4 main parts of a computer

If you own a computer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your system. You don’t need to know how to change the oil in your car, for example, but you should know that it needs to be done.

Basic computers are broken down into four pieces of hardware.

Hard drive: This is known as storage. All your programs and data are stored on your hard drive. This is like your stomach. Fill it too much and things will slow down. Realize that we typically have hard drives that are bigger than we’ll ever need in our lifetime.

Memory: You can equate a computer’s memory to your memory. A computer with plenty of memory is like a person with great memory. A computer with too little memory is like a human that has to use a notepad too much.

Case: The case is simply the body that everything sits in. Check out your computer case. It’s built pretty intelligently. For example, if you have a mouse with a round connector (PS2), then the connector is probably green and there is only one green round connection point on the motherboard for it. This is typical of anything that connects to the computer – there is only one place to connect it.

Motherboard: You could equate a motherboard to a spinal cord. Not only does everything plug into it, but this is also how everything communicates. Most of the motherboard is hidden from view and is only exposed at the rear of the computer.

Troubleshooting Tips for New Monitors

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Here are some basic trouble shooting tips for new monitors:

1. The picture does not appear
   • Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
   • Check to see if the computer system's power is ON.
   • Check that the Brightness Control is at the appropriate position, not at the minimum.
2. The Screen is not synchronized
   • Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
   • Check that the output level matches the input level of your computer.
   • Make sure the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
3. The position of the screen is not in the center
   • Adjust the H-Size, H-Phase or V-Size, V-Center controls.
   • Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
4. The screen is too bright or too dark
   • Check if the Brightness or contrast control is at the appropriate position, not at the maximum or minimum.
   • Check if the specified voltage is applied
   • Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
   • Especially, check the horizontal frequency.
5. The screen is shaking
   • Move all objects that emit a magnetic field, such as a motor or transformer, away from the monitor.
   • Check if the specified voltage is applied.
   • Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.

Common Troubleshooting Techniques & Strategies

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Here are five common-sense techniques and strategies to solve common computer hardware problems.

(1) Trial-and-error

Personal computers are highly modular by design. The most powerful trouble-shooting technique is to isolate the problem to a specific component by trial-and-error. Swap compatible components and see if the system still works. Try different peripherals on different machines and see if the same problem occurs. Make one change at a time.

(2) "It's the cable, s-----."

More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card and sound card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" during transportation.

(3) Don't be frustrated!

Don't be afraid of computer problems. It is often the best opportunity to learn. Trouble-shooting is part of the fun of owning a computer. Imagine the satisfaction you could get by solving a problem yourself.

Of course the fun could ran out quickly once you are frustrated and have spent too much time on the same problem. If you feel frustrated, it's time to leave it for a while and go back with some new ideas or call someone who can help. Rule of thumb: You shouldn't spend more than three hours on the same problem at one time.

(4) Take notes!

Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages. You may need to use them later. For instance, when you see an unusual blue screen with an error message, copy the entire message onto a piece of paper. In many situations, that message may point to the right direction in getting the problem solved quickly.

(5) Take a look?

It's OK to open a computer case and take a look inside. There is only 5V and 12V DC voltage supplied to the components outside the power supply. Those who have never seen the inside of a computer are often amazed by how simple it looks. Of course, still always power down and unplug the power cord first. 

If you find this article useful, please create a link to it from your website or tell a friend about it. If you have any comments or suggestions about this article, please email peraltacomputerservices@yahoo.com

Computer Hardware Servicing NC II Assesment Free Reviewer

Below is a reviewer on the skill assessment  exam of those who wanted to get a certificate on Computer Hardware Servicing NC II from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA, Philippines).  It is assumed that you have the prior basic knowledge on computer hardware and software operations.  This is not a comprehensive one but provides examples, hints and basic outline  of the exam:

1.  List of Tools and Materials/Inventory (written): 

  

2.           Occupational Health and Safety Procedure (OHS) (written):

  

1.   Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized.

2. Personal protective equipment are correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices.

3. Hazard/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment.

4. Take necessary precautions to protect the components of the computer from damage caused by ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).

5. Hold the components by the edges and do not touch the IC’s.

6. Read and follow instructions on the manual carefully.

7. Do not use excessive force if things don’t quite slip into place.

3.  Assemble System Unit (manual):

PROPER ASSEMBLING PROCEDURE:

1. Prepare the computer case (install power supply, I/O shield and spacers).

2. Install the drives (DVD, floppy and HDD).

3. Install the CPU, fan, heat sink and memory module on the motherboard.

4. Install the motherboard into the casing and expansion cards.

5. Install the cablings (power connectors, FDD connector, IDE/SATA connector, USB headers and system panel header).

6. Attach the monitor, keyboard, mouse and plug into a        power source.

7. Troubleshoot if necessary.

8. Assemble and install network connection.

4.  Install Operating Systems (OS- XP/98, dual boot), Device Drivers, LAN Cable (manual).

Extensive procedures on dual/triple boot operating systems (OS) installation can be found on this sitehttp://homepage.ntlworld.com/mosaddique/.  The type of operating systems to be installed might change overtime.


For LAN cable color coding, memorize the pairings below:

5.    Configure and Print (manual):

1.       Click on the Start menu, then click on Control Panel

2.       When the Control Panel window opens you will see items in either Category View (continue         with step #3) or Classic View (skip to item #4)

3.       Find and double-click on the Network and Internet Connection icon.

4.       Next, find and double-click on the Network Connections icon, a window will open with all           network connections available on the computer (wired and wireless)

5.       Find the network connection you want to manually configure, right-click on it and select    Properties from the pop-up menu

6.       In the Connection Properties window, under the section labeled This connection uses the            following items:find the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item and double-click it.

7.       A new window will open, select the second radio button which is labeled Use the following IP       address

8.       Enter the appropriate IP address (192.168.0.1); subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0); and           gateway (the router       or proxy server address)

9.       The next part of the windows will now have a radio button selected which is labeled Use the         following DNS server addresses

10.   If you need to access the Internet, enter the DNS addresses provided by your ISP; if you do not   have that information you can use the OpenDNS server. Their DNS addresses are: 208.67.222.222 and208.67.220.220

11.   After entering the required information, click the OK button twice and close the Control Panel window.

Changing Workgroup and Computer Name

 - Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Computer Name Tab > Change Tab

                        >Type New Computer Name and Workgroup > OK..OK..OK..Restart

Installing Network Printer

 - Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Add Printer (Printers Tasks) > (Add Printer Wizard) Next > Select “A Network Printer, or …..” > Next      > Browse Printer > Next > Select Installed Network Printer > Next >Yes..Finish!

                        Note: Turn-off your firewall before installing network printer.

File/Folder Sharing

 - Right-Click Folder to Share > Properties > Sharing Tab > Network Sharing and Security (Click “If you understand the security Risk….”) > Just Enable Sharing    > OK > Select Share this folder on the network > OK

Sharing Printer

Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes > Right-click Installed Printer > Sharing > Share this Printer > OK 

6.  Questioning/Interview  (oral):

Most of the questions will be on troubleshooting but anything around the subject matter can be asked.  You also need to master the parts of the computer particularly of the Main Circuit Board or the Mother Board and their specific functions, cable color-coding as shown above.

central processing unit (CPU) - Interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate a computer

Heat sink—component with fins that cools processor

random access memory (RAM) - Memory chips that can be read from and written  to by processor.  Also called main memory or primary storage.  Most RAM is volatile, it is lost when computer’s power is turned off.

read-only memory (ROM) - Memory chips that store permanent data and instructions.  Nonvolatile memory, it is not lost when computer’s power is turned off.

basic input and output system (BIOS) -  the first program to run when you turn on your computer.  It is stored in a ROM chip on the motherboard.

complementary metal-oxide semiconductor memory (CMOS) - Stores date, time, and  computer’s startup information.  Maintained by a small battery after you turn the computer off.

adapter card - Enhances system unit or provides connections to external devices called peripherals.  Also called an expansion card.

expansion slot - An opening, or socket, on the motherboard that can hold an adapter card

Port connects external devices to system unit

Connector joins cable to peripheral


(add additional notes)


Good luck! =)

How do I fix the Windows blue screen errors?

Question

How do I fix the Windows blue screen errors?

Answer

Before fixing a Microsoft Microsoft Windows blue screen or blue screen of death error (BSoD) you must first identify what error it is. Since there are different blue screen errors.

Note: If you're getting a blue screen and then your computer immediately reboots without being able to read the text in the blue screen, follow the steps below. If you're unable to get into Windows to perform the steps below, boot the computer into Safe Mode.

1. From the desktop right-click on My Computer.
2. Click the Properties option.
3. In the System Properties window click the Advancedtab.
4. In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
5. In the Startup and Recovery window uncheck the Automatically restart check box.
6. Click Ok.

Blue screen errors

Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista, and later versions of Windows will have a blue screen error that's similar to the example shown below. Thankfully these error messages often contain more detailed information, and will contain information that can be searched for and found. If you're not getting a blue screen error that looks like the below skip to the next Fatal exception section.

1. Identify the blue screen by locating a line containing all capital letters with underscores instead of spaces, such as the above example, BAD_POOL_HEADER. Write this information down. If you do not see anything written in all caps with underscores like this, skip this step.
2. Get either the STOP: error message at the top of the error, or in the "Technical Information:" portion of the error. For example, in the above error it's STOP: 0x00000019 ... write the first potion of this error message down.
3. Finally, if technical information is shown write down the file and the address.

Once you have the above information you can start troubleshooting the issue. Below are common blue screen errors and links to pages that contain the troubleshooting steps fore ach of these errors. If your error is not listed in the below sectionsearch for the error you wrote down.

BAD_POOL_HEADER
DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCH
THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER
UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP
UNKNOWN_HARD_ERROR

Fatal exceptions

Many of the blue screen error messages you'll encounter with earlier versions of Windows will be fatal exception error messages or Fatal 0E messages. If your blue screen message starts out withA fatal exception 0E ... or An exception ... you're encountering this error. For these blue screen errors follow the fatal exception error troubleshooting steps.

Additional information

• See the BSoD definition for further information and related links.

Computer Repair

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