive/hard drive controller card, floppy drive or the hard drive, which is causing the problem.
In this case, you must then replace one device at a time until you find out which one is causing the
problem.
ATX Troubleshooting Guide
From PC Power & Cooling (www.pcpower.com)
1. Unplug the drive power supply connectors.
2. Turn the computer on. If computer will not turn on proceed to step 3. If the computer does turn on,
one of the drives was connected incorrectly or shorted. Reconnect the drive connectors with proper
polarity.

52
3. Unplug the AC power cord from the power supply.
4. Unplug the power supply from all connections on the motherboard and all drives, except for one
hard drive.
5. Plug the AC power cord into the power supply. Have the AC power coming directly from a wall
outlet with no UPS, surge protector, or line conditioner in between.
6. Short between the green and black wires on the 20 or 24-pin connector, with a paper clip or piece of
wire (see diagram below).

7. See if the power supply fan is running. If so, your power supply is probably good.
8. Plug components back in - one at a time - to see what component is causing the short.

Motherboard and CPU problems.

A Problem with your pc motherboard or the CPU can result in a totally dead computer. If the
motherboard or the CPU are not functioning then the computer will not start. Most technicians will
not even attempt to repair a faulty motherboard, as you would have to trouble shoot individual
microchips, and soldering joints. This is typically avoided as it takes so long, and you can buy both
the motherboard, and the CPU, can be replaced cheaply. Your CPU can be damaged from overheating
if the cooling fan stops or gets jammed due to excessive dust and dirt. If your CPU has failed
immediately after installation, then the most probable cause is that the CPU has not been installed
correctly. After the installation, make sure that your CPU is inserted correctly in its socket and that
the cooling fan is working too. You might need to remove the CPU to check that its pins are not bent
or broken. This will only be the cause if someone has tried to fix or install their own CPU that doesn't
have much experience. Since most motherboards also have a temperature control, which means they
will shut down when the cpu reaches a certain temperature, you will sometimes find that the fan will
start to go round again with a simple hoover out of the dust that has gathered in the fan.

Power supply problems.

If a power supply is broken, the computer will not respond when you press the power button. If the
power supply fans are stuck or have stopped working completely, the power supply will suddenly
shut down or restart the pc during normal operation. The best thing to do with a broken power supply
is just to replace it.

Memory problems.

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If you have a problem with your memory modules (RAM) they can be identified from the slowness of
your pc, and also from the sometimes blue screen of death, if you are using windows. When one of
the memory modules has failed, the computer performance will go down significantly. On most of
today's computers there is an automatic self check done at the PC startup. However, don't just assume
you have a memory problem if your pc runs slow. Check how much memory your pc has, and how
much is being shown on startup, and how much is recognized by the operating system. If your still
sure it might be a memory module problem, then you can try swapping them around, and giving the
slots a cold air blast, to loosen up any dust that might have found its way into your PC.

Problems with display devices.

Display device problems can easily occur due to an incorrect configuration in your operating system,
or a loose connection of the video adapter, or even a failed monitor. I have seen many monitors that
have been thrown out on the street by people thinking that they don't work, and nearly everyone of
them when i looked at the adaptor, had a single bent pin, that could easily be bent back into the
correct position, and the monitor would work again. So its worth checking this. You might be able to
also check that the monitor plugs into the onboard video slot, or install a video card in your expansion
slots, and see if that port works too. Sometimes hardcore pc gamers have problems with their video
cards, and instead they replace the monitor instead of replacing the video card, which can sometimes
be broken due to overheating or a faulty on baord cooler.

Its a good idea to test the monitor on another pc, this will quickly help you to decide if its working
correctly. If it is working and you haven't been playing around with the display settings the night
before, then your display has probably just burnt out. This normally happens in older crt monitors, but
can happen occasionally in LCD.

Problems with input devices.

The common input devices for PC's are keyboards and the mouse. Many problems with the keyboard
are just caused due to dust and lunch time food that accumulates on and under the keys. You can try
to fix the problem by cleaning it with a special keyboard cleaning product, or if its a certain key, you
can try gently popping it out and taking a look. If that does not help solve the problem, just replace
the keyboard. Mouse problems can also happen due to a dirty environment. If you notice that the
pointer is jumping around the screen, you may either try to clean the mouse or replace it. If you have
an old ball roller mouse, get rid of it, and get a laser mouse. This can be cleaned by just giving the
laser slot a hard blow, and a little wipe.

Hard disk problems.

A working hard disk will make a smooth sound that comes from its internal spinning. Problems with
your hard disks can be due to a faulty adapter card, a failed hard disk, or an incorrect or loose
connection to the hard disk.

This is quickly one of the most easiest parts to figure out the problem. If your PC doesn't even boot
up the windows or the operating system that you have. Then you have a big problem. Especially if it
was working. You should however get some sort of error message on startup that tells you that the
hard disk either cannot be recognized, or that there is no actual hard drive there.

If the screen shows its not there, then check all the plugs carefully, and try swapping one of the power
leads around. You will also need to make sure that the right settings are on the pins of the hard drive

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to set it to slave or master, if the hard drive has just been installed. If you've already been using the
PC and you find you have a problem, its usually that there has been a problem with the file system.

This means that you will have to wipe the hard drive clean, and lose your data. However if you have
important data on your hard drive, then don't just jump in to do this. Make it a last resort. You can
sometimes install a new hard drive, and then reconnect the one that wasn't working via an external
drive to see what the problem is. Sometimes i have found doing this, and then running a scan disk or a
defrag on the hard disk gets it back in full working order again. Your pc hard drive contains file
system maps to all the locations of your files, and if some of the important maps to main system files
get damaged then this causes the problems.

If the hard drive is defiantly goosed, you will find it either makes no noise, or it makes a strange
clicking or jumping noise. This means you need to buy a new one, and you will have great difficulty
recovering any data, although it can be done with the right tools.

CD/DVD problems.

Most problems with CD and DVD drives are related to the media that you put in the drive. Always
make sure that you try a few different types of disks, including an original music cd to check if its
working. There can also be problems with a newly installed disks which are caused by the incorrect
jumper settings on the back of the drive. You can also have incorrect connections, so you need to
make sure that your drive is actually recognized by the startup of the PC. Check that any children
haven’t tried to make toast inside the drive also.

Adapter card problems.

Most new motherboards have a built-in interface card for many functions that used to come from
separate cards. Some of the common adapters include the network card, and the sound card, and the
video card. If these are not working, you need to do a visual check first. Make sure that the card is
slotted properly in the expansion slot. If there is a network or internet problem, check that the
network cable is securely attached into the RJ-45 socket on the card and that the LED status
indicators are flashing.

Problems during the POST

Problems that occur during the POST are usually caused by incorrect hardware configuration or
installation.
Actual hardware failure is a far less-frequent cause. If you have a POST error, check the
following:
 Are all cables correctly connected and secured?
 Are the configuration settings correct in Setup for the devices you have installed? In particular,
ensure the processor, memory, and hard drive settings are correct.
 Are all drivers properly installed?
 Are switches and jumpers on the baseboard correct, if changed from the default settings?
 Are all resource settings on add-in boards and peripheral devices set so that no conflicts exist—
for example, two add-in boards sharing the same interrupt?
 Is the power supply set to the proper input voltage (110/220v)?
 Are adapter boards and disk drives installed correctly?
 Is a keyboard attached?
 Is a bootable hard disk (properly partitioned and formatted) installed?
 Does the BIOS support the drive you have installed, and if so, are the parameters entered

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 correctly?
 Is a bootable floppy disk installed in drive A:?
 Are all memory SIMMs or DIMMs installed correctly? Try reseating them.
 Is the operating system properly installed?
The following are some common of beep codes during POST
Click here for more POST Beep Codes
Beeps Meaning

Steady, short beep Power supply may be bad

Long continuous beep

Power supply bad or not plugged into motherboard correctly
tone

Steady, long beeps Power supply bad

No beep Power supply bad, system not plugged in, or power not turned on

If everything seems to be functioning correctly there may be a problem with the

No beep
'beeper' itself.

One long, two short

Video card failure
beeps

Hardware Problems After Booting

If problems occur after the system has been running, and without having made any hardware or software
changes, a hardware fault possibly has occurred. Here is a list of items to check in that case:
 Try reinstalling the software that has crashed or refuses to run.
 Try clearing CMOS RAM and running Setup.
 Check for loose cables, a marginal power supply, or other random component failures.
 A transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout might have occurred. Symptoms of
voltage
 spikes include a flickering video display, unexpected system reboots, and the system not
 responding to user commands. Reload the software and try again.
 Try reseating the memory modules (SIMMs, DIMMs, or RIMMs).
Problems Running Software
Problems running application software (especially new software) are usually caused by or related to
the software itself, or are due to the fact that the software is incompatible with the system. Here is a
list of items to check in that case:
 Does the system meet the minimum hardware requirements for the software? Check the
software
 documentation to be sure.
 Check to see that the software is correctly installed. Reinstall if necessary.
 Check to see that the latest drivers are installed.
 Scan the system for viruses using the latest antivirus software.

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Software errors

If programs refuse to install, won't appear on your desktop, can't seem to run without freezing, don't load
at a decent speed or function properly, or Internet access is unavailable, here's how to troubleshoot:

General issues

1. Confirm that your PC meets the software's minimum system requirements. If it doesn't, you'll be
unable to run the program without upgrading your computer's hardware. Note that PCs which
barely meet or just slightly exceed these minimums may run the software more slowly and can be
less reliable.
2. Check for compatibility.
3. Close open programs and windows that you're not currently using. These can eat up system
memory and processing power, slowing your PC or preventing additional software from running.
Try running the program again.
4. Check available hard drive space. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of your hard drive's total storage
allotment should be left free to ensure optimum system performance in, prevent crashes, and keep
Windows running at top speed.
5. Uninstall or delete unwanted programs to cut down on clutter and remove any drain on your
system's resources.
6. Disable programs you don't use to by preventing them from automatically loading when
Windows starts.
7. Defragment your hard to improve performance.
8. Scan for viruses and spyware. Windows Defender in can help detect and prevent threats, along
with preventing annoying pop-up notices and unauthorized home network intrusions.
9. Reboot your computer and try loading the program again. If it still won't load or work correctly,
you may need to uninstall the software and then reinstall it from scratch and reboot again.
10. Problems with hardware components of your PC can be resolved only when they are first
correctly identified. If a problem can't be identified, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to
solve it. You have to systematically go through each of the symptoms matching them with the
relevant possible causes, and eliminating them one by one. I will tell you now from lots of
experience that anyone who consistently just jumps at random possible solutions, will find
troubleshooting difficult. You have to use a step by step method of reducing all the problems until
you find the real solution. You might think this will take longer, but if you do it quick, then you
can really build up your knowledge of pc hardware troubleshooting quickly.

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 Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is used to reduce the probability of hardware or software problems
by systematically and periodically checking hardware and software to ensure proper operation.

 Refers to performing proactive maintenance in order to prevent system problems.

 Is one of the most ignored aspects of PC ownership.
A properly administered preventive maintenance program pays for itself by reducing problem

behavior, data loss, and component failure and by ensuring a long life for your system.

Advantages of preventive maintenance

 Saves Money.
 Saves Time.
 Helps Safeguard Your Data.
 Improves system Performance.
 Reduce computer down time.
 Reduce repair costs.
 Reduce loss of worker productivity..
 Increases data protection
 Extends the life of the components
 Increases equipment stability
 Reduces the number of equipment failures

 The two types of preventive maintenance procedures are active and passive.
1) Passive preventive maintenance
precautionary steps you can take to protect a system from the environment, such as using power-
protection devices; ensuring a clean, temperature-controlled environment; and preventing excessive
vibration. In other words, passive preventive maintenance means treating your system well and with
care.

2) active preventive maintenance

An active preventive maintenance program includes procedures that promote a longer, trouble-free
life for your PC. This type of preventive maintenance primarily involves the periodic cleaning of the
system and its components, as well as performing backups, antivirus and antispyware scans, and other
software-related procedures.

Active Preventive Maintenance Procedures

How often you should perform active preventive maintenance procedures depends on the system's
environment and the quality of the system's components.

The following is a sample weekly disk maintenance checklist:

 Back up any data or important files.

 Run a full system antivirus and antispyware scan. Run the Windows Disk Cleanup tool,
which searches the system for files you can safely delete, such as
 Files in the Recycle Bin

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  Temporary Internet files
 Windows temporary files
 Install programs for previously downloaded and installed programs
 System restore points except the most recent restore point
 Optional Windows components you are not using
 Installed programs you no longer use
 Finally, run a disk-defragmenting program.

Passive Preventive Maintenance Procedures

 Passive preventive maintenance involves taking care of the system by providing the best possible
environment both physical and electrical for the system.
 Physical concerns are conditions such as ambient temperature, thermal stress from power cycling,
dust and smoke contamination, and disturbances such as shock and vibration.
 Electrical concerns are items such as ESD, power-line noise, and radio-frequency interference.

Preventive maintenance Outside the Box

 Before you get started cleaning, check around your PC for anything nearby that could raise its
temperature (such as a heating duct or sunshine coming through a window). Also clear away
anything that might fall on it or make it dirty, such as a bookcase or houseplants.
 Always turn off and unplug the system before you clean any of its components. Never apply any
liquid directly to a component. Spray or pour the liquid on a lint-free cloth, and wipe the PC with
the cloth.
 Clean the case: Wipe the case and clear its ventilation ports of any obstructions. Compressed air
is great for this, but don't blow dust into the PC or its optical and floppy drives. Keep all cables
firmly attached to their connectors on the case.
 Maintain your mechanical mouse: When a non optical mouse gets dirty, the pointer moves
erratically. Unscrew the ring on the bottom of the unit and remove the ball. Then scrape the
accumulated gunk off the two plastic rollers that are set 90 degrees apart inside the ball's housing.
 Keep a neat keyboard: Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it to clear the crumbs from
between the keys. If that doesn't suffice, blast it (briefly) with compressed air. If your keys stick
or your keyboard is really dirty, pry the keys off for easier cleaning. Computer shops have special
tools for removing keys, but you can also pop them off by using two pencils with broken tips as
jumbo tweezers--just be sure to use a soft touch.
 Make your monitor sparkle: Wipe the monitor case and clear its vents of obstructions, without
pushing dust into the unit. Clean the screen with a standard glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. If
your monitor has a degauss button (look for a small magnet icon), push it to clear magnetic
interference. Many LCDs can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol; check with your LCD
manufacturer. Wipe your LCD lightly: The underlying glass is fragile.
 Check your power protection: Reseat the cables plugged into your surge protector. Check the
unit's warning indicator, if it has one. Surge protectors may power your PC even after being
compromised by a voltage spike (making your system susceptible to a second spike). If your
power protector doesn't have a warning indicator and your area suffers frequent power outages,
replace it with one that has such an indicator and is UL 1449 certified.
 Swipe your CD and DVD media: Gently wipe each disc with a moistened, soft cloth. Use a
motion that starts at the center of the disc and then moves outward toward the edge. Never wipe a
disc in a circular motion.

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Preventive maintenance Inside the Box
Before cracking open the case, turn off the power and unplug your PC. Ground yourself before you touch
anything inside to avoid destroying your circuitry with a static charge.

 Avoid touching any circuit-board surfaces.

 Pay close attention to the power-supply fan, as well as to the case and to CPU fans, if you have
them.
 Spray these components with a blast of compressed air to loosen dust; but to remove the dust
rather than rearrange it, you should use a small vacuum like the Belkin MiniVak.
 If your PC is more than four years old, or if the expansion cards plugged into its motherboard are
exceptionally dirty, remove each card, clean its contacts with isopropyl alcohol, and reseat it. If
your system is less than a couple years old.
 just make sure each card is firmly seated by pressing gently downward on its top edge while not
touching its face.
 check your power connectors, EIDE connectors, and other internal cables for a snug fit.
 While you have the case open, familiarize yourself with the CMOS battery on the motherboard

Using Disk Defragmenter won't defragment the file on your hard drive that holds overflow data from
system memory (also known as the swap file). Since the swap file is frequently accessed, defragmenting
it can give your PC more pep.

 In Windows XP, right-click My Computer and choose Properties.

 Click Advanced, and then choose the Settings button under Performance.
 Click Advanced again and the Change button under Virtual Memory.
 Select another drive or partition, set your swap file size, and click OK.
 Visit "Hardware Tips: Jog Your Memory for Faster PC Performance" for instructions on moving
your swap file in other versions of Windows. If you have only one partition and no way to create
a second one, and you have at least 256MB of RAM, disable the swap file rather than moving it:
Select No paging file in the Virtual Memory settings (see FIGURE 3

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FIGURE : Reset your swap file by temporarily disabling its Windows setting.

If you have trouble booting, start Windows in Safe Mode and re-enable this option.

 Hard-Drive Checkup
Windows XP offers a rudimentary evaluation of your hard disk's health with its error-checking utility:
Right-click the drive's icon in Windows Explorer.
Select Properties, Tools, Check Now. (Windows can fix errors and recover bad sectors automatically
if you wish.) If the check discovers a few file errors, don't worry, but if it comes up with hundreds of
errors, the drive could be in trouble.

Verify that installed software is current.

 Follow the policies of the organization when installing security updates, operating system
updates, and program updates.
Many organizations do not allow updates until extensive testing has been completed.

■ Review security updates

■ Review software updates

■ Review driver updates

■ Update virus definition files

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 ■ Scan for viruses and spyware
■ Remove unwanted programs
■ Scan hard drives for errors
■ Defragment hard drives
 Be proactive in computer equipment maintenance and data protection.
By performing regular maintenance routines, you can reduce potential hardware and software
problems. Doing this will reduce computer downtime and repair costs.
A preventive maintenance plan is developed based on the needs of the equipment.
 A computer exposed to a dusty environment, such as a construction site, will need more attention
than equipment in an office environment.
 High-traffic networks, such as a school network, can require additional scanning and removal of
malicious software or unwanted files.

Cleaning the computer and its components

Introduction

Cleaning your computer and your computer components and peripherals helps keep the components and
computer in good working condition and helps keep the computers from spreading germs.

To the right is an example image of how dirty the inside of your computer case can get. This example is a
dirty computer case fan.

Depending on the environment that your computer operates in determines how often you should clean
your computer case.

The below list is a recommendation and may change depending upon your computer's environment.

How often should I clean my computer?

The frequency of how often you should clean your computer varies on several different factors. Check
each of the boxes below that apply to your computers environment to determine how often it should be
cleaned.

Where is computer located?

In a home environment

In a clean office environment

In construction / industry environment

In school environment

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 Computer environment

Have cat / dog in same building as computer

Smoke in same building as computer

Smoke next to computer

Computer is on floor

Room that the computer is in has carpet

Eat or drink by computer

Who uses it?

Adult (18 and older)

Young adults (ages 10-18) use computer

Pre-teen (younger than 10) use computer

More than one person uses computer

General cleaning Tips

Below is a listing of general tips that should be taken when cleaning any of the components or peripherals
of a computer as well as tips to help keep a computer clean.

1. Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the
liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
2. You can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around the computer on the outside case.
However, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static
electricity that can damage the internal components of your computer.
3. When cleaning a component or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
4. Be careful when using any cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to
chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use
water or a highly diluted solvent.
5. Never eat or drink around the computer.
6. Limit smoking around the computer.

Cleaning tools

 Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a component; although paper towels can
be used with most hardware, we recommend using a cloth when ever possible.
 Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol.
Other solvents may be bad for the plastics used with your computer.

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  Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles, and other particles out of a
computer can be one of the best methods of cleaning a computer.
 Cotton swabs - Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools for
wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard, mouse, and other locations.

Case cleaning

Why? Keeps the appearance of the computer looking new. During cleaning, if ventilation locations are
found, these can be cleaned helping the case keep a steady airflow to the computer, keeping components
cool and in good working condition.

Procedure: The plastic case that houses the PC components can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth that has
been slightly dampened with water. For stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth.

Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint free by rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents. It is
also helpful to take a vacuum around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the computer.

CD-ROM, DVD, and other disc drive cleaning

Why? A dirty CD-ROM drive or other disc drives can cause read errors when reading discs. These read
errors could cause software installation issues or issues while running the program.

Procedure: To clean the CD-ROM drive we recommend purchasing a CD-ROM cleaner from your local
retailer such as a local Radio Shack. Using a CD-ROM cleaner should sufficiently clean the CD-ROM
laser from dust, dirt, and hair.

In addition to cleaning the drive with a special disc designed to clean drives users can also use a cloth
dampened with water to clean the tray that ejects from the drive. Make sure however that after the tray
has been cleaned that it completely dry before putting the tray back into the drive.

CD and DVD disc cleaning

Why? Dirty CDs can cause read errors or cause CDs to not work at all.

Procedure: Cleaning CDs and DVDs should be done with a cleaning kit but can also be done with a
normal clean cotton cloth or shirt. When doing this with a clean cotton cloth or shirt, wipe against the
tracks, starting from the middle of the CD or DVD and wiping towards the outer side as shown in the
below picture. Never wipe with the tracks; doing so may put more scratches on the disc.

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It is recommended when cleaning a CD that water is used. However, if the substance on a CD cannot be
removed using water, pure alcohol can also be used.

Hard disk drive cleaning

Why? While hard drives cannot be cleaned physically, they can be cleaned with various utilities on the
computer to help it run fast and more efficiently. Utilizing these utilities will prevent the hard drive from
slowing down.

Procedure: Refer to the basic troubleshooting section for your operating system for steps that can be
done to help improve the performance of your computer.

Headphones cleaning

Why? Headphones that are used by multiple people may need to be cleaned frequently to help prevent the
spreading of germs and head lice.

Procedure: If the headphones being used are plastic or vinyl, moisten a cloth with warm water and rub
the head and earpieces of the headphones. As mentioned earlier in our cleaning tips, it is recommended
that if your headphones are being used for a library or school that you do not use any disinfectant or
cleaning solvent as users may have allergic reactions to the chemicals they contain.

Headphones that have cushions also have the availability of having the cushions replaced. Replacing
these cushions can also help keep the headphones clean.

Finally, in regards to headphones and the spreading of head lice, if multiple students are using your
headphones, you should consider having the students use their own headphones, using bags that are
placed over the headphones, or having headphones that can be wiped with warm water after each student
has used the headphones.

Keyboard cleaning

The below steps are for cleaning a standard desktop keyboard. See the cleaning a laptop keyboard page
for steps if you have a laptop.

Dust, dirt, and bacteria

The computer keyboard is often the most germ infected items in your home or office, often it will contain
more bacteria than your toilet seat.

Cleaning it can help remove any dangerous bacteria. Dirt, dust and hair can also build up causing the
keyboard to not function properly.

Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard first turn off the computer or if you're using a USB keyboard
unplug it.

A vacuum cleaner can also be used, but make sure the keyboard doesn't have loose "pop off" keys that
could possibly be sucked up by the vacuum.

65
After the dust, dirt, and hair has been removed. Spray a disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths
and rub each of the keys on the keyboard.

LCD cleaning

Why? Dirt, dust, and finger prints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.

Procedure: Unlike a computer monitor, the LCD / flat-panel display is not made of glass, therefore
requires special cleaning procedures.

When cleaning the LCD screen it is important to remember to not spray any liquids onto the LCD
directly, press gently while cleaning, and do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to become
scratched.

To clean the LCD screen we recommend that you use a non-rugged microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth, or
Swiffer duster. If a dry cloth does not completely clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to the
cloth and wipe the screen with the damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is used to clean the LCD before it leaves
the factory.

Monitor cleaning

This section is for computer monitors if you have a LCD or flat-panel see the LCD cleaning section.

Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.

Procedure: The glass monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner*.

Be sure to remove power from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint free-cloth so the fluid doesn't
leak into the electrical components inside the monitor.

Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the monitor, and make sure no books or papers have been
placed on the air vents.

Obstructed monitor vents can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch on fire.

Use a cloth dampened with water when cleaning monitor on a screen that is not made of glass or has
any anti-glare protection on the screen. Using ordinary household glass cleaner on special screens,
especially cleaners with ammonia can remove anti-glare protection or other special surfaces.

Motherboard cleaning

Why? Dust and especially particles of cigarette smoke can build up and corrode circuitry causing various
problems such as computer lockups

When inside the computer take the necessary ESD precautions and try to avoid unplugging any cables
or other connections.

Procedure: when cleaning the motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair is to use compressed air.

66
When using compressed air, hold it in the up-right position; otherwise, it is possible chemicals may come
out of the container that could damage or corrode the Motherboard or other component within the
computer..

When cleaning the inside of the case also look at any fans or heat sinks. Dust, dirt, and hair collects
around these components the most.

Mouse cleaning

Why? A dirty optical-mechanical mouse (mouse with a ball) can cause the mouse to be difficult to move
as well as cause strange mouse movement.

Procedure: To clean the rollers of an optical-mechanical mouse, you must first remove the bottom cover
of the mouse.

Once the cover has rotated about an inch, rotate the mouse Once the bottom cover and the ball are
removed, you should be able to see three rollers located within the mouse. Use a cotton swab, finger, or
fingernail to remove any substance. Usually, there will be a small line of hair and dirt in the middle of the
roller, remove as much as this substance as possible.

Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help improve a computer's mouse movement.

Why? To help keep a mouse clean and germ free it can be helpful to clean the mouse.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm water and rub the surface of the mouse
and each of its buttons.

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Printer cleaning

Why? Cleaning the outside of a printer can help keep the printer's appearance looking good; and in the
case of a printer that is used by many different people, keep the printer clean of germs.

Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the printer before cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or
rubbing alcohol and wipe the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As mentioned earlier,
never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.

Why? With some printers it may be necessary to clean the inside of the printer to help keep the printer
running smoothly.

Procedure: Because of how many different printers there are, steps in cleaning printers, and printer
manufacturer policies on cleaning the inside of the printer, we recommend you obtain the printer cleaning
steps from your printer manufacturer.

Scanner cleaning

Why? Flatbed scanners commonly become dirty with dust, fingerprints, and hair. When a scanner is
dirty, the images may have distortions. 

Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by spraying a window cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton
cloth and wipe the glass until clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid directly onto the
component.

To clean the outside of the scanner, the same towel or cotton cloth can be used.

Floppy drive cleaning

Why? Dirty read/write heads on the floppy drive can cause errors during the reading or writing process.

Procedures: The floppy drive can be cleaned two different ways. The first method of cleaning a floppy
drive, and our recommended method, is to purchase a kit at your local retail store designed to clean the
read/write heads on your floppy drive.

Computer Preventive Maintenance Schedule

With proper maintenance you can avoid trouble and keep your computer running at peek efficiency. The
basic steps are:

 Keep your operating system up-to-date with all the latest security releases.
 Run an anti-virus program regularly to keep your computer bug free.
 Run system utilities regularly to make sure your hardware is operating correctly.

This is a schedule you can use as a guide.

Daily Weekly Monthly Annually

Delete Temp Internet Files X

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Delete Temp Windows Files X
Run Virus Scan X
Windows Update X
Run Spybot X
Run Ad-Aware X
Check for Updates to Java X
Run Disk Cleanup X
Run Scan Disk/Check Disk X
Run Disk Defragmenter X
Check for Updates to Adobe Reader X
Clean Computer, Mouse, Keyboard & Monitor X

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Preventive Maintenance

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 Basics of Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance is a regular and systematic inspection, cleaning, and replacement of worn
parts, materials, and systems.
 Preventive maintenance helps to prevent failure of parts, materials, and systems
by ensuring that they are in good working order.
Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to locating the cause of a fault in a computer
system.
 A good preventive maintenance program helps minimize failures.
 Troubleshooting is a learned skill. Not all troubleshooting processes are the same, and
technicians tend to refine their troubleshooting skills based on knowledge and personal
experience. Use the guidelines in this chapter as a starting point to help develop your
troubleshooting skills.

Check Your Understanding

1. What is the purpose of a heat sink installed on a processor?

A. To set the processor voltage B. To cool the processor
C. To set the processor speed D. To ground the processor
2. POST stands for:
    A. positive operating system test C. power on self test
     B. particle of static transfer     D. printer online static test

3. A technician is installing a new power supply in a computer. Which type of power connector should
be used to connect to an ATX motherboard?
A. Berg B. Mini-Molex C. Molex D. 20-pin connector
4. A technician is installing a new power supply in a computer. Which type of power connector should
be used to connect to a CD-ROM?
A. Berg B. Mini-Molex C. Molex D. 20-pin ATX connector

5. ESD can be harmful to which of the following?

A. People B. Expansion cards C. The computer’s power supply D. The environment

6. When a technician installs a new CPU, what will help maintain even contact and heat
distribution between the CPU and heat sink?
A. Silicon spray B. Graphite paste C. Glue D. Thermal compound

7. A document was created in a word processing application but will not print properly. After

ensuring that the printer has power and a proper connection to the computer, what is the next

thing you should do?

A. Use the same application to access the scanner. B. Reload the printer’s device driver.

C. Try to print from another application. D. Reinstall the word processor.

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8. When installing a CPU in a ZIF socket, how should the technician align the pins to
avoid damage?
A. Pin 1 is always aligned with the corner opposite the base of the lever.
B. Pin 1 on the CPU is aligned with Pin 1 on the ZIF socket.
C. Pin 1 is aligned with the corner closest to the memory.
D. The removed corner of the CPU is always aligned with the corner opposite Pin 1.
10. A technician is installing additional memory in a computer. How can the technician
guarantee that the memory is correctly aligned?
A. The label on the memory module should always face the CPU.
B. A notch in the memory module should be aligned with a notch in the memory slot.
C. The arrows on the memory module should be aligned with the arrows on the motherboard slot.
D. All memory and motherboard slots are color-coded, with one red end and one blue end.

11. When mounting a motherboard in a computer case, what does the technician use to prevent the
motherboard from touching the bottom of the case?
A. Standoffs B. Ground-fault isolators C. Silicon spray D. Grounding straps
12. When installing adapter cards in a computer, how should a technician properly secure
the card?
A. Install the card, and attach it to the expansion slot using thermal paste.
B. Install the card, and attach it to the motherboard using thermal pads.
C. Install the card, and secure it using metal retaining clips located on the expansion slot.
D. Install the card, and secure it to the case with a screw.
13. When you turn on your computer, you notice that the fan is not spinning as quickly as usual.

What is the first thing you should do?

A. Replace the fan. B. Use compressed air to clean the fan.

C. Replace the power supply. D. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the fan.

14. Which of the following common tasks are performed during preventive maintenance?
(Choose three.)
A. Check and secure loose cables. B. Update the RAM.
C. Clean the mouse and keyboard. D. Update drivers.
E. Reinstall the operating system. F. Install additional peripherals.

15. In which of the following situations is it recommended to ask the customer to sign a
liability release form before attempting any kind of repair? (Choose two.)
A. The technician needs to share the responsibility with the customer.
B. The information on the computer is critical.
C. The technician is unable to back up the customer information.
D. The information in the backup is confidential.
E. The customer is unable to provide a backup.

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17. What is the first step in the troubleshooting process?
A. Gather data from the computer. B. Gather data from the customer.
C. Verify the obvious issues. D. Evaluate the problem and implement the solution.
E. Close with the customer.
F. Try quick solutions.
18. Which type of question allows the customer to completely describe the problem?
A. Closed-ended B. Open-ended C. Specific D. Technical

19. What is the last step in the troubleshooting process?

A. Gather data from the computer. B. Gather data from the customer.
C. Verify the obvious issues. D. Evaluate the problem and implement the solution.
E. Close with the customer. F. Try quick solutions.
20. Electrical devices used to limit the flow of electricity are known as:

A. Ohms B. Transistors C. Watts D. Resistors

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