TESTOUT PC PRO v5.0.2 PART ONE
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55 GB of free space
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AC and DC voltage
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AMD:
Power supply
ATX power supplies aid in cooling by exhausting hot air out the back of the case.
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AU (UNIX standard), supported by most web browsers
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An improperly installed component.
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Can provide multiple data streams on a single cable
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Copper cables
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FM1: Used with the AMD Athlon II processor along with the A-series APUs.
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For laser printers, use an anti-static vacuum to remove excess toner.
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Refresh rates are measured in Hz.
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Regular, periodic cleaning gives you the chance to inspect all components. Look for worn or failed components. On electrical components, dark areas might indicate a burned out component.
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Related to throttling, processors or the operating system can shut down unused cores in multi-core systems to conserve energy.
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They are faster than hard drives.
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They are great for music and video (they play in audio or video devices that aren't computers).
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They are highly portable.
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They are less susceptible to physical damage (from dropping) and immune from magnetic fields.
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They are optimal for use in devices like cameras.
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They are portable and universal.
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They are prone to failure.
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They are significantly faster than floppy disks.
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The Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is an onboard processor that handles analog and digital conversion.
Refresh rate
The refresh rate is the number of times the entire screen is redrawn per second.
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Video
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1280 × 720 (WXGA)
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1366: Used with the Intel Celeron, Core i7, and Xeon processors.
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5.1 channel audio, also known as surround sound, has 6 audio channels: five speakers and one low-frequency effects subwoofer (LFE) channel.
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64-bit applications typically perform better than 32-bit applications.
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Store sensitive components in static shielding bags (also called antistatic bags; they are usually tinted gray). Static resistant bags are not nearly as effective (usually tinted pink or blue).
Terminal
Terminal is Mac OS's command line interface utility. It is extremely similar to the terminal used in Linux systems. Terminal:
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Test the power supply using a multimeter or power supply tester. Voltage levels should be within +/- 5% of normal. If they aren't, the power supply is bad or failing and should be replaced.
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Tests system devices, such as verifying the amount of memory on the system.
Fiber S/PDIF
The S/PDIF port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end audio devices, such as home theatre systems or Dolby Digital surround sound systems.
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The most useful way to compare most DDR modules will be to compare the amount of data that can be transferred per second (bandwidth), as indicated by the PC- designations. For example, PC-3200 will always indicate a "faster" memory module than one with a PC-2700 rating.
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The motherboard and each video card must use the same connection method (SLI or CrossFire). The motherboard must also have multiple PCIe x16 slots.
Parallel (DB-25)
The parallel port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as printers, hard drives, and gamepads.
Hardware
The physical components that compose a computer system or network. Common hardware components include the following:
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The power cord is plugged into the wall.
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The power inverter (power supply) converts AC current to DC current. The power supply can retain an electrical charge, even when not plugged in. Replace faulty power supplies instead of trying to repair them.
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The power switch is in the on position.
Process size
The process size refers to the manufacturing process used to etch transistors onto the silicon wafer that will become the CPU. A smaller process size means smaller transistors, which translates into a smaller CPU die with more transistors and less power consumption. Process size is expressed in microns (such as .25 microns) or nanometers (90 nm which equals .09 microns).
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The processor loads the BIOS program. The first BIOS process to run is the power-on self-test (POST) process. POST does the following:
Display quality
The quality of images and animations is determined by both the video card and the external display. When selecting a video card, the following specifications should be considered:
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The ratcheting handle allows you to drive the screw without repositioning the driver.
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The refresh rate is the number of times in one second that the GPU draws a frame. Refresh rates are measured in hertz. A refresh rate of 70 Hz or lower may cause eye fatigue. An optimal refresh rate is between 75 Hz and 85 Hz.
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The remaining northbridge functionality and all of the southbridge functionality are combined into a single controller chip.
Viewing angle
The viewing angle specifies the optimal viewing area of the display device. Viewing angles are rated in degrees and specify both a horizontal and vertical threshold (e.g., 178°(H)/178°(V)).
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They have a larger capacity than CDs and DVDs.
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They have a long shelf life and are relatively sturdy.
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They have lots of storage (starting at 16 GB up to several TB).
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They have lower power consumption than hard drives (good for laptops).
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They have no moving parts, so they last longer.
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They have relatively fast memory access.
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Transmit an analog video signal
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U and V channels for color information
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UAC differentiates between standard user privileges and administrative privileges.
User Account Control (UAC)
User Account Control (UAC) is a feature that helps minimize the dangers of unwanted actions or unintended software installations.
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Uses a 64-bit interface to achieve faster data speeds
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Uses a DB-15 connector
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Uses a detachable riser card to provide expansion slots (the motherboard itself has no expansion slots).
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Uses a serial bus using twisted-pair wiring for data transport.
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Video input allows your video card to accept a video signal from an external source (e.g., a DVD player or an external TV tuner box) and display it on the monitor.
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WAV (Windows standard), a widely used and compatible file type
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WMA (Windows Media Audio), a highly compatible standard developed to compete with Real Audio
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Was replaced by microATX and Mini-ITX.
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Wear safety goggles.
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Wearable technology
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Webcam
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Webcams
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When using an adapter, or on some power supplies, the connector only supplies 5 and 12 volts.
Packaging (Form)
When you are purchasing RAM for a system, the most important consideration is the packaging, also called memory form. The packaging controls both the physical size of the memory module and the memory standard (e.g., DDR2, DDR3, DDR4). If you purchase the wrong type of RAM, it will most likely not fit. If it does, it might have different voltage requirements than what is supported by your motherboard. Memory packaging (memory form) and capacity must match what is supported by the motherboard.
6. Test the solution
When you are testing your solution, do the following:
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When you connect a hot swappable device, Windows automatically detects the device, configures a driver (if one is not already installed), and enables the device.
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775: Used with the Intel Pentium 4, Celeron D, Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium D, Pentium Dual-Core, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Xeon, and Celeron processors.
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8 kHz (telephone) This is adequate for conversation because the human voice's full range is about 4 kHz.
ATX Full-Tower
ATX full-tower cases are the largest computer cases. Full-tower cases have a lot of space for external and internal components. ATX full-tower cases are compatible with the following form factors:
ATX Mid-Tower
ATX mid-tower cases are slightly smaller than full-tower cases. Mid-tower cases have fewer external and internal bays. ATX mid-tower cases are compatible with the following form factors:
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ATX power supplies provide soft power—even when the computer is turned off, the motherboard has power. Soft power allows the computer to be turned on and off by the operating system or over the network.
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After installing the video card and making all necessary connections, turn on the computer.
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After replacing a seemingly faulty CPU and the symptom remains, run similar tests on the motherboard and chipset.
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Alternatively, there are several online tools you can use to estimate a computer's watt requirements.
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Although a plug and play system attempts to assign configuration resources around the needs of legacy devices, legacy devices often interfere with a plug and play system's ability to properly assign resources.
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Always set the resolution to the display's native resolution.
Cache
Cache is memory that the processor can access directly without using the system RAM. There are four types of processor cache:
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DDR4 theoretically allows for DIMMs of up to 512 GB in capacity, compared to the DDR3's theoretical maximum of 128 GB per DIMM.
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EATX (some)
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ECC memory is slower than non-ECC memory.
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ECC modules are typically buffered.
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ECC or parity memory must be supported by the motherboard.
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EEPROM allows individual bytes to be erased and reprogrammed.
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EEPROM chips allow you to update the BIOS/UEFI in your computer without having to open the computer and remove any chips.
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EEPROM is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store relatively small amounts of data.
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Each category has multiple tabs or dialogs that are used to change different system settings.
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Each device in a computer must have its own I/O address.
Fire
Every room in which you work should be fire suppressed.
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Full-array WLED displays have an array of white LEDs behind the screen. Full-array WLED LCDs are able to dim specific regions of the screen, resulting in a much higher contrast ratio than LCDs that use EL-WLED technology.
Component
Function / Characteristic
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Fast-moving graphics require a refresh rate of 120 Hz or higher.
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Frequency
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Mobile devices
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Maximum cable length of 100 meters (328 feet)
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Maximum support resolution of 2560 × 1600 @ 60 Hz
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Mini-ITX
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MiniSD cards
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PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports
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Plug and play allows for IRQ sharing and ensures that DMA and I/O resources used by each device are unique.
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Plug and play does not replace the need for a driver; the operating system still requires a driver to be able to configure and use the device.
RJ45
RJ45 ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers and networking devices. RJ45 ports have eight connector pins.
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SRAM is faster and requires less power than DRAM.
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SRAM is typically used in cache memory, such as CPU cache, hard disk cache, and cache in networking devices.
Static RAM (SRAM)
SRAM stores data using four transistors for every bit of data. SRAM does not require constant power to maintain the contents of memory.
Digitizer
A digitizer captures some type of analog signal and converts it into digital data. Some common types of digitizer devices include:
Standby Power Supply (SPS)
A standby power supply is an offline device that switches over to provide power when an undervoltage occurs. If the switchover is not fast enough, the computer loses power.
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A down arrow identifies a disabled device. To use a disabled device, enable it in Device Manager.
Driver
A driver is a type of computer program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices.
Driver
A driver is program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices.
Screen flickers or appears wavy, user reports headaches
A flickering screen can be caused by too low of a refresh rate or a loose video cable.
3-pronged parts retriever
A 3-pronged parts retriever is used to grasp and retrieve small parts that have fallen into difficult to reach areas.
32-bit or 64-bit
A 32-bit processor can process 32-bits of information at a time; a 64-bit processor can process 64-bits of information.
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Intel has a larger market share, while AMD processors generally cost less.
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Intel processors use the Platform Controller Hub (PCH).
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Intel's Virtualization Technology (VT)
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Intel-based Mac
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A yellow question mark identifies a device that Windows could not recognize (no driver was found for the device). To correct this problem, you can right-click the device and search for a suitable driver. In many cases, you will need to download the driver from the manufacturer's website or install the driver from the device's installation disc.
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AC (alternating current) is the type of current distributed through wall sockets. The voltage alternates between a negative and a positive charge, which is good for appliances requiring a high current.
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AGP (accelerated graphics port) was a dedicated bus type used by dedicated video cards.
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AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), the Macintosh equivalent of the WAV
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AM3+: Used with the AMD Phenom II, Athlon II, Sempron, and Opteron processors.
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AM3: Used with the AMD Phenom II, Athlon II, Sempron, and Opteron processors.
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AMD processors use the Fusion Controller Hub (FHC).
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AMD uses CrossFire.
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AMD's AMD Virtualization (AMD-V)
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AMD64 and Intel 64 processors use the x86-64 instruction set (also referred to as x64).
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AMR (audio/modem riser) was a riser card that attached to the motherboard and allowed additional cards (called daughter cards) to be installed.
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After installing the sound card, install the drivers and other software that came with the sound card.
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After software installation. New software requires more memory and can cause problems.
7. Ensure satisfaction
After the problem is fixed, ensure the customer's satisfaction and explain what you did to fix the problem. If possible, have the user perform the task to make sure that they understand and accept that the problem has been resolved.
Interference
Interference is a signal that corrupts or destroys regular signals. Interference affects signals used by two devices to communicate on a network. Listed below are two types of interference that affect computer networks:
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After the repairs are finished, provide the client with a detailed invoice of the work performed. Also include any manuals or documentation related to new hardware.
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After you have fixed the problem, try it out (or let the client try it out) to make sure that other problems don't exist.
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Aid in thermal management
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Align the memory before inserting, and do not force the module in place. Most memory is keyed to prevent it from being installed backwards or in incompatible slots.
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All ATX power supplies have a fan that cools the unit.
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All Windows - When activated, Mission Control tiles all application windows on the screen and groups multiple windows from the same application together.
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All apps - Slide four fingers straight down to display all windows of the active app.
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All modern multi-core processors use this connector.
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All new devices and operating systems are plug and play compatible.
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It has 240 pins. While you don't need to count the pins, you should notice that the pins are smaller because they have to fit in the same space as the DDR memory.
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All variations of DDR are synchronized with the system clock and accept 64-bit words.
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Allow the client to speak and avoid interrupting.
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Allows for compression of audio data to support Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound
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Allows mobile platform users to use both DDR3 and DDR4
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Allows the motherboard so it can slide in or out of the system case easily.
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Allows up to 127 devices to be connected to a single bus, directly to the host or via hubs (hubs are limited to five tiers)
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Allows you to play digital audio directly from an internal CD player
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Allows you to switch user accounts.
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Before leaving, make sure the client is satisfied that the problem has been resolved. For best client service and based on your company policy, follow up with the client at a later time to verify that the problem remains fixed.
2. Back up the system
Before making changes to the system, back up user and system data (or make sure a recent backup exists). While some changes can be made without affecting user data, you should back up data to protect against unintentional data loss caused by making changes.
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An I/O address (also known as a port address) allows two devices in a computer to send information to each other.
IC insertion and extraction tool
An IC insertion and extraction tool is used to add or remove integrated circuit chips that are used on motherboard and some computer components. For example, on some motherboards you can use the IC insertion and extraction tool to change the BIOS chip.
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An IEEE 1394 bus does not necessarily include a PC. In other words, various types of devices can potentially act as the root host. The devices on the bus decide the root host each time a device is added or removed from the bus.
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Before opening up the computer, rule out the obvious. Make sure:
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Before purchasing or installing the device, verify that the device is compatible with the version of Windows you are running. You can:
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Before updating the firmware, back up or write down any configuration settings.
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Bend your knees and keep your back straight, using your legs to lift objects.
Biometric scanner
Biometric scanners are used as a form of authentication. They are able to scan users' unique physical features and use them to verify their identity. Common physical features used by biometric scanners include:
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Bit ends can be replaced for Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, hex sockets, and torx (star-shaped) bits.
Legacy buses
Buses that have been replaced by newer types are considered legacy buses. Legacy buses are rarely used and include the following:
Case fans
Case fans create a pressurized system that allows air to flow through the case in a specific way.
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Certificates
Application
An application is a subclass computer program that is designed for end users. Examples are database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs. Applications frequently come in suites.
cd
Changes directories in the file system. For example, to change to the /home directory in the file system, you would enter cd /home at the shell prompt.
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Changing the cable connecting a computer to the network
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Check the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
Input devices
Check the following when troubleshooting input devices:
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Check the product documentation and look for the Certified for Windows Logo.
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Check the volume setting on the speaker and the back of the sound card (if present).
Thermal
Components such as the CPU heat sink and fan, the printing head of a dot matrix printer, or components inside a laser printer can be hot. After turning off a computer, allow components to cool sufficiently before servicing to prevent burns.
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Compressed air to blow dust and debris off of CD-ROM and DVD disc surfaces, out of drive bays, and off of drive heads.
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Compressed air to blow dust off
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Computer case
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Computer displays
Computer
Computer is essentially Windows Explorer with a different name. Both provide an interface for viewing the contents of your computer including the file system, printers, and the network.
System does not boot
Computers require a functioning video card in order to boot.
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Configure settings for sound card connections such as speakers, audio input, and microphone.
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Configure sounds to play with system events or to play a sound to test your configuration.
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Configure the device in the OS and verify it is working correctly.
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Connect drives to SATA connectors.
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Connect the ATX power cable and the CPU power cable.
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Connect the CPU fan power cable.
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An expansion card can be added to provide the necessary connections.
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Connect the external display to the video card using the appropriate cable. When using a multi-GPU configuration, connect the monitor to the primary (first) video card.
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Connect the new power supply to the motherboard and to all other internal devices.
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Connect the power and accessory cables:
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Connect wires for front/top panel ports (e.g., USB, audio, or eSATA).
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Connecting a different monitor to a computer
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Connecting media:
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Connection devices:
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Connectors and cables
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Connects to the motherboard
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Consider using a surge protector with an indicator light to show whether it is working correctly.
Device
Considerations
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Consult an MSDS for information on physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, storage, disposal, and spill procedures for disposal of hazardous chemicals. You can download an MSDS from the manufacturer's website or check with a representative of that company.
Cleaning solutions and solvents
Consult the MSDS, a licensed disposal organization, or local authorities for handling and authorized disposal procedures.
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Consult the manufacturer's documentation for recommended solutions for equipment disposal.
CRT Monitor
Contact local authorities for recycling these. CRTs contain many toxic and caustic substances that are illegal to incinerate. Also, discharge before disposal (CRTs can contain high voltages).
Power Supply
Contact local authorities. Recycle, if possible. Discharge before disposal (contains high voltages).
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Contact the manufacturer to see if the device is compatible.
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Contains all pins found on both DVI-A and DVI-D connectors
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Contains icons that represent each program or application that is currently running.
Contrast ratio
Contrast ratio refers to the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black. An example contrast ratio is 1000:1. A higher initial number indicates a better quality picture.
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DVD/Blu-ray player
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NTSC, PAL, and SECAM are analog TV signal standards. NTSC was used in North America but is being phased out.
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NVIDIA uses SLI (Scalable Link Interface).
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Name of programs or commands to run during shutdown
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Nano-ITX (4.7" × 4.7")
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Obtain the latest driver before installation. Instead of using the driver included on the installation disc, check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver.
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Often the hardest part of troubleshooting is to reproduce the problem. You might need to ask the end user questions to identify exactly how the problem occurred, or you might need to watch them perform the task again to reproduce the problem.
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Older ATX units use a reverse air flow that blows air directly over the CPU. This method is not as efficient.
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Older memory expressed the delay in nanoseconds, but DRAM uses a ratio based on the clock frequency to describe the delay.
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On Windows, unsigned and self-signed drivers must be manually approved. However, you cannot install unsigned drivers on x64 versions of Windows.
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On many systems, you can edit the BIOS manually to change the frequency.
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On removable media devices, use:
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On some systems you should fill each bank in order.
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On the Advanced tab under Performance, click Settings.
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On the boot device, the BIOS/UEFI searches for the master bootloader, then loads the bootloader program. At this point, the BIOS/UEFI stops controlling the system and passes control to the bootloader program.
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On the file menu in Device Manager, click View > Resources by type (or Resources by connection).
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On/off switch runs from the case to the motherboard
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Onboard devices (video, audio, or network)
Intermittent problems
One of the tougher detection challenges is the intermittent occurrence of error messages, crashes, or sudden reboots. The trouble in diagnosing this situation is the number of potential problems, including timing, heat, corrosion, fluctuating power, loose connections, EMI, or a combination of these problems.
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Devices must have a unique DMA channel.
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Devices on the same network can access the shared remote CD or DVD.
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Devices such as hard drives, sound cards, and FireWire cards use DMA channels to increase the speed of data transfers.
Self-powered
Devices that rely on their own power supply (i.e., they are plugged into an AC outlet) are self-powered devices (sometimes called active devices). USB 2.0 devices that draw more than 500 mA of power are required to be self-powered; USB 3.0 devices that draw more than 900 mA of power are required to be self-powered.
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Digital TVs use the HDMI port for input.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port is used to connect display devices. DVI ports:
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Digital camera
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Digital cameras
Video files do not play, audio plays but no video
Digital video can be saved in one of several file formats (called codecs). Before you can play a video file, your computer must have the corresponding codecs installed. Many video files actually use two codecs: one for video and one for audio. If the audio plays but the video does not, you know you have the correct audio codec but need the video codec installed.
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Digital video recorder (DVR)
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DirectSound 3D allows a computer to play audio in surround sound.
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DirectX includes multiple components targeted to a different aspect of multimedia. For example, Direct3D is the 3D rendering component of DirectX.
DirectX/OpenGL
DirectX is a collection of application program interfaces (APIs) that improves graphic, animation, and multimedia creations.
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Directly to a USB port located on the motherboard or on the front panel of a case
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Disable the device in Device Manager.
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Discharge yourself before touching any computer component.
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DisplayPort 1.3:
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DisplayPort connector
--help
Displays a brief summary of how to use the command.
ls
Displays a list of files and subdirectories that exist within a directory. Some options commonly used with the ls command include the following:
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Displays icons that represent the applications and processes that are running behind the scenes on your computer such as audio volume, security programs, and connectivity to the Internet or a workgroup.
info
Displays more extensive documentation about the command. Use the Q key to quit and go back to the shell prompt.
ifconfig
Displays the IP address and the subnet mask assigned to this system.
less
Displays the contents of a text file on the screen, pausing the output one screen at a time. For example, to view the contents of the widget.txt file one page at a time, you would enter less widget.txt at the shell prompt.
cat
Displays the contents of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the contents of the widget.txt file, you would enter cat widget.txt at the shell prompt.
head
Displays the first few lines of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the first lines of the widget.txt file, you would enter head widget.txt at the shell prompt.
tail
Displays the last few lines of a text file on the screen. For example, to view the last lines of the widget.txt file, you would enter tail widget.txt at the shell prompt.
man
Displays the manual page for a command. It's very similar to the help screen, but it provides more detail. Use the Q key to quit and go back to the shell prompt.
pwd
Displays the path of the current directory (Present Working Directory) on the screen.
Component or Material
Disposal Method
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Do not browse files on computers that are not necessary or related to the repair.
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Do not route cables across the floor in pathways. This can lead to tripping accidents, and could also result in worn cables.
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Do not use a regular multimeter or other electrical testing equipment to measure charge inside a monitor.
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Do not use an ESD wrist strap when working with monitors, power supplies, laptop LCD panels, or other high-voltage components.
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Do not use an excess number of expansion cards.
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Dock settings can be accessed in System Preferences or by right-clicking the Dock and clicking Dock Preferences.
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Document Scanners - Document scanners are specifically designed to convert paper documents into digital documents, such as PDFs or Rich Text Format files. Document scanners use optical character recognition (OCR) to create editable word processor documents.
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Document the settings of the new motherboard.
8. Document the solution and process
Documenting the solution and process provides you with a record of what the problem was and what you did to solve the problem. In the future, you can check your documentation to see what has changed or to help you remember the solution to common problems. It will save you time and money when troubleshooting problems.
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Dolby Digital is a technology that broadcasts sound at a frequency the human ear can hear and diminishes collateral sound. This is a sound card feature that allows computers to present higher quality sound output.
Hyper-threading
Hyper-threading is a feature of some Intel processors that allows a single processor to run threads (instructions) in parallel, as opposed to processing threads linearly. Hyper-threading enables a processor to execute two threads at the same time. For example, on a quad-core Intel system that supports hyper-threading, the processor can execute 8 threads at a time (2 on each core).
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FM2: Used with the AMD A4 series, A6 series, A8 series, A10 series, Athlon X2, Athlon X4, FX, FirePro, and Sempron processors.
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Face
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Failing fans. A failing fan moves less air than a properly functioning fan. It's not uncommon for a failing fan to generate a screeching noise that is caused by worn parts within the fan assembly. This condition can be fixed by replacing the failing fan.
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Fan filters can be installed to keep dust and debris inside the case to a minimum.
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Fasten standoffs to the case, being sure to match the hole pattern on the motherboard. The standoffs prevent the motherboard circuits from touching the system case.
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Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals.
1.
Find the watt requirement for each component by multiplying volts by amps (W = V × A).
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Fingerprint
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First boot of a new computer. Memory is not properly seated, missing, or the motherboard is defective.
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Flash drives
Flash devices
Flash memory cards store information using programmable, non-volatile flash memory. Some of the advantages of flash devices are:
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Follow the weight limitation guidelines defined by your employer.
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Following installation, power on the system and check for errors. Most BIOS programs include a memory count that displays the total amount of system memory. If it does not count the proper amount of memory, you may have installed the memory incorrectly or you may have a faulty memory module. Also, if the BIOS generates an error between 200 and 299, the error is a memory error.
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For DDR past 150 MHz (and for all DDR2 and DDR3 memory), the PC- designation was changed to identify the bandwidth instead of a number derived from the bus frequency.
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For LCD screens, use a lint-free dry cloth or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (do not use window cleaner or ammonium-based cleaners or paper towels). You can also use special monitor-cleaning solutions or pre-packaged wipes with monitor-safe solution.
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For USB devices, you will typically install the driver prior to connecting the device.
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For a brief time, the double-frequency designation used the PC- prefix for early DDR modules. For example, PC-200 used with DDR indicates a bus frequency of 100 MHz, not a bandwidth of 100 MBs (PC-200 is equivalent to DDR-200 which is equivalent to PC-1600).
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For a dual-, triple-, and quad-channel configuration:
Force Quit
Force Quit is used to stop non-responsive processes and applications. It can also be used to restart the Finder service. Force Quit can be accessed from the Apple menu or the keyboard shortcut Command+Option+Esc.
Smoke or Burning Smell
If smoke or a burning smell is observed coming from a computer, it indicates that electricity is not flowing in the correct manner within the system. If smoke is observed, shut the system off immediately. This issue could be caused by:
Software
Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip. Software components include the following:
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Intake fans (at the front) pull air inside the case to cool components.
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Integrate the GPU with another hardware component (e.g., a motherboard or CPU)
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Integrated graphics:
CPU Manufacturer
Intel and AMD are the two major producers of processors used in modern PCs.
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A video capture card allows you to record the video signal that is coming into the computer from an external source. For example, you would use a video capture card to create digital copies of home movies stored on an analog tape, or a TV tuner with video capture would allow you to record TV shows. A video capture card might include both video and audio inputs.
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A wireless mouse uses an internal battery for power and uses RF signals (e.g., Bluetooth) to connect to a receiver, which is either connected to a USB port or integrated with the computer.
•
Only data CDs and DVDs can be access. Media discs such as audio CDs, Blu-Ray/DVD movies, or installation discs cannot be accessed remotely.
•
Operates at a lower voltage than DVI and HDMI
•
Operating at the same frequency, DDR has twice the bandwidth of SDRAM.
•
Operating systems
Optical disc
Optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are a storage medium that uses lasers for both reading and writing information. Optical discs store information through pits in their reflective coating. As the disc spins, the optical drive sends laser optics to the disk, and receives the stored information through the deflected output.
•
Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray)
•
Orange = Subwoofer
•
Originally, double-sided RAM had modules on both sides of the circuit board, and single-sided RAM had modules on only one side. However, you can also have double-sided RAM with modules on only one side, where the memory is divided into separate banks internally.
•
Originally, only L1 cache was on the processor die, with L2 cache being on the motherboard between the CPU and the RAM. As processor technology has advanced, L2 cache moved to the processor die, with L3 cache being on the motherboard. Today, all three cache levels are located on the processor.
•
Other memory characteristics besides the frequency could affect the effective bandwidth or actual speed of the memory module.
•
Outtake fans (at the back and top) exhaust warm air from inside the case.
o
Physically remove the device, and then uninstall the device in Device Manager to remove the driver from the system. If you uninstall the device without removing it from the system, Windows will detect the device at the next startup and try to reinstall the driver.
•
Pico-ITX (3.9" × 2.85")
•
Pin Grid Array (PGA): PGA processors implement a series of pins on the underside of the processor package in an array. The pins are inserted into corresponding receptacles within the processor socket on the motherboard.
•
Pink = Mic in (mic-level)
•
Plasma displays also suffer from a problem known as image retention (IR). Static images that are displayed for a long time cause the phosphors to overheat, which creates a temporary shadow of the image that is visible even when the display is turned off. If the static image was displayed for too long, screen burn-in can occur and the shadow image will be permanent.
•
Plasma displays consume two to three times as much power as LCDs.
•
Plasma displays have almost no motion blur due to the speed of the gas reaction and the way they draw frames. Because of this, most plasma displays do not specify response times.
Plasma
Plasma displays use millions of small cells that contain electrically charged ionized gases. When electrical current is applied to a plasma cell, the gas within the cell forms a plasma and emits a photon of light. Each pixel in a plasma display is made up of a red, green, and blue cell. As with LED monitors, plasma monitors don't require a backlight.
•
Plasma displays usually display colors more accurately than LCD displays.
Power
Power hazards can cause electrical shock and burns.
•
Processor performance and special features vary between models and manufacturers.
Speed
Processors operate using an internal clock that is the same as, or is a multiple of, the motherboard bus speed. The speed is represented in megahertz (MHz) and is also referred to as the frequency.
•
Rackmount KVM switches can support up to 16 computers and are typically used in data centers to manage servers from a central console.
o
Radio signals
2.
Remove the old power supply from the system
•
Replacing an expansion card
Output
The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data. Output devices include:
Response time
Response time is a measurement, in milliseconds (ms), of how long it takes for a single pixel to turn on and off (go from black, to white, and back to black). Most manufacturers specify a grey-to-grey transition time instead of black-to-black. A response time of less than 5 ms is recommended for fast-moving graphics, such as movies or games.
•
Retina (eyes)
Laser Printer Toner Cartridges
Return to the manufacturer for recycling (to clean up spills, use a toner vacuum or a scoop and a damp cloth; never use a regular vacuum).
o
Revert the system to a restore point before the device was updated or added.
o
Right-click the Start button and click Device Manager.
1.
Right-click the Start button.
o
Right-click the device and click Properties.
•
Room temperature sensor (usually connected to the motherboard by a cable and mounted on a case slot)
•
Sends a video signal using three separate channels:
•
Serial ports (COM 1, 2, 3, and 4)
Mini PCI
Small form factor computers (e.g., laptops or Mini-ITX systems) might include a Mini PCI slot, which has either 100 or 124 pins and accepts Mini PCI cards. A typical use for a Mini PCI slot is to add internal cards (such as wireless cards) to laptops.
•
Smart TVs have their own operating systems (usually a proprietary mobile OS) and are able to install and run a variety of apps, such as:
Smart card reader
Smart card readers are used as an authentication method. A smart card, which contains an embedded microchip, is inserted into the reader. The reader then scans the chip, verifies its contents, and authenticates the user. Smart card readers can be stand-alone devices or integrated with other peripherals (e.g., a keyboard).
•
Smart zoom - Double-tap with two fingers to zoom in on a web page, image, or document (double-tap again to zoom out).
•
Smartphones
•
Snap is a new feature that maximizes a window as you drag its border to the edge of the screen. Snapping multiple windows on the screen tiles them side-by-side. In Windows 10, Snap is limited to four apps on the desktop and two apps on a tablet.
•
Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF) is a consumer standard for digital audio. These are either optical or coaxial external connectors and allow input and output between other digital audio-capable devices.
•
Sound cards are typically added to a computer using PCI or PCIe slots. Some sound cards also connect through USB. External sound cards for laptops can use an ExpressCard slot.
Bus support
Sound cards can be installed via an expansion slot (e.g., PCI or PCIe x1) on the motherboard. When selecting a sound card, make sure the bus type is compatible with your motherboard.
o
Space out multiple hard disk drives instead of stacking them next to each other.
•
Speakers, motors, and generators contain magnets (keep sensitive components away from these devices).
•
Special instruction sets supported by a processor can increase performance. For example, hyper-threading support on Intel processors can boost performance for specific types of operations.
•
Specifies a maximum motherboard size of 6.7" × 6.7"
Version
Speed Data Rate Max Cable Length
•
Spontaneous reboot or intermittent system crashes: An overheated CPU will cause a spontaneous reboot or intermittent system crashes. A spontaneous reboot can also be caused by a bad power supply or device driver. A clicking noise when reading or writing data from the hard disk is an early sign of a failing drive.
Spotlight
Spotlight is an indexing utility that can perform system-wide searches to locate folders, files, apps, and Internet results that contain the specified search phrase. Spotlight is access pressing Command(⌘)+Spacebar or by clicking the Spotlight icon on the Status menu.
•
Standard ATX
o
Standard ATX power supplies provide + 3.3 volts, +/- 5 volts, and +/- 12 volts of DC power. Most modern components require +12 volt output.
Hardware
Standard Description
•
Standard input devices:
•
Standardization allows components from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the computer—regardless of manufacturer.
•
Supports plug and play and hot plugging (devices can be added and removed without rebooting).
•
Supports plug and play, meaning installed devices are detected and configured automatically
•
Supports up to 63 devices on one IEEE 1394 bus.
•
Surge protectors can be destroyed by surges and lose their ability to protect.
o
Switches
o
TN panels have imperfect color reproduction due to the fact that only 6-bits per color can be displayed. They mimic true 24-bit color using dithering and other techniques.
o
TN panels have poor viewing angles and contrast ratios.
•
Taskbar thumbnails show the contents of an open window when you move the mouse over items on the taskbar.
4-pin connector
The 4-pin connector is used with FireWire 400 devices and does not provide any power. Devices that use this connection must be self-powered.
Storage
The act of saving or maintaining data. Storage devices include:
•
The amount of memory on a card can be as low as 512 MB or as high as 16 GB.
Color depth
The color depth is the number of different colors that can be displayed on the screen at a time. Color depth is expressed in bits (a higher bit count increases the number of colors that can be displayed). Common bit depths include:
•
The computer can only access data in one bank at a time. Therefore, single-sided RAM allows access to all of the memory, while with double-sided RAM, the computer must switch between banks.
o
The computer does not turn on
o
The computer sporadically shuts off or reboots
The system boots, but the memory count is incorrect
The POST failed to recognize all of the memory. This can happen with incompatible memory installation. Remember to avoid combining dual-bank with single-bank memory. If any problem is detected during system boot, check the BIOS settings.
USB Type A
The USB Type-A port is one of the most common computer ports. USB ports are used to connect a variety of devices.
VGA (DE-15)
The Video Graphics Array (VGA) port is used to connect external display devices, such as projectors and some monitors. VGA ports:
Input
The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware. Input devices include:
•
Use a small amount of denatured alcohol on a cotton swab to clean electrical connectors (such as those on expansion cards).
•
Use anti-static protection when installing a CPU.
•
Use antistatic mats under the PC and on the floor.
•
UPS size is measured by the volt-amp (VA) rating. The capacity of the UPS determines the number of devices and how long the devices can run when power is interrupted.
•
USB and FireWire devices are examples of buses and devices designed specifically with hot swap support.
Sag
Undervoltage that lasts milliseconds
Brownout
Undervoltage that lasts seconds (lights dim)
Bus-powered
USB cables have wires to carry both power and data. Bus-powered (sometimes called passive) devices get their power via the USB cable. Bus-powered devices are classified as low-powered or high-powered devices, depending on the amount of power they draw from the USB bus.
•
USB hubs can be chained together to provide even more USB ports.
•
UXGA 1600 × 1200
•
Use carts and other tools when moving heavy objects for any significant distance.
•
Use caution with liquid-based cleansers. Use small amounts and always apply cleaning solutions to cloths and cleaning instruments, never directly to component surfaces.
o
Use clear, concise, and direct statements.
•
Use positive pressure systems. Positive pressure systems protect the air quality in the facility by causing air to be forced out through doors, windows, and other openings. Negative pressure systems draw air in, potentially bringing in airborne particles such as dust or smoke. Positive pressure systems are more energy effective.
•
Use shielded twisted pair cable to protect signals sent on Ethernet twisted pair cabling. If necessary, use fiber optic cables to eliminate the effects of interference.
•
Use static resistant materials to handle computer components.
•
Use the device icon to identify the status of the device:
•
The processor instruction set identifies all instructions (operations) that a processor can perform.
•
The refresh rate must be supported by both the video card, the monitor, and the cable being used.
•
The resolution is the number of pixels displayed on screen. A higher resolution means that more information can be shown on the screen. A video card is rated by its max resolution, which is the highest possible resolution it can display (e.g., 1920 × 1080 or 4096 × 2160).
•
The static contrast ratio indicates the difference that can be displayed at the same time.
Scrambled or distorted images, blank screen
These problems are typically caused by improper resolution settings or settings outside the scope of the monitor.
•
They are vulnerable to physical damage (e.g., when dropped).
•
They can retain content without power.
•
They generate much more heat than other display types.
Utilities
Utilities are the features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks. Common Windows utilities are My Computer, Control Panel, and This PC. Common Linux utilities are cd, cp, grep, and Is.
•
VGA monitors use a VGA (DB-15) connector.
o
VMware Workstation and ESX (made by VMware)
1.
Verifies the integrity of the BIOS/UEFI code.
•
Verify BIOS/UEFI settings for onboard USB and FireWire. Make sure onboard ports are enabled and that the correct USB version is enabled.
•
Verify how heat connectivity will be established between the CPU and heatsink.
o
Verify that the CPU is receiving sufficient power by checking the power outputs.
•
Verify that the device is recognized and enabled in Device Manager.
o
Verify that the motherboard supports that speed. You might be able to update the BIOS to support faster memory.
•
Verify that the operating system supports and is configured for dual displays.
•
Verify that your system's cooling fans are blowing air through the system case in the correct directions. A fan blowing in the wrong direction can negate the airflow through the case and cause the system to overheat.
•
Video cameras
•
Video cards are linked using a special bridge clip or through software (depending on the implementation).
•
Video cards must be compatible with the expansion slots on the motherboard.
Bus type
Video cards must be compatible with the expansion slots on the motherboard. Common slot types used by video cards include the following:
•
Video cards using a component connection use a 7-pin mini-din connection
•
Video game consoles
•
unique.
•
microATX
•
+m specifies when to perform the shutdown operation. The amount of time is specified in minutes.
•
-r instructs the system to reboot after the shutdown.
o
24-pin ATX power connector
o
4.0: 2 GB/s (x1); 32 GB/s (x16)
•
7200 rpm (good quality SSD)
Mouse
A mouse can be either wired or wireless.
o
A web browser
•
AGP and VESA (used by older video cards)
•
Allows for small (100 watt) power supplies
•
CPUs require a heatsink, and most desktop systems also use a fan for cooling.
•
Cable converter box
o
Camcorder
•
Creates a Boot Camp system tray icon in both Mac OS and the Windows installation to switch between the Windows and Mac OS installation.
•
EMI is caused by motors, heavy machinery, and fluorescent lights.
•
ESD wrist straps not only protect components, but can reduce the chance of accidental electrical shock. Properly ground yourself before working with components.
•
Error messages
•
FHD 1920 × 1080
Hardware
Form Description
•
Gamepads are handheld controllers with directional controls on the left and buttons on the right.
•
Has four expansion slots
o
High-end video cards
•
IEEE 1394 devices can be bus powered or self-powered.
•
If a hardware device or a software program causes a specific error, check the manufacturer's website for additional help in troubleshooting the error.
•
In Control Panel, use the Sound applet to:
o
Keep air intakes and exhausts free from obstructions.
o
Lint free cloth
•
Measures 12" × 13"
•
Most UPS devices sound an alarm when the AC power is lost. This alarm continues until AC power is restored, although many UPS devices have a switch to mute the alarm.
•
Most newer SATA drives are hot swappable.
o
Never ground yourself when working on a power supply.
Notebook
Notebook cases are generally proprietary and often vary among models.
•
PCIe x16
•
Parallel port
•
RAM (Random-access Memory)
RJ11
RJ11 ports are used by telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins.
o
Routers
•
SSD cards
o
Social apps (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
o
Soft-power control (OS can turn the computer off)
4. Test your theory
Test your theory to verify the cause of the problem.
•
The Start Menu can be customized for each user.
•
They are cheap.
•
They are smaller and lighter than hard drives
PS/2 to USB
Used to connect legacy PS/2 devices (i.e., keyboard and mouse) to a USB port
•
Used to connect older analog devices (standard TVs, VCRs, or video cameras) to a video card
o
XEN (open source)
•
-R Displays the contents of the directory as well as all of its subdirectories.
•
-a Displays all files, including hidden files.
•
-h instructs the system to shut down and power down.
•
-l Displays a detailed (long) listing of directory contents including ownership, permissions, modification dates, and file sizes.
•
10,000 rpm (expensive SSD)
DDR
100 MHz PC-200 or PC-1600 or DDR-200
•
20-bit sound cards use a sampling size of 1,048,576.
DDR2
200 MHz PC2-3200 or DDR2-400
o
2011: Used with the Intel Core i7 and Xeon processors.
•
22 kHz (radio quality)
o
230 volts is used in Europe.
•
24-bit sound cards use a sampling size of 16,777,216.
•
24-bit, also called true color (16.7 million possible colors)
o
3.0: 1 GB/s (x1); 16 GB/s (x16)
o
3.3 V rail should be between 3.1 and 3.4 volts.
•
32-bit applications can run on 64-bit processors using the following methods:
o
32-bit processors use the IA-32 instruction set (also referred to as x86).
o
3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
•
4 channel audio is quadraphonic audio and was an early attempt at surround sound.
o
A device with an exclamation mark indicates some kind of problem with the device. The device might be partially working, but has encountered some type of error.
Multi-core
A multiple core processor has multiple processors within a single processor package.
Smart TV
A smart TV (sometimes called a connected TV) is a TV that is capable of Internet connectivity. Smart TV are essentially a TV with an integrated computer system.
Solid state drive (SSD)
A solid state drive is a flash device with a storage capacity similar to a small hard drive. Solid state drives are used as replacements for hard disk drives for storing operating system, application, and data files.
•
A wired mouse uses a USB port to connect to the computer.
•
Also called FireWire 800
Antistatic pad/wrist strap
An antistatic pad provides an insulated covering to prevent static electricity from moving between objects and damaging computer components. When working with computer components, use a wrist strap connected to the antistatic pad, and connect the pad to a ground.
Analog input and output
Analog output jacks allow you to play sound on your computer through external devices:
CAS Latency
Another factor that affects the performance of memory is the latency associated with accessing data in RAM.
o
BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc-ROM)
•
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
•
Back plate measurements (6.25" × 1.75")
•
Backwards plug insertion is easy to do with FireWire. This can cause your wires to start smoking and can possibly ruin the device.
•
Because of the simplicity, DRAM is relatively inexpensive.
•
CMOS used to refer to the real-time clock and the CMOS chip that stored system information. Both were powered by a CMOS battery. Now, the EEPROM chip stores the system information that used to be stored on the CMOS chip. EEPROM requires no power to maintain data storage.
•
Can run at 33 MHz and transfer data at 133 MB/s or run at 66 MHz and transfer data at 266 MB/s
•
Check for bent or missing pins.
3. Identify possible causes and identify a theory of probable cause
Check for simple, obvious, and common problems first. For example, check power cords, connectors, and common user errors.
•
Circuit boards
o
Clarify client statements—restate what they have said and ask pertinent questions.
o
Clearly explain the problem and any repair options. Be sure to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and cost of a repair.
•
Common computer cleaning supplies include:
•
Communicate effectively. Understanding both you and your client's expectations is very helpful.
•
CompactFlash cards
•
Comparing DDR- numbers can also give you an idea of the relative bandwidth. For example, DDR-600 can transfer more data than a DDR2-400 module.
•
Compatible with DVI and HDMI interfaces by using simple cable adapters
o
Compressed air or air compressor
•
Connect any additional power connectors to the video card(s) (e.g., 6-pin or 8-pin auxilary power).
o
Connect any case fan cables.
o
Connect case wires (e.g., power switch, reset switch, and drive activity and power lights).
•
Controlling the use of processing devices by applications
•
Convert AC power to DC power
o
Cooperative multitasking means that multiple processes must work together for the operating system to work effectively.
cp
Copies files and directories from one location in the file system to another. For example, to copy the widget.odt file to the /home/rtracy directory, you would enter cp widget.odt /home/rtracy at the shell prompt.
•
Custom properties are tags or descriptions that you can add to files as attributes that can be easily searched or indexed.
•
DRAM can have a very high density (e.g., high storage capacity).
•
Depending on the type, can carry either an analog, digital, or both analog and digital signal.
Adapter
Description
•
Different memory card formats require different readers.
•
Displays the time and date.
o
Employ proper cable management (e.g., bundle cables together and secure unused cables to the case).
•
Ethernet port
•
External hard drives
•
FireWire
•
FireWire (Apple)
o
Found on most video cards and flat-panel displays
•
Headphones
o
High-speed graphics bus (PCIe)
•
Hybrid cards (combines SSD and HDD technology)
o
If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, you are prompted to identify alternate locations to search in order to find the correct driver.
•
If necessary, ask for help when lifting or moving heavier objects.
o
If the fault remains, the problem is with the motherboard.
o
If you had recently updated the driver, roll back the driver to a previous version.
•
In addition to CL, there are other memory characteristics that describe the delay for performing other types of operations. Collectively, these values are referred to as the memory timings.
•
Incompatible or broken modules
•
Input devices
•
Install memory in the correct slot. Although several memory slots might be open, some system boards require that you use specific slots. Check the system board documentation for more details.
o
Install modules in the slots specified in the motherboard documentation. Many motherboards color the slots, with slots used within a set having the same color.
2.
Install the CPU, heatsink, and memory before installing the motherboard in the case.
•
Install the driver before plugging in the device.
Intermittent Device Failure
Intermittent device failure occurs when a component occasionally stops working. This usually indicates that the device itself is failing. The best remedy is to replace the failing device because it will fail completely at some point. Immediate replacement prevents this from happening.
•
Intermittent problems are particularly difficult to troubleshoot. Check for environmental conditions such as kinked cables or overheated components.
•
LCD monitors
o
Leave space between the computer and any walls or desks.
•
Managing the file system
•
Manufacturers test memory modules and rate them based on the operating frequency and the timing characteristics. Settings that produce stable performance are then encoded into the SPD module on the memory. The BIOS then reads this information to know how to configure memory settings on the motherboard.
o
Many drivers are automatically included with the operating system.
•
Maximum supported memory
•
Metal screws and standoffs for attaching the motherboard
Micro-ATX Tower
Micro-ATX towers are smaller cases designed to be placed on desktops. Micro-ATX towers typically only have one drive bay and are compatible with the following form factors:
•
MicroSD cards
o
Microphone
•
Microphones
•
Moderating hardware
•
Modern smart TVs are capable of connecting to network media servers and NAS devices.
•
Most smart TVs have both an RJ45 port and a built-in Wi-Fi adapter that can be used to connect to a network.
•
Most systems will configure memory settings (frequency, voltage, and timing including latency) automatically based on information in the EEPROM chip. If necessary, edit the BIOS to manually configure memory settings.
o
Motherboard bus, processor, and memory settings should be adjusted to match the overclock speed.
3.
Mount the new power supply.
NLX
NLX (new low profile extended) is an old form factor that was designed for use in slimline desktop computers. NLX:
•
Networked or remote KVM switches use special hardware devices that send keyboard, mouse, and video content through a network connection.
o
Never argue with a client or become defensive.
•
Never clean the monitor's glass with a liquid solvent while the monitor is powered on.
o
Older peripheral devices can use PS/2, serial, or parallel connectors. For these devices, you can use an adapter (e.g., a PS/2 to USB adapter).
o
On inkjet printers, use the printer's cleaning function to clean the print heads.
•
Optimizing for appearance turns on all visual effects. Optimizing for performance turns off all effects. Effects can be enabled or disabled individually.
•
Orange = Line out (center and subwoofer)
•
Page navigation - Slide two fingers left or right to navigate between pages in a document.
•
Printers
•
Printing
•
Private keys
•
Protect yourself from airborne particles by using a air filter mask.
•
Provide adequate ventilation in any enclosure to remove toxic fumes.
•
Provide components with the correct levels of DC voltage
•
Provides up to 150 watts
•
RGB-LED displays have an array of special LEDs that are able to emit red, green, and blue light, resulting in superior color accuracy. RGB-LED displays are the most expensive type of backlighting technology.
•
Replace worn or frayed power cords.
•
Resistance (ohms)
o
Run repetitive tests using diagnostic software.
•
Single Link interface:
o
Small anti-static vacuum
•
Some applications can be written to execute on multiple processors at the same time.
•
Some power supplies have two 4-pin connectors (4+4) that are meant to be used side-by-side in the 8-pin plug.
Notification Area
The Notification Area is a part of the Taskbar, usually located to the right of the Taskbar. The Notification Area:
•
The line out connectors send audio to other sound devices. This signal is unamplified.
•
The memory is re-programmable.
Networking and Communications
The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to transfer data. Networking components include:
o
The voltage switch is set to the correct voltage.
•
There are two types of UPS systems:
2.
This memory address contains a pointer or jump program which instructs the processor where to find the BIOS program.
•
Typically uses extra space for additional memory slots
•
Typically, the processor will run at a speed lower than its rating if the motherboard does not support the higher speed.
•
Update the driver to the latest version by downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer's website.
•
Update the video card drivers.
•
Use a DE-15 connector
•
Uses yellow RCA connectors
Display connectors
Video cards have one or more connectors for attaching an external display. Always try to select a video card with connectors that match your display.
•
Video cards include a BIOS chip on the device. These devices have their own ROM chip called an option ROM (OpROM).
•
Windows 10
•
With audio pass-through, an audio output cable is connected to the video card. The video card combines the audio signal with the video signal for HDMI output. This option is often called HDTV out.
•
With componentization, a functional PC is a combination of several constituent parts. Each part is considered a field-replaceable unit (FRU), meaning it can be quickly replaced when faulty or easily upgraded when needed. Componentization keeps maintenance costs low and reduces downtime.
•
With overclocking, you increase the speed and often the voltage to increase the performance of the processor.
•
Works with older analog devices without the need for an expensive digital-to-analog converter box
•
XGA 1024 × 768
•
XGA+ 1152 × 864
o
Y channel for brightness/luminance
o
You can a 32-bit operating system on a computer with a 64-bit processor.
•
Your top priority in responding to any incident is to ensure the safety of others. In the event of a hazardous situation, clear people from the area or remove the danger before attempting other actions such as preventing or repairing damage to components.
•
Zoom - Spread two fingers apart to zoom in. Bring fingers back together to zoom out.
•
eMMC cards
•
i.LINK (Sony)
•
message specifies a message that is sent to all users that accompanies the standard shutdown notification.
7-pin mini-din
• Provides analog, video-only TV output (audio signals must be supplied separately)
•
Output devices
•
Continuum—Allows you to switch between PC, tablet, and phones modes. This feature is hardware dependent.
Error
Description
Feature
Description
Function
Description
Hazards
Description
•
HDMI version 1.4:
•
HDMI version 2.0:
•
HDTVs
o
Do not forget to check for a corrupt file in the software.
•
Do not mix ECC and non-ECC memory in a system. Mixing ECC and non-ECC memory disables the error correction function.
o
Identify the sources that you want to record.
•
In display settings, extend the desktop onto the second monitor.
•
Plastic or rubber feet that attach to the bottom of the case
USB A to USB B
Used to connect a USB Type-A cable to a USB Type-B port
DVI to VGA
Used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port
HDMI to VGA
Used to connect a VGA cable to an HDMI port
DVI to HDMI
Used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port
o
Alternatively, press the Windows key + R, type Msinfo32, and press Enter.
•
DRAM is simple to implement.
•
DisplayPort 1.2:
•
Expansion slot count and type
•
Mac
•
Replace mode
•
System locks up shortly after startup:
•
The UEFI is firmware.
•
The system clock loses time.
•
To correct color shift, increase the color depth of the display.
•
To view all resources used by the computer:
o
A DDS-approved cleaning tape, to automatically clean the heads of a tape drive.
KVM switch
A KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch allows multiple computers to use a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. KVM switches have multiple input groups, with each group accepting keyboard, video, and mouse connections from one computer. A single output group connects to the shared peripheral devices. Buttons on the KVM switch are used to toggle between each connected computer.
POST card
A POST card is an expansion board that you insert into an expansion slot. It is typically used to troubleshoot a computer system that doesn't start up correctly. The POST card displays output from the BIOS during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).
•
A TV tuner allows your video card to accept a cable TV input and change channels from within the computer. TV tuners can process one or more of the following signals:
•
A UPS is designed to provide enough power to shut a system down safely during an extended power outage. Most are not intended as long-term power solutions.
•
A Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket uses a lever to allow installation of the processor. Drop the processor into place, then push down on the lever to lock the processor into place.
Barcode reader
A barcode reader is a device that can scan barcodes.
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A broken or noisy fan
Cable tester
A cable tester verifies that a network can carry a signal from one end to the other, and that all wires within the connector are in their correct positions. Most testers have a single unit that tests both ends of the cable at once. Many testers come with a second unit that you can plug into one end of a long cable run to test the entire cable.
o
ATSC signals are digital TV signals. When purchasing a new TV tuner, make sure it supports ATSC.
•
A color palette is the current list of colors that can be shown on the screen.
Combination ratchet/screwdriver
A combination ratchet has interchangeable bits with a ratcheting handle that provides multiple features in a single tool.
System resources
A computer assigns system resources to hardware devices, and the computer uses these assignments to communicate with the device. You should be familiar with the following three categories of system resources:
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A connector that isn't seated properly and electricity is arcing between leads.
Missing BIOS/UEFI Settings
A constant source of power is required to store the settings configured in the motherboard BIOS/UEFI chipset. The motherboard also needs constant power to keep the system clock running while the system is powered off. Most motherboards implement a small battery that provides this power. If this battery starts to fail, then the following may occur when the system is powered on:
Line conditioner
A line conditioner modifies the power signal to remove noise and create a smooth alternating current (AC) signal.
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A graphics card with an onboard audio processor can decode and process audio and send it out the HDMI port. This option is often referred to as onboard sound.
Hard disk drive (HDD)
A hard disk is a thick magnetic disk encased in a thicker protective shell. A hard disk consists of several aluminum platters, each of which requires a read/write head for each side. All of the read/write heads are attached to a single access arm to prevent them from moving independently. Each platter has circular tracks that cut through all of the platters in the drive to form cylinders. The spinning of the platters is referred to as revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the revolutions per minute, the faster the data can be accessed. Standard hard drives are categorized as follow:
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A legacy device is one that does not support Plug and Play. In older systems, you had to manually configure the resources used by each device. Troubleshooting of legacy systems often involved finding and resolving resource conflicts.
Support manual
A motherboard's support manual is an excellent source of information. Support manuals contain technical specifications as well as diagrams that identify the motherboard's components. If you are missing a motherboard's support manual, check the manufacturer's website.
Multimeter
A multimeter is a device for testing various electrical properties. For example, most multimeters can measure:
o
A natural bristle paintbrush to wipe components off
o
A non-static vacuum to remove dust
o
A normal icon means the device was configured, the appropriate driver was installed, and the device is working properly.
Stuck/dead pixels
A pixel that is stuck is in an always on state and displays white. A dead pixel is stuck in an off state and displays black.
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A power strip provides multiple power outlets from a single plug-in, but is not necessarily a surge protector.
Power supply tester
A power supply tester is a custom multimeter that is used for testing output from a PC power supply. The power supply tester has multiple connectors to test the output for each connector type.
Surge protector
A surge protector protects against over-voltages.
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Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
2.
Add each value together to find the total watt requirements.
o
By default, Windows comes with common codecs installed. Other codecs might be installed as you add other software.
•
An audio codec is a specific method of formatting sound files. Common codecs include WAV, WMV, AIFF, and MP3. To play sounds saved using these formats, your computer must have the corresponding codec installed.
Extension magnet
An extension magnet is a small magnet on a collapsible rod. Use the extension magnet to retrieve screws that have fallen into a computer case or other areas you cannot reach.
o
An icon with a black down-arrow means the device is disabled.
o
An icon with a yellow exclamation mark means the device was detected, but could not be configured properly. In this case, make sure you have the latest driver for the device.
Interface
An interface is what allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities. There are two main types of interfaces:
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An internal connector on the sound card connects to a digital audio output connector on a CD/DVD drive. Through this connection, you can play CDs directly through the sound card.
•
An internal connector on the sound card sends HD audio, such as from a DVD or Blu-ray disc, to an audio pass-through on a video card. This allows the HD audio signal to be combined with the video signal through an HDMI connector.
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An offline UPS powers the computer from the wall power. When the power fails, a switch inside the UPS switches to power the computer from the battery. This is the most common form of UPS.
o
An online UPS constantly powers the computer from the battery.
•
Applications (typically games) are written using features included in specific DirectX versions.
•
Applications typically perform better on 64-bit systems.
•
Apps and folders can be pinned to the Dock for quick access.
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Are installed in an expansion slot on the motherboard
•
Black = Line out (rear speakers)
•
Black = Rear speakers
Boot Camp
Boot Camp is a Mac OS feature that allows an Apple device to install the Microsoft Windows OS. Boot Camp makes installing Windows a very simple process by using the Boot Camp Assistant app. The Boot Camp Assistant:
o
Boot the system from the installation disc and use System Restore to revert the system to a recent restore point.
•
Both Intel and AMD processors work in PC systems and support Windows software.
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
CMOS is legacy computer chip technology that has become a general term used for the program that stores important system information related to the starting of a computer. It is often used synonymously with BIOS. Data held in CMOS includes the hard disk type and configuration, the order of boot devices, and other configurable settings related to the system hardware. The following are important things to know about CMOS:
•
CNR (communications network riser) was a riser card slot that allowed for installing network, sound, or modem functions.
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CPU (Central Processing Unit)
•
CPU location (top of board near power supply)
•
CPU sensor (located on the circuit board underneath the processor)
•
CPU socket type
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CPUs
•
Changing the data stored in CMOS required the use of a CMOS editor program that was part of the BIOS.
Bus Type
Characteristics
Form Factor
Characteristics
•
Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure that the function is enabled.
•
Check software sound settings. Verify that the sound is not muted and check mixer settings.
o
Click Start and type Device Manager. Click Device Manager.
2.
Click System.
o
Click the Resources tab.
•
Color shift occurs when a new image must load a different palette than is currently used.
o
Comes from the reported publisher
•
DRAM is used in the main system memory on a computer.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
DRAM stores data using a single transistor for every bit of data (a 0 or a 1). To maintain the state of the transistor, DRAM must continually supply power to the transistor; when the power is turned off, the data is lost.
•
DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Digital requires an optical reader to decode physical data and send it to a computer for processing. This is a sound card feature that allows computers to present theater quality sound output.
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DVI-Integrated (DVI-I) connector
•
Dashboard - From Mission Control, the Dashboard can be accessed, which contains Mac OS widgets.
•
Decrease the video acceleration settings. This decreases the amount of processing done by the video card.
Memory
Dedicated video cards use high-speed memory to store graphic data. The amount of memory on the card affects performance as well as other characteristics.
•
Dedicated video cards use the following types of memory:
•
Dedicated video cards:
rm
Deletes files and directories from the file system. For example, to delete the widget.odt file, you would enter rm widget.odt at the shell prompt.
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Denatured or isopropyl alcohol
Device Type
Description
The system boots, but the display remains blank
Either a card or memory module is not seated, or the system includes unsupported memory. Non-parity RAM is incompatible with ECC memory and SDRAM is incompatible with EDO memory.
•
Either more memory is installed than the system supports or the CMOS settings are incorrect
The system boot fails and sounds a beep code
Either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected.
•
Ensure that the sound card is not experiencing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the disk drive or power supply. To remedy this problem, move the affected card to an expansion slot located away from the source of EMI.
•
Environmental heat. If the air temperature outside the computer is already overly-warm, then the temperature inside will be overly-warm as well. A properly balanced HVAC system must be implemented in the work area to remove excess heat from the environment.
•
Establish what has changed. Most often, problems are caused by new hardware, software, or changes to the configuration. If necessary, carefully ask users to discover what might have changed that could have caused the problem.
•
GPUs have a clock speed that is rated in MHz. A higher speed means better performance.
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Game apps
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Game controller
Game controllers
Game controllers are input devices designed specifically for computer gaming. There are two main types of game controllers:
•
Gaming input devices:
•
General-protection fault - A software bug can cause this type of error.
Gestures
Gestures are specific finger motions that are used to perform a specific function on a Mac OS system. They are used by Apple systems that use an Apple Multi-Touch trackpad, a Magic Mouse, or a touchscreen. Below are just some of the gestures that are available on Mac OS:
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Get authorization to proceed before making any unexpected repairs or fixing items that were not part of the original problem, especially if the extra repairs result in an additional charge.
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Glass effects on window borders that make borders semi-transparent (translucent). You can view objects behind windows through the window borders.
•
Graphics Tables - Graphics tablets capture analog stylus strokes written on a pad and convert them to digital data. These are mostly used by graphic artists to capture hand-drawn images.
•
Green = Line out
•
Green denotes the mouse port.
•
Handle the CPU by the edges without touching the underneath connectors.
•
Hard Disk Drives
•
Hard disk drives
•
Hard drives and tape storage devices use magnetic charges on a disk or tape for storing data. While hard disks are shielded and protected from all but the strongest magnets, be careful with tapes. Getting a magnet too close to these components could erase data.
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Hardware drivers (special programs that tell the operating system how to use the hardware)
•
Has only one expansion slot
o
Have a GPU and a dedicated, high-speed video memory bank
•
Have between six and nine mounting holes
•
Have three rows of five pins
•
Have up to seven expansion slots
•
Heart beat
Heat sink
Heat sinks are made of a heat conductive material (usually aluminum or copper) and are attached to components using a thermal paste or pad. Heat sinks are designed with fins to increase the surface area exposed to air, allowing heat to dissipate from the component much faster. Heat sinks can be either active or passive.
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High-end IPS LCDs are very expensive (over $1000).
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High-end gaming mice use a rating of dots per inch (DPI). The rating denotes how many steps (cursor movements) are counted in a single inch.
•
High-powered devices use between 100 and 500 mA (up to 900 mA for USB 3.0)
3.
In the sidebar, click Advanced system settings.
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Intel:
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Is also known as a PEG6+2 (PCI Express Graphics 6+2 pin)
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Joystick
•
Lime green = Line out (front speakers or headphones)
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MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol for recording and playing audio created on digital synthesizers. This feature allows the computer to become an integrated component to a musical instrument.
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MIDI controller
•
MIDI port to interface with MIDI sound devices
•
MIDI, not a true audio file, but contains data to reproduce sounds through electronic synthesis
•
MP3 (MPEG-2 Layer III), a highly effective audio compression standard
Magnetic fields
Magnetic fields located close to a computer can cause undesired effects or even data loss.
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Maintain appropriate ambient temperatures. Optimal ambient temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For server rooms, the ambient temperature might be as low as 45 degrees.
•
Make a good first impression. If your first contact with the client is positive, the relationship will be much easier to handle and maintain.
•
Make sure fire extinguishers and fire suppression methods (e.g., sprinklers) are properly implemented and maintained.
•
Make sure server rooms have separate ducting or HVAC systems from the rest of the building for better temperature control.
•
Make sure that devices are plugged in, turned on, that all cables are securely connected, and that expansion cards are properly seated.
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Memory address error at x
o
Memory bus
•
Memory failure at x, read y, expecting z
•
Memory mismatch error
•
Memory module compatibility
•
Never look into the end of a fiber optic networking cable. Laser light can damage your eyes.
•
Operates at 133 MHz, resulting in data rates of 1.06 GB/s
o
Overclocking may require more voltage.
•
Pink = Mic in
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Power management controls
Projector
Projectors use a powerful light source (either an LED or laser diode) and a lens to project visual content onto a surface, which is typically a specialized screen. Visual output is achieved by controlling the flow of light.
•
Promptly report any potentially hazardous situations.
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on a display screen. Resolution is expressed in a width × height formula (e.g., 1920 × 1080). The numbers represent the number of pixels on that axis. A higher resolution means that more information can be shown on the screen at a time.
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Right-click - Tap with two fingers to right-click.
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Search Folders lets you save a search as a folder. When you open the folder again, the search is performed and the results are displayed.
Search
Search features to help you find documents on your computer.
•
Secure notes
•
Sending user output to output hardware devices such as the monitor or a printer
•
Show respect. This includes showing respect not only to your clients, but also their workspaces and computers.
•
Signed drivers are drivers that include a digital signature. The digital signature proves that the driver:
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Smart TVs have USB ports that can be used to connect input devices (e.g., a keyboard and mouse) or even a thumb drive to play videos, listen to music, or view photos.
o
Soft lint-free cloths, dry, to wipe smudges off of CD-ROM and DVD disc media surfaces.
Software-generated memory problems
Software errors include:
o
Southbridge communication
•
Speakers
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Stay calm and avoid being judgmental or insulting.
•
System boots, but the operating system fails to load.
•
Tablets
Blurry images, strange color tints
This problem is often caused by a weak or corrupt signal from the video card.
o
This symptom is possibly thermal issue. Check for this problem by shutting down, letting the system cool off, and restarting the computer to verify whether the problem repeats itself. Check the following if overheating seems to be the problem:
•
Throttling is often used in mobile processors to change the operating frequency to minimize power consumption and heat output.
o
Time to wait before beginning a shutdown
•
To change the boot device order.
•
To open Device Manager:
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Touchscreen
•
USB ports
o
When a device wants to send information to another device, it addresses the data to the receiving I/O port number and sends it out on the system bus.
•
Will the fix result in significant system downtime?
Dual Link
• Provides either an analog or digital signal
•
16-bit sound cards use a sampling size of 65,536.
•
16-bit, also called high color (65,536 possible colors)
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1600 × 1200 (UXGA)
o
1680 × 1050 (WSXGA+)
•
16:10 is a widescreen aspect ratio used exclusively by computer display devices. Common 16:10 resolutions include:
•
16:9 is a widescreen aspect ratio used by HDTVs, computer displays, and most production films. Common 16:9 resolutions include:
•
192 kHz, used by:
o
1920 × 1080 (FHD)
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1920 × 1200 (WUXGA)
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800 × 600 (SVGA)
•
96 kHz (DVD audio)
•
HDMI version 1.3:
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Are more powerful than integrated video cards, but are also more expensive
o
Are much cheaper than dedicated video cards, but are also less powerful
o
Arrive to appointments on time and prepared. If you are going to be late, contact the client and let them know.
•
As a best practice, you should update the BIOS shortly after installing the processor (you must have a processor and memory installed to update the BIOS).
•
As a general rule, a processor with more cache performs better than a processor with less cache (all other things being equal).
8.
As the operating system loads, additional steps are taken to load all additional programs and configure devices for use by the operating system.
o
Ask before moving items on desks or making changes to computer systems.
o
Ask permission before entering the client's office or home.
•
Ask the client if they would like to keep the failed components.
•
Ask the user to describe the problem, check for error messages, or recreate the problem.
•
At a minimum, you should have a Class C fire extinguisher available to you. A Class C fire extinguisher is made for electrical fires.
o
At larger projection sizes, LCD projectors suffer from what's called the "screen door" effect. This is when each RGB pixel of the display can be easily seen.
•
At this point, if the problem is caused by simple things like an unplugged system, you can safely take actions to resolve the problem.
•
Audible beeps
•
Audio
Channels
Audio can be split into multiple channels, which increases the sound quality and makes it more realistic. Some standard channel configurations are as follows:
•
Audio input devices:
•
Audio jacks
Audio jack
Audio jacks are used to send or receive analog audio signals. Audio jacks use 3.5 mm TRS connectors to connect audio devices, such as:
•
Audio output devices (e.g., radios)
•
Automatically creates a BOOTCAMP partition on the hard drive and prepares it for installing Windows.
o
Avoid accusing the client. Even if the client caused the problem, do not point fingers.
o
Avoid distractions or interruptions. Don't take personal phone calls and ask permission before taking work-related calls.
•
Avoid handling leaky batteries. The leaking electrolytes can be harmful if they get into your eyes.
•
Avoid opening the power supply which houses a capacitor (stores a large charge of electricity).
o
Avoid using jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. Take time to explain technical terms and issues in a simple way.
o
B (blue)
•
HDTVs use three RCA connectors for the separate channels
o
Has not been altered or modified
2.0
Hi-Speed 480 Mbps 5 m
HTPC
Home theatre PC (HTPC) cases are designed to connect to TVs and be used as a home media computer. HTPC cases are compatible with microATX and Mini-ITX form factors.
Hot swapping/plugging
Hot swappable devices are devices that can be added and removed without shutting down the computer (technically speaking, hot plug refers to automatically detecting and configuring devices that are added, while hot swap refers to the ability to both add and remove devices).
•
Hot swapping must be supported by the BIOS, the bus type or controller, the device, and the driver/operating system.
o
Hyper-V (made by Microsoft)
•
Multitasking is the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. Two common variations are:
•
(In rare cases) To manually configure device properties for legacy devices.
•
-p powers off the machine.
o
12 V rail should be between 11.4 and 12.6 volts.
o
1.0: 250 MB/s (x1); 4 GB/s (x16)
o
115 volts is used in North America.
o
1150: Used with the Intel Celeron Dual-Core, Pentium Dual-Core, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i7 Extreme, and Xeon processors.
o
1155: Used with the Intel Pentium 4, Celeron, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i7 Extreme, and Xeon processors.
o
1156: Used with the Intel Pentium 4, Celeron, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Xeon processors.
•
2 channel audio is stereo. Examples of 2 channel audio include standard TV and radio.
o
2.0: 500 MB/s (x1); 8 GB/s (x16)
•
32-bit sound cards use a sampling size of 4,294,967,296.
•
32-bit, also called true color (16.7 million possible colors and alpha channel)
•
3D Scanners - 3D scanners use either physical contact or lasers to map the size and shape of a physical object and convert it into a 3D digital model.
DDR3
400 MHz PC3-6400 or DDR3-800
•
44 kHz (CD quality) This sample rate can accurately reproduce the audio frequencies up to 20,500 hertz, covering the full range of human hearing.
•
48 kHz (Digital TV, DVD movies)
•
4:3 is used primarily by analog TV broadcasts and older flat-panel and CRT displays. Common 4:3 resolutions include:
•
4K UHD 3840 × 2160
o
5 V rail should be between 4.7 and 5.25 volts.
•
5400 rpm (inexpensive SSD)
•
7.1 channel has 8 audio channels: 7 speakers and one LFE subwoofer channel. This is the first technology providing error correction.
•
8-bit (256 possible colors)
•
8-bit sound cards use a sampling size of 256.
DDR4
800 MHz PC4-12800 or DDR4-1600
Loopback plug
A loopback plug is used to test network communications by redirecting a signal from the transmit port on a device to the receive port on the same device. Use the loopback plug to verify that a device can both send and receive signals.
Boot Errors
A malfunctioning motherboard may generate error codes when the system is powered on. Every time the PC boots, it runs a Power On Self-Test (POST) to make sure all of the basic hardware in the system is present and functioning correctly. If a problem is identified during POST, an error is generated. How the error message is reported to the end user depends upon the motherboard manufacturer. The following may be used:
Set-top box
A set-top box (STB) is special interface appliance that connects to a display device (typically a TV) and converts an external signal source into audio/video content that can be displayed on the device's screen. Some set-top boxes provide additional functionality, such as the ability to record TV broadcasts. Set-top boxes can use digital connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort), analog connectors (coaxial, RCA), or both to connect to a display device. Common examples of set-top boxes include the following:
•
A short circuit in the printed circuit board of the motherboard itself or on an expansion board.
•
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), also known as MPEG-2, a compression expected to replace MP3
•
Active heat sinks have an attached fan that helps cool off the component at a faster rate. Active heat sinks are used with the following components:
•
Active motion sensors use ultrasonic sound waves to detect movement in an area. If movement is detected, something happens (e.g., a door opens or an alarm triggers).
•
Additional external connectors (such as audio, USB, and FireWire) that connect to motherboard headers
Feature support
Additional features on sound cards provide higher quality sound or additional functionality.
•
Aero Flip 3D is activated with the + Tab key and shows an expanded 3D view of running programs.
4.
After POST tests complete, the BIOS identifies other system devices. It uses CMOS settings and information supplied by the devices themselves to identify and configure hardware devices. Plug and Play devices are allocated system resources.
•
After a memory upgrade. Ensure that the memory is compatible and was installed and configured properly.
•
After hardware installation or removal. Incompletely or improperly installed hardware can cause errors that appear to be memory related.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
An uninterruptible power supply is an online device that is constantly providing battery power to the computer and being recharged by the wall outlet.
•
An unsigned driver is one without a digital signature; a self-signed driver is one that includes a digital signature, but the identity of the entity that signed the driver cannot be verified. You can install unsigned or self-signed drivers.
o
Analog TVs use an S-video port for video input.
•
Barcode readers include software that interprets the meaning of the barcode.
•
Barcodes are most commonly used in retail environments at checkout stands. Shipping companies, hospitals, and other organizations use barcodes to track or inventory items.
Lifting
Be careful when lifting heavy objects.
Capacitor
Be sure to discharge capacitors or turn the equipment over to qualified personnel for servicing. Similarly, exercise caution when working with the DC converter in a laptop display.
•
Because CL is related to the frequency, you cannot directly compare the CAS latency between modules with a different frequency. For example, a DDR2 module operating at 533 MHz with a CL of 6 has more delay than a DDR3 module at 667 MHz with a CL of 7.
•
Because it is more expensive than non-ECC, ECC memory is typically used only in servers.
Remote Disc
Because many modern Apple devices are being manufactured without a CD- or DVD-ROM installed, Mac OS offers the Remote Disc feature. With Remote Disc:
•
Because newer power supplies constantly pull power from the socket, unplug the system before working on internal components.
•
Because no backlighting is used, plasma displays have high contrast and can produce true black (displays that use backlighting can only display very dark grey).
•
Because of how they draw frames, LCDs suffer from motion blur (also called ghosting) when fast movements occur on the display. While motion blur can be reduced with higher refresh rates and lower response times, it can't be eliminated entirely.
•
Because optical mice use light rays to detect motion, they don't work on some surfaces.
•
Because power supplies carry dangerous levels of electrical current, always take proper safety precautions.
•
Before handling a system component, make sure that it is powered off and that the main power cord is unplugged from the wall socket.
Memory Type
Bus Speed Designations
•
Blue = Line in
Brightness
Brightness (also called luminance) identifies the amount of light a display is able to produce. Brightness is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2), with a higher number indicating a brighter screen. A brighter screen istypically desired for mobile devices or for watching movies.
Buffered (Registered)
Buffered (or registered) RAM has a buffer that holds memory addresses or data before it is transferred to the memory controller.
•
Buffered RAM improves stability on systems with a lot of RAM (over 1 GB).
•
Buffered RAM might slow system performance.
•
Buffered RAM must be supported by the motherboard.
Slow performance when drawing screens
By default, Windows automatically adjusts visual effects based on system performance. You can manually modify the types of effects used to optimize how Windows looks and performs.
•
By default, Windows only shows supported refresh rates.
•
Capable of isochronous data transmissions, which provides a constant, uninterrupted bandwidth.
•
Cables typically have a DVI-A connector on one end and a VGA connector on the other
•
Can be configured to display different types of toolbars. For instance, Quick Launch is a toolbar that contains shortcuts to designated programs.
•
Can be used to perform system management tasks, such as deleting files, changing permissions, etc.
•
Can use fiber optic cables to eliminate electrical interference
•
Capacitance
•
Case fans
•
Cloud storage—Provides integrated access to OneDrive, which provides free storage space in the cloud (optional).
•
Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals.
•
Combines three qualities of video into a single signal:
•
Command completion: When you begin entering a command, you can press the TAB key, and the Linux shell will guess what you're trying to type and automatically complete the command for you.
•
Command history: Each time you enter a command at the shell prompt, that command is saved.
•
Command mode
•
Command-line mode
•
Compatible with all DVI connection types
Blackout
Complete power failure
•
Cortana—Provides you with a personal assistant for web searching. This feature is only available in the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. This feature is hardware dependent.
•
Current (amps)
•
Customizable Start Menu—Let's you to organize your apps and shortcuts
•
DMA (Direct Memory Access) channels are conduits used by high-speed devices to bypass the CPU and communicate directly with RAM.
o
DC (direct current) is the type of current used inside a computer. Negative particles are drawn toward a positive charge, creating a unidirectional current flow. This type of predictable reliable current is ideal for an application where a lower current is required.
•
DDR accepts a single command and two consecutive data sets per bus clock cycle.
•
DDR operates at 2.5 volts at bus frequencies between 100-200 MHz.
o
DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 memory are similar to system memory. This type of memory is cheaper, but provides less performance features than special graphics memory.
•
DDR2 accepts four consecutive 64-bit words per bus clock cycle.
•
DDR2 includes a buffer between the data bus and the memory.
•
DDR2 operates at 1.8 volts at bus frequencies between 200-533 MHz. The internal memory frequency is half that of the bus frequency (100-266 MHz).
•
DDR3 accepts eight consecutive 64-bit words per bus clock cycle.
•
DDR3 operates at 1.5 volts at bus frequencies between 400-1000 MHz. The internal memory frequency is one-fourth that of the bus frequency (100-266 MHz).
•
DDR4 accepts eight consecutive 64-bit words per bus clock cycle.
•
DDR4 allows for DIMMs of up to 512 GB in capacity.
•
DDR4 is not compatible with earlier types of random access memory (RAM) because of the different signaling voltages, physical interface, and other factors.
•
DDR4 operates at 1.2 volts at bus frequencies between 1066-2133 MHz. The internal memory frequency is about one-tenth that of the bus frequency (100-266 MHz).
•
DDR4 reduces the demand for power.
DDR DIMM
DIMM A DIMM (dual in-line memory module) has pins on both sides of the module, with each pin being unique.
•
DIMMs have a 64-bit data path that matches the system bus width.
o
DLP projectors are much more expensive than LCD projectors.
o
DLP projectors are not as compact as LCD projectors and also use more energy and generate more heat.
•
DLP projectors use a spinning color wheel to create RGB color and a DMD (digital micromirror device) to control light. The DMD is a small chip that contains millions of tiny mirrors that can redirect light extremely fast. DLP projectors are capable of very high-resolution output at even large projection sizes.
Category
Description
Characteristic
Description
Command
Description
Component
Description
Concept
Description
Connector
Description
Consideration
Description
Device
Description
Display Type
Description
Installation Step
Description
Interface
Description
Issue
Description
Key
Description
Part
Description
Port
Description
Port/Cable
Description
Problem
Description
Specification
Description
Step
Description
Symptom
Description
Tool
Description
Type
Description
Version
Description
•
Desktop KVM switches typically support two or three computers, which must be within about 5 meters.
o
Download the firmware update from the manufacturer's website.
o
Dress professionally and following any company dress codes. This includes appearing well kempt.
•
Dual Link interface:
•
Dual core processors offer better performance, but typically not double. Software must be specially written to take best advantage of the dual core processors.
•
Dual-channel systems theoretically double the bandwidth. However, in practice, only a 5-15% increase is gained.
•
Dual-channel systems use two memory controllers, while triple-channel systems use three memory controllers. Quadruple-channel (quad-channel) systems use four memory controllers. Each memory controller can communicate with one or more memory modules at the same time.
•
Dual-channel, triple-channel, and quad-channel support is mainly a function of the motherboard (e.g., the memory controller), not the memory itself. DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 can all work in dual-channel systems (depending on the memory supported by the motherboard); both a triple-channel and a quad-channel system use DDR3 and DDR4.
•
Dual-core, triple-core, and quad-core processors are typical in desktop systems.
o
During the update, do not turn off the device.
•
Dust buildup inside a computer acts as an insulator for internal components, trapping heat and preventing adequate cooling of components. Use:
•
Dust buildup. Excessive dust within the system can block air flow and cause overheating. Use compressed air or an anti-static vacuum to remove dust buildup.
•
If no sound plays, make sure the card is seated, check for resource conflicts, and update the drivers if necessary.
•
EATX
•
EAX is a high-definition sound technology originally developed for video games. This technology provides such realistic nuances that audio can actually cue gamers.
•
EEPROM replaced EPROM chips and are used for computers BIOSes that were built after 1994.
•
Each power supply cable typically has multiple 4-pin connectors on the same cable.
o
Each separate voltage output circuit is referred to as a rail and can power multiple devices. To avoid overloading one circuit, many newer power supplies have two or more +12 volt rails. These are known as dual rail power supplies. Separate rails balance the power load between multiple circuits, preventing any one circuit from becoming overloaded.
•
Early virtualization was performed using software only. Newer virtualization uses special instructions supported by the processor to improve performance.
•
Edge-Lit White LED (EL-WLED or WLED) displays use white LEDs along one edge (usually the top) of the LCD and a light diffuser to backlight the screen. EL-WLED LCDs are the least expensive, thinnest, and most widely used type of LCD.
•
Edit the advanced system settings to edit performance settings for visual effects.
vi
Edits the contents of a text file. The vi uses four different operating modes:
o
Enable boot logging to record a detailed list of drivers that are loading during system startup. Examine the Ntbtlog.txt file and identify the last driver that has loaded successfully. The problem device will be after this device.
•
Ensure proper ventilation.
•
Ensure that the grounding pin on a PC power plug is intact.
•
Ensure that the problem is fully resolved and that implementation did not cause any new problems.
Error Correcting Code
Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory is a type of memory that detects and corrects the common kinds of internal data corruption. ECC memory is also called parity memory. Using ECC, a value is appended to the end of each byte so that the value of the data can be compared and recalculated if an error occurs. ECC is an improvement on parity techniques because errors in more than one bit can be detected and corrected.
o
FM2+: Used with the AMD A4 series, A6 series, A8 series, A10 series, Athlon X2, Athlon X4, and FX processors.
•
Exception error - A software bug can cause this type of error.
ESD and High Voltage
Exercise great care when working with electricity.
•
Expansion slot locations and spacing (0.8" between slots)
Expansion slots
Expansion slots (also called expansion buses) allow you to expand the capabilities of your computer by installing expansion cards. There are a number of different expansion slot types:
•
External storage devices
•
For a mouse with a roller ball, clean the ball and the roller contacts on a regular basis.
•
For all DDR memory (DDR, DDR2, and DDR3), a new designation was introduced to identify that twice the data was being transferred with each bus clock cycle.
•
For areas with heavy smoke or dust, add filters to air intake systems to filter out airborne particulates.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
For computer components, design HVAC systems with the following in mind:
o
For example, DDR-400 has a bandwidth of 3200 MBs (PC-3200); DDR2-800 has a bandwidth of 6400 MBs (PC-6400); and DDR3-1600 has a bandwidth of 12800 MBs (PC-12800).
o
For example, DDR-400 matches a bus frequency of 200 MHz; DDR2-800 has a bus frequency of 400 MHz; and DDR3-1600 has a bus frequency of 800 MHz.
•
For hardware devices that include firmware, try updating the firmware to fix bugs, make new features available, or reduce security risks.
•
For internal and non-hot swappable devices, turn off and unplug the system before installing the device.
•
For keyboards, use a vacuum or compressed air. For keys that stick use a lint-free cloth and/or cleaning swabs, lightly dampened, to gently wipe each key.
o
For many systems, start with the first bank. The first memory bank is often closest to the processor.
•
For many systems, you can manually modify the memory timings and frequency. Running RAM at a lower clock speed enables you to decrease the CAS latency setting; increasing the frequency must usually be compensated for by increasing the CL (and other) settings.
•
For memory modules of the same type and frequency, a lower CAS number indicates less delay (e.g., "faster" RAM).
Frequency
For optimal performance, you should match the memory frequency (sometimes called the speed) with the frequency supported by the system bus/memory controller.
Image does not display on a second monitor
For problems with dual-monitor systems:
o
For processors that can be inserted multiple ways, be sure to line up pin 1 on the processor with pin 1 in the processor slot. Pin 1 is typically identified with a dot or a triangle.
•
For stable operations, the bus must take into account these latencies to keep the bus and the memory synchronized.
•
For stuck or malfunctioning keyboard keys, you might be able to pop the key off and clean the contact underneath. Be aware that replacing the keyboard might be cheaper than spending a lot of time cleaning it.
•
For wireless devices, check the battery level. Charge the device or change the batteries if necessary.
o
G (green)
o
GDDR2, GDDR3, and GDDR5 are DDR memory specifically designed and optimized for graphical data. This memory is more expensive, but results in better performance.
o
Greet the client and introduce yourself.
•
Ground both yourself and the computer to the same ground. This provides a single path for the flow of electrical potential.
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
HDCP is a method for protecting digital media. The purpose of HDCP is to prevent the interception and copying of protected data streams as they are sent from a playback device to a display device (e.g., from a DVD player to an HDTV).
HDMI audio
HDMI cables are able to carry both video and audio signals; however, most video cards only send a video signal. The following techniques can be used to send an audio signal through the video card:
o
HDMI connector (also used by HDTVs)
I/O connectors
I/O connectors for onboard components are located on the back of the motherboard. These connectors typically include the following:
•
IEEE 1394 cables with four wires are not self-powered; IEEE 1394 cables with six or nine wires are self-powered.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
IEEE 1394 ports are used to connect devices that require fast communication speeds.
•
IPS (In-plane switching) panels have the best color reproduction quality and viewing angles among LCDs, making them well suited for graphic artists, designers, and photographers.
o
IPS panels have relatively slow response times (5-16 ms) and refresh rates (60 Hz) and have a slight purple tint in blacks when viewed from a wide angle.
•
IRQ (Interrupt Request) is the method used by different system devices to interact with the CPU. An IRQ allows a device to interrupt the CPU and request processing time. All new devices allow the sharing of an IRQ; older (legacy) devices had to be assigned a unique IRQ.
•
Icons next to some tasks identify tasks that require administrative privileges. In addition, performing other tasks, such as installing applications or hardware devices, require administrative privileges.
•
Identify the system requirements of the peripheral device. Some peripheral devices specify a minimum CPU speed, memory size, or OS version.
•
If a wrist strap is unavailable, keep your body in constant contact with the metal frame when working inside the computer.
•
If advanced features are not available for the device, update or install the correct device driver.
•
If applicable, offer additional services or training that might be beneficial to the client.
•
If necessary, take additional actions to prevent the problem from happening again.
•
If necessary, take the time to briefly explain any new software or hardware that was installed.
•
If necessary, upgrade the monitor to allow for higher resolutions.
•
If some files play but others do not, make sure you have the right codecs installed for playing that file type.
•
If standard user privileges are not sufficient to perform a task, the system requests privilege elevation.
•
If the BIOS does not configure memory to run at its highest rated speed, then do the following:
•
If the cause is not a simple one, identify the necessary steps to correct the problem.
o
If the computer is not overheating but has this symptom, the problem could be the clock or system timers in the BIOS/UEFI are set incorrectly.
o
If the device is not listed in Device Manager, try rescanning for new devices. If that doesn't detect the device, make sure the device is plug and play compatible and that it is correctly connected and turned on.
•
If the hardware device still does not work, try replacing it with one you know to be good (ideally one that is exactly the same). For example, if you can't get the network card working, replace it with one that you know works. If the new one works, then the old one is broken.
o
If the icon for the device is not there, then Windows did not detect the device. Try scanning for new hardware or rebooting the system to detect the device.
•
If the motherboard has integrated graphics, disable it in the CMOS configuration when installing a dedicated video card.
•
If the motherboard returns a POST error (either a code or a series of beeps), ensure the video card is seated properly and has the necessary power connections.
o
If the motherboard still returns a POST error, the video card is bad and should be replaced.
•
If the problem is related to user error or is caused by actions taken by the client, tactfully explain the problem without accusing or judging the client.
•
If the system crashes during startup before you can log on, try booting using the Last Known Good configuration. This starts Windows using the hardware configuration that existed during the last successful logon.
•
If the system crashes during startup, or has a problem after you log on that prevents you from taking actions to correct the problem, try booting into Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, disable or uninstall the device, roll back the driver, or revert to a restore point.
•
If the system does not boot and the monitor is blank, check the monitor's power and video connections.
•
If the system has a slow processor, low memory, or not enough video memory, using visual effects can make the system respond slowly.
o
If these are good, replace the CPU.
•
If two processors are of the same type, higher speed typically means higher performance. With processors of different types, speeds might not be comparable.
•
If using a multi-GPU configuration (SLI or CrossFire):
•
If using a multi-GPU configuration, install all necessary configuration software.
Troubleshoot
If you are having problems, do the following to troubleshoot your installation:
o
If you are logged on as a standard user, you are prompted to supply the username and password for an administrator user.
o
If you are logged on as an administrator, you are prompted for permission before the action is performed.
•
If you are planning on implementing a virtual solution, check to see whether hardware support in the CPU is required. Hardware support is provided by processors with the following features:
1.
If you are replacing an existing motherboard, document the current CMOS settings. You might need these settings to configure the new motherboard.
•
Instant Search provides a box for typing keywords and phrases. As you type, matching results are displayed. Instant Search boxes are available on the Start Menu and in other applications such as Internet Explorer, Photo Gallery, and Media Player.
•
If you are working with a built-in audio interface, verify that it is correctly configured in the BIOS. If you have installed an add-in card, make sure the built-in audio is disabled.
•
If you can boot the system and log on, try the following:
•
If you can derive the bus frequency, you can also get a relative idea of the amount of data a module can handle.
•
If you cannot boot the system into Safe Mode:
•
If you cannot identify the cause of the problem, or if the problem is beyond your ability or responsibility to fix, escalate the problem.
•
If you cannot increase the refresh rate, try decreasing the resolution size and see if higher refresh rates become available.
•
If you have problems identifying a hardware error, you can simplify the system by removing all but necessary components (processor, memory, and hard disk). Add devices one at a time and restart the system. If an error occurs, remove the newly added device and troubleshoot that device. Another strategy would be to remove a single device and restart the system, seeing if removing that device corrects the problem.
•
If you plan on watching protected content on your PC, or playing content from your PC to an external TV, make sure the video card supports HDCP.
Not Enough Memory Errors
If you receive Not Enough Memory or Out of Memory errors when you try to open and use more than one program at a time, you may need more physical memory.
•
If you still can't start the system, try reducing the system to a minimum state by removing everything except for the CPU, one memory module, the video card, and the hard disk or optical drive for starting the operating system. Once you get the system started, add hardware devices one-by-one until you find the component that is causing the problem (you can also perform the process in reverse, removing components until the system becomes stable, then adding components back).
•
If your job requires frequently lifting, wear a back brace for added protection.
•
If your theory is not correct, examine other possible causes (return to the previous step).
Image retention, screen burn-in
Image retention (IR) is caused by a static image being displayed for too long on a screen, creating a shadow of the image that is visible even when the display is off. This is typically a problem for plasma displays only. Most of the time, IR can be fixed by displaying bright white on the screen for an extended period of time. When the image cannot be fixed and is permanent on the screen, it is known as burn-in.
•
Improperly installed fans. Fans must be oriented to force air through the system in the same direction, otherwise they may fight against each other and prevent air from flowing properly.
•
Improperly installed modules or dirty or defective sockets
•
In a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the user executes commands by clicking on graphics and symbols. Windows is an example of graphical user interface.
Integrated memory controller
In a traditional processor design, the processor is connected to the front side bus and the Northbridge chip. The processor communicates with other system components through the front side bus. Smaller manufacturing size has reduced the overall size of a processor, leaving more room on the processor die for additional cores or cache. To improve performance, some processors include the memory controller with an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) on the processor die rather than in the Northbridge chip, resulting in faster memory access by the processor.
•
In addition to a basic toolkit, you can keep a few spare parts on hand that you know to be in working order. If you suspect that a component has failed, replace it with the known good spare. If that solves the problem, replace the faulty component.
Additional ports
In addition to audio input and output ports, some sound cards also include the following ports:
•
In addition to greatly increased speed, PCIe offers higher quality service.
•
In addition to providing power when the power is lost, most UPS systems also condition the line and remove power spikes and sags.
•
In addition to swapping the cards, try moving the device to a different bus slot or connector.
•
In addition to the socket type, the motherboard must support the processor speed.
•
In command line interfaces, commands are executed through instructions written into a command line. Examples of command line-based interfaces are MS-DOS and aspects of Linux.
•
In general, the more visual effects that are enabled, the more CPU and graphics processing is required.
o
In some cases, 32-bit applications might perform better on 64-bit systems.
•
In some cases, buying a processor with double the cache can nearly double the performance.
•
Memory sticks
•
In most cases, both video cards must be identical.
o
In most cases, the pin array is keyed so that the CPU can be inserted in only one way.
•
Memory verify error at x
•
In the operating system, install the video card drivers.
•
Inadequate air flow. This may be the result of an inadequate number of fans in the system or fans that are too small. In this situation, additional fans can be added to the system to increase air flow.
Colors are not smooth
Incorrect colors are often caused by low color depth settings.
•
Increasing the refresh rate reduces screen flicker. A desirable range of refresh rate is 60 Hz or higher.
•
Input & Output (I/O) devices
•
Insert mode
3.
Insert the I/O shield into the case.
Insert CPU
Inserting the CPU is simple.
8.
Install additional devices in expansion slots.
•
Install any necessary drivers or software.
5.
Install the motherboard, securing it to the standoffs with insulated washers and screws.
o
Install the secondary video card in the next open expansion slot.
•
Install the video card in the first open expansion slot.
•
Installation media containing 64-bit version of Windows 8 or later
Overheating
Internal system components within a computer generate a great deal of heat that must be dissipated. Overheating causes premature component failure. Overheating could be caused by several conditions:
•
Is an excellent troubleshooting tool.
•
Is an upgrade to the current SODIMM standard
•
Is backwards compatible with standard PCI slots (i.e., a PCI-X card can be installed in a standard PCI slot)
o
Is compatible with the operating system version
•
Is processor independent, meaning the CPU and PCI bus can process concurrently
•
Is the resolution best left for other times of the day?
•
Is there a temporary solution that should be implemented immediately?
•
Is typically used by servers for network cards or Fibre Channel adapters
•
Is typically used with a home theater PC (HTPC)
•
It is important to make sure your motherboard can support the speed of your processor.
•
It may continuously reboot itself.
•
It may not power on at all.
•
It may unexpectedly shut down.
o
Itanium processors from Intel use the IA-64 instruction set.
o
Itanium processors use a software layer to translate between IA-32 and IA-64.
•
Joysticks consist of a stick that pivots on a base. Both the stick and the base have several input buttons. Joysticks are typically used with flight simulator games.
•
Keep cables organized. Route cables to prevent them from being kinked or stepped on. For best results, use cable ties to bind and organize cables.
•
Keep humidity between 40 and 70 percent to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
•
Keep temperature between 70 and 74 degrees to prevent components from overheating.
•
Keep the case free of dust and debris. Excess dust can restrict airflow and prevent proper heat transfer.
•
Keep the computer repair location free of materials that accumulate electric charges (e.g., plastic or Styrofoam).
•
Microsoft Edge—Let's you write and highlight web pages in the Edge web browser. This feature is hardware dependent.
•
Microsoft Store—Allows you to purchase music, videos, games, and apps
•
Keep the relative humidity in the room high, ideally around 70%, and temperature between 72-77 degrees. The key is to avoid dry air in the computer repair location to prevent ESD.
•
Keep work areas and floors clear of clutter to help prevent accidents.
o
Keyboard
•
Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer
Keyboard
Keyboards connect through a USB port. Many keyboards include special function keys that simplify playing music or browsing the Internet. Some keyboards include a built-in USB port that can be used to connect other peripheral devices.
Keychain
Keychain is Mac OS's password management utility. Keychain can hold password-protected data for the following categories:
Known good spares
Known good spares are a set of components that you know are in proper functioning order. If you suspect a problem in a component, swap it with the known good component. If the problem is not resolved, troubleshoot other components. Examples of using this strategy are:
•
LCD and LED monitors use one (or more) of the following connectors:
o
LCD projectors also suffer from motion blur due to the way liquid crystal technology functions.
•
LCD projectors use a small, internal LCD screen to control light and create images. LCD projectors are inexpensive and can be very compact; some can fit inside a pocket.
LCD
LCDs (liquid-crystal displays) use liquid crystal technology to display visual information. LCDs are the most common type of display device and range in size from less than an inch to over 10 feet. Modern LCDs use LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to backlight the screen.
o
LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation), a DVD-music production format
•
Land Grid Array (LGA): The LGA socket moves the connecting pins from the processor package to the socket itself. Conducting pads are implemented on the bottom of the processor that contact the protruding pins from the processor socket.
o
Laser printers require more power than most UPS systems are capable of providing. For this reason, you should not connect a laser printer to a UPS. If you must provide power to a laser printer, get a dedicated UPS for that device.
•
Level 1 (L1) cache is integrated on the processor die itself and stores instructions for the processor. On multi-core systems, each processor typically has its own L1 cache. Some processors might have two L1 caches, one for instructions and one for data.
•
Level 2 (L2) cache is additional cache used for both instructions and data. Depending on the processor, L2 cache might be shared between two or more cores, or exclusive to a single core.
•
Level 3 (L3) cache is additional cache beyond the level 2 cache. For multi-core systems, L3 cache is shared between all cores.
•
Level 4 (L4) cache is shared dynamically between the on-die graphics processor unit (GPU) and CPU.
•
Light blue = Line-in (line-level)
o
Link the two video cards together using the bridge clip.
•
Linux
•
Multiple Desktops - At the top of Mission Control is the Multiple Desktops feature that is used to manage and navigate between multiple desktops.
•
Multithreading is the ability to run multiple parts of an application simultaneously.
Liquid cooling
Liquid cooling systems are used when air cooling is not sufficient. Liquid-based cooling systems are composed of tubes, cooling plates, a reservoir, and a radiator. Cooling plates have tubes connected to them and are attached to components. Liquid coolant is then circulated through the system, cooling it. Because liquid cooling can dissipate heat much faster than air cooling, it is primarily used for high-end gaming computers and high-performance systems.
3.
Looks for BIOS programs on other devices, such as hard disk controllers and loads those.
2.
Looks for the BIOS on the video card and loads it. This powers the video card and results in information being shown on the monitor.
1.1
Low Speed 1.5 Mbps 3 m
•
Low powered devices use 100 mA or less
o
Low-end video cards
•
Lynx (Texas Instruments)
•
Make sure that nothing is on the keyboard as the system boots. If a key is pressed during the boot up process, a 301 (keyboard) error can result. If this happens, then more than likely you will have to reboot.
•
Make sure that the speakers are connected to the sound card and that the speakers have power.
•
Make sure the computer supports the connection type used by the device.
•
Make sure the device is plugged in securely.
•
Make sure the monitor cable is securely fastened to the video card.
Physical
Make sure the room and the building are properly set up to ensure your safety.
•
Make sure the video cable is properly connected.
•
Make sure the video card supports dual display.
•
Many hard disks are internal devices, though you can get external enclosures.
•
Many motherboards include an onboard sound card. Use the connectors on the motherboard's I/O plate to connect components to the onboard sound card.
Onboard components
Many motherboards include onboard components (such as network cards, audio cards, video cards, or USB and FireWire connections). Selecting a motherboard with onboard devices is typically cheaper than buying separate expansion cards for each feature. However, the quality of these onboard devices might not be as high as dedicated expansion cards.
•
Many power supplies have a switch on the back that turns the power on or off.
•
Many processors use a performance rating instead of speed with a higher number indicating a better-performing processor. However, performance ratings are typically only applicable between models of the same manufacturer.
•
Maximum cable length of 4.5 meters (15 feet)
o
Maximum support resolution of 2048 × 1536 @ 60 Hz
o
Maximum support resolution of 3840 × 2160 @ 30 Hz
o
Maximum support resolution of 3840 × 2160 @ 60 Hz
o
Maximum support resolution of 3840 × 2400 @ 60 Hz
o
Maximum support resolution of 5120 × 2880 @ 60 Hz
o
Maximum supported resolution of 1920 × 1080 @ 60 Hz
•
Maximum supported resolution of 1920 × 1200 @ 60 Hz
•
Maximum supported resolution of 2048 × 1536 @ 85 Hz
•
Measure 12" × 9.6"
•
Measures 9.6" × 9.6"
•
Media input devices:
Error Messages
Memory error usually indicate a failing module or discrepancies between new and old memory. Avoid the latter problem by not mixing new and old memory. Ensure that the memory is functioning properly and is compatible with the system. If the memory is good and fully compatible, these error messages could mean that the motherboard has a problem. The following are some common error messages you may encounter:
o
Memory modules (heat sinks on memory modules are also called heat spreaders)
•
Memory modules are very sensitive to ESD. Be sure to take proper steps to prevent ESD.
•
Memory modules with ECC have extra memory chips on the module (typically 9 modules instead of 8). If the number of chips is divisible by 3 or 5, the module is ECC memory.
•
Memory parity interrupt at x
Mini-ITX Tower
Mini-ITX towers are designed to house Mini-ITX motherboards. They are typically smaller than Micro-ATX towers.
•
Mission Control - Slide four fingers straight up to open Mission Control.
Mission Control
Mission Control is a desktop and windows management utility that is used to access several Mac OS features:
Mobile processors
Mobile CPUs are used in mobile computers and cell phones where portability and mobility are a concern. Special versions of processors are built to minimize power consumption and the amount of heat generated.
•
Mobile-ITX (2.9" × 1.7")
o
Modules must be installed in matching sets (capacity and speed), preferably of the same manufacturer and model.
•
Most BIOS chips vary from 265 KB to 1 MB in size.
•
Most RAM is held in place with small tabs on either end. To remove RAM from a motherboard, push the tabs down to rotate them back, then pull the RAM straight up.
•
Most TV tuners use an S-video, F-type, or RCA composite port for video input.
Digital audio
Most audio devices, such as stereo consoles, TVs, and speakers require analog audio. Newer devices, such as some CD players, DVD players, and HDTVs, are capable of processing digital audio signals. Digital audio support in a sound card:
•
Most bar code readers use a laser to scan the barcode. Some use cameras or optical scanners.
•
Most memory modules include an EEPROM chip that identifies its frequency. The BIOS uses the information in this chip to set the frequency automatically.
•
Most monitors support multiple refresh rates.
o
Most motherboard chipsets
•
Most motherboards automatically detect the processor speed. If not, you might need to use jumpers or edit the CMOS to configure the processor speed.
•
Multiprocessing is the ability to use multiple processing devices.
Configure CMOS Settings
Most motherboards automatically detect the processor speed. If not, you might need to use jumpers or edit the CMOS to configure the processor speed. For newer processors released after the motherboard, you might be able to add support for the processor by updating the BIOS.
Memory slots
Most motherboards have multiple memory slots. Memory slots are designed to be compatible with a specific type of memory module.
Heat sensors
Most motherboards include the following heat sensors:
•
Most motherboards support both single- and double-sided memory. However, verify compatibility before purchasing.
•
Most of the time, dead pixels are caused by a malfunctioning pixel and cannot be fixed.
o
Most peripheral devices use USB connectors.
•
Most power supplies have a voltage switch that toggles between 115 and 230 volt electricity.
Motion sensor
Motion sensors are devices that are able to detect the slightest amount of movement in an area. They are typically used with security systems and require special software and configuration. Two types of motion sensors exist:
•
Mounting hole locations
o
Mouse
•
Mouse and Keyboard devices
mv
Moves files and directories from one location in the file system to another. For example, to move the widget.odt file to the /home/rtracy directory, you would enter mv widget.odt /home/rtracy at the shell prompt.
•
Multi-GPU configurations are manufacturer-specific:
•
Multi-core systems enable the operating system to run multiple applications simultaneously. Without multiple processors, applications appear to run at the same time, but must wait their turn for processing time from the single processor.
o
Multimedia apps (e.g., Netflix, Youtube, etc.)
o
Never complain about clients on social media platforms.
o
Never open or disassemble a power supply. Always replace the entire unit.
•
Never touch the metal connectors on a circuit board.
Plug and play
Newer systems use plug and play to automatically configure the resources used by each device. Be aware of the following when using plug and play:
•
Number of memory slots
•
Numeric codes
OLED
OLED displays use a thin layer of an organic compound (called an OLED) that lights up in response to an electrical current. OLED displays are more efficient, offer a wider viewing angle, and provide faster response times (< 0.01 ms). However, they are costly to manufacture; OLEDs are the most expensive type of display device. In addition, the pixels in OLEDs (the organic compound) wears out faster than the pixels in LED or plasma displays.
Distended Capacitors
Over time, the capacitors on the motherboard may become overstressed or overheated. When this happens, they may bulge or even begin to leak fluid. Distended capacitors usually fail at some point, causing the motherboard to fail. For example, if the fans in the power supply spin up when you power on a system, but the motherboard itself doesn't start, it is possible that capacitors on the motherboard have become distended.
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Overclocking can cause system instability, component damage, and can void your warranty.
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Overclocking is a feature that causes the processor to operate at a higher speed. Overclocking is typically performed by those who want to get the maximum performance from their systems. Some important things to know about overclocking are:
Overclocking
Overclocking is pushing a CPU beyond its designed specifications. Overclocking can give you a marginal increase in performance, but will decrease your CPU's life. Some Intel processors include a Turbo Boost feature. Turbo Boost, the opposite of throttling, allows the processor to dynamically run above its rated speed to improve performance. Unlocked processors are processors whose speed can be changed above their rated speed through overclocking.
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Overclocking often increases heat output. For this reason, it may be necessary to upgrade your cooling devices.
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Overclocking typically voids the CPU warranty and could lead to shorter component lifetimes.
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Overloading the power resources of the USB bus can cause devices to not have sufficient power to work properly. Make sure that you are not exceeding 500 mA of power through the USB bus.
Spike
Overvoltage that lasts milliseconds
Surge
Overvoltage that lasts seconds
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PC- numbers up to PC-266 identify the frequency (or double the frequency), not the bandwidth. For example, a PC-266 module has a greater bandwidth than a PC-1600 module (PC-266 = PC-2100).
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PCI
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PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
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PCI bus and USB device controllers
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
PCI was developed to replace the obsolete ISA and VESA bus standards. PCI:
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PCI-X (Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended)
PCI Extended (PCI-X)
PCI-X was built on existing the PCI architecture and aimed to overcome standard PCI bandwidth limitations. PCI-X:
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PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
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PCIe can run alongside legacy PCI technology (i.e., both PCIe and PCI buses can be in the same system).
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PCIe data rates depend on the protocol version and number of transmission lanes:
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PCIe types are defined by the number of transmission lanes that are used to transfer data. For example, PCIe x1 provides one lane for transmission (x1), while PCIe x16 provides sixteen lanes for transmission. PCIe defines x2, x4, x8, x16, and x32 connection types.
PCI Express (PCIe)
PCIe was developed to replace PCI, PCI-X, and AGP. Instead of a shared bus, each PCIe slot links to a switch that prioritizes and routes data through a point-to-point dedicated connection and provides a serial, full-duplex method of transmission. PCIe uses several different connection types.
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PCIe x1 slots are typically used for network cards, USB cards, and sound cards. PCIe x16 slots are primarily used for dedicated video cards.
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Page fault - A software bug can cause this type of error.
Parity RAM
Parity memory is a type of memory that checks for common kinds of internal data corruption. It does not correct internal data corruption. Non-parity memory does not perform error checking.
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Passive heat sinks do not have a fan and instead rely on increased surface area and passive air movement to cool the component. Passive heat sinks are used with the following components:
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Passive motion sensors detect infrared energy, which is emitted by humans and animals. Passive motion sensors ignore small changes in infrared energy in order to avoid false alarms. Passive motion sensors are sometimes called passive infrared sensors (PIR).
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Passwords (including passwords for websites, system logins, wireless networks, encrypted disks)
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Perform regular backups. Backups protect your data if a hard disk fails.
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Performance can also be increased by modifying other system components such as adding more RAM, using a faster disk, or improving cooling and ventilation.
Peripherals
Peripherals can present a safety hazard to you.
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Photos app—Organizes photos and videos in one location
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Power is supplied to the processor. The processor is hard-coded to look at a special memory address for the code to execute.
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Power supplies are rated in watts. A power supply's watt rating determines its maximum power output. To determine a computer's power requirements, use the following method:
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Power supplies should be matched to the motherboard and case form factor (i.e., match an ATX power supply with an ATX motherboard or a Micro-ATX power supply with a microATX motherboard).
Power Issues
Power supplies wear out over time, especially if they're overheated or overstressed. If the power supply can't provide adequate amounts of electricity to the system, the computer may exhibit one of several behaviors:
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Power supply (although the power supply might also be separate)
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Power supply specifications:
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Power the system on and verify that the symptoms have been eliminated.
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Preemptive multitasking forces applications to share the CPU.
Prepare for Installation
Preparing for a CPU installation will help to ensure that your new components are not damaged before installation.
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Preserve negative pressure inside the case by keeping all covers and shields installed (e.g., unused expansion cards, I/O shield, front drive bays).
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Press the Windows key + R and type devmgmt.msc.
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Prior to cleaning computer components, power down and unplug components and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to cool.
Cooling
Processors require some form of heat dissipation system to function properly. Without a heat dissipation system, a processor will overheat and burn out in less than a minute. CPUs use a heat sink, fan, thermal paste, liquid, or fanless cooling system to transfer heat from the CPU to the cooling unit.
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Program applications
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Provides 5 V of power through the cable
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Provides two dedicated 12 V wires to the CPU (Older processors only used 5 V power)
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Provides up to 60 W of power via a 12 V wire.
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Providing security
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Purchase a new power supply.
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Purple denotes the keyboard port.
Component
Purpose
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QHD 2560 × 1440
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R (red)
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RDRAM and DDR/2/3/4 are packaged into DIMMs, with each specification having a unique number of pins and notch position.
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RFI can be caused by nearby wireless devices using the same channel, cordless phones, or microwave ovens.
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RFI can be reduced by using a wireless networking standard that operates in the 5.75 GHz range or by using a different channel for wireless devices.
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Read the product documentation and follow the instructions for installation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and configuring a device.
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Real-time clock
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Reboots the system and starts the Windows install process from the selected installation media.
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Receiving user input from input hardware devices such as the keyboard or mouse
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Recycle these; NiMH batteries are considered a non-hazardous waste in most U.S. States, with the exception of California.
Lithium and Lithium Ion Batteries
Recycle these; lithium batteries are considered a non-hazardous waste.
PC System
Recycle, give it away, or resell it; a typical PC contains $5 to $25 worth of precious metals. Remember to clean the hard drive before disposing of the machine.
Alkaline Batteries
Recycle, if possible, otherwise dispose of alkaline batteries as your local laws require. For example, in some states, you can throw them in the regular trash. In California, it is illegal to throw them in the common trash. They are considered hazardous waste and are supposed to go with the household hazardous waste collection for special recycling.
Inkjet Printer Cartridges
Recycle; you can return the cartridges to the manufacturer for recycling or recycle them yourself.
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Reduce the number of airflow obstructions.
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Registry error - Parts of the registry are written to faulty sections of RAM.
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Regular SRAM still requires periodic power to maintain the state of memory, but the rate of refresh is less than with DRAM. Non-volatile SRAM (nvSRAM) is able to maintain memory contents when the power is turned off.
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Running apps on the Dock have an illuminated dot below them.
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SD cards
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SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound) was originally developed for theater sound. SDDS decoders provide error correction.
200-pin SODIMM
SODIMM A SODIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module) is a smaller DIMM used in laptops.
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SRAM is more complex and less dense (e.g., lower storage capacity) than DRAM.
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SVGA 800 × 600
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SXGA 1280 × 1024
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Satellite TV box
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Scanner
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Scanners
Scanner
Scanners are used to scan hard-copy images and documents and convert them into digital input for the PC. For example, film photos can be scanned and saved as image files.
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Scroll - Slide up or down using two fingers to scroll up or down.
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Serving as a platform for applications
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Set realistic expectations for finishing work—when in doubt, overestimate.
Image missing, doesn't fill the screen, skewed, or cut off
Set the display resolution to the monitor's native resolution. If the display isn't visible at all, check the monitor's brightness settings to verify that the screen isn't dimmed.
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Set the refresh rate to the maximum allowed by the monitor.
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Settings are grouped by category and can be accessed by clicking the category icon.
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Settings configured in BIOS/UEFI are lost.
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Settings in the operating system can be used to control how much video processing is offloaded to the GPU.
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Shake lets you hide all but the current window. Click the top window border and shake the mouse to hide or unhide all other open windows.
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Share system memory for graphic processing
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Shares the bandwidth among all devices connected to a single bus
Single- or Double-Sided
Single-sided RAM has memory modules that are organized into a single logical bank; double-sided RAM has modules organized into two banks.
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Single-sided memory of the same capacity as double-sided memory uses half the number of memory modules (modules are denser, with a higher individual capacity).
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Supports plug and play and hot plugging (adding and removing devices without rebooting)
Program or system lockup, system crashes, slow video performance
Software or system problems can be caused by incorrect video settings, especially for programs that have high video demands. To correct the problem:
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Solid state storage devices (such as RAM or flash drives) are not affected by magnetic fields.
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Solid-state drives
Issue
Solution
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Some 24-pin connectors have one 20-pin plug and a detachable 4-pin plug. This allows for backwards compatibility with 20-pin motherboards.
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Some TVs have a VGA or DVI input.
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Some cases have intake fans on the side case cover.
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Some drivers are preinstalled during the operating system installation. Windows will automatically use preinstalled drivers when they match new devices.
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Some high-end audio cards include HDMI video processors and video output, combining the features of an audio card with a video card. The sound card might have 1 or 2 HDMI ports (for input and/or output).
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Some mice have internal motion sensors, allowing them to detect movements while in the air. This particular device can attach to a user's head and move the cursor when the head moves.
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Some motherboard chipsets with integrated graphics
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Some motherboards only have a 6-pin PCIe connector. These connectors provide up to 75 watts.
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Some motherboards require buffered memory.
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Some motherboards use two (or more) processor sockets to provide a multiple processor solution. Multi-core processors use a single motherboard socket to support multiple processors.
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Some multi-core processors (such as a triple core CPU) have additional cores that have been disabled. With the appropriate motherboard support, you might be able to unlock and use the additional core(s). However, stability of the extra cores is not guaranteed.
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Some older motherboards are unable to use double-sided memory, while some that allow double-sided memory can only use up to half the total memory when all memory slots are filled, or mixing single- and double-sided together might not be allowed.
High Disk Usage
Some operating systems send data to the hard disk drive if there is not enough physical memory available. If you hear the hard drive constantly operating as you work, or if the hard drive light on the front of the system case stays illuminated for long periods of time, you may need to add more physical memory to the computer.
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Some problems might be caused by software errors, not hardware failures. You might need to begin by updating the drivers or unloading software.
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Some studies suggest that laser printers emit tiny particles which could be dangerous when inhaled. As a precaution, do not locate laser printers immediately next to desks, and keep the area ventilated.
Multi-GPU
Some video cards can be linked together and share the graphic processing load between the two GPUs.
TV input/output
Some video cards include features that allow them to receive video signals and output them to a TV source.
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Stuck pixels can be fixed by playing special videos that display a series of colors. Sometimes the video needs to be played for several hours.
3.0/3.1
SuperSpeed Up to 5 Gbps 3 m
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Support one of two cable and connector types: single link or dual link.
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Supports 21:9 aspect ratio
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Supports 480i or 576i resolutions (standard definition resolutions)
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Supports longer cable lengths than single link DVI-D
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Supports peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., data can be transmitted between a digital video camera and a recording device without going through a computer).
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Symptoms of bad power supply include:
System Preferences
System Preferences is the utility used to change settings for nearly every aspect of Mac OS.
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System beeps regularly, nothing is shown on the screen and it doesn't start: Flashing the BIOS is often required to upgrade system components that are part of the motherboard, such as to upgrade to a faster processor. If the motherboard lists the processor as supported but it is not correctly recognized, update the BIOS to the latest version. Press F8 while booting to enter the advanced boot menu when Windows loads. However, this option assumes the BIOS has loaded correctly and the computer passed the POST tests. Replacing the motherboard is likely not required as the motherboard was working correctly and the documentation states the CPU is compatible with the motherboard. Only replace the CPU after you have determined that it is faulty.
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System case sensor (located either on the motherboard or on a cable attached to the motherboard)
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System crashes on startup or when running a software application or certain group of applications:
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System has POST parity problems with a number of devices.
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System lockups and restarts: Because you have just replaced the processor, the most likely cause of the problem is related to the CPU. System lockups and restarts can be caused by an overheated processor. Make sure the CPU fan is running, and that you have used thermal paste between the CPU and the heat sink.
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System sounds a POST beep code indicating a CPU fault upon boot:
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System will not boot.
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THX is a sound quality standard, originally created for film, now available on sound cards. This is a sound card feature that allows computers to present theater quality sound output.
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TN (twisted nematic) panels are the most common technology used by LCDs. TN panels have very good response times (1-5 ms) and refresh rates (60-144 Hz), so are great for PC gaming.
6-pin connector
The 6-pin connector is used with FireWire 400 devices. 6-pin FireWire connectors provide power via a 12 V wire.
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The 8-pin EPS12V was originally used with some older dual processor systems.
ATX
The ATX (advanced technology extended) form factor is the most commonly used form factor. Because of its popularity, several variants of the ATX form factor exist. Each variant has different specifications for dimensions and number of expansion slots. However, all ATX variants share the following characteristics:
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The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) converts analog sound into digital data.
Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
The BIOS is a legacy program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) chip that the CPU automatically loads and executes when it receives power. Important things to know about the BIOS are:
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The BIOS is firmware.
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The BIOS program controls the startup process and loads the operating system into memory.
BTX
The BTX (balanced technology extended) form factor was designed as a replacement for the ATX form factor. However, it did not gain widespread adoption. With BTX:
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The CD- or DVD-ROM of computer can be shared on the network.
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The CMOS battery is still used to keep the real-time system clock running when the computer is powered off. It can be a low-voltage dry cell, lithium mounted on the motherboard, or even AA batteries in a housing clipped on a wall inside of the case. The electric current is about 1 millionth of an amp and can provide effective power for years.
CMOS battery
The CMOS battery is used to keep an accurate date and time, even when the motherboard has no power. In older motherboards, the CMOS battery was also used to retain BIOS configuration settings, which were stored in volatile memory called the CMOS chip.
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The CPU and motherboard socket type must match. The socket identifies the number and layout of pins.
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The CPU is positioned in such a way that air flow is increased.
CPU socket
The CPU socket houses the CPU. There are a variety of CPU socket types, each of which have unique shapes, pin arrangements, or mounting configurations. Because of this, it's important to match the motherboard socket type with the processor socket type. Some motherboards support multiple processors and have a socket for each CPU.
Control Panel
The Control Panel contains various utilities that change how a computer looks and behaves. Use the Control Panel to configure settings for hardware devices, manage printers and networks, configure personal settings, and manage the system.
DB-15
The DB-15 port is used by legacy gamepads, joysticks, and MIDI devices.
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The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) converts digital data into analog sound (in preparation to be played on speakers).
Dock
The Dock is the main taskbar in Mac OS. The Dock is used to launch apps, switch between running apps, access the Trash, and also access specific folders.
(EATX)
The EATX form factor is the largest ATX variant. EATX:
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)
The EEPROM is a RAM chip that replaced the CMOS chip. Important things about EEPROM are:
9-pin connector
The FireWire 9-pin connector is used with FireWire 800 devices. This connector is most commonly found on Apple computers, such as the MacBook Pro.
DisplayPort
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port and DisplayPort are used to send high-quality, digital video and audio signals. The following devices use the HDMI and DisplayPort:
ITX
The ITX form factor was designed for low-power, small form factor (SFF) computers. The most common ITX form factor is the Mini-ITX form factor. The Mini-ITX form factor:
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The L4 cache acts an overflow cache for the L3. Information evicted from L3 is dumped into L4.
PS/2 (Mini-DIN-6)
The PS/2 port, also called mini-DIN-6, is used to connect older PS/2 keyboard or mouse devices. PS/2 ports are color coded:
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The SPD on the memory is often set below the maximum rating for the memory. To use the maximum speed settings, you might need to manually configure the speed and timing settings for the memory (if the motherboard allows you to do this).
S-Video (miniDin-4)
The Separated Video (S-Video) port is used for connecting external displays. It has slightly better picture quality than RCA video ports.
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The Show Desktop button (on the right side of the Taskbar) hides all open windows. Hovering over the button makes the content of all open windows disappear (called Peek).
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The Start Menu also contains default icons that provide quick access to important features and folders such as Computer, Documents, Pictures, Help and Support, Search, Devices and Printers, and Control Panel.
Start Menu
The Start Menu is the easiest way to access the most useful things on your computer.
Taskbar
The Taskbar is the bar that is typically displayed at the bottom of a Windows interface (although its position can be changed). The Taskbar:
Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt port combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single interface. The Thunderbolt port can also provide DC power. Thunderbolt ports are mainly used for external displays.
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The UEFI design improves the software interoperability and the address limitations of BIOS.
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The UEFI is compatible with both BIOS and UEFI hardware.
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The UEFI program controls the startup process and loads the operating system into memory.
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The UEFI provides better security to protect against bootkit (malware attacks on the boot process) attacks.
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The UEFI provides faster startup times.
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The UEFI supports 64-bit firmware device drivers.
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The UEFI supports drives larger than 2.2 terabytes.
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
The UEFI was designed to replace the BIOS. Important things about UEFI are:
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The UPS connects to the power source (usually a wall socket), the computer plugs into the UPS, and the UPS is connected through a serial or USB port to the computer. Software on the computer uses this connection to monitor battery life and to detect when the regular power is lost. You can configure the software to shut the system down automatically when the battery charge reaches a certain level. You usually need to configure the following settings when working with UPS software:
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The appearance of the Start Menu is different with each Windows version.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio is the proportion between the width and height of a resolution. Aspect ratios are used by both display devices and video content. The following are the three most commonly used aspect ratios:
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The back panel orientation and mounting location is reversed.
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The bandwidth identifies a theoretical maximum that the memory can transfer in a given time period, and is directly related to the front size bus frequency.
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The bandwidth is 16 times the bus frequency, or 8 times the DDR- designation.
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The biggest advantage of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors is in the amount of memory they can use. 32-bit processors have a limit of 4GB. 64-bit processors have a theoretical limit of 16 EB, although operating system and current hardware limitations impose a much lower practical limit.
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The bootloader program is configured to locate and load the operating system.
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The cable might be too long for the current setup. Remember that shorter cable lengths are best; you should try not to use cables that are longer than 3-4 feet.
Capacity
The capacity (sometimes called the size) refers to the storage capacity of the memory module (e.g., 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB). The total capacity of memory that you can install in your system is limited by:
Chipset
The chipset is a group of chips that facilitates communication between the processor, memory, and peripheral devices. Older chipsets consist of two integrated circuits:
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The cost per MB is cheap.
Desktop
The desktop contains icons that access programs, files, applications, and file systems. The desktop is what is seen when all programs and open folders are minimized. Installing an application often adds an icon to the desktop.
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The device is fully plug and play capable.
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The device, the BIOS, and the operating system must support plug and play standards.
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The driver is signed and from a trusted publisher.
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The dynamic contrast ratio indicates the difference that the monitor is capable of producing.
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The fan direction pulls cooler air from the front of the case and blows hot air out the back.
Firmware
The firmware on a motherboard is stored on integrated flash memory. Motherboards use one of two firmware implementations:
Processing
The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions. Major processing components include:
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The front-side bus is replaced by the Direct Media Interface (DMI).
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The gasses inside the cells are sensitive to air pressure fluctuations (e.g., from altitude changes).
Processing capabilities
The graphics processing unit (GPU) handles all video rendering tasks. GPUs are much more efficient at processing graphic data than a traditional CPU.
Install Heatsink and Fan
The heatsink and fan are installed on top of the CPU.
Kernel
The kernel is the core of the operating system that is loaded into memory when the system boots up. It is responsible for controlling security, managing the file system, and providing a platform for applications to run on. The user rarely interacts directly with the kernel.
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The line-level (line-in) connector receives signals from CD players and musical instruments coming from the line out port of the other device.
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The list of programs in the Start Menu is divided by a separator line into two sections: "pinned" (default) programs and the most frequently used programs.
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The maximum amount of memory that can be addressed (used) by the operating system. A 32-bit operating system can use between 3 GB and 4 GB of memory, while a 64-bit operating system can use more.
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The maximum module capacity. For example, the motherboard might only be able to accept up to 2 GB or 4 GB modules.
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The maximum number of hops (other devices) between any two devices is 16.
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The maximum total capacity that can be installed. For example, most systems will have a maximum capacity of between 3 GB and 16 GB of RAM.
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The memory controller and graphics controller are on the CPU, instead of the northbridge.
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The mic-level (mic in) connector receives signals from a microphone.
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The miniHDMI interface is used by laptops, SFF computers, and digital video cameras
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The northbridge chip sits near the CPU and handles the flow of all data to and from the processor via the front-side bus (FSB). The northbridge also provides control for the following components:
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The notch is slightly closer to the middle.
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The number following the DDR-, DDR2-, and DDR3- prefixes is the data transfer rate (twice the bus frequency).
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The number of memory slots on the motherboard.
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The operating system and applications must be written for 64-bits to take full advantage of 64-bit processing.
Sampling rate
The sampling rate is the number of analog signal samples taken in over a period of time. Sample rates are expressed in cycles per second, called hertz (1,000 hertz (Hz) = 1 kilohertz (kHz)). A high sampling rate gives a more accurate representation of the sound. Examples of different sampling rates include:
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The search box can be used to search for the location of a specific setting.
Serial (DB-9)
The serial port is used to connect serial devices, such as a barcode scanner, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. Serial ports are also used to configure and manage some networking devices.
shutdown
The shutdown command brings the system down or reboots the system in a secure manner. The syntax of the shutdown command is shutdown +m -h|-r message. The options for the shutdown command include:
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The size of the cache increases as you move from L1 to L4, with L1 cache being the smallest.
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The southbridge chip sits "south" of the northbridge. The southbridge includes the following systems:
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The speaker out connector sends signal to external speakers. This signal is amplified and the computer controls the sound level that is sent.
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Their storage capacity is not yet comparable to the capacity of modern hard disks.
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Then the BIOS searches for a boot drive using the boot order specified in the CMOS.
Internal connectors
There are a number of connectors on motherboards for components such as power supplies, fans, and LED lights. Computer cases often have front panel ports (e.g., USB, FireWire, or audio ports) that need to be connected to the motherboard. These ports are connected to the motherboard's front panel connectors, which are also called headers.
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There are no resource conflicts or other problems.
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There are several different types of hypervisor software.
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There is no heatsink fan. Instead, a thermal module or shroud fits over the CPU to move heat directly out of the system.
Button Batteries
These are considered hazardous waste because they contain contains mercuric oxide, lithium, silver oxide or zinc-air. Return to manufacturer, recycle, or contact local authorities for disposal procedures.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries
These are considered hazardous waste; take these batteries to either a household hazardous waste site or a recycling center.
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When touching anything inside the computer, wear an antistatic wrist strap that is attached with an alligator clip to the metal PC chassis.
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Throttling can also be used in low memory conditions to slow down the processing of I/O memory requests, processing one sequence at a time in the order the request was received.
Throttling
Throttling is the process of modifying the operating characteristics of a processor based on current conditions.
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Time to wait before sending a warning to clients
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To add a password to the setup program to prevent unauthorized access.
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To an external USB hub that is connected to the computer
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To clean a printer, use a damp or dry cloth.
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To configure processor or memory settings (e.g., when you need to set operating speeds or when you want to overclock hardware settings).
5. Create an action plan
To create an action plan, address the most likely problem and account for side effects of the proposed plan. For example,
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To enable or disable motherboard devices.
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To help diagnose issues, you can run special software tools supplied by the hardware manufacturer.
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To identify the system resources used by a device:
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To operate in dual-channel mode, install memory in pairs; to operate in triple-channel mode, install memory in sets of three. To operate in quad-channel mode, install memory in sets of four
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To reduce the amount of power required by the UPS, do not plug non-critical devices in to the UPS.
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To remove a hot swappable component, use the Safely Remove Hardware feature to shut down the device before unplugging it from the system.
USB/FireWire
To troubleshoot USB and FireWire devices, consider the following:
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To view content written to a specific DirectX version, your video card must also support that (or a higher) version.
Touch pad
Touch pads are typically found on notebook computers and are used in place of a mouse. Users slide their finger on the touch pad to manipulate the cursor. Touch pads can also be used with desktop computers. These touch pads connect to the computer through a USB port and are used instead of a mouse.
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Transmission bandwidth of 10 Gbps
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Transmission bandwidth of 18 Gbps
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Transmission bandwidth of 21 Gbps
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Transmission bandwidth of 32 Gbps
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Transmission bandwidth of 4.59 Gbps
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Transmission bandwidth of 9.9 Gbps
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UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
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Used by HDTVs and computers
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Used by devices such as sound cards, modems, network cards, and storage device controllers
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Used by laptop screens as a way to interface with the internal video card
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Used by older HDTVs (rarely used by computers)
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Used by video cards and TVs with built-in tuners
Thunderbolt to DVI
Used to connect a DVI cable to a Thunderbolt port
USB to Ethernet
Used to connect an RJ45 connector to a USB port
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Uses many of the same commands as the Linux terminal (e.g., cd, ls, pwd).
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Uses serial communication (bits are sent sequentially)
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Using the GPU to render graphics is often referred to as video hardware acceleration.
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Virtualization is performed by adding a thin layer of software, called a hypervisor, between the physical system and the operating system. A hypervisor allows virtual machines to interact with the hardware without going through the host operating system.
Virtualization
Virtualization is the ability to install and run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. Virtualization typically includes the following components: a physical machine, hypervisor, virtual machine, and virtual hard disk (VHD). The virtual machines appear as self-contained and separate physical systems.
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WSXGA+ 1680 × 1050
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WUXGA 1920 × 1200
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WXGA 1280 × 720
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When adding multiple processors in a multi-processor system, be sure that the speed of the processors are the same.
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When comparing DDR modules, the frequency is relative to the bandwidth. For example, a DDR2 module operating on a 533 MHz bus is faster than a DDR3 module on a 400 MHz bus.
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When connecting devices, try to balance the devices connected to each cable.
1. Identify the problem
When identifying the problem, resist the urge to start fixing things at this point. To identify the problem:
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When installing a CPU, be sure to orient the CPU appropriately with the socket.
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When installing a heat sink, use thermal grease or a thermal pad between the processor die and the heat sink. This maximizes heat transfer between the processor and the CPU.
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When installing a processor in a multi-processor system, unused processor slots must be filled with a special terminating resistor.
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When installing a sound card using an expansion slot, make sure to disable the onboard sound card in the CMOS configuration.
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When playing protected content from a PC, the DVD player, video card, and display device must all support HDCP.
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When purchasing a UPS, purchase one with enough battery power to power only critical devices such as the computer and a single monitor.
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When receiving a new computer or component that has been shipped, let it sit for at least 6 hours (24 hours if it arrives in outside freezing conditions) before applying power. The rapid change in temperature can cause damage to components or can result in condensation within the computer.
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When selecting a processor, make sure the motherboard supports the processor speed by reading the motherboard documentation first.
Connect Fan Power
When the CPU includes a fan, be sure to connect the fan power to the motherboard.
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When you mix memory with different frequencies, all memory will operate at the lowest frequency.
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Window animations when windows are opened or closed.
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Windows 7
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Windows 8.x
Aero
Windows Aero is a set of features that improves the visual appearance of Windows. Features of Aero include:
Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for viewing and managing the file system.
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Windows Flip shows thumbnails of running programs when you use the Alt + Tab keys to switch between running programs.
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Windows Hello—Uses face and fingerprint sign in. This feature is hardware dependent.
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Windows can search the Internet for some drivers.
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Windows detects newly installed devices and tries to find and load the driver automatically.
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Windows finds a suitable driver in its driver database.
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Windows includes a new indexing service that catalogs objects and files on your computer to improve the speed of searches on your computer. The search is typically fast because it is not searching the complete hard drive but instead is looking through the index.
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Windows will automatically configure a device if:
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Wireless networks that use the 2.4 GHz frequency range (801.11b and 802.11g) are susceptible to RFI.
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With a read request, there is a delay between the time the data is requested and the time that the data is available on the module's output pins. This delay is called the CAS latency (CL).
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You can add single memory modules to computers that use DDR (including 2, 3, and 4).
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You can buy discs that are recordable.
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You can display the computer screen on a TV using the following methods:
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You can install faster memory in the motherboard, but it will operate only up to the maximum supported by the motherboard.
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You can install slower memory in the motherboard, but this will degrade performance.
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You can plug a 24-pin ATX power plug into a 20-pin motherboard connector, leaving the four pins unconnected.
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You can purchase processors of the same type but with different speed ratings.
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You can see the list of installed codecs in System Information.
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You can select mice with additional buttons or a scroll wheel to add functionality.
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You can typically use different capacity modules between sets. For example, you can use two 1 GB modules as one set and two 512 MB modules in the second set.
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You can use a special adapter to convert a 4-pin peripheral power connector to a SATA connector.
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You can use covers and cases to protect some equipment (such as printers) from dust and liquid spills. Be sure to remove covers before use and replace after use.
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You cannot connect IEEE 1394 devices to form a loop.
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You should be especially careful when wearing jewelry, because it readily conducts electricity and could cause burns or even electrocution.
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You should check for BIOS updates from manufacturers frequently. Updating the BIOS (called flashing the BIOS) makes new features available, such as allowing the BIOS to recognize newer hardware devices.
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You should check for UEFI updates from manufacturers frequently. Updating the UEFI (called flashing the UEFI) makes new features available.
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x64 processors execute both 32-bit and 64-bit instructions in the hardware.
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xD cards
1394.3
• Added peer-to-peer data transmission support
1394a
• Clarifies and enhances the original standard
Dual Link
• Provides a digital video signal only
(FireWire 400)
• Supports speeds of 100, 200, and 400 Mbps
(FireWire 800)
• Supports speeds of 800, 1600, and 3200 Mbps