Computer System Servicing

Chapter I
 Contents

•What is a Computer •Computer Output

•Computer Hardware Devices
•Examples of Computer •General Understanding
Hardware of how your compute
•Computer Software works
•Computer Input Devices •Basic Computer Terms
and Definitions
 Definition of Computer

A device that computes, especially a programmable electronic

machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical
operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise
processes information.

Computers Have Two Main Parts

1. Computer Hardware
2. Computer Software
 What is Computer Hardware
 Computer Hardware is the physical part of the
computer system, the machinery and equipment.
 Parts of the computer “you can see”

Computer Software
 Computer Software are programs that tell the
computer what to do
Examples: Microsoft Word-word processing program
Microsoft PowerPoint-presentation program
Microsoft Excel-work book program used to track, calculate, and
analyze numeric data
 Computer Input Devices

Computer Devices that input information in the

computer
Examples:
•Key Board
•Mouse
•Scanner
•Digital Camera
 Computer Output Devices

Computer Devices that output information from

the computer
Examples:
•Monitor
•Printer
General Understanding of how your computer works

•Overview
To understand anything it helps to break it down into
it's basic components. Then you need to know how
each component works. Finally you look at how all the
components work together to achieve the desired end
product or result.
•Motherboard
It is the main circuit board inside the CPU case. It holds
the microprocessor, memory and other crucial circuits
and components that control the operation of the
Personal Computer. Every device inside or connected
to a Personal Computer finds it's way to this board
General Understanding of how your computer works
Memory
Memory is volatile which means that when your PC is
turned off the contents of memory are lost. It is
completely blank and must reloaded each time the PC is
powered up
Storage
Storage is non-volatile which means it retains information
even when it is powered off. It stores programs which run
the PC as well as data, which is a digital form of
everything you use like documents, music, pictures, etc
Input Devices
The keyboard and mouse are the main input devices you
use to control your PC.
General Understanding of how your computer works

Output Devices
When you send inputs into the PC, it processes them
and produces useful output for you. The primary output
devices are the video display, printer and speakers
Software
Some people want to use the power of their computer
to create works of art, others want to create music, or
play games, surf the web, or play the stock market.
Whatever you want to do with your computer, software
is the key to doing it
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions

CPU: This computer component has several names: Central Processing

Unit, microprocessor or processor. This unit is the brain of the computer
processes and executes instructions in a software program. The CPU’s
primary functions include retrieving instructions from the computer’s
memory, including random access memory, comprehending and
executing instructions, and directing the input and output activity of the
computer.   

Desktop: The first screen that you see when any Windows operating
system screen is up and running. One of the main purposes of the
Desktop is to make it easier to access different application programs, files
and documents.
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions

File: Unit for storing information that may include a word-processing

document, a spreadsheet, a picture, a graphic, musical piece, or even
part of an application program. Examples of "files" include text files
which could be a letter or report and graphic files which could be a
picture. Each file has a name because the data or information created in a
software program is saved with a file name.

Folder:  Method for organizing files that is related by topic, by purpose, by

type, by program, or even by a project that you are working on. NOTE:
When an application program is loaded onto your computer, it will group
similar applications in a folder. As you add or create files, you can
organize them however you want.
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions

Hyperlink: Allows you to move from one web page document to another. 
It can be text which is usually underlined or a graphic.  When you move
your mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse cursor usually becomes a hand
which indicates a hyperlink is present.  Once you click on the link, you
move to another web page document or to another place on the same
web page.

Icon: A small picture that represents processing options such as

programs, documents, and shortcuts.  When you click on the icon, the file
or program will open.  The most easily recognized icon is the Recycle Bin
which is the graphic below.
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions

Input: Commonly known as data and refers to numbers, letters, words,

images, video, music and even sounds. Other computer input includes
commands and user response. A command directs the computer to
execute tasks or perform certain activities. One example of a command
is a command buttons OK, Cancel and Help seen on the Shut Down
Windows dialog box.

 Internet:  A world wide network that connects millions of computers to

share and exchange data, news, opinions, and research results.  The
Internet is not the same as the World Wide Web  (WWW).  The World
Wide Web is a service that is provided on the Internet
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions

Keyboard: The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter letters,
numbers and symbols into your computer. The keyboard keys include the
alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers), numeric keypad, special
function keys, mouse cursor moving keys, and status lights.

Files and Folders: Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing

cabinet folder, whereas a computer file is similar to the pieces of paper
that are placed in the folders.

Hard Copy: Usually refers to a printout on paper.

Graphic User Interface (GUI): Combines text and graphics to make

software easier to use. Graphical User Interface features include icons,
windows, menus, and buttons
 Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
Hard Drive:  The purpose of the hard drive is to store information.  This
device that allows the computer to permanently retain and store data like
the operating system, programs and information data.  The hard
drive holds more data than a diskette and accesses information faster
than on diskettes.  Storage refers to the capability of storing things, and
as for the computer, it is information.
Hardware: Refers to any component of the computer system that you can
like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, computer unit, scanner,
speakers and even the components inside of the computer unit if you
opened the box up. 
Operating System: Software that acts as an interface between you, the
application software (like word processing or accessing the Internet), and
the computer components. This includes interpreting and carrying out
basic instructions that operate a computer like recognizing information
from the keyboard and mouse, sending information to the monitor, printer,
or speakers and scanners, storing information to the hard drive and
removable drives. Common operating systems include Windows XP,
Windows 2000, Windows ME, and MAC OS.
1. What is Computer Hardware?
2. What is Computer Software?
3. How can Computer Software help your business?
4. What are Computer Input devices?
5. What are Computer Output devices?
6. Differentiate Computer specification from system
requirements
7. Can Internet help advertise your business?
8. What is Motherboard
9. Give at least 5 examples of computer softwares?
Computer System Servicing
Chapter II
 Mother Board

Mother Board:   is the heart of the computer; it is

the docking space for most of the components of
your computer, and it allows all the parts of your
computer to receive power and to communicate
with one another. Todays mother boards come
with built in features like sound cards and USB
and network outlets. Once you've selected your
CPU you will select a board that fits that CPU
Mother Board
 Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU):   is the "brain" of your

computer. It is that portion of a computer that controls
and performs the execution of instructions and
manages the flow of information through a computer
system. CPUs are rated by their speed, the newest
rated in gigahertz (GHz, 109, or 1 billion cycles per
second). For most office functions, speeds above 1
GHz are more than sufficient. The only real choices
for Central Processing Units (CPUs) are those
manufactured by AMD and Intel.
Central Processing Unit
 Hard Disk Drive(s):

Hard Drive(s):   is where the

computer stores your data. If you
install 2 hard drives, one to control
the “operating system” (OS), and
the second dedicated to data
storage, you may never lose data
after a “crash” again, especially if
you do periodic backups of your
data.
 System Memory (RAM)

System Memory (RAM):   is the

place where the computer holds
current programs and data that
are in current use
 Video Card

Video Card:   graphics card is an

“expansion card” that contains the
circuitry necessary to create a video
signal that can be processed by your
computer monitor. Remember that
every image you are looking at is
actually made up of zillions of tiny
dots called “pixils”. High-end video
cards have dedicated memory to
represent 3-D imaging more quickly
and accurately.
 Sound Card

Sound Card:   Mother boards

typically come with sound
circuitry already built in, so an
upgrade is not required. If you
want surround sound for your
DVDs and CDs, or 3-D sound for
games, or the ability to mix your
own Midis and music, an add-on
soundcard may be just the thing
for you
 Computer Case

Computer Case:   holds all parts

of the computer. You select a
box suitable to hold the mother
board you have selected. On the
front you see expansion bays for
CD-RWs and DVDs, and on the
back look for at least 5
expansion slots for adding things
like modems, firewire ports, and
extra USB ports
 Power Supply

Power Supply:   distributes

electricity from the wall outlet to
the mother board and case fans
via the wiring and sockets that
come with the unit. Although
many computer cases come with
existing power supplies, gamers
often upgrade to more reliable
high-end power supplies
 Modems

Modems:   connect your fax

software directly to phone lines.

This also used to be our primary
access to the internet, until DSL
became cost-effective and
widely distributed. A modem still
a necessary tool for any
business office that faxes
through the computer.
 Processor Cooling Fan
Processor Cooling Fan:   Keep your

hard-working processor running cool

with a fan/heatsink combination
designed especially for your CPU.
The heatsink features ultra-thin fins
and an extra-large heat-spreader to
efficiently direct heat away from your
CPU's sensitive die area. A high-
performance ball-bearing fan blows
cool(er) air down onto the heatsink
and out over your motherboard for
extra cooling
 Computer System Installation
Chapter III: Computer Assembly
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
1. Verify that you have all the parts to plan to
install.
•Motherboard •Floppy Drive
•Processors •CD ROM Drive
•RAM •Monitors, Mouse,
•Case and PowerSupply •Keyboard
•Video Card •Modem Card
•Hard Drive •Cables, Cord & Device
•Operating Systems Drives
 CPU Cooler Unit Case Exhaust Fan
40 pin IDE cable
Floppy
Drive
Cable
DIMMs
Serial ATA
Motherboard w/ CPU Installed Cable

Modem Card
Video card

CD RW Drive Hard drive

WinXp OS & device drivers Floppy drive

Ground bracelet
 General Steps in Assembling a PC

2. Prepare the
computer case
by installing the
case fan and I/O
shield, removing
the plates that
cover the drive
bays.
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
3. Install Drive

• Hard Drive Installation

• Floppy Drive Installation
• CD-RW Drive Installation
Hard Drive Installation
If you look at the rear side of an IDE hard drive it
should look similar to the image below.
 Hard Drive Installation
The IDE/ATA connector is on the left hand side which
consists of many pins. Next to the IDE connector is the
jumper setting for the drive. The jumper should be set to
Master, which is the default setting for a new HDD.

ATA Connector Power Cable

 Hard Drive Installation
Place your hard drive
into the HDD mounting
slot of your case, make
sure the IDE/ATA
connector is facing
outwards. Screw the
HDD to the case using
screws provided with the
HDD or the ATX case.
 Hard Drive Installation
Insert the ATA 66 cable into
the ATA connector of the
HDD. Make sure the pin 1 on
the cable is connected to pin
1 on the HDD connector. Pin
1 is the red or pink strip on
the edge of an ATA cable.
Most new IDE/ATA cables
are designed so that it will
only go in one way which will
correspond to pin 1.
Hard Drive Installation
Push the power cable into the power connector as
shown. The power cable is designed to go in one way,
so you shouldn't have any problems.
 Hard Drive Installation

Connect the other end

of the ATA 66 cable to
the primary ATA
socket of your
motherboard as
shown. Make sure the
pin 1 on the cable
connects to the pin 1
on the ATA socket.
Floppy Disk Drive Installation
The rear side of a floppy drive looks similar
to the following image
Floppy Disk Drive Installation
The black connector on the left hand side is the floppy disk
connector. It is different from the IDE connector and uses a
different cable. The small white connector on the right hand side
is the power connector for the floppy drive.

Floppy Drive Cable Floppy Drive Power Cable

Floppy Disk Drive Installation
Place the floppy drive into the FDD mounting slot as shown.
Screw the drive securely into place.
Floppy Disk Drive Installation
Insert the floppy drive cable into the floppy drive connector.
Make sure the pin 1 on the cable connects to the pin 1 on
the floppy drive connector. As you already know by now that
pin 1 is the red or pink strip on the edge of the floppy drive
cable. Most floppy drive cables are designed so that it will
only go in on way, so you can not connect it incorrectly.
Floppy Disk Drive Installation
Push the floppy drive power cable to the power
connector. This will only go in on way.

Finally connect the other

end of the floppy drive
cable to floppy drive
connector on your
motherboard. Make sure
pin 1 on the cable
connects to pin 1 on the
connector.
CD-ROM/DVD ROM Drive Installation
If you look at the rear side of your CD / DVD-
ROM it should look similar to image below
CD-ROM/DVD ROM Drive Installation
On the right hand side you
have the power connector.
Next to power connector
you have the IDE
connector. On the left
hand side near the IDE
connector you have the
jumper settings for the
DVD-ROM. The jumper is
set to Master by default.
CD-ROM/DVD ROM Drive Installation
Mount your CD/DVD-ROM drive into its mounting
slot. Use the supplied screws to screw the drive
into position.
 Hard Drive Installation
Connect the IDE cable to the drives IDE connector.
Make sure the pin 1 on the cable is connected to pin 1
on the drives IDE connector. Pin 1 is the red or pink
strip on the edge of an IDE cable. Connect the other
end of the IDE cable to the IDE socket on your
motherboard as shown in figure 4. Again, make sure
you conncet the cable to pin 1. The IDE socket could
be your primary or secondary socket depending which
socket you choose. If your HDD is on the primary IDE
socket and your secondary IDE socket is free, then it is
better to use your secondary IDE socket for the
CD/DVD-ROM.
CD-ROM/DVD ROM Drive Installation

Finally connect
the power cable
to power
connector and
connect the audio
cable to the CD
Audio-Out socket
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
4. Determine proper configuration settings for the
motherboard, and sent any jumpers or switches
on the motherboard.
 Audio Connector to
Auxilliary Power
CD Drive
Connector Power Connector for
CPU Fan

Extra USB
Connector

Serial ATA ATX Power Connector

IDE Connector for
Connector
CD ROM
for HDD

Grp Pin for LED Exhaust Fan Power

Connector Floppy Drive Connector
Connector
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
5. Install the CPU and the fan
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
6. Install RAM in the appropriate slots on the
motherboard.
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
7. Install the motherboard and attach cabling
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
8.Install the video card
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
9. Install the modem card (or, if external, skip
this step and install in step 12).
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
10. Plug the computer into a power source, and
attach the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
11. Boot the computer, check the CMOS settings,
and make sure that everything is configured and
working properly before replacing the computer
case.
 General Steps in Assembling a PC
12.Install the operating system, any additional
peripheral devices, such as modem card or
printer, and any application software, such as
Microsoft office.