The objective of this presentation is to enable primary users to maintain software and hardware parts of a computer. Further guides can be found from my face book page www.facebook.com/fita.ayalew or through my email address www.mengistuayalew@yahoo.com or by following on twitter @fita2004.
2. Objectives
Learn that a computer requires both hardware and software
to work
Learn about the many different hardware
Investigate components inside of and connected to a
computer
Study how to:-
Install new hardware and software
Diagnose hardware and software problems
Solve hardware and software problems
Evaluate new hardware and operating systems
By FITA AYALEW
3. INTRODUCTION
Hardware Needs Software to Work
• Hardware: physical portion of a computer
– Components: monitor, keyboard, memory, hard drive
• Software: instructions used to manipulate hardware
– Requirements: input, processing, storage, output
• All hardware operations are based on binary values
• Binary number system consists of two digits: 0 and 1
• Fundamental groupings of binary numbers:
– Bit: binary digit that can take on values of 0 or 1
– Nibble: four bits
– Byte: eight bits
By FITA AYALEW
4. Figure 1-1
All communication, storage,
and processing of data inside a computer
are in binary form until presented as output
to the user
By FITA AYALEW
5. PC Hardware Components
Most input/output (I/O) devices are external to case
Most processing and storage devices are internal
Central processing unit (CPU)
Also called the processor or microprocessor
Reads input, processes data, writes data to storage
Elements required by I/O and storage devices
A method for CPU to communicate with the device
Software to instruct and control the device
Electricity to power the device
By FITA AYALEW
6. Hardware Used for Input and Output
Connections to the case can be cabled or wireless
Port: access point located in back or front of case
Chief input devices:
Keyboard: enhanced type holds 104 keys
Mouse: pointing device used to select screen items
Chief output devices:
Monitor: visually displays primary output of computer
Printer: produces output on paper (hard copy)
By FITA AYALEW
7. Hardware Inside the Computer Case
Most storage and processing occurs in the case
Internal devices common to most computers:
Motherboard containing CPU, memory, other parts
Floppy drive, hard drive, CD drive for persistent storage
Power supply with power cords supplying electricity
Circuit boards for internal and external communication
Cables to connect devices to all circuit boards
By FITA AYALEW
9. The Motherboard
The largest and most important circuit board
Also known as the main board or system board
Contains the CPU, expansion slots, other devices
Categories used to group motherboard components
Processing, temporary storage, communication, power
All devices communicate with CPU on motherboard
A peripheral device links to motherboard via cable
Some motherboard ports outside of the case:
Keyboard, mouse, parallel, USB ports, sound ports
By FITA AYALEW
10. Figure 1-4
All hardware components are either located on the
motherboard or directly or indirectly connected to it because they
must all communicate with the CPU
By FITA AYALEW
11. Figure 1-5 A motherboard provides ports
for common I/O devices
By FITA AYALEW
12. The Processor and the Chipset
CPU: chip that performs most data processing
Chipset: group of microchips controlling data flow
Personal computer (PC): chief focus of this text
Major manufacturers of CPUs and chipsets for PCs
Intel Corporation, AMD, VIA, SiS, and Cyrix
By FITA AYALEW
13. Figure 1-6
This motherboard uses two chips in its chipset (notice the bus lines
coming from each chip used for communication)
By FITA AYALEW
14. Storage Devices
Primary storage (main memory):
Temporary storage used by the processor
Example: RAM (random access memory)
Secondary storage (permanent storage):
Enables data to persist after the machine is turned off
Examples: hard drive, CD, floppy disk
Analogy to primary-secondary memory relationship
Book stacks in a library are like permanent storage
Books can be moved to a desk (temporary storage)
By FITA AYALEW
15. Primary Storage
RAM (random access memory):
Device providing temporary storage
Located on motherboard and on other circuit boards
Three types of RAM boards (memory modules):
DIMM (dual inline memory module)
RIMM (Rambus inline memory module)
SIMM (single inline memory module)
RAM is volatile (data does not persist)
ROM (read-only memory) is nonvolatile
By FITA AYALEW
16. Figure 1-6
SIMM, DIMM, or RIMM holds RAM and
is mounted directly on a motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
17. Secondary Storage
Hard drive
Case containing disks that rotate at high speeds
An arm with a read/write head traverses the platter
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
Technology used internally by a hard drive
ATA (AT Attachment) standard
Specifies motherboard-hard drive interface
Types: Serial ATA or parallel ATA (Enhanced IDE)
Parallel ATA accommodates up to four IDE devices
By FITA AYALEW
18. Figure 1-7
Two IDE devices connected to a motherboard
using both IDE connections and two cable
By FITA AYALEW
19. Secondary Storage …(continued)
Serial ATA standard
Allows for more than four drives in a system
Applies only to hard drives and not to other drives
Some IDE devices: hard drives, Zip drives, CD drive
Floppy drive
3.5-inch disk holding 1.44 MB of data
Floppy drive connector is distinct from IDE connectors
CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) drive
Standard equipment for reading software distributions
By FITA AYALEW
20. Motherboard Components Used For
Communication Among Devices
Traces: circuits or paths that move data and power
Bus: system of pathways and transmission protocols
Data bus
Lines in a bus that carry the data
Binary bits correspond to voltage values of on or off
Data path sizes: 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 bits wide
Main bus on motherboard (system bus, memory bus)
Communicates with CPU, memory, and chipset
Pulse of system clock carried by line on motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
21. Motherboard Components Used For
Communication Among Devices
…(continued)
Devices work according to beats (or cycles)
Clock speed is measured in hertz (cycles/second)
One megahertz (MHz): one million cycles per second
One gigahertz (GHz): one billion cycles per second
Common ratings for motherboard buses
1066 MHz, 800 MHz, 533 MHz, or 400 MHz
Range of CPU speeds: 166 MHz to 4 GHz
Buses for expansion slots: PCI, AGP, ISA
By FITA AYALEW
22. Figure 1-8
PCI bus expansion slots are shorter than ISA slots and offset further; the one
AGP slot is set farther from the edge of the board
By FITA AYALEW
23. Interface (Expansion) Cards
Some names for circuits mounted in expansion slots:
Circuit cards, adapter boards, expansion cards, cards
Cards that connect the CPU to an external device:
Video: provides a port for the monitor
Sound: provides ports for speakers and microphones
Network: provides a port for a network cable
Modem: provides ports for phone lines
Determine a card’s function by identifying its port
By FITA AYALEW
24. Figure 1-9
This circuit board is a modem card and is mounted in a PCI slot on the
motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
25. The Electrical System
Power supply
Most important electrical component
Converts AC voltage external source to DC voltage
Reduces voltage from 110-220 volts to 12 volts or less
Runs a fan to cool the inside of the computer case
Temperatures > 185° F can cause component failure
Motherboard has 1 or 2 connections to power supply
By FITA AYALEW
26. Figure 1-10
The motherboard receives its power from the power supply by way of one or more
connections located near the edge of the board or near the processor
By FITA AYALEW
27. Instructions Stored on the
Motherboard and Other Boards
BIOS (basic input/output system)
Data and instructions stored on ROM chips
ROM BIOS chips are a type of firmware
Three purposes served by motherboard ROM BIOS:
System BIOS: used to manage simple devices
Startup BIOS: used to start the computer
CMOS setup: used to change motherboard settings
CMOS RAM: includes date, time, port configurations
Flash ROM: ROM chips that can be overwritten
By FITA AYALEW
28. Figure 1-11
This firmware chip contains flash ROM and CMOS RAM; CMOS RAM
is powered by the coin battery located near the chip
By FITA AYALEW
29. Plug and Play
Also known as PnP
Standard simplifying installation of hardware devices
PnP BIOS begins process of configuring devices
PnP-compliant operating system completes
configuration
ESCD (extended system configuration data) Plug and
Play BIOS
Enhanced version of PnP
Stores manual configuration steps
By FITA AYALEW
30. Summary
A computer comprises hardware and software
Main functions: input, output, processing, storage
Data is stored in a binary format (1 or 0, on or off)
Input/output devices: keyboard, mouse, printer, monitor
Motherboard (system board): contains the CPU, access to other circuit
boards and peripherals
Primary storage (RAM) is volatile (temporary)
Secondary storage is nonvolatile (permanent)
Parallel and serial ATA standards: enable secondary storage devices to
interface with the motherboard
Computer bus: system of communication pathways and protocols
ROM BIOS helps start PCs, manage simple devices, and change some
motherboard settings
By FITA AYALEW
32. Objectives
Learn about the various operating systems and the
differences between them
Learn how an OS interfaces with users, files and
folders, applications, and hardware
Learn about a few OS tools you can use to examine and
maintain a system
By FITA AYALEW
33. Operating Systems Past and Present
What an operating system (OS) does:
Manages hardware
Runs applications
Provides an interface for users
Retrieves and manipulates files
The OS can be analogized to a “middleman”
A computer needs only one operating system
Operating systems have evolved to a complex form
By FITA AYALEW
34. Figure 2-1
Users and applications depend on the OS: to relate to all applications and
hardware components
By FITA AYALEW
35. What an Operating System Does
Four functions common to all operating systems:
Providing a user interface
Managing files
Managing applications
Managing hardware
All OSs also have similar core components
By FITA AYALEW
36. Operating System Components
Components common to all OSs: shell and kernel
The shell exposes functions to users and applications
Example 1: enables user to select a CD
Example 2: enables application to print a document
The kernel (core) interacts with hardware devices
Example: passes a print request to a printer device
Registry database and initialization files
Used to store configuration information in Windows
By FITA AYALEW
37. Figure 2-2
Inside an operating system, different components perform various
functions
By FITA AYALEW
38. An OS Provides a User Interface
Sequence of events occurring after PC is turned on
The operating system is loaded
Running OS provides an interface (desktop)
OS awaits an event, such as a double-click
A user can initiate an event in several ways:
Click a menu item
Enter a command in Run dialog or command console
Double-click an icon
By FITA AYALEW
39. An OS Manages Files and Folders
File system: organizes files and folders
File systems used by Windows for hard drives:
File Allocation Table (FAT): tracks disk space usage
New Technology File System (NTFS): replacing FAT
Organization of a hard drive or floppy disk
Platter contains concentric tracks
Track contains 512 byte sectors
Cluster contains one or more sectors
Cluster is the smallest unit on disk for storing a file
By FITA AYALEW
40. An OS Manages Applications
The OS installs and runs all other PC software
Application: software providing services for users
Applications rely on the OS for support operations
Example: MS word relies on OS to manage memory
Applications are typically tailored to a single OS
Ensure that OS is suitable for a given application
By FITA AYALEW
41. An OS Manages Hardware
OS interacts with hardware using drivers or BIOS
Software falls into three categories:
Device drivers or the BIOS
Operating system
Application software
By FITA AYALEW
42. Summary
The OS manages system resources for users and Applications
DOS (disk operating system): early command driven OS
Modern OSs: Windows 2000/XP, Linux, Mac OS X
Operating systems are divided into a kernel and user shell
OS functions: providing a user interface, managing files,
managing applications, and managing hardware
By FITA AYALEW
44. Objectives
Learn about tools you’ll need as a PC support
technician
Learn how to develop a preventive maintenance plan
and what to include in it
Learn how to work inside a computer case
Learn how to approach and solve a PC problem
By FITA AYALEW
45. PC Support Technician Tools
Help you maintain a computer
Help you diagnose and repair computer problems
Criteria for choosing tools:
Level of PC support you expect to provide
Amount of money you can spend
Some essential tools:
Ground bracelet, ground mat, or ground gloves
Torx screwdriver set
Recovery CD, DVD, or floppy disk for target OS
Store tools in toolbox for PC troubleshooting
By FITA AYALEW
47. Recovery CDs
Used to boot a system
Also used to repair and reinstall Windows
Primary recovery CD sources
PC manufacturer (preferred)
Operating system distributor, such as Microsoft
Some hard drives have a hidden recovery partitions
A hidden partition can be used to reinstall Windows
A utility for creating recovery CDs may be provided
Access hidden utilities by pressing a Fn key at startup
By FITA AYALEW
48. Loop-Back Plugs
• Used to test various ports
– Some port types: serial, parallel, USB, network
• How to use a loop-back plug
– Plug in the loop-back plug
– Run the software that comes with the plug
By FITA AYALEW
49. Cleaning Pads and Solutions
Various types are designed for specific uses
Example: contact cleaner
Cleans contacts on expansion cards
Warning: solutions may be flammable and/or toxic
Sources of safety and emergency instructions:
Side of the can of solution
Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
Adhere to safety procedures of your employer
Example: fill out an accident report (if required)
By FITA AYALEW
50. Post Diagnostic Cards
Report computer errors and conflicts at POST
How to use a POST diagnostic card:
Install card in an expansion slot on the motherboard
Attempt to boot your system
Record any error codes appearing in LED panel
Look up the entry associated with the error code
Examples of Post diagnostic cards:
PCI Error Testing/Debug Card by Winic Corporation
POST card V3 by Unicore Software, Inc.
Post Code Master by MSD, Inc.
By FITA AYALEW
52. Personal Computer Preventive
Maintenance
Preventive maintenance reduces number of problems
Goals of preventive maintenance plans:
Prevent failures
Reduce repair costs
Reduce downtimes
Goal of disaster recovery plan: manage failures
Some causes of PC failure: heat, dust, spills, viruses
By FITA AYALEW
53. When a PC is your Permanent
Responsibility
Tasks and procedures to prepare for troubleshooting
Keep good backups of data and system files
Document all setup changes, problems, and solutions
Protect the system against viruses and other attacks
Always use a firewall (software or hardware barrier)
Install and run antivirus software
Keep Windows Updates current
Physically protect your equipment
By FITA AYALEW
54. Creating a Preventive Maintenance
Plan
Plan based on history or pattern of malfunctions
Example: PCs in dusty areas need more maintenance
Goals common to maintenance plans
Extend the working life of a PC
Anticipate problems that could disrupt service
Ensure data is secure and backed up
Provide support to PC users
Basic steps involved in designing a plan
Define your overall goals
Incorporate procedures for achieving goals
By FITA AYALEW
55. Dealing with Dust
Dust accumulates in layers over components
Two major problems due to dust blankets
PC components directly overheat
Cooling fans jam, also resulting in overheating
Maintenance task: remove the layer of dust
Two tools used to remove dust:
Antistatic vacuum
Compressed air
By FITA AYALEW
56. How to Work Inside a Computer Case
Objective: dismantle a computer, put it back together
Some safety precautions to follow:
Make notes that will help you backtrack
Keep screws and spacers orderly
Do not stack boards on top of each other
Do not touch the chips on circuit boards
Do not use a graphite pencil to change DIP settings
Turn off the power, unplug and ground the computer
Do not remove covers of monitors or power supplies
Keep components away from hair and clothing
By FITA AYALEW
57. Static Electricity
Build-up of charge due to absence of conductors
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Due to dissimilar electrical surfaces making contact
Only 10 volts of ESD can damage PC components
Walking across carpet generates up to 12,000 volts
Two types of damage: catastrophic and upset failure
Tool and methods for grounding yourself and the PC
Ground bracelet, ground mats, static shielding bags, antistatic gloves
By FITA AYALEW
58. Figure 3-3
A ground bracelet, which protects computer components from ESD, can clip to
the side of the computer case and eliminate ESD between you and the case
By FITA AYALEW
59. Steps to Take Apart a Computer
Essential tools:
Ground bracelet
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver, paper, and pen
Follow safety precautions at all times
Summary of Steps 1 – 4
1. Enter CMOS and write down customized settings
2. Power down the system, unplug all components
3. Put the computer on a good-sized table
4. Remove the cover of the PC
By FITA AYALEW
61. Steps to Take Apart a Computer (continued)
Summary of steps 5 - 11
5. Diagram cable connections and switch settings
6. Identify cables connecting drives to motherboard
7. Remove the cables to all drives
8. Remove the expansion cards
9. Remove the motherboard (or drives)
10. Remove the power supply from the case
11. Remove each drive (if not already removed)
By FITA AYALEW
63. Steps to Put a Computer Back Together
1. Install power supply, drives, motherboard, cards
2. Connect all data and power cables
3. Plug in the keyboard, monitor, and mouse
4. Ask instructor to check work (if in a classroom)
5. Turn on the power and check PC functions
By FITA AYALEW
64. Fundamental Rules for PC Troubleshooting
Approach the problem systematically
Divide and conquer
Don’t overlook the obvious
Check the simple things first
Make no assumptions
Become a researcher
Write things down
Reboot and start over
Establish your priorities
Don’t assume the worst
Know your starting point
By FITA AYALEW
66. Summary
Some PC repair tools: recovery
CDs, screwdrivers, POST, cleaning pads and
solutions, diagnostic cards
Preventive maintenance plans extend the life of a PC
Follow an organization’s preventive maintenance plan, or
develop one if it does not exist
Computers present chemical and electrical hazards
Protect components in case from ESD by grounding
yourself and the PC
Assembling and reassembling a PC prepares the technician
for actual repair work
Expert troubleshooters ask good questions
Before tackling a problem, develop a game plan
By FITA AYALEW
68. Objectives
Select an appropriate case for a PC
Understand electrical basics
Select an appropriate power supply
Troubleshoot a PC using electrical testing
Select appropriate power conditioning and backup
devices
By FITA AYALEW
69. Case Form Factors
ATX:
– Loose wires coming from power
switch, will connect to
motherboard later
– Bezel for the motherboard’s
built-in I/O ports in back
By FITA AYALEW
70. Case Form Factors
• AT:
– Power switch connects to
power supply
– Slots in case floor for
plastic standoffs
By FITA AYALEW
71. Towers and Desktop cases
Figure 4-1
Towers and Desktop Cases
By FITA AYALEW
72. Measures and Properties of Electricity
Successful PC technicians:
Understand electricity
Know how to use electricity
Know how to measure electricity
Can protect computer equipment from electricity
Units used to measure characteristics of electricity
Volt, amp, ohm, and watt
By FITA AYALEW
73. Electricity Basics
Voltage
Difference in charge between the positive and negative
poles
Can be positive or negative volts (v)
Ordinary household current is 110v in the USA, or 220v
in most of Europe
By FITA AYALEW
74. AC and DC
AC: Alternating Current
Ordinary household current
Alternates positive and negative poles at 60 Hz
Good for sending power over long distances
DC: Direct current
Batteries
Positive and negative poles stay fixed
Lower overhead
By FITA AYALEW
75. Some Common Electric Components
Materials used to make components:
Conductors: weakly resist flow of current; e.g., copper
Insulators: highly resist flow of current; e.g., ceramics
Semiconductors: allow flow if charged; e.g., silicon
Transistor
Used to switch current on (1) and off (0)
Also used to amplify current
Made of three layers of semiconductor material
Charge applied to center layer controls switching
Capacitor
Holds electrical charge for a period of time
Used to create even flow of current in a PC
Diode
Allows electricity to flow in one direction only
Used to rectify current (convert AC to DC)
Resistor
Controls the amount of current flowing through
By FITA AYALEW
76. Electrical Measurements
• Analog multimeter
• Uses a needle gauge
• Continuously variable
• Digital multimeter
• Uses a digital display
• Precise values
• More suitable for
computers
By FITA AYALEW
77. Measuring Voltage
• Must be measured with
computer on
• Use back-probing
• Place black probe on
grounding wire (black)
• Place red probe on
By FITA AYALEW
78. Types of Power Supplies
• Form factor
AT
ATX
Other sizes
• Wattage
By FITA AYALEW
79. AT Power Supply
P8 and P9 connectors to motherboard
Power switch attached directly
+5v, -5v, +12v, and -12v power
By FITA AYALEW
80. AT Connectors
Figure 4-2
AT Connectors
By FITA AYALEW
81. ATX Power Supply
Single 20-wire connector to motherboard
No direct connection to power switch
+5v, -5v, +12v, -12v, and +3.3v power
By FITA AYALEW
83. Power Supply Connectors
• Molex
– Used for most drive types
• Mini
– Used for 3.5” floppy drives
By FITA AYALEW
84. Determining Wattage Requirements
Read label on power supply
Calculate wattage drawn by each component
Compare total amount drawn to label
By FITA AYALEW
85. Computer Power Consumption
Component Requirement
Component Requirement Line(s) Component Requirement Line(s) Used Line(s) Used
Used
AGP Video Card 30 - 50W +3.3V AGP Video Card 30 - 50W +3.3V AGP Video Card 30 - 50W +3.3V
AMD Athlon Processor 70W +12V Pentium 4 Processor 70W +12V Pentium III Processor 38W +5V
RAM 8W per 128MB +3.3V Motherboard (w/o CPU or RAM) 25 - 40W +3.3V and +5V Case/CPU Fans 3W +12V
10,000rpm SCSI Drive 10 - 40W +5V and +12V 7200rpm IDE Hard Drive 5 - 20W +5V and +12V CD-RW 10 - 25W +5V and +12V
DVD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V CD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V Floppy Drive 5W +5V
SCSI Controller PCI Card 20W +3.3V and +5V 10/100 NIC 4W +3.3V Average PCI Card 5 - 10W +5V
AMD Athlon Processor 70W +12V Pentium 4 Processor 70W +12V Pentium III Processor 38W +5V
RAM 8W per 128MB +3.3V Motherboard (w/o CPU or RAM) 25 - 40W +3.3V and +5V Case/CPU Fans 3W +12V
10,000rpm SCSI Drive 10 - 40W +5V and +12V 7200rpm IDE Hard Drive 5 - 20W +5V and +12V CD-RW 10 - 25W +5V and +12V
DVD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V CD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V Floppy Drive 5W +5V
SCSI Controller PCI Card 20W +3.3V and +5V 10/100 NIC 4W +3.3V Average PCI Card 5 - 10W +5V
AMD Athlon Processor 70W +12V Pentium 4 Processor 70W +12V Pentium III Processor 38W +5V
RAM 8W per 128MB +3.3V Motherboard (w/o CPU or RAM) 25 - 40W +3.3V and +5V Case/CPU Fans 3W +12V
10,000rpm SCSI Drive 10 - 40W +5V and +12V 7200rpm IDE Hard Drive 5 - 20W +5V and +12V CD-RW 10 - 25W +5V and +12V
DVD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V CD-ROM 10 - 25W +5V and +12V Floppy Drive 5W +5V
SCSI Controller PCI Card 20W +3.3V and +5V 10/100 NIC 4W +3.3V Average PCI Card 5 - 10W +5V
By FITA AYALEW
86. Failed Power Supply
Fan won’t spin
Inconsistent power provided (fan revs and sags)
System will not boot (appears dead)
Typically overloads at startup
Problems occur when drives spin up
System may spontaneously reboot when multiple
drives are accessed
By FITA AYALEW
87. Problems with the Power Supply Fan
Defective fans usually hum before they stop working
Response to diagnosis of defective fan
Replace fan or the entire power supply
If replacement does not work, suspect another short
Do not operate a PC if the fan does not work
Computers will overheat, damaging circuit boards
Indirect sources of fan problems:
Shorts in drives, motherboard, or expansion cards
By FITA AYALEW
88. Problems with Overheating
Causes intermittent problems
May also cause the system to reboot or not boot
Temperature in a case should not exceed 100° F
Some possible solutions:
Remove dust from power supply, vents, heat sink
Secure cables and cords with tie wraps
Install another exhaust fan on the rear of the case
Install a fan in expansion slot next to video card
Replace component that is damaged
By FITA AYALEW
89. Replacing the Power Supply
The power supply is a field replaceable unit (FRU)
Criteria for replacement power supply to meet:
Uses the correct form factor
Adequately rated for power in watts
Has all power connectors needed by your system
Before replacing power supply, test new device
Connect components to new power supply
Turn on PC and observe whether problem is solved
If problem is solved, perform replacement procedure
By FITA AYALEW
90. Summary
Form factor: specifies size, shape, features of device
Motherboard, power supply, and case share the same form
factor, such as ATX
Three types of cases: desktop, tower, and notebook
Quantities that characterize electricity: voltage, current,
resistance, power
Current flows from hot wires to neutral wires; excess
current escapes through grounds
AC supplied by power station is transformed and rectified
before flowing into the PC
Major components in a circuit board: transistor, capacitor,
diode, Resistor
Electrical threats: ESD, EMI, uneven current flow, sudden
power surges (or spikes)
By FITA AYALEW
92. Objectives
Learn about the many different processors used for
personal computers and notebook computers
Learn about chipsets and how they work
Learn how to keep a processor cool using heat sinks
and coolers
Learn how to install and upgrade a processor
By FITA AYALEW
93. Introduction
The processor and chipset
Most important components on the motherboard
The chipset is embedded in the motherboard
Processor and chipset are located on motherboard
Components determine power and features of system
Major manufacturers: Intel, AMD, and Cyrix
Factors used to rate processors:
System bus speeds supported; e.g., 1066 MHz
Processor core frequency in gigahertz; e.g., 3.2 GHz
Word size (32 or 64 bits) and data path (64 or 128 bits)
Multiprocessing ability and processor specific memory
Type of RAM, motherboard, and chipset supported
By FITA AYALEW
94. How a Processor Works
Three basic components:
Input/output (I/O) unit
Control unit
One or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs)
Registers: high-speed memory used by ALU
Internal cache: holds data to be processed by ALU
Two types of buses:
External (front-side) bus: data portion is 64 bits wide
Internal (back-side) bus: data portion is 32 bits wide
By FITA AYALEW
95. Figure 5-1 Since the Pentium processor was first released in 1993, the standard
has been for a processor to have two arithmetic logic units so that it can process two
instructions at once
By FITA AYALEW
96. How a Processor Works (continued)
System bus frequency or speed
Faster than other buses; e.g., 1066 MHz, 800 MHz
Processor frequency or speed
Refers to speed of internal operations; e.g., 3.2 GHz
System bus frequency x multiplier = processor frequency
Overclocking: running processor at excessive speed
Throttling: decreasing speed when overheating occurs
Data path size and word size
Data path: transports data into processor
Word path: number of bits processed in one operation
By FITA AYALEW
97. How a Processor Works (continued)
Multiprocessing
Simultaneous processing by two or more ALUs
Multiprocessor platform
Contains two or more processors
Dual-core processing
Processors share system bus, but have separate cache
Memory cache
Static RAM (SRAM): holds data as long as power is on
Lets processor bypass slower dynamic RAM (DRAM)
L1 cache is on the processor chip, L2 cache is external
By FITA AYALEW
98. Figure 5-2 AMD dual-core processing using two Opteron in
the single processor housing
By FITA AYALEW
99. Figure 5-3 Cache memory (SRAM) is used to temporarily hold
data in expectation of what the processor will request next
By FITA AYALEW
100. Processor Sockets and Slots
Used to connect the processor to the motherboard
Motherboard type must match processor package
Types of sockets
Sockets are built around pin grid or land grid arrays
Variations: PGA, SPGA, LGA, DIP, LIF, and ZIF
Types of slots
Packages fit into slots like expansion cards
Designated slots: Slot 1, Slot A, and Slot 2
New processor packages use sockets, not slots
Slocket: adapts Slot 1 to processor requiring a socket
By FITA AYALEW
102. Figure 5-5 A riser card can be used to install a Celeron
processor into a motherboard with slot 1
By FITA AYALEW
103. The Chipset
Set of chips on the motherboard
Controls memory cache, external buses, peripherals
Intel dominates the market for chipsets
Example: i800 series of chipsets
Intel 800 series Accelerated Hub Architecture
All I/O buses connect to a hub interface
The hub connects to the system bus
North Bridge: contains graphics and memory controller
South Bridge: contains I/O controller hub
Each bridge is controlled by a separate chipset
By FITA AYALEW
104. Figure 5-6 Using Intel 800 series Accelerated Hub Architecture, a
hub interface is used to connect slower I/O buses to the system bus
By FITA AYALEW
105. Heat Sinks and Cooling Fans
Cooling assembly should keep temperatures <185° F
Target temperature range: 90° - 100° F
One or more fans are needed to meet cooling needs
Cooling fan sits on top of processor with wire or clip
Heat sink: clip-on device pulling heat from processor
Cooler: combination of heat sink and cooling fan
By FITA AYALEW
106. Voltage to the Processor
Earlier processors drew power from system bus lines
Newer motherboards may have a power connector
Modern motherboards regulate voltage to socket
Sockets were more universal for older processors
Processor may fit socket, but not get correct voltage
Ensure that motherboard supports older processor
Dual-voltage processor
Voltages for internal and external operations differ
Single-voltage processor: requires only one voltage
By FITA AYALEW
107. Figure 5-7 Auxiliary 4-pin power cord from the power
supply connects to the ATX12V connector on the motherboard to
provide power to the Pentium 4
By FITA AYALEW
108. Summary
Basic CPU components: I/O unit, control unit, ALUs
Registers: high speed memory used by ALU in current
processing
Internal cache: holds frequently used instructions
Types of buses in CPU: internal and external (system)
Processors are housed inside a processor package
Processors fit into slots or sockets in the motherboard
The chipset controls memory cache, external buses and
some peripherals
A cooler comprises a cooling fan and a heat sink
A voltage regulator module (VRM) controls the amount of
voltage to a processor
By FITA AYALEW
110. Objectives
Learn about the different types of motherboards and
how to select one
Learn how to support and configure a motherboard
Learn how to install or replace a motherboard
Learn how to troubleshoot a motherboard and
processor
By FITA AYALEW
111. Selecting a Motherboard
Motherboard form factor
Determines the size of the board
Drives selection of power supply, case, CPU, cards
ATX: most popular motherboard form factor
BTX: the latest motherboard form factor
Three types of motherboards you can select:
A board providing the most room for expansion
A board suiting the computer’s current configuration
A board falling in between current and future needs
By FITA AYALEW
112. Figure 6-1 An ATX motherboard with PCI Express and
Socket 775
By FITA AYALEW
113. Selecting a Motherboard (continued)
Some questions to ask when picking a motherboard
What form factor does the motherboard use?
Does the motherboard provide proper CPU support?
What type of BIOS does the motherboard use?
Does the board fit the case you plan to use?
What is the warranty on the board?
Embedded (on-board) component
Component located on the board
Avoid board with too many embedded components
Such boards do not easily accept add-on devices
By FITA AYALEW
114. Configuring and Supporting a Motherboard
Components that require configuration and support:
Expansion slots
Internal and external connectors
Expansion slots are supported by buses
Before configuring slots, learn about buses
Buses are like highway transportation systems
Facilitate communication among devices
Four types of cargo carried by a bus:
Power,
control signals,
memory addresses,
data
By FITA AYALEW
115. Figure 6-2 How PCI Express connects to the
chipset and processor
By FITA AYALEW
116. Hardware Configuration (continued)
CMOS setup program
Can be accessed without opening the case
Stored on a floppy disk or ROM BIOS chip
Access built-in program by pressing key during POST
Menus: Main, Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit
Brand name PCs, such as IBM, have custom screens
By FITA AYALEW
119. Hardware Configuration (continued)
Battery power to CMOS
Enables CMOS to hold data after the PC is turned off
Setup information is lost if battery fails or disconnects
Startup passwords in CMOS
Stored in CMOS and changed in setup screen
Should be distinguished from OS passwords
CMOS settings are specified in motherboard manuals
Documentation of configuration settings
Enables you to recapture lost or altered settings
Should be labeled and stored in a safe place
By FITA AYALEW
120. Flashing ROM BIOS
Programs stored in the ROM BIOS chip:
CMOS setup program
Startup BIOS that manages the startup process
System BIOS that manages basic I/O functions
Programs on ROM BIOS may need upgrades
Flashing: upgrading or refreshing ROM BIOS chip
Sources for ROM BIOS upgrades
Manufacturer’s Web site
By FITA AYALEW
121. Replacing a Motherboard
Overview of the replacement process
1. Verify that you have selected the right motherboard
2. Determine the power configuration settings
3. Remove components to reach the old motherboard
4. Set any jumpers or switches on the motherboard
5. Install the processor and processor cooler
6. Install RAM into appropriate slots on motherboard
7. Install the motherboard
8. Attach cabling (case switches, power supply, drives)
9. Install the video card on the motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
122. Replacing a Motherboard (continued)
Overview of the replacement process (continued)
10. Plug in PC and then attach monitor and keyboard
11. Boot the system and enter CMOS setup
12. Make sure the settings are set to default
13. Observe POST and verify that no error occurs
14. Check for conflicts with system resources
15. Install the motherboard drives
16. Install any other expansion cards and drives
17. Verify the system is up and running
By FITA AYALEW
123. Installing the Motherboard in the Case
Overview of the eight general steps:
1. Install the faceplate (I/O shield)
2. Install the standoffs (spacers)
3. Secure the motherboard in the case
4. Connect the power cord to the PI power connection
5. Connect 4-pin auxiliary power cord to motherboard
6. Connect the wire leads from front panel of case
7. Refer to manual to verify wire to pin connection
8. Connect USB connection (if present) to USB ports
By FITA AYALEW
124. Completing the Installation
Following the connection of cables and cords
Install the video card
Plug in the keyboard and monitor
Turn the system on
Look out for errors during POST
Install drivers from CD bundled with motherboard
Verify operations
Make OS and CMOS adjustments as needed
By FITA AYALEW
125. Problems with Installations
If CPU was added to working motherboard, check:
Thermal paste between CPU and heat sink
Fastening between cooler and motherboard frame
Pins or lands on the socket and processor
Things to check if new motherboard is not working:
Whether the front cover of the case is installed
Whether the power switch on back of the case is on
Incorrect connections
Installation of CPU, thermal compound, and cooler
Installation of all motherboard drivers on the CD
By FITA AYALEW
126. Summary
Motherboard form factor drives selection of motherboard
Configurable components: bus, expansion slots, other
connectors
Cargo carried by a computer bus: electrical power, control
signals, memory address, data
Bus types: local, local video, local I/O, expansion
The CMOS setup program is stored on a floppy disk or
ROM BIOS chip
Document configuration settings for recovery needs
Upgrade ROM BIOS using a technique called flashing
Use POST reporting to help diagnose problems
By FITA AYALEW
128. Objectives
Learn about the different kinds of physical memory
and how they work
Learn how to upgrade memory
Learn how to troubleshoot problems with memory
Memory technologies have evolved rapidly
Study development to grasp current technology
Memory-related tasks performed by a PC technician
Upgrading memory
Adding more memory to a system
Troubleshooting problems with memory
By FITA AYALEW
129. RAM Technologies
RAM (random access memory)
Holds data and instructions used by CPU
Volatile (data does not persist after PC is turned off)
ROM (read-only memory)
In firmware on motherboard; e.g., ROM BIOS
Non-volatile (retains data after PC is turned off)
Reviewing other salient features of RAM
RAM is stored in modules: DIMMs, RIMMs, SIMMs
Types: static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Memory cache is made up of SRAM (it is faster)
By FITA AYALEW
130. Figure 7-1 DRAM on most motherboards today is stored on
DIMMs
By FITA AYALEW
131. RAM Technologies (continued)
Differences among DIMM, RIMM, and SIMM modules
Width of the data path each module accommodates
The way data moves from system bus to the module
Older DRAM worked asynchronously with system bus
Newer DRAM works synchronously with system bus
Retrieves data faster as it keeps time with system clock
Goal of each new technology
Increase overall throughput while retaining accuracy
By FITA AYALEW
133. SIMM Technologies
SIMMS have a 32-bit data path
Speeds (access times): 60, 70, 80 nanoseconds (ns)
Smaller number indicates greater speed
Components making up the access time
Processor requests the data
Memory controller locates data on the SIMM
Data is placed on the memory bus
The processor reads the data off the bus
Memory controller refreshes memory chip on SIMM
By FITA AYALEW
134. DIMM Technologies
DIMM (dual inline memory module)
Has independent pins on opposite sides of module
Can have memory chips on one or two sides
Has 168, 184, or 240 pins on edge connector
Has a 64-bit data path and holds 8 MB - 2 GB RAM
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
Has two notches, and uses 168 pins
DDR (Double Data Rate) and DDR2 DIMM
DDR SDRAM runs 2 x faster than regular SDRAM
DDR2 SDRAM is faster than DDR, uses less power
By FITA AYALEW
136. Figure 7-3 Using dual channels, the memory controller can
read from two DIMMs at the same time
By FITA AYALEW
137. How to Upgrade Memory
The basic technique: add more RAM modules
Problems solved with new memory:
Slow performance
Applications refusing to load
An unstable system
Note empty memory slots on most new computers
Accommodate new DIMM or RIMM
By FITA AYALEW
138. How Much and What Kind of Memory to Buy
Questions to ask before performing an upgrade:
How much memory do I need?
How much RAM is currently installed in my system?
How many memory modules are currently installed?
What kind of memory modules are currently installed?
How much memory can I fit on my motherboard?
What kind of memory can I fit on my motherboard?
How do I select and purchase the right memory?
Refer to system utilities to determine capacity
Motherboard documentation guides choice of add-ons
By FITA AYALEW
139. Installing Memory
Follow safety procedures when installing RAM
Example: always use a ground bracelet as you work
Installing SIMMs
Module slides into slot at an angle
Make sure each module is secured to slot
Verify that POST memory count includes new module
Installing RIMMs
Install modules in this order: bank 0, bank 1
Remove the RIMM (placeholder) filling the slot
Use notches to help orient module in the socket
By FITA AYALEW
140. Installing Memory (continued)
Installing DIMMs
Pull out the supporting arms on the sides of the slot
Use notches on the DIMM edge connector as a guide
Insert the DIMM straight down into the slot
Ensure that supporting arms lock into position
New installations are generally uncomplicated
Usually involves just placing memory on motherboard
Older computers may need change to CMOS setup
If new memory not recognized, try reseating device
By FITA AYALEW
141. Upgrade Problems
Dealing with unrecognized add-on or error message
Remove and reinstall the module
Check for the suitability of the module for the board
Ensure that the module is the correct size
Remove the module and check for error message
Test the module in another socket
Clean the module edge connectors
Try flashing BIOS
By FITA AYALEW
142. Recurring Problems
Symptoms of an unreliable memory:
The system locks up
Error messages about illegal operations often display
General Protection Faults occur during normal operation
Some troubleshooting tasks
Run updated antivirus software to check for viruses
Replace memory modules one at a time
Try uninstalling the new hardware
Test, reseat, or replace RAM
Verify that virtual memory settings are optimized
By FITA AYALEW
143. Summary
RAM categories: static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM
(dRAM)
Modules used to store DRAM: SIMM, DIMM, RIMM
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM): moves to the beat of
the system clock
Simple parity checks identify one corrupted bit
Error correcting code (ECC) detects and corrects one
flipped bit
By FITA AYALEW
144. Summary (continued)
Memory speeds are measured in ns, MHz, PC rating
When upgrading memory, use the type, size, and
speed the motherboard supports
New modules should match those already installed
Install new modules by inserting them into the
appropriate slots
When troubleshooting, first try the simple technique
of reseating the module
By FITA AYALEW
146. Objectives
Learn how the organization of data on floppy drives
and hard drives is similar
Learn about hard drive technologies
Learn how a computer communicates with a hard
drive
Learn how to install a hard drive
Learn how to solve hard drive problems
By FITA AYALEW
147. Introduction
Hard drive: most important secondary storage device
Hard drive technologies have evolved rapidly
Hard drive capacities and speeds have increased
Interfaces with the computer have also changed
Floppy disk will be presented before hard drives
Floppy disk is logically organized like a hard drive
Practical applications:
Managing problems occurring during drive installation
Troubleshooting hard drives after installation
By FITA AYALEW
148. How Hard Drives Work
Components of a hard drive:
One, two, or more platters (disks)
Spindle to rotate all disks
Magnetic coating on disk to store bits of data
Read/write head at the top and bottom of each disk
Actuator to move read/write head over disk surface
Hard drive controller: chip directing read/write head
Head (surface) of platter is not the read/write head
Physical organization includes a cylinder
All tracks that are the same distance from disk center
By FITA AYALEW
150. Tracks and Sectors on the Drive
Tracks on older drives held the same amount of data
Newer drives use zone bit recording
Tracks near center have smallest number sectors/track
Number of sectors increase as tracks grow larger
Every sector still has 512 bytes
Sectors identified with logical block addressing (LBA)
By FITA AYALEW
151. Figure 8-2 Floppy drives and older hard drives use a
constant number of sectors per track
By FITA AYALEW
152. Figure 8-3Zone bit recording can have more sectors
per track as the tracks get larger
By FITA AYALEW
153. Drive Capacity for Today’s Drives
The OS reports the capacity of hard drives
Accessing capacity data using Windows Explorer
Right-click the drive letter
Select Properties on the shortcut menu
Calculating total capacity if drive is fully formatted
Record capacity of each logical drive on hard drive
Add individual capacities to calculate total capacity
Reporting total capacity (regardless of formatting)
Windows 2000/XP: use Disk Management
Windows 9x: use Fdisk
By FITA AYALEW
154. Hard Drive Interface Standards
Facilitate communication with the computer system
Several standards exist:
Several ATA standards
SCSI
USB
FireWire (also called 1394)
Fibre Channel
The various standards will be covered
By FITA AYALEW
155. Figure 8-4 A PC’s hard drive subsystem using
parallel ATA
By FITA AYALEW
156. Figure 8-5 A hard drive subsystem using the new serial
ATA data cable
By FITA AYALEW
157. How to Select a Hard Drive
Hard drive must match OS and motherboard
BIOS uses auto detection to prepare the device
Drive capacity and configuration are selected
Best possible ATA standard is part of configuration
Selected device may not supported by BIOS
Troubleshooting tasks (if device is not recognized)
Flash the BIOS
Replace the controller card
Replace the motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
158. Problems with Hard Drive Installations
CMOS setup does not reflect new hard drive
Solution: Enable autodetection and reboot system
Error message: “ Hard drive not found.”
Reseat the data cable and reboot the PC
Error message: “No boot device available.”
Insert bootable disk and restart the machine
Error message 601 appears on the screen
Connect the power cord to the floppy disk drive
Error message: “Hard drive not present”
Restore jumpers to their original state
By FITA AYALEW
159. Problems with Hard Drive Installations (continued)
• Things to check if CMOS setup does not show drive
Does your system BIOS recognize large drives?
Is autodetection correctly configured in CMOS setup?
Are the jumpers on the drive set correctly?
Are the power cord and data cable connected?
By FITA AYALEW
160. How to Approach a Hard Drive
Problem After the Installation
Some post-installation problems
Corrupted data files
A corrupted Windows installation
A hardware issue preventing system from booting
Preparation steps
Start with the end user: conduct an interview
Prioritize what you have learned
Example: make data backup your first priority
Be aware of available resources
Ex amples: documentation, Internet, Technical Support
By FITA AYALEW
161. Hard Drive Hardware Problems
Causes of problems present during boot:
Hard drive subsystem
Partition table
File system on the drive
Files required for the OS to boot
Some things to do if POST reveals problem
Check the jumper settings on the drive
Check the cable for frayed edges or other damage
Try booting from another media; e.g. setup CD
Check manufacturer Web site for diagnostic software
By FITA AYALEW
162. Hard Drive Hardware Problems (continued)
Bumps are bad
A scratched surface may cause a hard drive crash
Data may be recovered, even if drive is inaccessible
Invalid drive or drive specification
System BIOS cannot read partition table information
Boot from recovery CD and check partition table
To be covered in later chapters
Bad sector errors
Problem due to fading tracks and sectors
Solution: replace the drive
By FITA AYALEW
164. Objectives
Learn about the general approaches you need to take when
installing and supporting I/O devices
Learn about keyboards
Learn how to work with the mouse and other pointing
devices
Learn about monitors and video cards and how they relate
to the system
Learn how to use ports and expansion slots for addon
devices
Learn how to troubleshoot I/O devices, including
keyboards, pointing devices, and video
By FITA AYALEW
165. Basic Principles to Support I/O Devices
Internal devices: hard drives, CD drives, Zip drives
External devices: keyboards, monitors, mice
Connected using port off motherboard or expansion
card
Fundamental principles and concepts:
Every I/O device is controlled by software (device driver)
Manufacturer is best guide for installation and support
Some devices are manipulated with application software
Problems can sometimes be solved with driver
Learning about I/O devices is a moving target
By FITA AYALEW
166. The Mouse and Other Pointing Devices
Pointing device
Allows you to move a pointer on the screen
Enables you to perform tasks; e.g., click a button
Common pointing devices
Mouse, trackball, touch pad
Some mice are wireless and come with key pads
Wireless connection made through a USB receiver
By FITA AYALEW
167. Mouse Technologies
How the wheel mouse works
Ball internal to mouse moves as you drag mouse
Two rollers are turned by the movement of the ball
Rollers represent x (horizontal) and y (vertical) position
Each roller turns a wheel, which chops a light beam
Chops encode movement, which is passed to CPU
The optical mouse
Ball replaced with microchip, laser light, and camera
Light illumines surface and camera takes snapshots
Microchip reports small changes to the PC
By FITA AYALEW
168. Mouse Technologies (continued)
Mouse buttons or scroll wheel are programmed
Methods used by a mouse to connect to a PC
The round PS/2 mouse port off the motherboard
Bus card
A serial port
A USB port
Y-connection with the keyboard
Cordless technology
Connection methods require varying resources
Motherboard mouse is the first choice
By FITA AYALEW
169. Other Pointing Devices
Trackball
An upside-down wheel mouse
Move the ball on top to turn rollers
Rollers turn a wheel sensed by a light beam
Touch pad
Allows you to duplicate the mouse function
Move pointer by applying light pressure with one finger
Depressed pad senses the x, y movement
Buttons on the touch pad are like mouse buttons
Use touch pads or trackballs where space is limited
Include barcode readers, fingerprint readers, others
By FITA AYALEW
170. Monitors
Monitor: the primary output device of a computer
Video card (controller, or adapter)
Interfaces monitor with motherboard components
Two categories:
CRT (cathode-ray tube)
LCD (liquid crystal display); also called flat panel
How a CRT monitor works:
Filaments shoot electron beam to front of tube
Plates direct beam to paint screen from left to right
Control grid specifies coloring of each dot on screen
Controls one of three electron guns (red, green, blue)
Modified beam strikes phosphor to produce color
By FITA AYALEW
172. Monitors (continued)
Comparing features of LCD and CRT monitors:
Space: LCD requires less space than CRT monitor
Power: LCD requires less electricity to operate
Expense: LCD monitors are more expensive
Refresh rate: LCD response time < CRT refresh rates
Interlacing CRT monitors draw screen in two passes
Dot pitch: distance between color dots
Resolution: measures number of addressable pixels
Example 1: XGA supports up to 1024 x 768 pixels
Example 2: SVGA supports up to 800 x 600 pixels
By FITA AYALEW
173. Video Cards
Interface between monitor and computer
Also called graphics adapters and video boards
Five ports for five methods of data transfer:
RGB (red, green, blue) video using a VGA port
DVI (Digital Visual Interface): used by LCD monitors
Composite video: RGB mixed in the same signal
S-Video (Super-Video): sends two signals over cable
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
Two main features: bus used and RAM supported
By FITA AYALEW
174. Figure 9-1 This ATI Radeon video card has three ports for
video out: DVI, S-Video, and the regular VGA port
By FITA AYALEW
175. Figure 9-2 Rear of computer case showing ports; only the video ports are not
coming directly off the motherboard
By FITA AYALEW
176. Troubleshooting Keyboards
A few keys don’t work
Check the Num Lock key
The keyboard does not work at all
Check the cabling
Key continues to repeat after being released
Clean the key switch with contact cleaner
Keys produce wrong characters
If problem is due to a bad chip, replace the keyboard
Major spills on the keyboard
Try rinsing keyboard in water; reinstall after it dries
By FITA AYALEW
177. Troubleshooting Monitors and Video Cards
Power light (LED) does not go on; no picture
Verify that connection is tight and PC is turned on
Power light (LED) is on, no picture on power-up
Check contrast, brightness or backlight adjustment
Power light (LED) is on, wrong characters displayed
Exchange the video or motherboard
Monitor flickers, has wavy lines, or both
Check the cabling and the refresh rate
No graphics display or screen goes blank
Replace video card or add video RAM
By FITA AYALEW
178. Figure 9-3 To reduce monitor flicker, increase the screen
refresh rate
By FITA AYALEW
179. Troubleshooting Monitors and Video
Cards (continued)
Screen goes blank after 30 seconds
Check configuration of power management
Poor color display
Exchange video cards or add more video RAM
Picture out of focus or out of adjustment
Check adjustment knobs or change refresh rate
Cracking sound
Trained technician should vacuum inside monitor
Display settings make the screen unreadable
Return to standard VGA settings; e.g., 640 x 480
By FITA AYALEW
180. Summary
I/O (input/output) devices can be internal or external
Basic input devices: keyboard, mouse, touch screens
Specialty input: barcode readers, biometric devices
Output devices: CRT monitor, LCD monitor, projector
Video card: interfaces output device with PC system
Port types: serial, parallel, USB, FireWire
Serial and parallel ports are obsolescent technologies
Current port technologies: USB 2.0 and FireWire
All USB/FireWire devices are installed using PnP
By FITA AYALEW
182. Objectives
Learn about multimedia devices such as sound cards,
digital cameras, etc.
Learn about optical storage technologies such as CD
and DVD
Learn how certain hardware devices are used for
backups and fault tolerance
Learn how to troubleshoot multimedia and mass
storage devices
By FITA AYALEW
183. Introduction
• Multimedia capabilities of PCs:
Text, graphics, audio, video, animation
Some applications for multimedia:
Videoconferencing for executives
Tools for teaching the alphabet to four-year-olds
Mass storage devices hold multimedia data
Types of mass storage
CDs, DVDs, removable drives, and tape drives
By FITA AYALEW
184. Multimedia on a PC
Goal: generate output that emulates reality
Differences between cyberspace and real space
Sights and sounds in reality are continuous (analog)
Computer data is binary (discrete and digital)
Challenge: bridge world of cyberspace with reality
Topics covered:
CPU technologies used to process multimedia data
Multimedia devices; e.g., sound cards, MP3 players
By FITA AYALEW
185. Sound Cards and Onboard Sound
Operations performed on sound:
Basic: recording, storing, and replaying
Advanced: editing and mixing
Types of ports
Output ports: used by speakers
Input ports: used by microphone, CD player, others
Surround Sound: supports eight separate channels
Sound Blaster card: standard for PC sound cards
Use CD/DVD drive or TV tuner card to bypass CPU
By FITA AYALEW
186. Figure 10-1 The Sound Blaster PCI 24-bit sound card has
two internal connections and four ports
By FITA AYALEW
187. Digital Cameras and Flash Memory Devices
A digital camera works like a scanner
Scans the field of image set by the picture taker
Translates the light signals into digital values
Digital values can be stored, viewed, edited, printed
TWAIN: format for transferring images to a PC
Connections may be cabled or wireless
Solid state device (SSD): memory based on a chip
Examples: thumb drives and flash memory cards
Flash memory cards are used in digital cameras
By FITA AYALEW
188. Digital Cameras and Flash Memory Devices (continued)
Transferring images to your PC
Install the software bundled with your camera
Connect your camera to the PC
Upload the images
Editing or printing images once they are on the PC
Use image-editing software; e.g., Adobe Photoshop
Picture file formats:
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
Connect camera to TV using the video-out port
By FITA AYALEW
189. Web Cameras and Microphones
Web camera: captures digital video for use on Web
Two meanings of Web cam:
Digital video camera
Web site providing live or prerecorded video broadcast
Setting up a personal Web cam for a chat session
Use setup CD to install software
Plug in Web camera into a USB port
If sound is needed, plug in speakers and microphones
Use chat software to create a live video session
By FITA AYALEW
191. TV Tuner and Video Capture Cards
TV tuner card: interfaces a PC with a TV
Video capture card: saves video input to hard drive
TV tuner/video capture card may also be a video card
Three ways to incorporate tuner and capture features
Embed TV tuners and TV captures in motherboard
Fit card to fit into a PCI, PCI Express x16, or AGP slot
Connect external device to a USB port
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee)
Sets standards for TV tuners and video capture cards
By FITA AYALEW
192. Using CDs
CD drives are read-only or read/writable
CD surface
Continuous spiral of sectors of equal length
Data stored as lands (1) or pits (0)
Process of reading data
Laser beam is passed over pits and lands on surface
Drive reads bit value by amount of laser deflection
Process of writing data
CD imprinted (burned) with lands and pits
Acrylic surface is added to protect the data
By FITA AYALEW
193. Using CDs (continued)
CD must read data at a constant rate
Problem: linear velocity varies over rotating disk
Solution 1: maintain constant linear velocity (CLV)
Slow down disk when laser is near center (200 rpm)
Speed up disk as laser goes to outer edge (500 rpm)
Rates given allow for transfer of 150 KBps (audio)
Drive speed must be increased for video
Solution 2: maintain constant angular velocity (CAV)
Disk rotates at a constant speed
Technology is used in hard disks
By FITA AYALEW
194. Using CDs (continued)
Types of CD drives (also identifies disk)
CD-ROM drive: read only memory
CD-R drive: recordable CD
CD-RW: rewritable CD
How an optical drive interfaces with motherboard
Using an ATA or SCSI interface
Using external drive that plugs into port, such as USB
Installing a CD drive
Installed drive identified in directory by letter; e.g., D
Four choices for installation using parallel ATA (EIDE)
By FITA AYALEW
195. Using DVDs
DVD (digital video disc or digital versatile disc)
Single-sided holds up to 8.5 GB of data (movie length)
Double-sided disc can hold 17 GB of data
Uses the Universal Disk Format (UDF) file system
Distinguishing between a CD and DVD
DVD can use top and bottom surfaces to hold data
Second opaque layer nearly doubles disc capacity
Audio data stored in Surround Sound
Video data stored using MPEG-2 video compression
By FITA AYALEW
196. Using DVDs (continued)
Various standards used for reading and writing
Selection criteria for a DVD drive
The standards supported by the drive
Ability of drive to burn CDs
Write-once and rewritable speeds
Latest DVD formats: HD-DVD and Blu-ray
Installing a DVD drive
Follow the same procedure used for CD drives
Cabling: power cord, EDEI data cable, audio cord
4-pin connector for analog sound, 2-pin for digital sound
By FITA AYALEW
198. Caring for Optical Drives and Discs
Causes of problems:
Dust, fingerprints, scratches, defects, electrical noise
Drive is standing vertically
Some precautions to follow:
Hold the disc by the edge
Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints
Don’t paste paper on the surface of a CD
Don’t subject a disc to heat or leave it in direct sunlight
Don’t make the center hole larger
Don’t bend a disc
By FITA AYALEW
199. Tape Drives
Offer inexpensive, high capacity storage
Advice: use backup software to manage backups
Main disadvantage: data accessed sequentially
Makes file retrieval slow and inconvenient
A tape drive can be internal or external
How a tape drive interfaces with a computer
External or internal drive can use a SCSI bus
External or internal drive can use a USB connection
Internal drive can use parallel or serial ATA interface
Some tips for cleaning and care
Keep tapes away from magnetic fields, heat, cold
Clean drive heads as recommended by manufacturer
By FITA AYALEW
200. Problems with CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD-RW
Installation
Check data cable and power cord connections
For an EIDE drive, check master/slave jumper set
Check for devices using the same port settings
Run a virus scan program
Problems when Burning a CD
Make sure the disk capacity has not been exceeded
Ensure hard drive has at least 1 GB of free space
Close other programs before you begin
Try a different brand of CDs
Try using a slower burn rate
By FITA AYALEW
201. Figure 10-3 Slow down the CD-RW write speed to
account for a slow Windows system
By FITA AYALEW
202. Troubleshooting Sound Problems
Some questions to ask:
Are the speakers turned on?
Is the speaker volume turned up?
Is the volume control for Windows turned up?
Some troubleshooting tasks for installation problems
Download new or updated drivers
Uninstall and reinstall the sound card
Some ways to resolve issue of games without sounds
Update and install new drivers
Reduce sound acceleration
By FITA AYALEW
204. Summary
Multimedia devices use digital data to model reality
Sound cards enable you to record, store, replay, and edit
sound
Digital cameras work much like scanners
Important image formats: JPEG and TIFF
MPEG: set of compression standards for motion
pictures, video, and audio
Types of optical storage technology: CDs and DVDs
CD/DVD disk surface uses lands and pits to represent
binary data
Other mass storage devices: tape drives, removable drives
such as Zip
By FITA AYALEW
206. Objectives
Learn how to secure a desktop or notebook computer
Learn how malicious software works and how to clean
an infected system
Topics to cover
Methods for protecting computers and networks
How to use several security tools
How malicious software works
A step-by-step plan to remove malicious software
By FITA AYALEW
207. Securing Your Desktop or Note book Computer
•Reasons for providing additional security
Protection from attacks within the network
Attacks through security loopholes
Exposure during travel
A few methods for securing a computer
Limit use of the administrator accounts
Keep Windows updates current
Physically protect your equipment
Keep good backups of user data
Destroy trash that might contain sensitive data
By FITA AYALEW
208. Access Control
Authentication: identifies an individual
Authorization: assigns privileges/rights to individuals
Types of passwords
Power-on passwords (configured in CMOS setup)
Windows passwords
Online account passwords
Application passwords
Some rules for creating strong passwords
Combine upper/lower case letters, numbers, symbols
Do not use words in any language
By FITA AYALEW
209. Access Control (continued)
Controlling access to a PC using Windows
Set a user password for the user account
Configure user access to certain files and folders
Overview for assigning permissions to file and folder
Disable simple file sharing from View in Folder Options
Open Properties window of a folder and select Sharing
Click Permissions and select options
Protected files and folders display authentication box
By FITA AYALEW
210. Limit Use of the Administrator Account
Three common types of accounts in Windows
Administrator
Guest
Limited User
Advice for protecting the Administrator Account
Create a Limited User account for ordinary activities
Use Administrator account for reserved activities
Change appearance of desktop to flag the account
Change strong password on a regular basis
By FITA AYALEW
211. Use a Personal Firewall
Firewalls are implemented in software or hardware
Purpose of a firewall
Prevent worms or hackers from invading your system
Turn on Windows Firewall to protect your system
It may be configured to allow for exceptions
Windows Firewall is included with Service Pack 2
By FITA AYALEW
212. Use AV Software
Antivirus (AV) software protects system from viruses
Using AV software to greatest effect
Configure software to automatically download updates
Run AV software as a background process
Set software to automatically scan e-mail attachments
Virus signature: distinguishing characteristics of virus
AV software does not always stop adware or spyware
Use removal program for adware or spyware
Example: Ad-Aware by Lavasoft (www.lavasoft.com)
By FITA AYALEW
213. Set Internet Explorer for Optimum Security
•Some security features in Internet Explorer
Pop-up blocker
The ability to manage add-ons
he ability to block scripts
The ability to disable scripts embedded in Web pages
The ability to set the general security level
Medium is recommended
By FITA AYALEW
215. Beware of Social Engineering
Social engineering
Tricking people into giving out private information
Passing unsafe programs into the network or PC
Some techniques of social engineers
Phishing: extracting personal data via e-mail
Scam e-mail: offers to join phony ventures
Virus (e-mail) hoax: clogs up e-mail systems
A few rules for using the Internet
Do not click links inside e-mail messages
Investigate a Web site before downloading software
By FITA AYALEW
216. Beware of Social Engineering (continued)
Two ways to debunk a hoax e-mail
Note phrases/subjects that request mass forwarding
Use services of security site; e.g., www.hoaxkill.com
Scripts: code segments automating set of tasks
Example: files with extensions .wsf and .vbs
Malicious scripts are often hidden in e-mails
Example: the link www.symantec.com.vbs
Protecting against malicious scripts
Set Windows to display file extensions
Set Windows to first load script to Notepad
By FITA AYALEW
217. Dealing with Malicious Software
Malicious software (malware or computer infestation)
Any unwanted program intending harm to system
Transmitted to your computer without your knowledge
Examples of malware: viruses and worms
Some signs of malicious messages
Pop-up ads plague you when surfing the Web
Strange or bizarre error messages appear
Less memory than usual is available
Strange graphics appear on your computer monitor
The system cannot recognize the CD-ROM drive
Files constantly become corrupted
The OS boots, but cannot launch the Windows desktop
Your antivirus software displays one or more messages
By FITA AYALEW
218. Here's the Nasty List
Virus
Program that replicates by attaching to other programs
Infected program must execute for virus to run
Example: boot sector program
Protection: run AV software in the background
Adware: produces all those unwanted pop-up ads
Spam is junk e-mail that you do not want
Spyware: program installing itself to spy on you
Worm: self-replicating program that overloads network
Browser hijacker: alters home page/browser settings
Dialer: dials phone number without your knowledge
Keylogger: tracks all your keystrokes
Logic bomb: dormant code triggered by an event
Trojan horse: disguises itself as a legitimate program
By FITA AYALEW
219. Here's the Nasty List (continued)
Types of viruses
Boot sector: virus hides in the boot sector program
File virus: hides in executable (.exe, .com, or .sys)
Multipartite virus: combined boot sector and file virus
Macro virus: hides in documents of macro files
Script virus: a virus that hides in a script
How malware replicates and hides
Uses various techniques to load itself into memory
Attempts to hide from AV software
Example: stealth virus manipulates its storage file
By FITA AYALEW
220. Step-by-Step Attack Plan
Run reputable AV software
Examples: Norton Anti-Virus and McAfee VirusScan
Run adware or spyware removal software
Example: Windows Defender by Microsoft
Search out and destroy what’s left
Respond to any startup errors
Delete malicious files
Purge restore points
Clean the registry
Root out rootkits
By FITA AYALEW
221. Security Tips
Backup System Files
Use Ntbackup to back up System State and registry
When to back up the System State
After you have made major changes to the system
Example: after installing a new hard drive
Make backups a routine part of monthly maintenance
Perform a Monthly Security Maintenance Routine
Change the administrator password
Make sure system is being automatically updated
Check that AV software is installed and current
By FITA AYALEW
222. Summary
Protect accounts and applications with passwords
File and folders can be configured for selective permissions
Standard security tools: AV software, firewalls, Windows
Update
Techniques used by social engineers: phishing, scam e-
mails, virus hoaxes
Some events to monitor: failed logon access attempts and
network activity
Malware: invasive programs such as viruses and worms
If AV software cannot clean or delete malware, use other
techniques such as deleting file from directory
By FITA AYALEW