ITN 107
What are the two form factors?
.ATX •microATX
What are the essential tools for computer hardware troubleshooting?
. An ESD strap (also called a ground bracelet) . Flathead screwdriver (a flat screwdriver with a flat end) . Phillips-head or crosshead screwdriver . Torx screwdriver set, particularly size T15 . tweezers, preferably insulated ones, for picking pieces of paper out of printers or dropped screws out of tight places
What are some tools that they are not essential, but they are convenient?
. Cans of compressed air (see Figure 1-3), a small portable compressor, or an antistatic vacuum cleaner to clean dust from inside a computer case . Power supply tester . Needle-nose pliers for removing jumpers and for holding objects in place while you screw them in (especially handy for those pesky nuts on cable connectors) . Cable ties to tie cables up and out of the way inside a computer case . Flashlight to see inside the computer case . AC outlet ground tester . Network cable tester . Loopback plugs to test ports . Small cups or bags to help keep screws organized as you work . Antistatic bags (a type of Faraday cage) to store . . . .unused parts . Pen and paper for taking notes . POST diagnostic cards
The steps for opening a computer
1.Back up important data 2.Power down the system and unplug it•Unplug other peripherals as well 3.Press and hold the power button for about 3 seconds •This will drain the power supply 4.Have a plastic bag or cup handy to hold screws 5.Open the case cover •Some cases require you to remove the faceplate first •Remove a side panel •Locate the screws or clips that hold the side panel in place and remove
Diagnostic Tools Provided by Manufacturers
:•Most laptop manufacturers provide diagnostic software that can help you test components to determine which component needs replacing•Sources:•Manufacturer's website•CDs bundled with the notebook•Hard drive or floppy disk•Example: PC-Doctor•Included with Lenovo, Fujitsu, and HP notebooks•Can be purchased separately
What is this port?
A DVI (Digital Video Interface) port transmits digital or analog video. Three types of DVI ports exist
What is this port?
A DisplayPort transmits digital video and audio (not analog transmissions) and is slowly replacing VGA and DVI ports on personal computers.
What is this port?
A Thunderbolt 3 port transmits video, data, and power on the same port and cable and is popular with Apple computers. The port is shaped the same as the USB-C port and is compatible with USB-C devices. Up to six peripherals (for example, monitors and external hard drives daisy-chained together) can use the same Thunderbolt port.
What is this port?
A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is a multipurpose I/O port that comes in several sizes and is used by many different devices, including printers, mice, keyboards, scanners, external hard drives, and flash drives. Some USB ports are faster than others. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is faster than regular USB, and Super-Speed USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0.
What is this port?
A VGA (Video Graphics Array) port, also called a DB-15 port, DB15 port, HD15 port, or DE15 port, is a 15-pin, D-shaped, female port that transmits analog video. (Analog means a continuous signal with infinite variations as compared with digital, which is a series of binary values—1s and 0s.) All older monitors use VGA ports. (By the way, the HD15 [high-definition 15-pin] name for the port is an older name that distinguishes it from the early 9-pin VGA ports.)
What's on the Outside of a Desktop Case?
A computer case for any type of computer is sometimes called the chassis, and it houses the power supply, motherboard, processor, memory modules, expansion cards, hard drive, optical drive, and other drives. A computer case can be a tower case, a desktop case that lies flat on a desk, an all-in-one case used with an all-in-one computer, or a mobile case used with laptops and tablets.
What is a A desktop case?
A desktop case lies flat and sometimes serves double-duty as a monitor stand.
How to remove a driver?
A drive receives power by a power cable from the power supply and communicates instructions and data through a cable attached to the motherboard•Most hard drives and optical drives today use the serial ATA (SATA) standard•Tips to remove drives:•Look for screws on each side of the drive attaching the drive to the drive bay•There might be a catch underneath the drive•You must lift up as you slide the drive forward•Some drive bays have a clipping mechanism to hold the drive in the bay•Release the clip and then pull the drive forward•Some drives must be removed through the front of the case•May need to remove the front panel of the case to remove the drive•Some cases have a removable bay for smaller hard drives
What are Loopback Plugs?
A loopback plug is used to test a network port in a computer or other device to make sure the port is working. It might also test the throughput or speed of the port. Figure 1-5 shows a loopback plug testing a network port on a laptop. You know both the port and the network cable are good because the lights on either side of the port are lit. You can also buy a USB loopback plug to test USB ports.
What is this port?
A modem port, also called an RJ-11 port, is used to connect dial-up phone lines to computers. A modem port looks like a network port, but is not as wide. In the photo, the right port is a modem port and the left port is a network port shown for comparison
What is this port?
A network port, also called an Ethernet port or an RJ-45 port, is used by a network cable to connect to the wired network. Fast Ethernet ports run at 100 Mbps (megabits per second), and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps (gigabits per second). A megabit is one million bits and a gigabit is one billion bits. A bit is a binary value of 1 or 0.
What is this port?
A system usually has three or more round audio ports, also called sound ports, for a microphone, audio in, audio out, and stereo audio out. These types of audio ports can transmit analog or digital data. If you have one audio cable to connect to a speaker or earbuds, plug it into the lime-green sound port in the middle of the three ports. The microphone uses the pink port.
What is a tower case?
A tower case (see Figure 1-4) sits upright; it can be as high as two feet and has room for several drives. Often used for servers, this type of case is also good for desktop computer users who anticipate upgrading because tower cases provide maximum space for working inside a computer and moving components around.
Notes
All hardware components are either located on the motherboard or directly or indirectly connected to it because they must all communicate with the CPU
What is this port?
An HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port transmits digital video and audio (not analog transmissions) and is often used to connect to home theater equipment.
What is this port?
An SPDIF (Sony-Philips Digital Interface) sound port connects to an external home theater audio system, providing digital audio output and the best signal quality. SPDIF ports always carry digital audio and can work with electrical or optical cable. When connected to a fiber-optic cable, the port is called an optical connector.
What is this port?
An external SATA (eSATA) port is used by an external hard drive or other device using the eSATA interface.
What is this port?
An older serial port, sometimes called a DB9 port, is a 9-pin male port used on older computers. It has been mostly replaced by USB ports. Occasionally, you see a serial port on a router, where the port is used to connect the router to a device a technician can use to monitor and manage the router.
What some tips and organization skills that I have to put in mind?
As you work, make notes using pencil and paper and perhaps take photos with your cell phone so that you can backtrack later if necessary. (When you're first learning to take a computer apart, it's easy to forget where everything fits when it's time to put the computer back together. Also, in troubleshooting, you want to avoid repeating or overlooking things to try.) Remove loose jewelry that might get caught in cables and components as you work. To stay organized and not lose small parts, keep screws and spacers orderly and in one place, such as a cup or tray. Don't stack boards on top of each other: You could accidentally dislodge a chip this way. When you remove a circuit board or drive from a computer, carefully lay it on an antistatic mat or in an antistatic bag in a place where it won't get bumped. When handling motherboards, cards, or drives, don't touch the chips on the device. Hold expansion cards by the edges. Don't touch any soldered components on a card, and don't touch the edge connectors unless it's absolutely necessary. All this helps prevent damage from static electricity. Also, your fingerprints on the edge connectors can cause later corrosion. To protect a microchip, don't touch it with a magnetized screwdriver. Never, ever touch the inside of a computer that is turned on. The one exception to this rule is when you're using a multimeter to measure voltage output. Consider the monitor and the power supply to be "black boxes." Never remove the cover or put your hands inside this equipment unless you know about the hazards of charged capacitors and have been trained to deal with them. The power supply and monitor contain enough power to kill you, even when they are unplugged. As you work, remember to watch out for sharp edges on computer cases that can cut you. In a classroom environment, after you have reassembled everything, have your instructor check your work before you put the cover back on and power up.
What are some essential Special Keys, Buttons, and Input Devices on a Laptop?
Button or switches might be above the keyboard•Most of the same settings that these buttons control may also be changed using Windows tools•Some settings might be:•Volume•Keyboard backlight•Touch pad on or off•Screen brightness and screen orientation•Dual displays•Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular on or off•Media options•GPS on or off
What is next?
Clip your ESD strap to the side of the computer case•After opening you will see the main components:•Power supply•Motherboard•Drives•Follow cables from motherboard to the component to know the purpose of each cable
How to remove the motherboard?
Depending on the system, you may have to remove the drives and/or power supply to get to the motherboard•To remove motherboard:•Unplug power supply lines•Unplug SATA cables connected to the motherboard•Disconnect wires leading from the front of the computer case to the motherboard (called front panel connectors)•Make a diagram before disconnecting•Disconnect any other cables or wires connected to the motherboard •Remove the screws that hold the motherboard to the case•Spacers (standoffs) - round plastic or metal pegs that separate the board from the case•Motherboard should be free to remove from the case
Notes
Don't lay a tower case on its side when the computer is in use because the CD or DVD drive might not work properly. For the same reason, if a desktop case is designed to lie flat, don't set it on its end when the computer is in use.
what is the most important tool for computer hardware troubleshooting?
ESD strap (also called ground bracelet)
What are the Main components that are installed in the case?
Expansion cards - also called adapter cards :•A circuit board that provides more ports than those provided by the motherboard •Today, most ports are provided by motherboards •Memory modules - random access memory (RAM) :•Temporary storage for data and instructions as they are being processed by the CPU •Dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots hold memory modules
What does Post Diagnostic Cards do?
Helps discover, report computer errors and conflicts at power-on self test (POST)•Firmware - programs and data stored on the motherboard•Consists of older BIOS firmware and the newer UEFI firmware•Usually referred to as BIOS/UEFI•POST is a series of tests performed by the startup BIOS/UEFI•If you have a problem that prevents the computer from booting and you suspect it is related to hardware:•Install the POST card in an expansion slot on the motherboard•The card monitors the boot process and reports errors
How to remove Expansion Cards?
If removing components: •Draw a diagram of all cable connections to the motherboard, expansion cards, and drives •Use a felt-tip marker to mark components in order to indicate a cable connection, board placement, orientation, etc. To remove expansion cards:•Remove any wire or cable connected to the card •Remove the screw holding the card to the case •Grasp the card with both hands and remove it by lifting straight up (can also very slightly rock the card from end to end) •Don't put your fingers on edge connectors or touch a chip •It is best to store cards in an antistatic bag
Working Inside a Laptop Computer
It may become necessary to open a laptop case to upgrade memory, exchange a hard drive, or replace a failed component•Replacing a failing processor or motherboard can be a complex process•Screws and nuts on a laptop are smaller than a desktop•Require smaller tools•Working on laptops requires extra patience•Always wear an ESD strap
What is a motherboard?
Motherboard is also called main board, system board, or mobo and contains a socket to hold the processor (CPU)
Special Considerations When Supporting Laptops
Laptops and their replacement parts cost more than desktop PCs•Factors to consider that apply more to laptop than desktop computers:•Original equipment manufacturer's warranty•Service manuals and diagnostic software provided by the manufacturer•Customized installation of the OS unique to laptops•Need to order replacement parts directly from the laptop manufacturer or authorized source
What are the Main components that are installed in the case? 2
Main components installed in the case (continued): •Hard drives and other drives: •Hard drives may also be called hard disk drive (HDD) •Permanent storage used to hold data and programs •All drives in a system are installed in a stack of drive bays at the front of the case •Power supply - also called power supply unit (PSU): •Receives and converts house current so that components inside the case can use it •Most come with a dual-voltage selector switch▶Allows switching input voltage from 115V to 220V
What is the second step of learning what is inside a computer?
Opening the Case
What is the first step of learning what is inside a computer?
Planning and Organizing Your Work and Gathering Your Tools
Laptops 2
Ports common to laptops include:•USB, network, and audio ports•Video ports might include one or more VGA, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or HDMI ports•Most laptops include a lock connector that's used to physically secure the laptop with a cable lock•Most laptops include slots for flash memory cards•When a laptop is missing a port or slot, you can use a USB dongle to provide the port or slot•Examples:•USB to RJ-45 dongle to connect to a wired network•USB to Wi-Fi dongle to connect to a wireless network
Reassembly
Reassembly tips:•Reassemble laptop in reverse order•Tighten, but do not over tighten, all screws•Before installing the battery or AC adapter verify there are no loose parts inside the notebook
Work methodically
Some options to keep screws and components organized•Place screws in a pillbox (label each compartment)•Place screws on a soft padded work surface▶Use white labeling tape•Place screws on notebook paper▶Write where screw belongs•Tape screw beside manufacturer documentation•Keep notes to help with reassembly
What are form factors?
Standards that describe the size, shape, screw hole positions, and major features of computer cases, power supplies, and motherboards
What is a the processor cooler?
The fan and heat sink together are called the processor cooler
How to remove the power supply?
o remove the power supply from the case:•Look for screws that attach the power supply to the computer case•Do not remove screws that hold power supply housing together (do not take housing apart)•Sometimes power supplies are also attached to the case on the underside by recessed slots:•Turn case over and look for slots•If present, determine in which direction you need to slide the power supply to free it from the case
What is a processor
processes data and instructions for the entire system ▶Generates a lot of heat so a fan and heat sink might be installed on top
What does the ESD strap for?
protects against ESD when working inside the computer case. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is another name for static electricity, which can damage chips and destroy motherboards, even though it might not be felt or seen with the naked eye. Use the strap to connect or ground your hand to the case, as shown in Figure 1-2, and any static electricity between you and the case is dissipated. An ESD strap, which protects computer components from ESD, can clip to the side of the computer case and eliminate ESD between you and the case.
Warranty Concerns:
•Always check to see if laptop is under warranty before servicing•When contacting technical support have the following available:•Laptop model and serial number •Purchaser name, phone number, address•Service options:•On-site•Ship to authorized service center•Phone assistance or online chat
Disassembly tips:
•Find the hardware service manual•Consider the warranty might still apply•Opening the case might void the warranty•Take your time and do not force anything•Protect against ESD•Understand ZIF connectors•Pry up plastic covers with dental pick or screwdriver•Plastic screws may be used only once•Disassemble components in order•Use a plastic or metal spudger to slide along the seal and pry open the case
Laptops
•Laptop (notebook) is designed for portability and can be just as powerful as a desktop•Uses the same technology as desktops, but with modifications to use less power, take up less space, and operate on the move•Varieties of laptops include:•Those with a touch screen that allows you to handwrite on it with a stylus•Some are outfitted with a rotating or removable screen that allows you to use the laptop as a tablet•Netbook - a smaller and less expensive version with fewer features •All-in-one computer - the monitor and computer case are built together and uses components common to both a laptop and a desktop
List of important components and the typical order you remove them
•List of important components and the typical order you remove them:•1. Remove or disable the battery pack•2. Remove the hard drive•3. Remove memory•4. Remove the wireless card•5. Remove the optical drive•6. Crack the case•7. Remove the keyboard bezel•8. Remove the system board•9. Remove the CPU, heat sink, and fan
What is microATX (mATX) form factor?
•Major variation of ATX •Reduces total cost of a system by: •Reducing number of expansion slots on motherboard •Reducing power supplied to the board •Allowing for a smaller case size•Uses a 24-pin P1 connector •Not likely to have as many extra wires and connectors as those on the ATX power supply
What is of ATX (Advanced Technology Extended)?
•Most commonly used form factor today •Originally developed by Intel •It is an open, nonproprietary industry specification An ATX power supply has a variety of power connectors •Power connectors have evolved because new technologies require more power •4-pin and 8-pin auxiliary connectors: used to provide an additional 12 V of power for evolving CPUs •24-pin or 20+4-pin P1 connector •The older 20-pin P1 connector still worked in this connector •Supported the new PCI Express (PCIe) slots•6-pin and 8-pin PCIe connectors connect directly to the video card •Video cards draw the most power in a system
What are the steps to put a computer together
•Refer to any diagrams created during the disassembling process•1. Install components in this order: power supply, drives, motherboard, and cards•When installing drives, it may be easier to connect cables to the drives before sliding them into the bay•2. Place motherboard inside the case•Make sure ports and screw holes are lined up•3. Connect the power cords from the power supply to the motherboard•Will always need the main P1 power connector and may likely need the 4-pin auxiliary connector for the processor •4. Connect wire leads from the front panel of the case to the front panel header on motherboard•To help orient the larger connectors, look for a small triangle embedded on the connector that marks one of the outside wires as pin 1•Line up pin 1 on connector with pin 1 marked on motherboard •If labels on motherboard are not clear, consult user guide for help•5. Connect wires to ports on the front panel of the case•Audio ports or USB ports are examples •6. Install the video card and other expansion cards•7. Double-check each connection •8. Plug in keyboard, monitor, and mouse•9. In classroom environment, have instructor check work•10. Turn on the power and check that the PC is working properly•If not, it is most likely a loose connection
•Service Manuals and Other Sources of Information:
•Service manuals save time•Enables safe laptop disassembly•Some manufacturers only release these to authorized service centers•Locating a laptop service manual•Manufacturer's website▶Support or FAQ pages•Third party websites•User manual•Provides basic maintenance tasks
Docking Stations and Port Replicators
•Some laptops have a connector called a docking port•Connects to a docking station•A docking station provides ports to allow a laptop to easily connect to a full-sized monitor, keyboard, AC power adapter, and other peripheral devices•Port replicator (universal docking station) is a device that provides ports to allow a laptop to easily connect to peripheral devices•Not proprietary to a single brand or model of laptop•To use a docking station or port replicator:•Plug all peripherals into docking station or port replicator•Connect laptop to the station•No software needed
