Technical Support Fundamentals
Major OS manufactures have their own unique file systems they recommend:
-For Windows, the major file system that's used is NTFS. It was introduced in the previous version of Windows OS, Windows NT. And it includes many features, like encryption, faster access speeds, security, and more. -Microsoft is developing another file system called ReFS, but it isn't quite ready for consumer use just yet. -For Mac OS, the default file system is APFS. It's journaled, which means it does a better job at saving your disk state in case of a failure. This is a feature on other types of file systems, like NTFS. -For Linux, different distributions will use different file system types. A standard for file systems for Linux is ext4, which is compatible with older ext file systems.
A computer can be cut into four main layers
-hardware: physical components of a computer -operating system: allows hardware to communicate with the system (Android, Windows, ect.) -software: how we as humans interact with our computers. (a mobile app, web browser, a word processor or the operating system itself) -users: the user interacts with the computer (operate, maintain, even program the computer)
Follow best practices for repairing
-protect against static discharge -use the right tools -keep parts organized and labeled. taking pictures along the way can help a lot too -follow vendor documentation -test the device to make sure it works.
Outline of the course
-the basics of how computer hardware performs calculations -actually build a computer from the ground up -how operating systems control and interact with hardware -get a better understanding of how computers talk to each other via the Internet -how applications and programs tie all of this together -let humans interact with these systems. -problem-solving with computers and cover communication skills that are so critical when interacting with others in IT.
Data Conversion Chart
8 bits = 1 byte 1,024 bytes = 1 kilobyte(KB) 1,024 kilobytes = 1 megabyte (MB) 1,024 megabytes = 1 gigabyte (GB) 1,024 gigabytes = 1 terabyte (TB)
Motherboard
A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components. Characteristics: -Chipset: Northbridge that interconnects stuff like RAM and video cards and Southbridge which maintains our IO or input/output controllers like hard drives and USB devices that input and output data. A Chipset is a key component of our motherboard that allows us to manage data between our CPU, RAM, and peripherals. -Peripherals: are the external devices we connect to our computer like a mouse, keyboard and a monitor. -Expansion slots: the ability to increase the functionality of our computer. you can add a graphics card. (PCI Express or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, PCIe bus, PCI base expansion) -Advanced Technology Extended/ Information Technology Extended. Intel uses a variation of ITX board in three board sizes.
Computer
A device that stores and processes data by performing calculations
Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
A memory module (stick) that installs into matching DIMM sockets found on many motherboards. The word "dual" refers to the separate pins or connections on both sides of the module and socket. (1)
Secure Shell (SSH)
A protocol implemented by other programs to securing access one computer to another. We're going to show you an example of SSH into a remote machine. So first things first, to login to a remote machine, we have to have an account on that computer. We also need the host name or IP address of that computer. Let's test this, SSH cindy@ IP address. SSH server is just software. On the remote machine, the SSH server is running as a background process. It constantly checks if a client is trying to connect to it, then will authenticate its requests. The most popular program to use SSH within Linux is the OpenSSH program. We'll talk about how to use SSH from a Windows machine using the popular Open Source program PuTTY.
Logic Gates
Allow our transistors to do more complex tasks, like decide where to send electrical signals depending on logical conditions logic gates compare the state at their inputs to decide what the sate at their output should be. logic gates are electronic versions of Boolean logic: AND, OR, NOT, or XOR (XOR gates have two inputs. The output of a XOR gate will be true if only one of the inputs is true. If both inputs are on, the output will be off.)
CMOS battery
Battery in the motherboard for BIOS settings. It stores basic data about booting your computer like the date, time and how you wanted to start up. You can change these settings by booting into CMOS or BIOS setting menu. It varies in different computers, but usually when you boot the computer, there will be a quick screen that tells you what button to push to get into the settings From there, you can change the basic BIOS settings of your machine.
External Data Bus (EDB)
Bus that enables the CPU to communicate with external devices and components to communicate with the computer. Its the row of wires that interconnect the parts of our computer (ect. the kinds of veins in the body - listening to the pulses to a binary language. )
Cache
Cache is smaller than RAM, but it let's us store data that we use often and let's us quickly reference it (used to store recently or frequently accessed data). Cache is like the stuff we have in. our pockets instead of the refrigerator. L1 smallest and fastest cache. L2 L3
Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM)
If you power off, the data is cleared. You can run a lot of programs in the same time. There are lots of types of RAM, and the one that is commonly found in computers is DRAM or Dynamic Random-Access Memory. Versions: -DIMM -Synchronous DRAM -DDR SDRAM/ DDR1, 2, 3, 4,
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
In today's system, there is another player for BIOS called UEFI, which stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. UEFI performs the same function of starting your computer as a traditional BIOS. But it's more modern and has better compatibility and support for newer hardware. Most hardware out there today comes with UEFI built in. Eventually, UEFI will become the predominant BIOS
Address Bus
It connects the CPU to the MCC and sends over the location of the data, but not the data itself.
Address Bus
It connects to the central processing unit to
What does the operating system do?
Keep track of files and must know what kind of file system to use, whether it stores large amounts of data or small or can operate at different speeds and have resiliency towards file corruption, and so on.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Microsoft actually provides another way to connect to other Windows computers. RDP provides users with a graphical user interface to remote computers provided the remote computer has enabled incoming RDP connections. A client program called the Microsoft terminal services client or mstsc.exe is used to create RDP connections to remote computers. You can enable remote connections on your computer by opening up the Start menu, right-clicking on This PC, then selecting Properties. From there, select Remote settings, and then pick an option from the remote desktop portion of the panel. There are some security implications that come with allowing people to remotely connect to your computer. You should only let users who you trust do this.
Am I able to play with different file systems with each other?
No, in general. You might not be able to easily move files across different file systems, depending on the file system type. A good guideline to use is just to use the file system that your operating system recommends.
Charge Cycle
One full charge and discharge of a battery
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Our computer's short term memory, meaning when we want tot store data temporarily (ect. a piece of text in a word processor or text in a chat.)
Read-Only Memory Chip (ROM) chip
Our motherboard stores the BIOS in a special type of memory called, the read-only memory chip, or ROM chip. ROM is non-volatile, meaning it won't erase the data if the computer is turned off.
System on a Chip (SoC)
Packs the CPU, RAM and sometimes even the storage onto a single chip. They use less battery power than if they were separated.
Services/ Drivers
Programs to tell the CPU how to run them. The drivers contain the instructions our CPU needs to understand external devices like keyboards, webcams, printers.
Remote Connections on Windows
PuTTY is a free, open source software that you can use to make remote connections through several network protocols including SSH. You can visit PuTTY website to download the entire software package with a Microsoft installer.
SSH Authentication Key
Public and private keys in securing your remote connection. you use one key to lock and the other to unlock.
Linux OSes Distributions Systems
Some of common distributions are Ubuntu, Debian and Red Hat. and popularily is Chrome OS.
Basic Input Output Services (BIOS)
The BIOS is software that helps initialize the hardware in our computer and gets our operating system up and running. Unlike the programs, you're probably used to running a web browser or operating system. Our motherboard stores the BIOS in a special type of memory called, the read-only memory chip, or ROM chip. In today's system, there is another player for BIOS called UEFI, which stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface.
Wattage
The amount of volts and amps that a device needs. amperage as pulling electricity voltage which pushes electricity. 500W
Memory Controller Chip (MCC)
The bridge between RAM and CPU. You can think of a nerve in your brain connecting to your memories
Binary System
The communication that a computer uses also known as a base -2 numeral system. This means that it only talks in 1s and 0s. In computing terms, we group binary into 8 numbers or bits (byte). 256 possible values. Technically, a bit is a binary digit. This is the fundamental communication block of computers from text, images to computer networking.
How do we keep track of files in the computer?
The kernel handles file storage and file systems on our machines.
Operating System
The whole package that manages our computer's resources and lets us interact with it.
Files and file system
There are three main components for file handling: data, meta data and file system.
Components of an operating system
There are two main parts to an operating system, the kernel and the user space. The kernel (process manager, memory manager, file manager, I/O manager) is the main core of an operating system. It talks directly to our hardware and manages our systems resources. As users, we don't interact with the kernel directly. Instead, we interact with the second part of an operating system the, user space. The kernel does file storage in the file management and does process management (run several tasks at once). Our kernel optimizes memory usage and makes sure our applications have enough memory to run. I/O management is anything that can give us input or that we can use for output data. its how our kernel talks to external devices like disks, keyboard, ect. [file management, process management, memory management and I/O management] The user space (applicationLinu) is basically made up of everything outside the kernel. The users thinks that we interact with directly like system programs, user interfaces, etcetera.
IT Support Specialist
This includes managing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and configuring office and computing equipment.
peripherals
USB-C lightening adapter mini-usb micro-usb micro HDMI mini HDMI Mini DisplayPort Type C connector DVI cables HDMI and displayPort and type c connector (also data transfer and power) both audio and video.
Connect a computer to a projector using a display cable:
VGA DVI HDMI DisplayPort
In the file system, how do we store data with a brand new hard disk?
We erase and configure the disk, so then the operating system can read and write data on it.
4. Harddrive or Hard disk drives
When we want to store anything long-term memory, the hard drive holds all of our data (music, pictures, applications) HDD use a spinning platter and a mechanical arm to read and write information. Revolution per Minute (RPM): the speed that the platter rate you allows you to read and write data faster. Solid state drive: has no moving parts and travels data much faster. Hybrids: ATA, SATA, NVM Express or NVMe.
Power On Self Test (POST)
When you turn on a computer, you might notice a beeping from time to time. This is how computers run a test to make sure all the hardware is working correctly. And then BIOS runs it when you boot up your computer. The POST figures our what hardware is on the computer. So it happens before the BIOS initializes any hardware or loads up essential drivers. If you hear two beeps, it could mean a POST error.
Remote Connection
allows to manage multiple machines from anywhere in the world. To use SSH, you need to have an SSH client installed on the computer you're connecting from along an SSH server on the computer you're trying to connect to.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
another way to secure your remote connection. It allows you to connect to a private network like your work network over the Internet. Think of it as a more sophisticated SSH with a lot more setup. It allows you to access resources like shared file servers and network devices as if you are connected to your work network.
open source
anyone could modify and share it
1. Ports
connection points that we can connect devices to that extend the functionality of our computer. (to browse the web and much more)
Abstraction
hides complexity by providing a common interface: the steering wheel, pedals, gear stick, and gauges in our car example.
Programs
instructions that tell the computer what to do.
What are open source softwares?
internet browser like Mozilla Firefox.
The decimal system
is used to help us figure out what bits our computer can use. you can use bits to represent a large integer using bits. bits can represent an integer that can add 10 or more representing the number that represents in ASCII. 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1
GNU
like an OS and was meant to be free to use with similar function as Unix. this was open source and set the foundation for linux.
PDA
personal digital assistant. allows computing to go mobile. These mobile devices included: -portable media players -word processors -email clients -Internet browsers -and more! Nokia introduced a PDA with mobile functionality known as smartphones.
How to you open PuTTY on command line?
putty.exe -ssh cindy@IPS Adress
5. Motherboard
the body or circulatory system of the computer that connects all the pieces together.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
the brain of our computer, it does all the calculations and data processing. The CPU access information in the ram rather than the hard drive. There are components known as Registers that let us store data that CPU works with.
Memory Control Chip
the bridge between the CPU and RAM. (a nerve in your brain connecting to your memories, looks for the exact data that is not in ordered.)
What are the three main components to handling files on an OS?
the file data, metadata, and file system
Information Technology
the use of digital technology, like computers and the Internet, to store and process data into useful information
Character Encoding
used to assign our binary values to characters so that we as humans can read them. ASCII UT-8; this is built of Unicode Standard.
6. Power Supply
which converts electricity from our wall outlet onto a format that our computer can use from AC to DC. There are two types of electricity: Direct Current DC which flows one direction and Alternating Current AC which changes directions constantly. Most power supply units have a fan and voltage information and cables to power your motherboard and a power cable. Use proper voltage for your electronics to prevent burnouts.
