INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-1
Basic Terms, Concepts, Functions and Characteristics of PC
Hardware ComponentsLearning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to
identify the Basic Terms, Concepts, Functions and Characteristics
of PC Hardware Components
Types of ComputerWorkstationA workstation is a high-end personal
computer designed for technical or scientific applications.
Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are
commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user
operating systems.
Desktop computer
Desktop computers come in a variety of styles ranging from large
vertical tower cases to small form factor models that can be tucked
behind an LCD monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers
specifically to a horizontally-oriented case, usually intended to
have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk
top. Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and
keyboards.
Single unitSingle unit PCs (also known as all-in-one PCs) are a
subtype of desktop computers, which combine the monitor and case of
the computer within a single unit.
LaptopA laptop computer or simply laptop, also called a notebook
computer or sometimes a notebook, is a small personal computer
designed for portability.
NetbookNetbooks (also called mini notebooks or subnotebooks) are
a rapidly evolving category of small, light and inexpensive laptop
computers suited for general computing and accessing web-based
applications; they are often marketed as "companion devices," that
is, to augment a user's other computer access.
Tablet PC
A tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first
introduced by Pen computing in the early 90s with their PenGo
Tablet Computer and popularized by Microsoft. Its touchscreen or
graphics tablet/screen hybrid technology allows the user to operate
the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead
of a keyboard or mouse.
Ultra-Mobile PCThe ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) is a specification for
a small form factor of tablet PCs. It was developed as a joint
development exercise by Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung, among
others. Current UMPCs typically feature the Windows XP, Windows
Vista, Windows 7, or Linux operating system and low-voltage Intel
Atom or VIA C7-M processors.
Home theater PCA home theater PC (HTPC) is a convergence device
that combines the functions of a personal computer and a digital
video recorder. It is connected to a television or a
television-sized computer display and is often used as a digital
photo, music, video player, TV receiver and digital video
recorder.
Pocket PC
A pocket PC is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized
computer (personal digital assistant) that runs the Microsoft
Windows Mobile operating system. It may have the capability to run
an alternative operating system like NetBSD or Linux. It has many
of the capabilities of modern desktop PCs.
HARDWARE
An exploded view of a modern personal computer and peripherals:
1. 2. Scanner3. CPU (Microprocessor)4. Primary storage (RAM)5.
Expansion cards (graphics cards, etc.)6. Power supply7. Optical
disc drive8. Secondary storage (Hard disk)9. Motherboard
10. Speakers11. Monitor12. System software13. Application
software14. Keyboard15. Mouse16. External hard disk17. Printer
Computer case
A computer case is the enclosure that contains the main
components of a computer. Cases are usually constructed from steel
or aluminium, although other materials such as wood and plastic
have been used. Cases can come in many different sizes, or form
factors.
Processor
The central processing unit, or CPU, is that part of a computer
which executes software program instructions. In older computers
this circuitry was formerly on several printed circuit boards, but
in PCs is a single integrated circuit. Nearly all PCs contain a
type of CPU known as a microprocessor. with a fan attached via heat
sink.
Motherboard
The motherboard, also referred to as systemboard or mainboard,
is the primary circuit board within a personal computer.
Main memory
A PC's main memory is fast storage that is directly accessible
by the CPU, and is used to store the currently executing program
and immediately needed data.
Hard disk
Mass storage devices store programs and data even when the power
is off; they do require power to perform read and write functions
during usage. Although flash memory has dropped in cost, the
prevailing form of mass storage in personal computers is still the
hard disk.
Video card
The video card - otherwise called a graphics card, graphics
adapter or video adapter - processes and renders the graphics
output from the computer to the computer display, and is an
essential part of the modern computer.
Visual display unit
A visual display unit (or monitor) is a piece of electrical
equipment, usually separate from the computer case, which displays
viewable images generated by a computer without producing a
permanent record.
Keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is an arrangement of buttons that each
correspond to a function, letter, or number. They are the primary
devices of inputting text.
Mouse
A Mouse on a computer is a small, slidable device that users
hold and slide around to point at, click on, and sometimes drag
objects on screen in a graphical user interface using a pointer on
screen.
Other components
Mass storageAll computers require either fixed or removable
storage for their operating system, programs and user generated
material.
Formerly the 5inch and 3inch floppy drive were the principal
forms of removable storage for backup of user files and
distribution of software.
Computer communications Internal modem card Modem Network
adapter card Router
Common peripherals and adapter cards Headset Joystick Microphone
Printer Scanner Sound adapter card as a separate card rather than
located on the motherboard Speakers Webcam
LAN Card is a network interface card. This is a computer circuit
board or card that is installed in a computer so that it can be
connected to a network.
Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem is a device that
allows a given computer to share data or otherwise a device which
let computers exchange information
USB Universal Serial Bus, a hardware interface for low-speed
peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer
and telephony devices.
Scanner- it is an input device that read text or illustration
printed on paper, translates the information into a form that a
computer can use.
Printer - it is a piece of hardware that produces a paper copy
(also known as hardcopy) of the information generated by the
computer.
RAM Random Access Memory, is a primary memory. This memory is
used inside the computer to hold programs and data while it is
running.
BIOS Basic Input/Output System, chip that controls the most
basic functions of the computer and performs a self-test every time
you turn it on.
Flash drive RAM that can retain data without electrical power.
It is widely used for BIOS chips and for digital camera and digital
music storage.
Video Camera - camera using videotape: a camera that records
onto videotape
Self-Check 2.2-1A. Multiple ChoiceDirection: Choose the best
answer of the given choices. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering.
1. It is a high end personal computer designed for technical or
scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one
person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area
network and run multi-user operating systems.A. Work StationB.
NettopC. LaptopD. Tablet PC2. It is a small personal computer
designed for portability. Usually all of the interface hardware
needed to operate this computer, such as USB ports (previously
parallel and serial ports), graphics card, sound channel, etc., are
built in to a single unit.A. Work StationB. NettopC. LaptopD.
Tablet PC3. It is a convergence device that combines the functions
of a personal computer and a digital video recorder.A. Work
StationB. Home theater PCC. LaptopD. Tablet PC4. It is a hardware
specification for a handheld-sized computer (personal digital
assistant) that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating
system.A. Work StationB. Home theater PCC. LaptopD. Pocket PC5. It
is also called mini notebooks or subnotebooks and are a rapidly
evolving category of small, light and inexpensive laptop computers
suited for general computing and accessing web-based applicationsA.
NetbookB. Home theater PCC. Work StationD. Pocket PC6. It is the
enclosure that contains the main components of a computer.A. Mother
BoardB. Computer CaseC. ProcessorD. Hard Disk7. It is the part of a
computer which executes software program instructions.A. Mother
BoardB. CPUC. ProcessorD. Hard Disk8. It is also referred to as
systemboard or mainboard, and is the primary circuit board within a
personal computer.A. Mother BoardB. CPUC. ProcessorD. Hard Disk9.
It processes and renders the graphics output from the computer to
the computer display.A. MemoryB. CPUC. Video cardD. Hard Disk10. It
is a piece of electrical equipment, usually separate from the
computer case, which displays viewable images generated by a
computer without producing a permanent record.A. MemoryB. CPUC.
PrinterD. Monitor
B. IdentificationDirections: Identify the following computer
componentsUse a separate sheet of paper in answering.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
ANSWER KEY 2.2-1
MULTIPLE CHOICES
1. A1. C2. B3. D4. A5. B6. B7. A8. C9. D
IDENTIFICATION
1. Monitor2. Video card3. Hard Disk4. Memory/ RAM5. Mother
Board6. Processor7. Keyboard8. Mouse9. Printer10. Scanner
INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-2
Disassemble and assemble computer system unit
In Part of this series, we covered the fundamentals of the
components used in today's PCs, discussed some of the important
aspects of hardware configuration, and provided some shopping tips.
Now, in Part we will delve deeper, using a full tower case to
explain how to assemble a standard PC.An Overview Of Steps
InvolvedFirst, let's take a look at the various steps to putting
together a PC. Opening the empty case; Preparing to fit the
components; Fitting the motherboard; Fitting the RAM, processor,
and cooler; Installing the graphics card and sound card; Fitting
the hard disk and floppy drive; Installing the floppy and CD-ROM
drives; Connecting the ribbon cables; Powering the drives and
motherboard; Connecting the cables for the case front panel; Final
check.The above list is intended to be used as a general guide. In
practice, you can vary the actual order of assembly to some degree.
We use a tower case in our demonstration because it makes for
clearer illustrations. The same assembly principles apply for midi
and mini cases.The case we use has a slide-out tray for the
motherboard and the expansion cards. There are a variety of case
designs on the market, and we've discussed this in depth in an
earlier article, entitled How To Select The Right Case . Take time
to familiarize yourself with the case before installing any
components in order to avoid having to remove some of them
later!
Empty case with motherboard tray withdrawn.Our tower case is
built to ATX specification and includes a 300-watt power supply.
Two side panels can be individually removed after undoing the
screws. Some other cases have a one-piece outer cover in the shape
of an upside down 'U.' No matter how the case is constructed, you
can normally gain access to the interior of the PC-to-be from both
sides.The price of a case is a good indicator of its modularity and
build quality. Cheaper cases often force you to assemble the PC in
a specific order, are made of softer and/ or thinner metal, and may
contain sharp edges. Expensive cases provide clever design
features, a more solid construction, better finish, and are often
fitted with more capable power supplies.When you have opened the
case by removing the side panels, you will see what accessories the
case manufacture has supplied. A power cord and screws should
always be included, and you will also often find a set of case
feet.
Empty tray with six motherboard spacers.Our case has a slide-out
tray, which provides a very elegant way to install the motherboard
and all of its components. Cheaper cases will have a mounting plate
fixed permanently to the case. If you have this type, you should
first lay the case on its side.Next, screw in the spacer mounts for
fixing the motherboard. The photo shows six spacers already fitted
to the mounting plate. There are usually more holes drilled in the
mounting plate than you actually need. There are standard locations
for these holes on the mounting plate, which correspond to the
holes on the motherboard. How many of these are actually used
depends on the board manufacturer. Cases are normally designed to
accept any motherboard. Compare the available holes with the ones
on your motherboard to determine where to fit the threaded
spacers.
Spaced well away from the metal - the motherboard on the
mounting plate.
Preparing To Fit The Components
Overview of all components (from left to right and top to
bottom): network adapter card; floppy disk drive; CD-ROM drive;
sound card; hard disk; ribbon cable; graphics card; RAM; CPU
cooler; and, motherboard.Let's take another look at the photo. The
inclusion of a component from a particular manufacturer does not
imply a recommendation on our part. We use them to illustrate the
installation procedure of similar components. The choice of
components is entirely up to you. You can always find reviews of
the latest products on the Tom's Hardware site, together with
articles on the latest developments and product
recommendations.
Lift the lever on the CPU socket.
When the processor is in its socket, push the lever back
down.First, insert the CPU in its socket. To do this, raise the
small lever at the side of the socket. If you examine the CPU from
underneath, you will notice that there is a pin missing at one
corner. Match this corner with the corner on the socket where there
is a hole missing. The processor is keyed in this way to make sure
it is inserted correctly. Please bear in mind that you should not
force the CPU when inserting it! All pins should slide smoothly
into the socket. If you are sure that you have positioned the CPU
correctly (using the missing pin as reference), yet are unable to
insert the CPU, it is likely that one of its pins is bent. If this
has happened, straighten the pin using tweezers or a screwdriver.
Once you have installed the processor, lock the lever back
down.
Applying thermal paste to the processor.You must apply thermal
paste or a thermal pad to the top of the CPU. This will help to
transfer heat from the processor to the cooler. Failure to apply a
thermally conductive medium to the processor can cause it to fail!
Unless you use thermal paste, any slight misalignment of the
contact surface of the cooler, or even the presence of tiny specks
of dust, will prevent heat from being efficiently transferred away
from the processor. Thermal paste also fills the microscopic
valleys in the contact surface of the CPU (known as the die). Some
cooler manufacturers supply thermal paste with their products. If
yours did not, it is available from most good computer or
electronics stores and costs around two to three dollars.A cooler
made of copper is recommended, since this material is a very
efficient heat conductor. You should know your processor's socket
type when buying a cooler. You have a choice of two types of cooler
- one suitable for both Socket A/462 and Socket 370, or one just
for Socket 423 (Pentium 4).
Make sure that the cooler is in the correct position. Here is
the cooler about to be connected with the socket.
Clips fix the cooler to the socket. This applies to Socket A/462
(AMD) and Socket 370 (Pentium III and C3).
Plenty of air flow. Here is the power connection for the
cooler's fan.You may have wondered why the connector lead for the
fan has three wires. Two of these carry the power; the third is
used for monitoring the speed of the fan. Therefore, the BIOS is
always aware of the speed at which the fan is running.Minor
Differences With The Pentium 4 SystemSocket 370 (Intel Pentium III
or Via C3), Socket A/462, and Socket 7 all use the same method of
mounting the cooler. However, Socket 478-based Pentium 4 systems
are slightly different. Intel specifies that motherboard
manufacturers should provide a plastic guide rail to ensure that
the cooler is always mounted flat to the surface of the processor.
Also, the cooler is not locked down with clips but with a snap-in
system, as shown in the following pictures.
Pentium 4 motherboards have a socket with 478 pins and a guide
for the CPU cooler.
Attaching a Pentium 4 coolerThe RAM must be suitable for the
motherboard. There are currently three types of RAM available:
SDRAM, DDR SDRAM and RDRAM. The motherboard's chipset determines
which type of RAM may be used. You will find the specification on
the motherboard's box or in the motherboard manual.
Installing RAM. A notch at the bottom of the memory module
ensures that the RAM is fitted correctly. The notch is located in
different places on SDRAM, DDR SDRAM and RDRAM.DIMM memory modules
have a notch underneath that lines up with a key on the memory
slots. Although it is not possible to insert the modules the wrong
way, you should line up the RAM with its slot before installing it.
Then, carefully press the module into the slot. Caution is
recommended, as too much pressure may damage certain tracks on the
motherboard. It is best to push one side down first, and then the
other. The notch will snap into its key as soon as one side is
seated correctly. To make sure it is seated correctly, you can
always take the memory module out again. Releasing the clips will
pop the module out of its socket. Then, you can just lift it
out.
Passed the first hurdle. Motherboard with processor, cooler and
memory.
In place - sound card (left) and graphics card (center) in white
PCI slots. There is room for a network card, if required.Nowadays,
graphics cards are usually fitted in the AGP slots provided
specifically for this purpose. These are brown in color, in
contrast to the PCI slots, and are generally located in the center
of the motherboard. PCI graphics cards are rarely used. Now, select
a PCI slot for each of your other plug-in cards, including the
sound card. Before fitting an expansion card, remove the
appropriate slot insert from the back panel of the case (or of the
motherboard tray). As a rule, you need to undo a screw to do this,
although sometimes convenient plastic clips are used. The insert
may also form part of the back panel.Choosing a location for a PCI
card will not usually be a problem on a simple system. In our
experience, however, selecting an appropriate PCI slot can
sometimes be problematic with some brands of motherboard. For
example, IRQs can be reserved twice or even three times over.
Resource conflicts can make it difficult for the operating system
and motherboard to work together properly. This can often be solved
by moving the offending PCI card to another slot or by manually
reassigning IRQs. The other reason is more practical. If you see a
large heat sink on a plug-in card, perhaps even with a fan on top,
the chip underneath will be producing a lot of heat that has to be
removed. There is only one reason we did not fit the sound card
next to the graphics card: we wanted to keep some space between the
cards in order to prevent heat buildup.We assume that you have
already configured your hard disk the way you want it - single,
master, or slave. The photo below shows the hard disk already
fitted. As you can see, we can look right through the case here. If
we had slid the motherboard tray back into position, it would have
been impossible to screw the hard disk in from the left.
At the moment, we still have good access to the hard disk
(bottom) and the floppy drive (top). You can see the screws for the
drive on the side.Use two screws per side on each drive. We would
like to touch briefly on the topic of drive cooling, as it is quite
important with the current 7,200 rpm drives. Hard disks running at
7,200 rpm can quickly reach temperatures in excess of 50C. You
should, therefore, always leave some space above them to prevent
heat buildup. The power supply fan is normally powerful enough to
provide adequate air circulation inside the case.Installing a
CD-ROM drive is similar to installing a hard disk. First, check
that the jumper configuration is correct.
CD Drive In Drive Cage.You only get to see the metal below the
decorative plastic front panel when installing your system; the
case metal is actually hidden by plastic panels. The entire front
section, or at least the part where the drives will be installed,
is manufactured from a single, large piece of metal, in which the
drive holes are then punched. For some years now, the CE norm for
cases has specified this kind of metal panel, as only metal can
reduce electromagnetic emissions - the processor usually being the
worst offender in this area.In practice, there are two options. If
the metal knockouts are pre-stamped, you have to either take them
out using metal cutters, or knock them out using force. If you have
a high quality computer case, you can remove and replace these
metal panels whenever you like. Check carefully to see if there is
an easy way to remove these panels that will reduce the chances of
your accidentally damaging one or more of them.When we have opened
up the hole, we can feed the CD-ROM drive in and screw it into
place. You will need the fine-threaded type screws. Always use four
screws. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as excess
pressure can put a strain on the case that could lead to twisting.
The faster a drive's rotational speed, the more serious the effect.
Tighten the screws only enough to ensure that the drive is secure.
Heat is a consideration with CD-ROM drives, as it is with disk
drives.Your PC should now look similar to the one in our
photograph. All key components, such as the motherboard, processor,
RAM, graphics card, sound card, hard disk, CD-ROM and floppy, have
been installed. Now it is time to connect the cables.
PC still without the cablesAs you will be aware after reading
Part 1, there are two main cable types: the 34-pin cable for the
floppy drive and the 40-pin IDE cable (with 80 wires) for the hard
disk and CD-ROM. Cables are always color-coded to show pin 1. Most
drives also provide some kind of identification for pin 1. If you
find that this is not the case, just remember that pin 1 is the one
next to the power plug.
Ribbon cable. The markings show the direction in which the power
flows. Bottom: 80-pin for hard disk. Top: 34-pin for floppy.
Four-pole for 5 and 12 volts. Disk drive power connector on the
right next to the ribbon cable.Power supplies are fitted with at
least five plugs for delivering power to the drives. If you need
more than this, consider buying one or more splitter cables. A
splitter cable provides two connectors from a single one. The
corners of the plugs and sockets are keyed to ensure correct
polarity.Floppy drives have smaller plugs, which are easily
recognized among the cables coming from the power supply. Finally,
there is the large ATX plug that plugs into the power socket on the
motherboard. ATX12 or P6 should be connected where required. The
latter provides extra power for power-hungry processors,
Front panel connections: HDD LED (hard disk light), power (on/
off) switch and RESET switch in the top row. Below: mini
speaker.All motherboards group the pins that provide front panel
functions at the bottom right of the board. You should find these
described in the handbook that came with your motherboard. The
abbreviations printed on the board itself are not particularly
helpful for beginners, who may find the following short explanation
of the abbreviations useful. SP, SPK, or SPEAK: the loudspeaker
output. It has four pins. RS, RE, RST or RESET: connect the two-pin
Reset cable here. PWR, PW, PW SW, PS or Power SW: power switch, the
PC's on/ off switch. The plug is two-pin. PW LED, PWR LED or Power
LED: the light-emitting diode on the front panel of the case
illuminates when the computer is switched on. It is a two-pin
cable. HD, HDD LED: these two pins connect to the cable for the
hard disk activity LED.Don't worry about polarity. The Reset and
On/ Off switch will work no matter how they are connected, but the
LEDs will not light up if they are connected in reverse polarity.
If you can hear disk activity but the LED does not light, simply
reverse the plug.Final CheckCongratulations - you've done it! You
have fitted and connected all components. Before you boot your new
computer for the first time, recheck everything. It is very easy to
overlook something obvious.Consider the following: Motherboard
jumper configuration: are the settings for the processor correct?
Drive jumper settings: master/ slave correct? Are the processor,
RAM modules and plug-in cards firmly seated in their sockets? Did
you plug all the cables in? Do they all fit snugly? Have you
tightened all the screws on the plug-in cards or fitted the clips?
Are the drives secure? Have you connected the power cables to all
drives?Once you have checked all of the above, you can start your
PC and install your operating system.
INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-2B
Basic Troubleshooting Guide
AMI Beep Code1 long, 8 short Display/Retrace test failed.1 long,
3 short Conventional/Extended memory failure.11 short Cache Memory
error.10 short CMOS shutdown Read/Write error.9 short ROM BIOS
checksum failure.8 short Display memory Read/Write test failure7
short Virtual mode exception error.6 short Keyboard controller Gate
A20 error.5 short Process failure.4 short System timer failure.3
short Base 64k RAM failure.2 short Parity circuit failure.1 short
DRAMS refresh failure.
Beep Code DescriptionAWARD Beep Code
1 Long, 2 Short A video error has occurredand the Bios cannot
initializethe video screen to displayany additional information.Any
other beep(s) RAM Problem.
Job Sheet 2.1-2b
Title : PC Disassemble and Assemble
Performance Objective: Given the necessary supply/ materials and
equipment, Dissemble and Assemble computer, install operating
system and perform trouble shooting
Supply/materials : Screwdriver Antistatic Wrist trap
Equipment : Computer Set
Step /Procedure:1. Unplug from power source.2. Remove all
peripheral attachment.3. Open the CPU.4. Remove the power supply5.
Remove hard disk and CD Rom from the CPU case.6. Remove Video card,
Lan card and modem from the Mainboard/ Motherboard7. Remove the
Mainboard/Motherboard from the CPU Case.8. Return the parts to its
original place.
Assessment Method :Actual assessment.
Performance Criteria 2.1-2b Trainees Name
________________________________ Date : ________________
CriteriaYESNO
1. Is the trainee disassembling computer system unit?
2. Is the trainee Assemble computer system unit?
3. Is the computer parts and peripherals are place properly
installed?
4. Is trainee performing the operations at a given time?
Comments/ Suggestions: