Basic Computer Operation and Troubleshooting

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Basic Computer Operationand

Troubleshooting

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Basic Computer Operation and Troubleshooting Workshop

Outline• Introduction to computer hardware• Cabling• Basic operations• Troubleshooting• Stuff

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Introduction to Computer Hardware

• Case• Power switch• Reset switch• Hard drive• Floppy• CD/DVD• Zip drive• Serial ports• Parallel port• USB port

• Keyboard/mouse• Network card• Modem• Sound card• Video card• RAM• Motherboard• Bus• Fan• Cables

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The case…

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What is in the box?

Motherboard

ABIT KT7 RAID

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and…

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and…

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Typical parts of a motherboard.

ABIT SE6

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Cabling

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For items in or attached to a system to work properly they must be securely

connected.

Be sure to carefully connect the cables.

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Basic operations

• Power cord plugged in.(If plugged into a power strip, turn it on. Includes peripherals.)

• Cables to peripherals secure.• Power on peripherals.• Power on the system.• Observe the system for proper

operation.

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The basic system including keyboard, mouse and monitor.

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Operating systems

• All computer systems have an operating system. Currently (09/01), there are three dominate typical user operating systems. (Macintosh OS, Microsoft Windows OS and Linux.)

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FYI: Disk capacities

• Floppy(Double Sided, Double Density)

• Zip cartridge• CD• DVD

(Single Sided, Single Layered) (Double Sided, Double Layered)

• 1.4 MB• 100 MB – 250 MB• 650 MB• 4.7 GB• 17 GB

1 GB = 1000 MB

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Floppies, zips, CDs and DVDs,Oh my!

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Three most importantwords in computing.

1. Backup2. Backup3. Backup• You should backup when you do not want to reenter

everything you have entered since your last backup. (Schedules can range from every item to months.)

• You should regularly check that your backups work.• Multiple backups and off-site backups are often

required.

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Other good ideas.

• Anti-virus software.• Regularly updated virus definitions for the

anti-virus software. (Automated if available.)• Current security patches applied to operating

system and applications.• Scrutinize any unexpected attachments that

are e-mailed to you. (Particularly “.vbs” and “.exe” files.)

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Fast and Furious Troubleshooting

“Before you call…”• “Is it plugged in? Is it turned on?”

(Also, “Is the power on in your building?”, etc…)

• “Have you tried rebooting the system.”(Exiting correctly and physically powering down the entire system including peripherals.)

• Can you reproduce the problem on-demand?Computer Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tutorial

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Resources• Computer Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tutorial

(UNCA DOE)• EdTech Workshop Resource Archive

(UNCA DOE)• Basic Educational Technology Online Course

(UNCA DOE)• Getting Help With Basic Technology Skills

(UNCA DOE)• Computer Fundamentals for Teachers

(NC A&T School of Education)