Lesson 1

Form Factors (types)

- ATX - Micro-ATX - Mini-ITX

Expansion Bus

An external bus, or _________ ___, allows additional components to be connected to the computer. These components could be peripheral devices (located outside the case) or adapter cards (located inside the case).

NVRAM (Non-volatile RAM)

On current motherboards, configuration data is stored in a ___-________ ___ (_____) chip such as flash memory, rather than in CMOS RAM. Flash memory does not require battery-backup. A CMOS battery is still used to power the Real Time Clock (RTC), however, and may be referred to as the RTC battery or clock battery. The RTC keeps track of the actual date and time.

Mid Tower Case

The most common size for the everyday user and often sold in stores. These cases have some room for optional internal components.

a

Your company wants to use USB 3.0 compatible external hard drives and needs to update existing workstations. As a system administrator, which of the following changes will you recommend to save the most time and money? a. Install an expansion card. b. Replace the motherboard. c. Install a riser card. d. Install SATA adapters

c

Your workstation needs additional RJ-45 network connections. Which of the following changes do you implement to meet this need? a. Install an I/O adapter b. Install a Wi-Fi adapter c. Install a network interface card d. Install a PCI card

USB 3

___ _ controllers actually feature two sub-controllers. One controller handles SuperSpeed-capable devices while the other supports legacy HighSpeed, FullSpeed, and LowSpeed USB v1.1 and v2.0 devices. Consequently legacy devices will not slow down SuperSpeed-capable devices. There are changes to the way the bus works to try to improve "real-world" bandwidth too.

USB On the Go (OTG)

___ __ ___ __ (___) allows a port to function either as a host or as a device. For example, a port on a smartphone might operate as a device when connected to a PC but as a host when connected to a keyboard.

PCI Express (PCIe)

___ _______ (____) was released by Intel in 2004 as the replacement for the PCI architecture. ____ uses point-to-point serial communications, meaning that each component can have a dedicated link to any other component. Connections are made via a switch, which routes data between components and can provide Quality of Service (QoS) to any component that needs it (for example, to prioritize real-time video over non-time critical data).

Mini-ITX (Information Technology Extended)

-Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs are becoming popular as home machines (and in image-conscious offices). SFF PCs often use Via's ____-___ (___________ ___________ ________) form factor. -____-___ is 6.7 inches (170 x 170 mm) square with one expansion slot. Note: Most ____-___ boards can be mounted in ATX cases.

Micro-ATX (mATX)

-The _____-___ (____) standard specifies a 9.6-inch (244 x 244 mm) square board. -____ boards have fewer expansion slots than ATX boards (up to 4 compared to a maximum of 7 for full-sized ATX boards). Note: Most ____ boards can be mounted in ATX cases.

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)

-The _________ __________ _________ (___) specification was developed by Intel in 1995 to provide a new design for PC motherboards, updating the previous AT form factor. -Full size ___ boards are 12 inches wide by 9.6 inches deep (or 305 x 244 mm). -EATX (Extended ___) is larger than an ___ board and measures 12" x 13". -___ boards can contain up to seven expansion slots

Other ITX-based form factors

-There are also smaller nano-, pico-, and mobile-ITX form factors, but these are used for embedded systems and portables, rather than PCs. Note: No commercial motherboards were ever produced from the original plain ITX specification.

a, c, d

A KVM switch provides what three functionalities? (Select all that apply.) a. Keyboard b. Network c. Video d. Mouse

Desktop Computer

A PC that is not designed to be used on the move. The components of this computer system are divided between those that are designed to be handled by the user (peripheral devices) and those that would be damaged or dangerous if exposed.

Smart Card Reader

A _____ ____ _______ provides a slot or NFC (contactless) interface to interact with a smart card. The reader is typically a peripheral device attached via a USB port but may be built into some laptop models. The microprocessor embedded in the smart card is used to store a digital certificate to prove the identity of the holder. The use of the certificate token is combined with a PIN or password to protect against loss or theft.

Tower Case

A _____ ____ is designed to sit vertically on a surface, so that it is taller than it is wide. _____ ____(s) come in four basic sizes: full, mid, mini, and slim line.

Jumper

A ______ is a small plastic clip containing a metal conductor that fits over two contacts on the motherboard. The position of the clip completes a circuit that configures the motherboard in one way or another.

Storage Bus

A ________ ___ is a special type of expansion bus dedicated to communicating with storage devices, such as hard disks, solid state drives, and optical drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray).

Pointing Device

A ________ ______ is usually used to move a cursor to select and manipulate objects on the screen.

Touchpad

A ________ is a small, touch-sensitive pad where you run your finger across the surface to send electronic signals to the computer to control the pointer on the screen.

Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) Switch

A ________, _____, _____ (___) _______ allows multiple computers (typically servers) to be controlled via a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Internal USB Connectors

A computer will normally feature one or two front USB ports to connect peripherals, as well as more on the back. ________ ___ __________ are made via 9-pin headers, which accept up to two 4-pin port connections (the 9th pin is to orient the cable correctly).

Hub

A device can be a ___ (providing ports for additional devices) or function.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

A genuinely external bus (like ______ ________ ______ _________ (____), Universal Serial Bus (USB), or Firewire) extends the bus wires outside the computer case using cabling.

Host Controller

A hardware component of the USB subsystem responsible for recognizing when a USB device is attached or removed from the system, monitors the device status, provides power to the USB devices, and controls the flow of data between the USB host and USB devices. A USB bus consists of a ____ __________ and supports up to 127 connected devices. Note: To overcome the limitations of sharing bandwidth, most PC chipsets feature multiple USB controllers, each of which has only three or four ports.

Port

A hardware interface that you can use to connect devices to a computer. The ____ can also be referred to as an endpoint. -The ____ transfers electronic signals between the device and the system unit. -A ____ is either an electrically wired socket or plug, or it can be a wireless transmission device. -_____ can vary by shape, by color, by the number and layout of the pins or connectors contained within the ____, by the signals the ____ carries, and by the ____'s location. -_____ exist for both internal and external devices. External _____ often have a graphical representation of the type of device that should be connected to it, such as a small picture of a monitor adjacent to the video port.

System Case (or Chassis)

A plastic and metal box that houses this second class of components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, adapter cards, disk drives, and power supply unit.

Motherboard (mobo, system board, main board)

A printed circuit board, variously called the ___________, ____, ______ _____, or ____ _____, houses the processor, chipset, memory, and expansion slots.

d

A server malfunction has been resolved after replacing a failed hard drive. Enterprise services have been restored. What is the final step of the troubleshooting process? a. Purchase a new hard drive for spare. b. Establish a theory of probable cause. c. Verify full system functionality, and if applicable, implement preventive measures. d. Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

b

A user reports their workstation is continuously rebooting. After arriving at the user's desk, you suggest the problem may relate to newly installed GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). What do you do next? a. You establish a theory of probable cause. b. You test your theory and reseat the GPU. c. You verify and document the solution. d. You escalate the problem.

RJ-45 (Registered Jack) Connector

An __-__ (___________ ____) __________ is used with twisted pair cable for Ethernet local area networking products. Twisted pair is a type of copper cabling where pairs of insulated conductors are twisted around one another, to minimize electrical interference. __-__ __________ are used with 4-pair (8-wire) cables. The connectors are also referred to as 8P8C, standing for 8-position/8-contact. This means that all eight "potential" wire positions are supplied with contacts, so that they can all carry signals if needed.

Lightning

Apple's iPhone and iPad mobile devices use a proprietary 8-pin _________ port and connector. The _________ connector is reversible (can be inserted either way up). The _________ port is found only on Apple's devices. To connect such a device to a PC, you need a suitable adapter cable, such as _________-to-USB A or _________-to-USB C.

Molex connectors

As well as a data connection, an internal hard drive needs to be connected to the computer power supply. A computer power supply will come with a number of peripheral power connectors. For older devices, this power connection is made using _____ ___________ and ports. A _____ __________ is usually white and has 4 pins plus red, yellow, and black wires.

Full Tower Case

Commonly used for gaming PCs and office workstations that require high-performance components like third-party graphic cards and fast multi-threading CPU.

Front Panel Connectors

Components on the front panel of the case connect to headers on the motherboard. Typically, _____ _____ __________ can include: -Power button (soft power): On modern computers, the power button sends a signal to the PC that can be interpreted by the OS (as a command to shut down for instance) rather than actually switching the PC off. Holding down the power button for a few seconds will cut the power, however. -Drive (HDD) activity lights: These show when an internal hard disk is being accessed. -Audio ports: These allow headphones and a microphone to be connected to the computer.

Connections

Computer ___________ are the physical access points that enable a computer to communicate with internal or external devices. They include the ports on both the computer and the connected devices, plus a transmission medium, which is either a cable with connectors at each end or a wireless technology. Personal computer ____________ can be categorized by the technology or standard that was used to develop the device.

Bus

Computers transmit data using electrical signals and process and store it using components called transistors and capacitors. An electrical pathway on the motherboard or through cabling that carries the signals is referred to as a ___.

Anti-ESD service kit (comprising an anti-ESD wrist strap, grounding cord and plug, and a conductive mat. The grounding plug should be connected to an earthed point.)

Describe the equipment you should use to prevent static electricity on your body from damaging the equipment on which you are working.

Small Form Factor (SFF) Case

Designs are semi-portable, space-saving designs typically used for domestic entertainment or Media Center systems that will not look out of place in a living room. They are usually cube-like or super slimline. These cases can hold only a limited number of components.

All-In-One

Desktop computers can also be purchased as ___-__-___ units. This means that all of the computer components (except the keyboard and mouse) are contained within the monitor case.

Cover

Each desktop computer case has a _____, which is removed by either undoing the screws at the back or pressing together clips that release it. Cases based on the slimline design have a hinged _____ that releases to allow access to the motherboard.

Yes

Electrical injuries include electrocution, shock, and collateral injury. Could you be injured if you are not part of the electrical ground current?

Communications (COM) port

In Windows, the serial port is referred to as a ______________ (___) ____.

Cool, dry conditions when humidity is low. (When humidity is high, the static electricity can dissipate through the moisture present in the air.)

In which atmospheric conditions is the risk of ESD highest?

Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)

Internal PC storage devices often used Parallel ATA (PATA)/Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE) connections. This supported transfer rates up to about 133 MBps. Workstations and servers requiring more speed would use the _____ ________ _______ _________ (____) bus instead. ____ could support up to 320 MBps data rates. While you will not come across any new systems shipping with ____ connections, you might need to support legacy systems that use ____.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)

On older computers, ____ RAM stored the PC's basic configuration and any settings made via the ____/system firmware setup program. ____ stands for _____________ _____-_____ ______________, which describes the manufacturing process used to make the RAM chip. ____ devices require very little power to operate and use a small battery to maintain their settings. The ____ battery is a coin cell lithium battery. These batteries typically last for 5-10 years.

Local Bus

One way of categorizing types of buses is to divide them into internal and external. An internal bus, or _____ ___, connects core components, such as the CPU, memory, and the system controllers.

Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)

PC components that are easily user-replaceable (or upgradeable) are referred to as _____ ___________ _____ (____). Due to economic factors, most components of a PC are not worth repairing; instead they are simply replaced with a new unit ("swapped out").

Bus Mastering

PCI supports up to 5 devices (though each device can have up to 8 different functions) and allocates system resources by using Plug-and-Play. Bandwidth on the PCI bus is shared between all devices. PCI supports ___ _________, meaning that the device can control the bus to transfer data to and from memory, without requiring the CPU. The PCI architecture is a 32-bit-wide parallel bus working at 33.3 MHz, achieving a transfer rate of up to 133 MBps (that is, 32 bits divided by 8 to get 4 bytes, then multiplied by the clock rate of 33.3).

Human Interface Devices (HIDs)

Peripherals that enable the user to enter data and select commands. Computers need user input such as directions or commands and user interaction with the programs that are included in order to produce something of use.

Traces

Physically, a bus is implemented on the motherboard as tiny wires (called ______) running between components.

Slimline Case

Require low-profile adapter cards but can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

RJ-11 Connectors

Smaller __-__ ___________ are used with 2- or 3-pair UTP or with flat ribbon "silver satin" phone cables. Typically only one pair carries the dial tone and voice circuit (also called the Tip and Ring wires after the way older phone plugs were wired). The other pair is usually unused but can be deployed for a secondary circuit. __-__ __________ are used for telephone systems (for example, to connect a modem to a phone jack). Note: An __-__ __________ only has two contacts (6P2C); to use more pairs, an RJ-14 (6P4C) connector is required. This is physically the same size as __-__ but has more wired contacts.

Riser Card

Some PC case designs are slimline, meaning that there is not enough space for full height expansion cards. This problem is addressed by providing a _____ ____ at right angles to the main board, enabling you to connect additional adapters to the system in an orientation that is parallel to the motherboard and thus save space within the system case.

DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules)

System RAM is normally packaged as ____ ______ ______ _______ (_____) fitted to motherboard slots. ____ slots have catches at either end, are located close to the CPU socket, and are often color-coded. Note that there are various RAM technologies (DDR3 versus DDR4, for instance) and the _____ are specific to a particular DDR version.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

System memory uses a type of memory technology called ___ (______ ______ ______). Program code is loaded into ___ so that it can be accessed and executed by the processor. ___ also holds data, such as the contents of a spreadsheet or document, while it is being modified. System ___ is volatile; it loses its contents when power is removed.

SuperSpeed Mode

The USB 3.0 standard introduces a ___________ ____. SuperSpeed improves the bus bandwidth tenfold (to 5 Gbps or 5000 Mbps) and makes the link full duplex, so a device can send and receive at up to 5 Gbps simultaneously.

USB 2.0 (HighSpeed) Standard

The ___ ___ (_________) ________ specifies a data rate of 480 Mbps. Note that this bandwidth is shared between all devices attached to the same host.

Rear Panel / Adapter Card / Blanking Plate

The ____ _____ of a desktop computer case has cut-out slots aligned with the position of _______ ____ slots. These slots should either be covered by an adapter card or a metal strip known as a ________ _____.

Form Factor

The ____ ______ of the motherboard describes its shape, layout, and the type of case and power supply that can be used.

Front Panel

The _____ _____ provides access to the removable media drives, a power on/off switch, a reset switch, and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to indicate drive operation. The front cover can be removed but may require the side panel to be removed first in order to access the screws or clips that secure it.

Mouse

The _____ is the main type of pointing device for graphical software.

Serial Port

The ______ ____ (or RS-232) is so called because data is transmitted over one wire one bit at a time. Start, stop, and parity bits are used to format and verify data transmission. While modern interfaces like USB are also serial, an RS-232 interface uses much less sophisticated signaling methods. Consequently, an RS-232 ______ ____ supports data rates up to about 115 Kbps only.

System Clock

The ______ _____ synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Clock speeds are measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz). The clock consists of a clock generator that sets up a timing signal and clock multipliers that take the timing signal produced by the generator and apply a multiplication factor to produce different timing signals for different types of buses. This means that one type of bus can work at a different speed (or frequency) to another type of bus.

Chipset

The _______ consists of several controllers that handle the transfer of data between the CPU and various devices. Examples of controllers include the following: -System memory controller. -Input/Output (I/O) controller to handle disk drives and expansion buses. -Controllers for any integrated video, sound, and network (cabled and wireless) interfaces. The _______ is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The type of _______ on the motherboard can affect the choice of processor and multiprocessing support, type and amount of system memory supported, and type(s) of system bus supported.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

The _________ ______ ___ (___) has become the standard means of connecting peripheral devices to a computer. It is an example of a multipurpose cable that can be used to attach a wide range of peripherals and storage devices. Note: ___ has not historically been used as a display interface (to attach a monitor). That is changing as the USB-C connector (discussed later) is becoming more widely adopted.

Address

The bus carries information being processed by the computer (data) and information about where the data is located in memory (_______). The bus also carries power to a component and the timing signals that synchronize data transfers between components.

Power and fan connectors

The motherboard also contains various connection points for the power supply and fans. -The power connector is usually a 24-pin white or black block. -Fan connectors are smaller. There will be one for the CPU and one or more for the case fans. There is no current standard that dictates the size and form factor of fan connectors. Common connectors include: -A 3-pin Molex KK connector, commonly used to connect a fan directly to the motherboard. -A 4-pin Molex KK connector that is similar in function to the 3-pin KK connector, except that it has an extra pin to provide the ability to control the speed of the fan. -A 4-pin Molex connector that connects directly to the system's power supply.

Standoffs

The motherboard is attached to the case by using _________. These hold the motherboard firmly and ensure no other part of it touches the case.

Interface

The point at which two devices connect and communicate with each other.

Bus Architecture

The term "___ ____________" usually means an expansion bus, used to connect peripheral devices. However, a variety of buses exist within a PC. Also, the way that bus designs are implemented has changed considerably as PC technology has developed and improved.

eSATA Standard

There is also an _____ _________ for the attachment of external drives, with a 2 m (78") cable. You must use an _____ cable to connect to an external _____ port; you cannot use an internal SATA cable.

I/O Ports (Input & Output Ports)

These allow additional devices to be connected to the PC. Some ports are designed for a particular type of device (such as a graphics port). Other ports (such as USB) support different device types. External ports are positioned at the rear or front of the PC through cut-outs in the case. They can be provided on the motherboard or with an expansion card.

False

True or False? If you are using an anti-static floor mat, you do not need any other anti-ESD service equipment.

SuperSpeed+ mode

USB 3.1 defines a ___________ mode with a data rate of 10 Gbps. USB 3.2 promises 20 Gbps, but only over USB-C ports and cabling.

Mini Tower Case

Usually used for office or home PCs where the requirement for additional internal devices and adapter cards is limited.

The main concern is damaging your back. (Lift slowly using your legs for power not your back muscles.)

What care should you take when lifting a heavy object?

Fuse

What in-line component helps to protect users of electrical equipment against a short circuit?

Check that there is a clear path to the destination point. (If you cannot carry the object safely, get help or use a cart.)

What should you do before transporting a bulky object?

Power Supplies

Which computer component presents the most danger from electrical shock?

c

Which network connector is commonly used to connect telephones and connect to DSL networks? a. HDMI b. RJ-45 c. RJ-11 d. VGA

c

Which peripheral connector serves as a display interface and a peripheral interface (like USB), and is primarily used on Apple workstations and laptops? a. Lightning b. USB 3.0 c. Thunderbolt d. DVI

c

Which peripheral is commonly used at shopping malls and retail stores for customers to authorize a payment transaction after swiping a credit card? a. NFC device b. Chip reader c. Signature pad d. Smart card reader

b

Your company is running Intel Core 2 Duo processors and wants to upgrade the motherboards. Which of the following factors will determine the type of motherboard you purchase? a. A motherboard with a TPM 2.0 chip b. A motherboard with Intel chipset c. A motherboard that supports 16 GB of DDR3 RAM d. A motherboard with x16 PCIe expansion slots

HBAs (Host Bus Adapters)

____ (____ ___ ________) provide a connection point for internal mass storage devices, such as hard drives, optical drives, and tape drives.

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)

______ _________ ___________ ___________ (____) is the standard means of attaching internal storage drives to a desktop PC. Each ____ host adapter port supports a single device.

eSATAp

______ is a non-standard powered port used by some vendors that is compatible with both USB and SATA (with an ______ cable). The USB interface dominates the external drive market, however.

Daughter Board

________ _____ is a general computing and electronics term for any circuit board that plugs into another circuit board. In personal computing, a ________ _____ can be used as a more general term for adapter cards. Sometimes, in casual usage, the term is used interchangeably with the term riser card, but technically they are not the same.

Expansion Cards

_________ _____ (or add-on cards) can be installed on the motherboard to add functions or ports not provided as part of the chipset. An expansion card can be fitted to an appropriate slot (PCI or PCIe) on the motherboard.

Functions

_________ are divided into classes, such as human interface (keyboards and mice), mass storage (disk drives), printer, audio device, and so on.

Expansion Slots

__________ _____ enable you to install plug-in adapter cards in a computer to extend the range of functions it can perform.

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

__________ _________ ____________ (___), the most popular expansion bus standard, provides connections to internal adapter cards only. The ___ bus was introduced in 1994 with the Pentium processor. It is still an important technology in terms of adapter card provision, though it is being superseded by PCI Express.

Biometrics

__________ is an automated method of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic unique to the individual, such as a retina pattern, fingerprint, or voice pattern.

Thunderbolt (TB)

___________ can be used as a display interface (like DisplayPort or HDMI) and as a general peripheral interface (like USB). In its first two versions, ___________ uses the same physical interface as MiniDP and is compatible with DisplayPort, so that displays with a MiniDP port can be connected to a host via ___________. ___________ ports are distinguished from MiniDP by a lightning bolt icon.