Install computer systems and networks safely

Installing
computer
systems
and
networks
Plan and
prepare for
installation
Information Sheet No 1.1-1

Safety procedures
Learning objective:
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to answer the following
questions:
1. Identify 5S of good housekeeping2.
2. Recognize safety rules and regulations3.
3. Plan installation of computer systems and networks according to
industry standards
SAFETY PROCEDURE is a common task. It is a general knowledge in our
workplace. In most cases, one must be trained to apply safety procedures in
particular place or in an environment of a certain work, such as factory where
there is heavy machineries, electronics and high voltage facilities.
SAFETY PROCEDURES may be able to promote a great stability of
accompany, to ensure safety of their own products, their facilities and most
especially their personnel during and after work responsibility. Therefore, it is
our goal and responsibility as a worker, in any field of our skills and even in
our great profession, to have these skill and knowledge for future application
in our workplace.
5S OF GOOD HOUSE KEEPING
S- sieri
/Sort
o Take out unnecessary items and dispose
S- seiton /Systematize
o Arrange necessary items in good order for use
S- seiso/ Sweep
o Clean your workplace
S- seiketsu/ Sanitize
o Maintain high standard of housekeeping
S- Shitsuke/ Self- discipline
o Do things spontaneously without being told
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Remove power from the circuit or equipment before working on it.
2. Remove and replace fuses only after the power to the circuit has been de
energized.
3. Make sure all equipment is properly grounded.
4. Use extreme caution when removing or installing batteries containing
acid.
5. Use cleaning fluids only in well- ventilated spaces.
6. Dispose of cleaning rags and other flammable materials in tightly closed
metal containers.
7. In case of an electrical fire, de energize the circuit and report it
immediately to the appropriate authority.
HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Consider the result of each act.
2. Keep away from live circuits.
3. Do not work alone.
4. Do not tamper with interlocks.
5. Do not ground yourself.
6. Never energize equipment in the presence of water leakage.
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Work only in clean dry areas.
2. Do not wear loose or flapping clothing.
3. Wear only nonconductive shoes.
4. Remove all rings, wristwatches, bracelets, ID chains and tags, and
similar metal items.
5. Do not use bare hands to remove hot parts.
6. Use a shorting stick to remove high voltage charges on capacitors.
7. Make certain that the equipment being used is properly grounded.
8. Remove power to a circuit prior to connecting alligator clips.
9. When measuring voltages over 300 volts, do not hold the test probes.
General Safety Safe working conditions help prevent injury to people and
damage to computer equipment. A safe workspace is clean, organized, and
properly lighted. Everyone must understand and follow safety procedures.
Follow the basic safety guidelines to prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock, and
damage to eyesight. As a best practice, make sure that a fire extinguisher and
first-aid kit are available in case of fire or injury. Poorly placed or unsecured
cables can cause tripping hazards in a network installation. Cables should be
installed
in
conduit
or
cable
trays
to
prevent
hazards.
There are certain procedures you should follow when you are installing items
in your system. Below is information to avoid damage to your system or/and
yourself.
Before entering the computer, move computer off the carpet (for static
purposes). If youre not able to then try not to move on the carpet to
keep the static from building.
Disconnect all cables including power cord. I can't stress this enough.
Remove the power cord, monitor, keyboard, mouse, phone line, network
cable, speakers, printer, scanner, USB cables, cable modem, DSL
modem and anything else that is connected. (it should look similar to
the picture below)
With everything disconnected, push the power button for 5 seconds.
(with power cord disconnected). The computer can store power even with
the power cord disconnected. Pushing the power button drains that
power (only if the power cord is disconnected). VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Touch something metal on the case of the system to release any static
build up in your body.
Computers are the best dust collectors. Do not blow on the dust with
your breath. Your breath has moisture and electronics hate moisture.
If you want to clean the inside of the system of dust, use compressed air
that is designed for electronics.
While using the compressed air, do not hold down the button. Not only
will they can get cold, moisture will also form. Use quick short bursts.
When handling parts, do not touch the bronze teeth. Hold the parts on
the edges if at all possible.
If you are troubleshooting noise issue, some people will stick a pencil or
other objects in the fan to stop the fan from turning to see if the noise
goes away. DON'T DO THAT! The fan might shatter the pencil, cause a
fire, cause electrical shock or short.
If you disconnect the cable that goes to the processor fan to check for
noise, do not leave system on for long with it disconnected.
Be careful while inside system, the system has sharp edges.
Never put your hands inside system when the system is either plugged
in or turned on.
Some computer desks have a compartment that you can put your
computer in. Make sure that compartment is well ventilated. If it is not
ventilated, it can fry the system. If it is not well ventilated, you can drill
holes in the desk to give it ventilation, or you can install a small fan in
the desk that will circulate air.
Do not connect or disconnect cables while the system or device is turned
on. (unless it is USB. USB can be disconnected or connected while
system is on). Equipment can be damaged by this.
****VERY VERY IMPORTANT NOTE****
If you have access to your personal files, make sure they are backed up before
tinkering with the system. Sometimes there can be more than one issue and
one of the issues may not show till you start tinkering with the system. For
example, I have seen a hard drive be bad but it works as long as the system is
on. However when you turn the system off, the hard drive doesn't work
anymore. Once that happens, you can't get access to your files.
Electrical Safety Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent electrical fires,

injuries, and fatalities in the home and the workplace. Power supplies and
CRT monitors contain high voltage.
CAUTION
Do not wear the antistatic wrist strap when repairing power supplies or CRT
monitors. Only experienced technicians should attempt to repair power
supplies and CRT monitors.
Some printer parts become hot during use, and other parts might contain
high voltage. Check the printer manual for the location of high-voltage
components. Some components retain a high voltage even after the printer is
turned off. Make sure that the printer has had time to cool before making the
repair.
Electrical devices have certain power requirements. For example, AC adapters
are manufactured for specific laptops. Exchanging power cords with a different
type of laptop or device may cause damage to both the AC adapter and the
laptop.
Procedures to Protect Equipment and Data Replacing equipment and
recovering data is expensive and time consuming. This section identifies
potential threats to systems and describes procedures to help prevent loss and
damage.
ESD and EMI Electrostatic discharge (ESD), harsh climates, and poorquality sources of electricity can cause damage to computer equipment. Follow
proper handling guidelines, be aware of environmental issues, and use
equipment that stabilizes power to prevent equipment damage and data loss.
Static electricity is the buildup of an electric charge resting on a
surface. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when this buildup jumps to a
component and causes damage. ESD can be destructive to the electronics in a
computer system.
At least 3000 volts of static electricity must build up before a person can feel
ESD. For example, static electricity can build up on you as you walk across a
carpeted floor. When you touch another person, you both receive a shock. If
the discharge causes pain or makes a noise, the charge was probably above
10,000 volts. By comparison, less than 30 volts of static electricity can
damage a computer component.
ESD can cause permanent damage to electrical components. Follow these
recommendations to help prevent ESD damage:
Keep all components in antistatic bags until you are ready to install
them.
Use grounded mats on workbenches.
Use grounded floor mats in work areas.
Use antistatic wrist straps when working on computers.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is the intrusion of outside electromagnetic

signals in a transmission media, such as copper cabling. In a network
environment, EMI distorts the signals so that the receiving devices have
difficulty interpreting them.
EMI does not always come from expected sources, such as cellular phones.
Other types of electric equipment can emit a silent, invisible electromagnetic
field that can extend for more than a mile (1.6 km).
There are many sources of EMI:
Any source designed to generate electromagnetic energy

Man-made sources like power lines or motors
Natural events such as electrical storms, or solar and interstellar
radiations
Wireless networks are affected by radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI is

caused by radio transmitters and other devices transmitting in the same
frequency. For example, a cordless telephone can cause problems with a
wireless network when both devices use the same frequency. Microwaves can
also cause interference when positioned in close proximity to wireless
networking devices.
Climate affects computer equipment in a variety of ways:
If the environment temperature is too high, equipment can overheat.

If the humidity level is too low, the chance of ESD increases.
If the humidity level is too high, equipment can suffer from moisture
damage.
Power Fluctuation Types Voltage is the force that moves electrons through a
circuit. The movement of electrons is called current. Computer circuits need
voltage and current to operate electronic components. When the voltage in a
computer is not accurate or steady, computer components might not operate
correctly. Unsteady voltages are called power fluctuations.
The following types of AC power fluctuations can cause data loss or hardware
failure:
Blackout: Complete loss of AC power. A blown fuse, damaged

transformer, or downed power line can cause a blackout.
Brownout: Reduced voltage level of AC power that lasts for a period of
time. Brownouts occur when the power line voltage drops below 80
percent of the normal voltage level. Overloading electrical circuits can
cause a brownout.
Noise: Interference from generators and lightning. Noise results in poor
quality power, which can cause errors in a computer system.
Spike: Sudden increase in voltage that lasts for a short period and
exceeds 100 percent of the normal voltage on a line. Spikes can be
caused by lightning strikes, but can also occur when the electrical
system comes back on after a blackout.
Power surge: Dramatic increase in voltage above the normal flow of
electrical current. A power surge lasts for a few nanoseconds, or onebillionth of a second.
Power Protection Devices To help shield against power fluctuation problems,

use power protection devices to protect the data and computer equipment:
Surge suppressor: Helps protect against damage from surges and

spikes. A surge suppressor diverts extra electrical voltage that is on the
line to the ground.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): Helps protect against potential
electrical power problems by supplying a consistent level of electrical
power to a computer or other device. The battery is constantly
recharging while the UPS is in use. The UPS provides a consistent
quality of power when brownouts and blackouts occur. Many UPS
devices can communicate directly with the computer operating system.
This communication allows the UPS to safely shut down the computer
and save data prior to the UPS losing all electrical power.
Standby power supply (SPS): Helps protect against potential electrical
power problems by providing a backup battery to supply power when the
incoming voltage drops below the normal level. The battery is on
standby during normal operation. When the voltage decreases, the
battery provides DC power to a power inverter, which converts it to AC
power for the computer. This device is not as reliable as a UPS because
of the time it takes to switch over to the battery. If the switching device
fails, the battery cannot supply power to the computer.
CAUTION
UPS manufacturers suggest never plugging in a laser printer to a UPS because
the printer could overload the UPS.
Information Sheet No 1.1-2

Basic terms, concepts, functions and characteristics of PC
hardware components
Learning objective:
Upon completion of this module, the students will be able to
1. Identify different parts of the computer.
2. Define computer terms
Basic Computer Terms

Address
a number that represent a unique location in memory
ALU
Arithmetic Logic Unit, part of a microprocessor. It does all
arithmetic functions and calculation in the CPU.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange, code
representing the character symbols possible for specific hexadecimal codes.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System, the part of the operating system
that controls the input and output functions.
Bit
the single smallest unit of data in a computer.
Board
a shortened reference to a printed circuit board or the insulated
surface on which circuit components are mounted and soldered in place.
Boot
a term meaning to load DOS or an operating system.
Byte
comprised of 8 bits to form a word
Character the equivalent meaning of byte formed.

Chip
a complete electronic circuit which may contain miniature
resisters, transistors, diodes, and related circuitry all integrated into a
miniature silicon base and mounted in a common housing.
Computer an electronic device designed to make rapid, accurate
computations from data programmed into it.
Control Unit
decodes each instruction that enters the computer. It then
generates the necessary pulses to carry out the functions specified.
CP/M
Control Program for Microprocessors, the first operating
system developed for microcomputers.
CPU
Central Processing Unit, the heart of a system. It controls all
data transfer and devices in a microcomputer system.
DMA
Direct Memory Access, data transfer involving large blocks of
information directly between the memory and disk drives. DMA is controlled
by other processors which speeds up data transfer and unloads the central
processors of this function.
DOS
Disk Operating System, a software program used to set certain
parameters involving the operation of the computer system. To start it up
especially data transfer and the disk drives.
Hardcopy a print out or a visual copy on paper.
I/O
short for Input/Output, any operation or device that sends or
receives data from or to the CPU.
IC
short for Integrated Circuit, building blocks of a computer
system or other electronics devices comprising many electronics parts such as
transistors, resistors, etc. in a single package.
Interrupt an input signal to the processors that sets the order to initialize
all system devices for operation.
Kilo
prefix which means 1,000 units
LSI
Large Scale Integration, describes the intensity of integration
commonly used in microprocessors, comprising many ICs.
Mainframe computers the largest and most expensive computers designed
specifically to serve business, industry, and government in applications that
require mass storage and fast retrieval.
Example: Banks, airlines, and the Internal Revenue Service use mainframe
Computers
Mega
prefix which means 1,000,000 units
Memory
the part of a computer that stores vital information for the
computers operation.
Microcomputers the smallest and least expensive computers, designed for
desktop or portable use by an individual at home, yet versatile enough for
applications in business, industry, and government
Example:
Microcomputers enjoyed early popularity in the home for both
educations and playing electronic games, but as microcomputers expand in
powers such as multi-tasking and multi-user applications, their use in
business and industry increases.
Microprocessor the arithmetic logic unit, registers, and timing and
decoding circuitry usually contained in a single integrated circuit that controls
computer activities.
Minicomputers medium-sized and medium-priced computers that rival
the storage capacity and operating speed of smaller main-frames, and are
used in business, industry, and government where they perform mostly
dedicated or single-task activities.
Example: Food processors, laboratories, and hospitals use minicomputers
Peripheral any device or accessory such as a disk drive, printer, modem, or
video display added to a microcomputer to provide increased capacity for
handling, storing, or presenting data.
POR
Power On Reset, or power on routing, term to describe the
sequence of operations of a machine during power up.
Programs contain the instructions that tell the computer what to do. It is
a sequential set of instructions to solve a particular problem.
Prototype the first of its kind, the original from which later models are
patterned.
RAM
Random Access Memory, data can either be read from or written
to (read/write).
Read
to get data from a device.
Reset
a short pulse during power up of perform control function in
computer, used to initialize all system devices for operation.
ROM
Read Only Memory, data can only be read from this type of
memory. It cannot be altered and contains the basic operating instruction of
the computer.
Unix
the operating system used by the IBM PC, having a more
powerful command structure and greater expandability than CP/M
Write
to put data into a device.
Computer Acronyms
ACE
- Asynchronous Communication Element
ACPI
- Advance Configuration and Power Interface
ADC
- Analog-to-Digital Converter
ADO
- Active Data Object
ADSL
- Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (variant of DSL)
AGP
- Accelerated Graphics Port
ALU
- Arithmetic Logic Unit
AMR
- Audio Modem Riser
API
- Application Programming Interface
ASCII
- American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ATA
- Advanced Technology Attachment
BCD
- Binary Coded Decimal
BEDO RAM - Burst EDORAM
BIOS
- Basic Input Output System
BIU
- Bus Interface Unit
CGI
- Common Gateway Interface
CAD
- Computer Aided Design
CMOS
CPU
CRT
DMA
DTE
DDR
DIMM
DLL
DNS
DOS
DRAM
DSL
DVD
EDO
EPROM
FAT
FRAM
FDD
FSB
FTP
GIF
GPRS
GSM
GUI
HDD
HTML
HTTP
IC
IBM
ICT
IDE
I/O
IP
IRQ
IT
ISA
JFET
- Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

- Central Processing Unit
- Cathode Ray Tube
- Direct Memory Access
- Data Terminal Equipment
- Double Data Rate
- Dual Inline Memory Module
- Dynamic Link Library
- Domain Name System
- Disk Operating System
- Dynamic Random Access Memory
- Digital Subscriber Line
- Digital Versatile Disc
- Enhanced Data Output
- Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
- File Allocation Table
- Ferro-Magnetic RAM
- Floppy Disk Drive
- Front Side Bus
- File Transfer Protocol
- Graphics Interchange Format
- General Packet Radio Service
- Global System for Mobile Communication
- Graphical User Interface
- Hard Disk Drive
- Hypertext Markup Language
- Hypertext Transport Protocol
- Integrated Circuit
- International Business Machines
- Information and Communication Technology
- Integrated Drive Electronics
-Input/ Output
- Internet Protocol
- Interrupt Request
- Information Technology
- Industry Standard Architecture
- Junction Field Effect Transistor
JPEG
LAN
LED
LBA
LSB
MAN
MB
MHz
MIDI
MPEG
MODEM
MPU
NTFS
OCR
OS
PATA
PC
PCB
PCI
PIC
PPI
PDF
PNG
PnP
PS/2
RAID
RAM
RMW
R/W
ROM
RGB
SATA
SCSI
SDRAM
SRAM
SVGA
SMART
- Joint Photographic Experts Group

- Local Area Networking
- Light Emitting Diode
- Logical Block Addressing
- Least Significant Bit
- Metropolitan Area Network
- Megabyte
- Megahertz
- Musical Instrument Digital Interface
- Motion Pictures Experts Group
- Modulator Demodulator
- Microprocessor Unit
- New Technology File System
- Optical Character Recognition
- Operating System
- Parallel ATA
- Personal Computer
- Printed Circuit Board
- Peripheral Component Interconnect
- Programmable Interval Controller
- Programmable Peripheral Interface
- Portable Document Format
- Portable Network Graphics
- Plug-and-Play
- Personal System/2
- Redundant Array of Independent Disks
- Random Access Memory
- Read/Modify/Write
- Read/Write
- Read Only Memory
- Red Greed Blue
- Serial ATA
- Small Computer System Interface
- Synchronous Dynamic RAM
- Static RAM
- Super Video Graphics Array
- Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology
SSRAM
TCP/IP
URL
USB
VGA
VIRUS
WAN
WAP
Wi-Fi
WLAN
www
- Synchronous Static RAM

- Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
- Uniform Resource Locator
- Universal Serial Bus
- Video Graphics Array/Adapter
- Vital Information Resource Under Seize
- Wide Area Network
- Wireless Application Protocol
- Wireless Fidelity
- Wireless Local Area Network
- World Wide Web
As A technician, you should know and be able to identify the components

found in a typical personal computer system. The PC is modular by design. It
is called a system because it includes all the components required to make a
functional computer.
System unit The main computer cabinet, usually
referred to as a case, housing the primary components of
the system. This includes the main logic board (System
board or mother board), processor, memory, disk drives,
switching power supply, and the interconnecting wires
and cables. The system unit also includes expansion
cards to provide audio, video, networking and other
functionality. Expansion cards vary from system to
system.
Keyboard The most familiar computer

input device, the keyboard is used to
introduce characters and commands into
the system.
Mouse An input device used with

graphical user interfaces (GUI) to point
to, select, or activate images on the
video monitor. By moving the mouse
along a surface, the user can cause a
cursor on the display to move in a
corresponding manner.
Video display A Visual output device

that displays characters and graphics on
screen.
Printers A hard copy output device that

applies data to paper. Normally, methods of
placing information on a page include dotmatrix printer, inkjet printer and laser
printer.
Speakers
deliver
voice,
Audio output devices used to

music and coded messages.
System Unit Cases

The system unit case is typically a metal chassis and removable cover that
includes a plastic front panel for aesthetic purposes. The box typically
contains the basic parts of the computer system. PCs have been packaged in
various case designs. Each design offers characteristics that adapt the system
for different environments. Primary characteristics for case design include the
following:
Ventilation characteristics
Total drive capacity
Portability
Mounting methods for the printed Circuit boards
Footprint(the amount of desk space the case takes up)
With this list of characteristics. PC case designs fall into four basic styles:
1. Desktops PC units that are

designed to sit horizontally on a
standard desktop behind a keyboard
and mouse, usually with the display
monitor sitting on the top of the
case(hence the name). These cases
are typically wider than they are tall.
2. Low-profile desktops A special

variety of desktop case, referred to
as low-profile desktops that reduce
the vertical height of the unit by
using a short bus extender card,
called a backplane that mounts in
an expansion slot and permits
option adapter cards to be mounted
in the unit horizontally.
3. Towers Tower cases are designed to sit vertically on the floor beneath
a desk to provide more usable workspace on the desktop. Mini towers
and mid towers are short towers designed to take up less vertical
space. Tower cases also can be placed on a desktop. Internally, their
design resembles a vertical desktop unit. They are considerably less
expensive than the larger towers because of the smaller amount of
materials needed to produce them. Unlike their taller relatives, mini
towers do not provide abundant space for internal add-ons or disk
drivers.
4. Portables
(laptops) To free
users from the
desk, an array of
portable PCs have
been
developed
these
units
package
the
system unit, input
units, and output unit into a
single, lightweight package that can be carried along with the user. The
capabilities of modern portable computers make them the equivalent of
desktop or tower units in most respects.
Inside the system unit

The system unit is the main portion of the microcomputer system and is the
basis of any PC system arrangement. The components inside the system unit
can be divided into four distinct subunits: a switching power supply, the disk
drivers, the system board, and the option adapter cards.
The major components of interest in a PC system are the following:
Power supply The component in the system that converts the AC

Voltage from the commercial power outlet to the DC voltage required by
the computer circuitry.
System board The main component of a personal computer. It

contains the major structures that make up a computer system.
Disk drives The systems mass storage devices that hold data for an
extended time, even when power is removed from the system. Disk
drives include hard disk drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives, floppy disk
drives, and tape drives.
Adapter cards Interface cards used to enhance the basic system with
additional functions. Examples of common adapter cards include video
display adapters, modems, and Local Area Network (LAN) cards.
Signal cables Connecting cables, typically configured in a flat ribbon

format, that pass control signals and data between system components
such as disk drives and the system board.
Form factor
Form factor is a term used to describe specifications for physical dimensions
and electrical compatibility that enables components from different
manufactures to work together.
In a PC, from factor is used to describe system board and adapter card sizes,
mounting hole patterns for system boards and power supplies, microprocessor
placement, and airflow.
These factors determine whether component
(Such as a system board) will fit properly with component
(Such as a system unit case) and connect to component
(Such as a power supply).
You should be aware of the three major active form factors: ATX, BTX, and
NLX.
1. The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) form factor was introduced
in the mid 1990s as an upgrade to the IBM PC-AT standard that had
become the pseudo standard form factor for PCs. It continues to be
most widely used form factor currently in use with PC components.
2. The Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form factor is a newer
scalable form factor specification that provides for a wide range of
system sizes and profiles. Its main goal is to establish components
positions that optimize cooling outside the case to support higher

component operating speeds. The BTX form factor design is
incompatible with the ATX standard, except that you are able to use ATX
power supplies with BTX boards and systems.
3. The new low-profile extended (NLX) form factor, which is the
replacement form factor specification form Intel for the Older LPX lowprofile specification. The NLX specification is designed to support newer
PC technologies, such as larger memory modules, advanced
microprocessors, and their cooling systems. The NLX system
incorporates a backplane that mounts in a slot on the main board and
enables adapter cards to be plugged in horizontally. This is one of the
major keys to its low profile.
Information Sheet No. 1.1-3

Structure of operating systems
Systems in the Computer System

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Process Management
Main Memory Management
File Management
I/O System Management
Secondary Management
Networking
Protection System
Command-Interpreter System
PROCESS MANAGEMENT
A process is a program in execution: (A program is passive, a process active.)
A process has resources (CPU time, files) and attributes that must be
managed.
Management of processes includes:
Process Scheduling (priority, time management, . . . )

Creation/termination
Block/Unblock (suspension/resumption )
Synchronization
Communication
Deadlock handling
Debugging
MAIN MEMORY MANAGEMENT
Allocation/de-allocation for processes, files, I/O.

Maintenance of several processes at a time
Keep track of who's using what memory
Movement of process memory to/from secondary storage.
FILE MANAGEMENT
A file is a collection of related information defined by its creator. Commonly,
files represent programs (both source and object forms) and data.
The operating system is responsible for the following activities in connections
with file management:
File creation and deletion.
Directory creation and deletion.
Support of primitives for manipulating files and directories.
Mapping files onto secondary storage.
File backup on stable (nonvolatile) storage media.
I/O MANAGEMENT
Buffer caching system

Generic device driver code
Drivers for each device - translate read/write requests into disk
position commands.
SECONDARY STORAGE MANAGEMENT
Disks, tapes, optical, ...

Free space management ( paging/swapping )
Storage allocation ( what data goes where on disk )
Disk scheduling
NETWORKING
Communication system between distributed processors.

Getting information about files/processes/etc. on a remote
machine.
Can use either a message passing or a shared memory model.
PROTECTION
Of files, memory, CPU, etc.

Means controlling of access
Depends on the attributes of the file and user
SYSTEM PROGRAMS
Command Interpreters -- Program that accepts control

statements (shell, GUI interface, etc.)
Compilers/linkers
Communications (ftp, telnet, etc.)
Modifying the Operating System program for a particular machine. The goal is
to include all the necessary pieces, but not too many extra ones.
Typically a System can support many possible devices, but any

one installation has only a few of these possibilities.
Plug and play allows for detection of devices and automatic
inclusion of the code (drivers) necessary to drive these devices.
A sysgen is usually a link of many OS routines/modules in order
to produce an executable containing the code to run the drivers.
System Calls
A System Call is the main way a user program interacts with the Operating
System.
Two ways of passing data between programs.
Shared Memory
These are examples of various system calls.
How An Operating System Is Put Together

A SIMPLE STRUCTURE:
Example of MS-DOS.
Application Programming
Resident System Programming
MS-DOS Drivers
ROM - BIOS Device Drivers
A LAYERED STRUCTURE:
Example of Windows 2000
System Services
Windows
Security
VM
Process
MGR
Reference
Manager Manager
& GDI
Monitor
IO
Graphics
Manager
Device
Windows 2000 Kernel
Drivers
Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
Virtual Machine
In a Virtual Machine - each process "seems" to execute on its own processor
with its own memory, devices, etc.
The resources of the physical machine are shared. Virtual devices are
sliced out of the physical ones. Virtual disks are subsets of physical
ones.
Useful for running different OS simultaneously on the same machine.
Protection is excellent, but no sharing possible.

Virtual privileged instructions are trapped.
Virtual User
Virtual Machine
Monitor Mode
Physical User
Physical Machine
Example of MS-DOS on top of Windows XP
DOS APPLICATION
BIOS DRIVERS Physical
Windows XP
User
Physical
Machine

Familiarization with the various computer systems
components and peripherals system configuration/ settings of
computer systems and devices
A peripheral device connects to a computer system to add functionality.
Examples are a mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer and scanner. Learn about
the different types of peripheral devices and how they allow you to do more
with your computer.
A computer peripheral is a device that is connected to a computer but is
not part of the core computer architecture. The core elements of a computer
are the central processing unit, power supply, motherboard and the computer
case that contains those three components. Technically speaking, everything
else is considered a peripheral device. However, this is a somewhat narrow
view, since various other elements are required for a computer to actually
function, such as a hard drive and random-access memory (or RAM).
Most people use the term peripheral more loosely to refer to a device
external to the computer case. You connect the device to the computer to
expand the functionality of the system. For example, consider a printer. Once
the printer is connected to a computer, you can print out documents. Another
way to look at peripheral devices is that they are dependent on the computer
system. For example, most printers can't do much on their own, and they only
become functional when connected to a computer system.
Types of Peripheral Devices
There are many different peripheral devices, but they fall into three
general categories:
Input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard
Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer
Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive

Some devices fall into more than one category. Consider a CD-ROM
drive; you can use it to read data or music (input), and you can use it to write
data to a CD (output).
Peripheral devices can be external or internal. For example, a printer is
an external device that you connect using a cable, while an optical disc drive
is typically located inside the computer case. Internal peripheral devices are
also referred to as integrated peripherals. When most people refer to
peripherals, they typically mean external ones.
Install
Equipment
Device
System

Basic computer configuration set up
You have a new computer and are ready to set it up. While this may seem like
an overwhelming and difficult task, it is actually quite simple. It doesn't
matter what brand of computer you have because most computers are set up
in a similar way.
If you're setting up a newly purchased computer that's still in the box, you'll
probably find a how-to guide in the packaging that includes step-by-step
details. However, even if it didn't include instructions you can still set up the
computer in a few easy steps. In this lesson, we'll go through the different
steps needed to set up a typical computer.
Setting up a desktop computer
Step 1
Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any plastic
covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and computer case where you
want on a desk or work area.
has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.
Think about where

you want your desk
or work area to be
located, and where
you
want
your
monitor,
computer
case,
and
other
hardware to be. Be
sure to place your
computer case in an
area
that
is well
ventilated and that
Step 2
Locate
the
image
cable,
you
Step 3
the monitor cable.

There are several types of monitor cables, so
one
on
your
computer may not look like the one in the
at the left. If
you're having trouble finding your monitor
refer
to the instruction manual for your computer. (If
have an all-in-one computer that's built into the
monitor, you can skip to Step 4).
covered
it.
Many
way.
you
Connect one end of the cable to

the monitor port on the back of
thecomputer case and the other end to
the monitor. Hand tighten the plasticscrews on the monitor cable to secure
computer cables will only fit a specific

If the cable doesn't fit, don't force it or
might damage the connectors. Make
sure the plug aligns with the port, then
connect it.
To figure out which cables belong in which ports, try our Connecting
Cables interactive.
Step 4
Unpack the keyboard and determine

whether it uses a USB(rectangular)
connector
or
a PS/2 (round)
connector. If it uses a USB connector,
plug it into any of the USB ports on
the back of the computer. If it uses a
PS/2
connector,
plug
it
into
the purple keyboard port on the back
of the computer.
Step 5
Unpack the mouse and determine
whether it uses a USB (rectangular)
connector or a PS/2 (round)
connector. If it uses a USB connector,
plug it into any of the USB ports on
the back of the computer. If it uses a
PS/2 connector, plug it into
the green mouse port on the back of
the computer.
If your keyboard has a USB port, you
can connect your mouse to the
keyboard instead of connecting it
directly to your computer.
If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a
Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers
have built-in Bluetooth, so a dongle may not be necessary.
Step 6
If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them to your
computer's audio port (either on the front or the back of the computer case).
Many computers have color-coded ports.
Speakers or headphones connect to

the green port, and
a microphone connects to
the pink port. The blue port is
the line in, which can be used with
other types of devices.
Some speakers, headphones, and
microphones have USB connectors
instead of the usual audio plug. These
can be connected to any USB port. In
addition, many computers have speakers or microphones built into the
monitor.
Step 7
Locate the two power supply
cables that came with your
computer. Plug the first power
supply cable into the back of
the computer case, and then into
a surge protector. Then, using the
other cable, connect the monitor to
the surge protector.
Step 8
Finally, plug the surge protector into a
wall outlet. You may also need to turn
on the surge protector if it has a power
switch.
If you don't have a surge protector, you
can plug the computer directly into the
wall. However, this is not
recommended because electrical
surges can damage your computer.
Setup complete
Your basic computer hardware is now set up. Before you start it up, spend
some time arranging your workspace. A workspace that is arranged well
can improve your productivity and promote health.
Challenge!
If you have a desktop computer that is already set up at home, take a

look at it.
o Look at the monitor cable, and see where it connects to the
computer case and monitor.
o Locate the power cords for the monitor and computer case.
o Locate the audio ports.
Does your computer have a VGA monitor port, or another kind?
Do you have a USB or PS/2 mouse?
Do you have a USB or PS/2 keyboard?
Is your computer plugged into a surge protector?
Step-by-step how to set the computer, boot sequence to

boot from installation media.
BIOS ROM (Basic Input Output System) has a built in Setup program that
allows users to modify the basic system configuration. The Setup program
store the computer information in CMOS RAM that is powered by a little
battery that is located on the computer motherboard so that it will retain the
computer information even if the computer is turned off.
To make computer to start or to boot from the CD-ROM, we need to
configure the Bios Setup or CMOS Setup program and set the first boot
sequence to CD-ROM drive.
How to enter the BIOS / CMOS Setup Program Utility.
1. When the computer power on, black screen appear on you monitor, wait
until the message appears briefly at the bottom of the screen.
example of the massage at the bottom of the computer boot up screen:
2. From the boot up screen message above, we know that the key need to
press to enter the BIOS setup is [F2] key. Now press [F2] key to enter the setup
program. This key may be vary from one machine to other machine, because
this is key base on the manufacture of the BIOS Setup program.
Note: Other key that commonly used to enter the CMOS setup (BIOS setup)
Delete key.
Esc key.
F1 key.
F2 key.
F3 and F2 key.
F10 key.
Ctrl + Alt + Esc key.
Ctrl + Alt + S key.
How to change the boot sequence.
3. Press [F2] key until you see the BIOS Setup Utility screen, then go to
the Boot Option tab then change the Boot sequence to CD-ROM drive as the
first boot device.
NOTE: Use the < + > key to move the CD-ROM Drive up. Make sure that you
read help menu on or blow the window screen
Item Specific Help

Key used to view or configure devices:
< Enter > expends or collapses devices with a + or < Ctrl + Enter > expands all
< Shift + 1 > enables or disables a device.
< + > and < - > moves the device up or down.
< n > May move removable device between Hard Disk or Removable Disk
< d > Remove a device that is not installed.
3. Save the configurations changes and exit the BIOS Setup / CMOS Setup
Utility by pressing the [F10] and then hit [ENTER] key to 'Save configuration
changes and exit now?'.
Item Specific Help

Exit System Setup and save your changes to CMOS.
NOTE: Press [ F10 ] key to Save all the CMOS changes and Exit the BIOS /
CMOS Setup Utility.
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from cdrom, boot sequence, boot from installation media, boot from cd, boot
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setting, change bios setting, computer boot sequence, boot installation media,
boot CD-Rom.
Three Basics Kind of Computer

Analogue Computer
Analog computers are used to process analog data. Analog data is of
continuous nature and which is not discrete or separate.
Such type of data includes temperature, pressure, speed weight, voltage,
depth etc.
These quantities are continuous and having an infinite variety of values.

Digital Computer
A Digital Computer works with digits to represent numerals, letters or other
special symbols.
Digital Computers operate on inputs which are ONOFF type and its output is
also in the form of ONOFF signal.
Normally, an ON is represented by a 1 and an OFF is represented by a 0.
A digital computer can be used to process numeric as well as non-numeric
data.
Hybrid Computer
A hybrid is a combination of digital and analog computers.
It combines the best features of both types of computers, i-e. It has the speed
of analog computer and the memory and accuracy of digital computer.
Hybrid computers are used mainly in specialized applications where both
kinds of data need to be processed. Therefore, they help the user, to process
both continuous and discrete data.
Computer Operations
A. Input
It is the process of capturing or acquiring the information, or it is the
process of accepting data or information, by using input the computer can do
any process.
Information or data that is entered into a computer or computer device using
an input device.
Data is gathered
Manually
Automatically
Both
Types of Computer Input
Data the raw facts given to the computer.
Programs the sets of instructions that direct the computer.
Commands special codes or key words that the user inputs to perform a
task.
User response the user's answer to the computer's question.
B. Processing
It is the transformation process to convert the input into output.

A process is an instance of running a program.
It cause the computer to follow instructions from the Memory.
Perform by Central Processing Unit (CPU).
The CPU has three parts:
Arithmetic / Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit
Input / Output Unit (I/O)
Arithmetic / Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of a computer that performs all arithmetic computations, such as
addition and multiplication, and all comparison operations.
Control Unit
The control unit is the circuitry that controls the flow of data through the
processor, and coordinates the activities of the other units within it.
Input / Output Unit (I/O Unit)
The computer components that control input and output devices.
C. Computer Output
It is the result, which comes from the transformation process or it is the
outcome of the process.
Anything that comes out of a computer.
Example:
Report
Music
Graphic
Video clip
Types of Computer Output
Hard copy Printed on paper or other permanent media.
Soft copy A soft copy is the unprinted digital document file.
Displayed on screen or by other non-permanent means.
It can be transported from one computer to another.
Categories of Output
Text documents reports, letters, memo.

Graphics charts, graphs, pictures
Multimedia combination of text, graphics, video, audio
D. Storing
It is the process of storing or retaining the data or information or
instructions, so that the user can retain and retrieve it whenever required.
Capability to store information after processing.
Storage are used to store programs and data when they are not being used in
memory.
E. Controlling
It is the process of directing the manner and sequence in which all the
operations are to be performed.
Hardware vs. Software

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such
as the computer monitor or keyboard.
Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is
what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task.

Systems Specifications
The user has agreed to the project through signing off the user requirement
specification. The developers know what to do through the design
specification,
A. Software Applications to be used:

- These could be off-the-shelf application modified to suit the project or they
maybe bespoke applications already available within the company.
B. Storage Requirement:
- This includes local storage requirements such as hard disk size or it maybe
networked storage such as file servers.
C. System Memory:
-How much memory will be required by the system in order for to run
effectively.
D. Input Devices needed:
-These includes OMR devices, scanners, barcode readers, keyboard, mouse, or
touch screens.
E. Output Devices to be used:
- These may include printers, monitor or even plotter.
F. Computing/ Processing Needed:
- For a huge system, it may need mainframe level computing power, on the
other hand it may only need a standard personal computer to run.
G. Security and Backup Systems:

-How the passwords are handled and controlled, authentication methods, how
backups are to be handles and so on.
H. People Required:
-The system may need a fulltime network administrator/ manager and a team
of support technicians for example.
I. Buildings and offices required:
-The system may need a dedicated data room or even an external data centre.
J. Network Configuration:
-If it is networked system then this includes topology, server, router, hubs to
be used.
K. System Feeds:
- Many systems are inter-linked. For instance an accounting system may be
connected to the production system to keep track of products being made and
sold.
The main purpose of these specifications dpcumentation is to lay down

exactly how the system is made up.

Identifying common symptoms and problems associated with
each devices
Windows error "Data or no disk loaded" with audio CD
Bad or non audio CD is inserted
Make sure the CD you have currently in the computer is
not bad or being misread by the computer by inserting
another known good audio CD into the computer.
If another audio CD works it is likely either that the CD
is dirty or may be an enhanced CD incompatible with
the CD Audio player. Steps on properly cleaning a CD
can be found on our cleaning page.
MCI CD audio driver not installed or is corrupt

If no audio CD is working in the computer but other CDs work fine, it is likely
that the MCI CD audio driver is not installed or is corrupt on the computer.
CD-ROM not working in Windows 9x, 2000, or XP.
To reinstall or install the MCI CD audio drivers follow the steps below:
1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel
2. Double-click on Multimedia
3. Click the Advanced tab or Device tab.
4. Double-click Media Control Devices.
5. Double-click CD Audio Device (Media Control).
6. If this device is present and no audio CDs are working, click remove on
the general tab in CD Audio Device (Media Control) properties.
7. Close out of all open Windows to get back to the Control panel
8. In Control panel double-click Add New Hardware.
9. Click Next, select No, click Next -- In the box listing the available
hardware, select Sound Video and Game controllers and click Next.
10.
In the Manufacturers box select Microsoft MCI.
11.
In the Models box select CD Audio Device (Media Control).
12.
Click Next and Finish.
13.
Once Windows has completed the installation of the new device,
reboot the computer.
My computer is running slow, what steps can I

do to fix it?
Tip: This page only covers an overall slow computer and not a computer that
has a slow boot up or slow Internet.
Below are steps for Microsoft

Windows users that can help
speed up the computer or
determine why the computer
is running slow.
Reboot
If your computer has not
been rebooted recently, make
sure
to reboot it
before
following any of the steps
below.
Background programs
One of the most common reasons for a slow computer are programs running
in thebackground. Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that
automatically start each time the computer boots.
Tip: To see what programs are running in the background and how much
memory and CPU they are using, open Task Manager. If you are
running Windows 7 or higher, run Resmon to get a better understanding of
how your computer is being used.
If you have an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection
program, or another security utility, make sure it is not scanning your
computer in the background. If a scan is in progress, it can decrease the
overall performance of your computer. If this is the case, allow the scan to
complete and the computer's performance should improve afterwards.
Delete temp files
As a computer runs programs, accesses web pages, and is being used in

general, temporary files are being stored on the hard drive. Deleting these
temp files can help improve computer performance.
First, we suggest using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary
files and other files no longer needed on the computer.
Unfortunately, the Disk Cleanup may not
delete all of the files in the temp directory.
Therefore,
we
also
suggest
deleting
temporary files manually by opening
the Start menu and type %temp% in the
Search field (in Windows XP and prior, click
the Run option in the Start menu and
enter %temp% in the Run field). Press Enter
and a Temp folder should open. You can
delete all files found in this folder and, if any
files are in use and cannot be deleted, they
can be skipped.
Free hard drive space

Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available
space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size, as
well as room for temporary files.
Determining available hard drive space.
Regaining computer hard drive space.
Bad, corrupted or fragmented hard drive
Run ScanDisk, chkdsk, or something equivalent to verify there is
nothing physically wrong with the computer's hard drive.
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible
order.
Use other software tools to test the hard drive for any errors by looking
at theSMART of the drive.
Scan for malware
Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems,
including a slow computer. Even if an antivirus scanner is installed on the
computer, we recommend running a malware scan on the computer. Use the
free version ofMalwarebytes to scan your computer for malware.
Scan for viruses
If your computer is infected with one or more viruses, this can cause your
computer to run slow. If your computer does not have an antivirus program
installed, you can run Trend Micro's free Housecall online utility to scan for
viruses on your computer, as well as remove them. It is also recommended
that you install an antivirus program for active protection against viruses.
Hardware conflicts
Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve
these issues as they could be the cause of your problem.
Update Windows
Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed on the
computer.
If you are on the Internet when your computer is slow,make sure all
browser plugins are up-to-date. You can also try disabling browser plugins to see if one of them is causing the slowness.
Update your drivers
Make sure you have the latest drivers for your computer hardware, especially
the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of
issues, including slow performance.
Reboot computer again
If you have done any of the above steps but your computer is still acting slow
try rebooting the computer again at this point.
Memory upgrade
If you have had your computer for more than two years, you may need more
memory. Today, we suggest computers have a minimum of 1GB ofmemory
(RAM) for 32-bit system and 2GB for a 64-bit system. By having enough
memory for programs to run within memory, your computer will not need to
swap information stored

within memory to theswap
file. If your computer hard
drive light is constantly
active, its a good indication
that your computer is
continuously
swapping
information between your
memory and hard drive
because of the lack of space
in memory.
Determining
how
much
RAM
is
installed
and
available.
How much memory
or RAM should my
computer have?
What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade?
Hard drive upgrade

One of the biggest bottlenecks of a computer is the hard disk drive. For anyone
with a slow computer or just looking for something to upgrade in the computer
to improve overall system performance, upgrading from a traditional hard drive
to a Solid State Drive (SSD) will significantly improve the overall system
performance.
Run Registry cleaner
We normally do not recommend Registry cleaners. However, if you have
followed all of the above steps and your computer is still slow, try running a
Registry cleaner on the computer.
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating. Excessive heat can
cause a significant decrease in computer performance because most
processors automatically reduce the speed of the processor to help

compensate for heat related issues.
What temperature should my processor be running at?
Dust, dirt, and hair can also constrict proper air flow inside your computer,
which can cause a computer to overheat. Make sure your computer case is
clean and fans are not obstructed.
Steps on cleaning your computer.
Erase computer and start over
If none of the above solutions resolve your issues, another option is to
either reinstall Windows or erase everything and then start over.
Erasing everything and starting over can increase performance by getting rid
of old software or drivers that may be on the computer and causing the
computer to be slow. Installing a fresh copy of Windows, software programs,
and the latest drivers help verify there is no software related issues causing
your computer to be slow.
Hardware issues
Finally, if your computer continues to be slower than normal after going over
each of the above recommendations (including erasing and starting over), it's
possible that your computer is experiencing a more serious hardware related
issue, such as a failing component in the computer. This could be a failing or
bad hard drive, CPU, RAM,motherboard, or other component.
You can run hardware diagnostic tests using the Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD)
utility. This utility provides many diagnostic tests that you can run and
determine if your computer has a bad piece of hardware.
Old computer
If your computer is older than five years, the age of the computer could be the
cause of the slow performance. Computers advance in technology and
capabilities and newer, more advanced software programs come out to run
properly on the new computers. Older computers are not able to run the new
programs as well, which can cause them to slow down. If your computer is
older than five years, we suggest purchasing a new computer or accept that, if
all the above options do not work to speed up your computer, it will just run
slower than a newer computer.
Missing or lost sound in Windows

Verify software volume control settings
First, verify you see a small sound
icon
or
in the Windows notification
area, also known as Systray (bottom
right-hand corner of the Windows
Desktop). If this icon is missing, follow
the steps below. If you see this icon,skip
to next section.
Windows 8
1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click the "Taskbar" icon.
3. On the "Taskbar" tab, click the
"Customize"
button
next
to
"Notification area".
4. Scroll down in the list until you see the "Volume" option and speaker
icon. On the right side, in the drop-down list, make sure "Show icon and
notifications" is selected. If it is not, select this option.
If the drop-down list is grayed out, uncheck the box for "Always show all
icons and notifications on the taskbar" to allow you to change the dropdown list selection.
5. If you changed the selection in the drop-down list, click OK in that
window and the Taskbar Properties window and close out of the Control
Panel.
Windows Vista or 7
2. Click the "Taskbar and Start Menu" icon.
3. On the "Taskbar" tab, in the "Notification area" section, click the
"Customize" button.
4. Scroll down in the list until you see the "Volume" option and speaker
icon. On the right side, in the drop-down list, make sure "Show icon and
notifications" is selected. If it is not, select this option.
If the drop-down list is grayed out, uncheck the box for "Always show all
icons and notifications on the taskbar" to allow you to change the dropdown list selection.
5. If you changed the selection in the drop-down list, click OK in that
window and the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" window and close
out of the Control Panel.
Windows XP
2. Open the "Sounds and Audio Devices" icon.
3. Verify the "Place volume icon in the taskbar" checkbox is checked. If this
option is not available or is grayed out, skip to the next section of this
document.
4. If you were able to check this box, click OK and close out of this window
and the Control Panel.
5. Double-click the sound icon in the Systray and verify that all the sound
volumes are mid-way or higher.
Conflicts section
If conflicts exists with your sound card or other devices installed in your
computer, it is likely that either the drivers are not properly installed for that
device or the sound card or other devices are conflicting. If you open the
properties of the device that is conflicting and view the properties, additional
details about the conflict can be found. Additional information about error
codes, as well as help with Device Manager, can be found on our Device
Manager section.
If you are unable to locate additional information about your issue or are
unable to resolve the issue, follow the steps below.
1. Under "Sound, video and game controllers", highlight each device
and press the delete key to remove the device.
2. Reboot the computer.
3. As the computer is booting, the system will detect the sound card and
any of its devices and reinstall those devices. If prompted for a location
of drivers, try pointing it to your sound card CD or your Windows CD. If
this does not work or is unable to locate the proper files, you need to get
the latest sound drivers from your sound card manufacturer.
Other devices section
If Other devices are listed, these could be the sound card or another
conflicting device. If any other devices are listed, it is recommended you
remove those devices, reboot the computer and let Windows re-detect the
devices.
If this does not work, determine what device is not being detected and resolve
that issue first.
Missing sound card section.
If you are missing the "Sound, video and game controllers" category in Device
Manager, it is likely that the sound card drivers are not installed properly,
sound card has been disabled, sound card is bad, or no sound card is
available in the computer. First, verify no conflicts or other devices are present
in the Device Manager. If these are present, it is likely they are the sound card
or devices causing the sound card not to be detected. Second, verify that the
computer has a sound card and that the sound card is enabled on the
computer.
If this is an on-board sound card, you can verify that it is enabled in
the CMOS setup.
If you have no adapters or cannot click the down arrow to select the correct
adapter, close out of this window. In the Control Panel, double-click the
System icon, click theDevice Manager tab within Device Manager, and ensure
there are no yellow ! or red X.
If you have either of these on any of your sound devices, remove everything
under "Sound, video and game controllers" and reboot the computer. If after
rebooting the computer you still have the same conflicts, double-click on the
conflicting device and refer to our Device Manager error code section for
additional information on the error code you are experiencing.
Verify speaker connections
Verify the speaker settings and speakers are not at fault by running
through computer speaker troubleshooting.
Sound card drivers

If you have followed the above recommendations and you are still unable to get
the sound card to work, in the Device Manager, remove all sound, video, and
game controllers and reboot the computer. This should cause Windows to
reinstall all missing drivers and often can correct corrupt drivers. If this does
not work after rebooting the computer, download and install the latest sound
card drivers from the computer or sound card manufacturer. A listing of
manufacturer web pages for sound card drivers can be found on our sound
card driver page.
Defective hardware
Finally, if all of the above recommendations do not resolve your issue, it is
likely that either the sound card is not working and defective or that the
operating system is corrupted. We recommend you contact the
manufacturer of the sound card or computer for a replacement or additional
recommendations.
No display or black screen on a computer monitor

Note: This page contains some of the more common monitor troubleshooting
options and tips. If you are unable to resolve the issue after trying all options
on this page, it is recommended that you take your computer and monitor to a
computer repair shop for diagnostic testing.
Tip: The following monitor troubleshooting steps are not for users who see
a readable picture that gets distorted when Windows opens.
1. Monitor is not on
Make sure the monitor is on. If you do not see a power LED (blue, green, or
orange light) on the front of the monitor, press the power button until it comes
on. If no light comes on after several attempts, make sure the connections are
properly connected.
2. Computer is asleep
If your computer monitor was on and you stepped away from the computer,
then upon returning, it was black, it is likely that the computer is asleep. Try
moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, or pressing any key (space
bar) on the keyboard to wake it up.
3. Connections not properly connected
A. Check the data cable

Make sure that you are connecting the monitor's VGA cable to the back of the
computer in the 15-pin connector, as shown to the right, or the older
computer 9-pin connection.
Note: Newer computers may be using a DVI or HDMIcable for the monitor.
Make sure the data cable you are using is firmly connected to the computer.
B. Check the power cable
If the data cable is plugged in, make sure the monitor is getting power by
verifying there is a light (blue, green, or orange) on the front of the monitor.
If you see no lights on the monitor, make sure it is connected to a working wall
outlet. If the power cord is removable from the back of the monitor, try
replacing it with another power cable. If you still cannot power on the monitor
after trying another wall outlet and cable, the monitor is bad and should be
replaced.
C. Check the LED status
If the monitor has a light on the front, but that status light is orange or
flashing, make sure the monitor is not in a suspend mode by moving the
mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard. If this does not help, turn the
computer and monitor off and reconnect the data cable on the back of the
computer and, if removable, on the back of the monitor. Turn the computer
and monitor back on. If you still encounter the same issue, continue reading
through the other possibilities.
4. Monitor settings are not correct

Verify the brightness and contrast are turned up or adjust the brightness and
contrast. If adjusting the brightness or contrast has no affect on the monitor,
continue reading through the other possibilities.
5. No POST
Does the computer beep when it is turned on or does it sound like the
computer is working? If the computer does not beep or beeps abnormally, the
computer is experiencing a hardware issue or is exhibiting a No POST. Run
through the POST troubleshooting steps to determine the failure.
6. Hardware Issue
If you have followed the above recommendations and still have the same issue,
your computer may have either a bad video card or monitor. The best method
of determining this is to do one or both of the suggestions below.
Disconnect your monitor and connect it to another computer. For
example, try connecting it to a friend or family's computer or a computer
at a service center.
Borrow a computer monitor and connect it to your computer.
If your monitor works on another computer, it is safe to assume that the video
card or potentially the motherboard in the computer is bad.
Troubleshooting a bad video card.

Troubleshooting a bad motherboard.
If another monitor works on your computer, it is safe to assume that your
monitor is bad and should be replaced. While it may be possible to have the
monitor serviced, it is often cheaper and easier to purchase a new monitor.
General printer troubleshooting

A. Printer does not have power indicator
First, make sure that
the printer is on.
When a printer is on it
should have some
light
or LED(usually
green) indicating it's
receiving power.
If you do not have any
indicator light, make
sure the printer is
connected
to
a
working power outlet
by verifying each end
of the power cable.
Next, press the printer power button.
If after following the previous steps your printer still does not display a power
status indicator, it's likely you are encountering a serious printer issue and we
suggest contacting the printer manufacturer for additional instructions on

repair or replacement.
B. Cables not connected properly

Your printer should have two cables connected to it: the power cable and the
data cable. Make sure the power and data cables (parallel cable or USB cable)
are connected to both the printer and computer.
C. Printer error (orange or blinking light)

After your printer has completed its initial startup, you should see a solid
colored light. If the indicator is blinking or orange often this is an indication of
a printer error; like a paper jam or an issue with the ink or toner cartridge. As
there are not standards for all printers, if you see a blinking light, visit the
manufacturer's site for specific error details.
D. No paper or paper jam

Without paper, your printer will not be able to print. Make sure you have paper
in the paper loaded into the printer paper cartridge or tray. Next, verify that no
printer paper is jammed or partially fed into the printer. If you suspect paper
is stuck somewhere it shouldn't be.
E. Inkjet printer ink related issues

Often when you're encountering an ink related issue you're printer status
indicator light (mentioned above) should be flashing. If this is not occurring
you may want to skip to the next section. However, if you've recently inserted a
new ink cartridge you may want to try the below suggestions.
F. Printer self tests
Most printers have a way of printing a test page. This page allows you to
determine if the printer is physically working or not. This test is usually
accomplished by holding down a series of keys. If you are not sure if your
printer has this feature or how to perform it refer to your manual or visit
your printer manufacturers website.
In addition to testing the printer using the printer self-test Microsoft Windows
users can also perform a software self-test to determine if their computer can
see the printer and it's able to print. Follow the steps below to perform this
test.
Microsoft Windows users

1. Click Start, Settings, and open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Printers or Printers and Fax icon.
3. Right-click on the Printer you want to test and click Properties. If you do
not see your printer listed your printer is not installed.
4. In the Printers Properties window click the Print Test Page button.
5. If the printer can print a test page, your printer is installed and setup
properly. However, if you are unable to print in other programs the
program you are attempting to print from has issues.
Parallel (LPT) printers
If the printer you're connecting to the computer is an LPT (parallel port)
printer we also suggest verifying the below suggestions if your printer is not
working.
Parallel port in CMOS
1. Enter the computers CMOS setup.
2. Once in CMOS verify that your parallel port is enabled or installed.
3. Next, verify the printer or parallel port mode. If your parallel port is set
to ECP mode, we suggest trying a different mode.
Other parallel device
If you have a parallel printer with other parallel devices such as a parallel
scanner or zip drive, temporarily disconnect these devices to verify they are
not causing your issue.
Mouse not being detected or working in Windows

There may be several issues which can cause your mouse to not work properly
with Microsoft Windows. This document contains the more common solutions
that should be followed in order for best results.
Note: If you are having

trouble
with
a
touchpad mouse on a
laptop, see our laptop
touchpad
not
working page.
A.
frozen
Computer
1. Using the Num Lock key

Make sure the computer is not frozen by pressing the Num Lock key on the
keyboard. When Num Lock is pressed repeatedly, the Num Lock indicator
LED on your keyboard should turn on and off. If this indicator does not
change, your computer is frozen; meaning all hardware on the computer
(including the mouse) will not work. Reboot the computer to resolve this issue.
If you don't have an indicator light, proceed to the next part of this section.
2. Keyboard doesn't have Num Lock indicator light
If your keyboard does not include the LED described in the previous section,
anywhere in Windows, press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys at the same time. This
action should bring up a blue Windows options screen (you may leave this
menu by pressing the Esc key). If you are not taken to the blue screen within a
few seconds, your computer is frozen. Reboot your machine to resolve this
issue.
B. Mouse conflict
If any new hardware has been recently installed on the computer, remove it to
help verify the new hardware is not causing a conflict with your existing
mouse.
C. Not connected properly

1. USB mouse
If you are using a USB mouse, disconnect the mouse cable and then reconnect
to a different USB port. If the mouse is connected to a USB hub, unplug the
mouse cable and the connect it to a USB port on the back of the computer.
2. PS/2 mouse
If you are using a mouse with a PS/2 connection, check
the back of the computer to verify that it is plugged into
the PS/2 mouse port and not the PS/2 keyboard. If the
mouse has worked properly in the past (I.E. this is not a
new mouse), turn off the computer, then disconnect and
reconnect the mouse.
Note: A PS/2 mouse should not be disconnected and
reconnected while a computer is turned on.
Tip: If the computer's keyboard is working, you can
shutdown Windows properly by pressing the Windows key, and then using
the arrow keys to move to the shut down option on the Start Menu.
3. Wireless mouse
1. Make sure the mouse is receiving power by checking for some indication
of power (usually a light). If your mouse has a power switch, it is often
located on the bottom side.
2. If the mouse does not appear to be on, replace the batteries.
3. Make sure the wireless receiver is within range and is not blocked by
another object.
4. Disconnect the wireless USB adapter and try plugging it into a different
port.
D. Mouse software or driver conflict

Boot into Windows Safe Mode. If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is
likely adriver or software conflict. To fix this problem, follow the steps below.
1. Open Windows Device Manager.
2. Expand the mouse (mice) option in Device Manager by clicking

the + symbol.
3. Remove all mice listed by highlighting each device and then pressing
the Delete key on the keyboard.
If the mouse still does not work in Normal Windows, follow the basic
troubleshooting steps for your version of Windows.
E. Outdated or missing mouse driver

Check if a driver has been installed for the mouse. You can check in the
Device Manager for this. While Windows may have a standard or default driver
for the mouse, installing a driver for your specific mouse may fix the issue.
You can check our driver list page to find links to some of the more popular
manufacturers' websites to download a driver for the mouse.
If a driver is installed for the mouse, it is recommended that you check if there
is an updated driver for the mouse. Updating the driver may fix issues with a
non-functioning mouse.
F. Hardware issues
1. Bad Port
If the previous solutions did not solve the problem, try another mouse. If that
mouse works, try the mouse that is not working with another computer. If
multiple mice do not work, the likely issue is the port you are connecting the
mouse to. If you are using the PS/2 or USB port on the back of the computer,
the motherboard is potentially bad and would need to be replaced.
2. Bad Mouse
If the mouse does not work with more than one computer, the mouse is bad
and should be replaced. If you are using a wired mouse, check the mouse
wire. If the wire has been partially cut or is frayed, this is likely the cause of
the mouse not working. Replace the mouse if this is the case.
G. Corrupt operating system files
If all of the above solutions do not resolve the issue, there is a possibility of
corrupt system files in the operating system. You may need to run an
operating system repair using the system installation disc.
Another option, and possibly less drastic, is to activate a restore point in the
operating system prior to when the mouse stopped working. This restore point
can restore the corrupt system files to a working state and resolve the issue.
No power or computer does not turn on

Notice: If the computer is turning on but is not posting (beeping) or giving any
picture on the display.
Note: This page relates primarily to desktop computers. For more specific
troubleshooting steps for a laptop computer.
If you are uncertain if the computer is turning on or not, this can be checked
by locating any fans in the computer or visible from the outside of the
computer. If these fans are spinning, the computer is receiving power and this
document may not apply to your issue.
A. Power cord not connected properly
Verify that the power cord is connected properly

to the wall and the back of the computer. If it
appears to be connected properly, disconnect
and reconnect both ends of the power cord to
make sure the cable is not loose.
If you have a power strip (surge protector) or
switch used to turn everything on at once,
temporarily disconnect the computer power cord
from that switch and connect it directly to the
wall. This helps verify that the strip or switch is not bad.
Verify that the outlet works by connecting another electrical device to that
switch.
B. Third-party hardware
If additional hardware has been recently added to the computer, it is

recommended that you temporarily disconnect or remove the hardware from
the computer to verify it is not preventing your computer from turning on.
Note: If the computer was working fine before you added the new hardware,
removing the third-party hardware did not resolve the issue, and the computer
is not beeping but is turning on.
Verify that the cable supplying power to your computer is not bad or damaged
by using another power cable. If you have a standard CRT monitor, this cable
can be used in place of the computer power cable.
If you have a portable computer or laptop, when the cables are plugged into
the laptop, you should see a power light or battery charge light. If this light is
seen, this is a good indication that the power cable is good.
C. Incorrect power supply

If you are building your own computer or if the computer has never turned on
since you purchased it, you may have a defective power supply that does not
supply enough power or the incorrect power supply for your computer. Verify
your power supply meets the requirements of your motherboard and
processor.
How do I determine how big my power supply is?
How big of a computer power supply should I get?
D. Bad battery
If your computer is a laptop or portable computer that utilizes a battery for
mobility, it may be causing your issue.
If your computer powers on when the cable is connected to the portable
computer, but not when it is disconnected, we recommend you purchase
a new battery.
If your computer does not power on when the battery is connected and
when the power cable or charger cable is connected, try removing the
battery and seeing if the computer can power on with only the power
cable connected. If no power is still received, skip to the final section.
E. Bad power supply, power button, power board, or inverter

If, after following the above sections, your computer still receives no power, it is
likely that a hardware component in the computer has failed. It is high
possibility that the power supply has failed. If you do not plan on replacing the
power supply yourself or if you have a portable computer, we recommend
having the computer serviced by your computer manufacturer or a local
computer repair shop.
If you have a desktop computer and plan on trying to repair the computer
yourself, we recommend you replace the components in your computer in the
below order.
1. First open the computer and verify the power connections. We
recommend disconnecting the main power cable and reconnecting the
power cable to make sure it has not become loose. Also, verify the power
button cable is correctly connected to the motherboard.
2. Replace the power supply with a new power supply.
3. Replace the motherboard.
Basic network troubleshooting

Because of the variety of network configurations, operating systems, setup,
etc. not all of the below information may apply to your network or operating
system.
Note: We cannot assist you with network problems due to an unknown

passwords or unknown ISP settings. Since we have no method of verifying or
determining this information.
Adapter resources
Verify that the network adapter is properly installed and detected by the
computer with no conflicts. If you're using Microsoft Windows check in Device
Manager and verify there are no errors and "Network adapters" is present with
each network adapter installed in the computer listed, similar to the example
on the right.
How do I get into Windows Device Manager?

Identifying problems in Windows Device Manager.
If conflicts exist or the network adapter is being detected as an Other device.

The network card has not been properly installed in the computer. Try letting
Windows re-detect and install the Network card by removing the network
adapter and any other conflict devices from Device Manager and then
rebooting the computer. If Windows re-detects the card but does not find the
drivers, download the network adapter drivers from the computer
manufacturer or the network card manufacturer.
How do I remove a device in Windows Device Manager?

Listing of network drivers and network card manufacturers.
Verify connections
Wired Network
If this is a wired network, verify that the

network cable is properly connected and
make sure the LEDs next to the network jack
are properly illuminated. For example, a
network card with a solid green LED or light
usually indicates that the card is either
connected or receiving a signal. If the green
light is flashing, this is an indication of data
being sent or received. In the picture is an
example of LAN port with two LED indicators
next to the RJ-45 port. With this port, one
LED will light up if connected properly and the other will flash when
transmitting data.
If there are no lights or the lights are orange or red the card may be bad, not
connected properly, or that the card is not receiving a signal from the network.
If you are on a small or local network and have the capability of checking
a hub, switch, or router verify that the cables are properly connected and that
it has power. If after checking the connections the LED indicators appear bad,
the network adapter, port, or cable may be defective.
Wireless Network
If you're using a laptop with a wireless network make sure if the laptop has a
Wi-Fi button that it is turned on. Many laptops have a Wi-Fi button that
allows the wireless network to be turned on and off. In the picture is an
example of a Wi-Fi button that is currently enabled.
If the Wi-Fi button is turned on, make

sure you're connecting to the correct WiFi hotspot by right-clicking on the
Network icon in the Windows
notification area and clicking "Connect
to a network". Usually, the network with
the strongest connection (the most bars)
will be your wireless router.
Finally, when connecting to most
wireless networks you need to enter the
proper SSID (password) in order to
connect to the network. If the incorrect
SSID has been entered you cannot
access the network.
Adapter functionality
Verify that the network card is capable of pinging itself by using the ping
command. Windows users can ping the computer from a Windows command
line. Unix and Linux users can ping from the shell.
To ping the card or the localhost, type either
ping 127.0.0.1
or
ping localhost
Doing either of the above commands should get replies from the network card.
If you receive an error or if the transmission fails the network card is not
physically installed into the computer correctly, has the incorrect drivers, or
that the card is bad.
Connect to the router

If all of the above steps have been checked and your network has a router,
make sure the computer can connect to the router by performing the below
commands.
Determine the routers address
Using the ipconfig command (or ifconfig command for Linux) determine the
router's address by looking at the Gateway address. Below are the steps for
Microsoft Windows users, Linux users can substitute ipconfig for ifconfig.
1. Open the Windows command line.

2. From the command prompt type ipconfig and press enter. This
command should give you an output similar to the example below.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : computerhope.com.
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.103
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
The Default Gateway is the address of your router. Most home routers have a
gateway address that starts with 192.168 like the address shown above.
Assuming your gateway address is 192.168.1.1 attempt to ping the router to
see if it can send and receive information by running the below command.
ping 192.168.1.1
If you get replies back from the router, the connection between your router and
computer are good, and you can skip to the next step.
If you do not receive any replies back from the router either the router is not
setup properly or your connection between the router and the computer are
not correct. Reset your router to make sure it is not a problem with your
router by following the steps below.
1. Turn off the power to the computer and leave it off.

2. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.
3. Leave the power cables disconnected for 10-15 seconds and then
plug in your modem and then your router again.
4. Finally, turn on your computer again and repeat this step to see if
you can ping your router.
If you're using a wireless network and have followed all the above steps and
still are unable to ping the router try turning off the computer again and
connect the computer to the router using a cable instead of trying to connect
using wireless. If a wire does also not work connect the manufacturer of the
router for additional support or replacement.
Firewall
If your computer network utilizes a firewall, make sure all
required ports required are open, especially port 80, which is the HTTP port. If
possible, disable the firewall software program or disconnect the computer
from the firewall to make sure it is not causing the network problems.
Internet is not working

If you're able to ping the router, but are still unable to connect to the Internet,
either your router is improperly configured or the ISP is having issues.
Note: Some ISPs such as Comcast require special software be installed. Make
sure any software included with your Modem or other hardware has been
installed on at least one computer if you are setting up a new Internet
connection.
If your Internet has been working but recently stopped working, give it a few
minutes to make sure it is not a temporary outage. If after waiting a few
minutes, you still have problems and you have not disconnected the power to
your router and modem already follow the steps below.
1. Turn off the power to the computer and leave it off.
2. Unplug the power to your router and cable modem or DSL modem.
3. Leave the power cables disconnected for 10-15 seconds and then
plug in your modem and then your router again.
4. Finally, turn on your computer again and repeat this step to see if
you can ping your router.
If after following the above steps the Internet is still not working, open the
Windows command line and run the below command.
ping google.com
Running the above command should get a reply from Google. If you get a reply,
this is an indication that the Internet is working, but you may be encountering
a problem with the Internet browser you are using to browse the Internet. Try
an alternative browser such as Firefox or Chrome.
If you're getting no reply from Google, your router or modem is not reaching
the Internet. If you have a router, make sure your router has DHCP enabled
and that theWAN or Gateway address is the proper ISP address.
Finally, after verifying all of the above settings if your Internet is still not
working we suggest contacting the ISP to make sure it is not a problem on
their end and to assist you further with any special configurations that may
not be mentioned in this document.
Additional troubleshooting
Another method of determining network issues is to use the tracert
command if you are a Windows user or the traceroute command if you are a
Linux or Unix variant user. This command gives you an overview of each of the
devices (routers) a packet travels (hops) over a network and can give you an
idea of where a problem exists in your network or outside of your network.
To use this command you must be at the command line and type one of the
below commands depending on your operating system.
tracert google.com
or
traceroute google.com
If run successfully you should begin to see each hop between the computer
and network devices. When the connection fails, determine what device is
causing the issue by reviewing the traceroute listing.

Troubleshooting and isolating PC hardware problems
5 Common Computer Problems & Solutions
Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)

Many people think of blue as a calming color; however, when it comes up
on your computer screen with a bunch of white text, it probably has the
opposite effect. The blue screen of death (BSoD or STOP Error) may appear
to be one of the scariest computer problems you'll come across. However,
all your computer may need is for you to reboot it. This STOP error appears
on your screen for a variety of reasons: failing hardware, damaged software,
corrupt DLL files, problems with drivers and more. The remedy for a blue
screen of death depends on the original problem. The screen provides you
with codes that can help you identify and fix your computer problems.
Missing DLL File
Dynamic-Link Library (DLL) files house information for your operating
system on how to perform certain functions. Occasionally, your computer
loses DLL files or something damages them. When your PC can't read the
particular DLL file, it doesn't know how to respond in certain situations.
You may have a missing or corrupt DLL file if you receive an error message
every time you perform a certain function, such as saving. If your computer
problems are stemming from missing and damaged DLL files, you can
restore them by downloading them back onto your PC.
Applications That Won't Install
If you're having trouble with an application not installing, it may be
because your computer doesn't have enough hard drive space. If this is the
case, you need to free up some space. This is one of the computer problems
that's, well, least problematic. You can free up some hard drive space by
getting rid of files and folders you don't need. These may be temporary files,
duplicate files or data for software you've uninstalled.
Applications Run Slowly
There are several reasons software might be running at turtle speed. You
may have computer problems that involve your operating system or an
application, your operating system might be missing updates or your
computer doesn't have enough hard drive space. If you don't have enough
hard drive space, you can scan, clean and optimize your hard drive.
Abnormal Applications Behavior
Computer problems that involve applications acting strangely oftentimes
leave you wondering what has happened. Your application has been
working just fine, but now, seemingly without reason, it is doing something
strange.
For instance, your Word document will no longer show the top margin of
your document. It still says it's there, and when you print it, there's not a
problem. You just can't see it on your monitor. If this is happening, you
may want to restart your computer. Conducting an internet search for the
type of problem you're experiencing or consulting your user manual may
help you as well.
Using System Repair Software
If you have computer problems, chances are, system repair software can help
you fix it. Most of these applications can repair operating system problems
that lead to the Blue Screen of Death. They can also replace missing or
damaged DLL files. System repair software can also free up space you need for
another application, and it can optimize your computer so it runs faster. It
may even identify problems you're having with applications, but it depends on
the software you use and the application that's having problems.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware conflicts
How to Diagnose a Computer Problem?
Step 1: Check the POST.
POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is generally the first or second thing
that appears on a computer after turning on the power. This appears before
the operating system begins to load. The POST will display any problems found
with hardware that makes the computer unable to boot, POST may also
display problems with hardware that allow the computer to boot, but not
operate at its full capacity during operation.
Step 2: Notice the load time of the OS (operating system). A longer than
usual load time may indicate seek errors (or other errors) in the hard drive.
Step 3: Notice any graphics problems once the OS has loaded. Reduced
graphics may indicate driver failures or hardware failures with graphic cards.
Step 4: Perform an auditory test. An auditory test is an unorthodox, but still

effective way of judging how hard a computer is working. With the computer
on and running, play any decent length audio file (usually above 30 secs). If
the audio is choppy or slow, it usually means that the processor is working at
an elevated level, or there is not enough RAM to run all programs loading.
Changing the startup sound is a great way to apply this test. Another issue
associated with choppy sounds is PIO (Programmed Input/Output) Mode. This
affects how the hard drive reads and writes data from a drive. Switching to
DMA allows for faster reads and writes, and can sometimes repair choppy
audio.
Step 5: Check any newly installed hardware. Many operating systems,

especially Windows, can conflict with new drivers. The driver may be badly
written, or it may conflict with another process. Windows will usually notify
you about devices that are causing a problem, or have a problem. To check
this use the Device Manager, this can be accessed by entering the Control
Panel, clicking the System icon, clicking theHardware tab, and clicking
on Device Manager. Use this to check and arrange the properties of hardware.
Step 6: Check any newly installed software. Software may require more
resources than the system can provide. Chances are that if a problem begins
after software starts, the software is causing it. If the problem appears directly
upon startup, it may be caused by software that starts automatically on boot.
Step 7: Check RAM and CPU consumption. A common problem is a choppy

or sluggish system. If a system is choppy it is good practice to see if a program
is consuming more resources than the computer can provide. An easy way to
check this is to use the Task Manager, right click on the taskbar select Task
Manager, and click the Processestab. The CPU column contains a number that
indicates the percentage of CPU the process is consuming. The Memory Usage
column indicates how much memory a process is consuming.
Step 8: Listen to the computer, if the hard drive is scratching or making

loud noises, shut off the computer and have a professional diagnose the
hard drive. Listen to the CPU fan, this comes on a high speed when the CPU
is working hard, and can tell you when the computer is working beyond its
capacity.
Step 9: Run a virus and

malware scan. Performance
problems can be caused by
malware on the computer.
Running a virus scan can unearth any problems. Use a commonly updated
virus scanner (such as Norton Antivirus or Avast! Antivirus) and a commonly
updated malware scanner (such as Spybot Search & Destroy).
Step 10: Check for the problem in safe mode. As a last ditch effort, check
the problem in safe mode. To enter safe mode, tap F8 repeatedly during POST
(this works on most systems). If the problem persists in safe mode, it is a fair
bet that the operating system itself is to blame.

Installing Computer peripherals, network devices and other
I/O
How to Connect the Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, Scanner and

Printer in Your Computer?
The remaining components for your new computer are called peripherals.
These are all external devices that will not be installed inside the case. They
will allow you to interact with the computer by inputting commands, viewing
the screen as well as printing out documents and pictures.
Keep your computer case open and on its side on your table. We are going to
attach the peripherals, then start up the computer to make sure everything is
working before closing up the case and moving the computer to your
workstation.
1. Let's install the keyboard first.

All you have to do is remove it from the box and insert the cable into the
purple PS/2 socket at the top left of the I/O panel.
The I/O panel is the portion of the motherboard that is exposed out the
back of the case. Some keyboards have USB connectors that would
obviously plug into one of the USB ports on the I/O panel rather than
the PS/2 port.
2. To connect the mouse you plug the cable into the green PS/2 socket at
the upper right of the I/O panel.
Pretty easy stuff here. Some mouse have USB connectors that would
obviously plug into one of the USB ports on the I/O panel rather than
the PS/2 port.
3. The speakers will also be connected via the I/O panel.
If your set of speakers has just one cable it will plug into the pale green
Line-Out jack.
If you have a fancier set of speakers you may need to use the side
speaker jacks as well.
4. The microphone that came in the motherboard box can be plugged into
the pink jack that matches it's pink plug.
5. If you will be using a wireless home network be sure to connect the WiFi antenna into the Wi-Fi Antenna In jack at the bottom of the I/O panel.
The antenna came in the motherboard box.
Most motherboards do not come with a wireless antenna, which means
you would have to buy and install a separate wireless network card in
your computer.
That is another great reason I recommend the Asus M2N32
motherboard.
Most scanners and printers are connected via a USB cable to a USB jack
on the I/O panel.
6. Connect the printer through a USB port or through a parallel port.
7. Attach the monitor.
If you are using an old, bulky CRT monitor you will attach the monitor
cable to the analog jack on the externally exposed panel of the video
card.
If you are using a flat-panel LCD monitor you should use the provided
DVI cable to plug in to the DVI jack on the video card.
Some monitors come with a DVI adapter to add to the end of the monitor
cable in order to plug into the DVI jack.
You can attach a flat-panel monitor to the analog jack, but the picture
quality won't be nearly as good so don't do that.
You have now installed all the components. You computer is essentially fully
assembled. You are not done yet however. There are still plenty of things to do
before your computer is ready for use.
The next thing we need to do is take the computer for a short spin to make
sure everything works properly.
DIAGNOSING
AND
TROUBLESHO
OTING
COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Plan and
prepare for
diagnosis
of faults of
computer
systems

Different types of computer systems error

Software as tools for diagnosing computer systems
Techniques for Diagnosing Computer System
Techniques for diagnosing computer system
1. Computer Diagnosis
2. Rules In Diagnosing Computer System
3. Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects
4. Problem Isolation
5. Component Isolation
Computer Diagnosis
Sometimes when the problem with a system is not totally apparent
and the problem may be intermittent, using a basic common
diagnostic procedure may help determine what is wrong. This
procedure has a number of steps that, if followed each time, can be
of help.
Rules in Diagnosing Computer System
1. Know the facts
Educate oneself on all aspects and operation of computer parts.
Continuous learning on computer technology.
2. Use your common sense
3. Focus on Field Replaceable Units

Identify the different types of FRU that can be used for
replacement or subassembly.
4. Proper assembly and disassembly
Factors Causing Computer Failures and Defects
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Peopleware
Firmware
Software
Hardware
Static(ESD)
Electricity
Peopleware
Untrained personnel would probably damage programs in PC.
Firmware
Programs or software burnt in chips may be corrupted.
Software
Corrupted operating systems would cause the system to fail.
Hardware
Defective hardware components would lead to computer
malfunction.
Hardware conflicts and viruses can hinder your computers
performance.
ESD (Electro Static Discharge)
Electro static discharge can easily damage sensitive components
in your computer.
Electricity
Incoming supply from AC outlet must be regulated, power surges
can damage computer units.
Problem Isolation
Problem isolation is a detective work in which you need to

determine what is out of the ordinary by making detailed
observation of what is not working normally and record any
information as you proceed. The information you will be able to
gather will help diagnose your computer. You need to observe
wisely. Look for any abnormalities in the unit, any change in smell
or foreign smell, listen to all the sounds, and error codes.
Component Isolation
This section will aid in determining components in your system
which are failing. First, most systems have 3 major components;
monitor, system unit, and printers. Some have multiple external
devices. To troubleshoot, you need to isolate major components
which are failing to operate.

Hand tools and its uses
Computer Hand Tools

When performing computer upgrades, maintenance or troubleshooting,
you will often need to remove or replace hardware.
You should have a number of key tools in your possession to make this
process easy and safe. Though your first thought might be to buy a
prepackaged computer toolkit, these types of kits are often cheap or flimsy.
Instead, you'll find it worth the cost to assemble your own computer tool-kit,
composed of quality, branded tools.
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools
Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring,
clothing, hair, fabric, and etc. The friction of moving air alone will charge
suspended parties and cause the buildup of static electrical charges on people
and objects in the environment. Grounded antistatic work mats used
electrostatic electricity. Examples of ESD Tools:
Anti-static wrist strap
Anti-static wrist strap-used to prevent ESD damage to computer equipment.
Anti-static mat
Anti-static - used to stand on or place hardware on to prevent static electricity

from building up.
Hand Tools
A hand tool is a device for performing work on a material or a physical system
using only hands. The hands tools can be manually used employing force, or
electrically powered, using electrical current. Examples of Hand Tools:
Flat head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten slotted screws.
Philips head screwdriver
Philips head screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten cross-head screws.

Torx screwdriver
Torx screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten screws that have a star-like

depression on the top, a feature that is mainly found laptop.
Hex driver
Hex driver - sometimes called a nut driver, is used to tighten nuts in the same
way that a screwdriver tightens screws.
Needle-nose plier
Needle-nose plier - used to hold small parts.
Wire cutter
Wire cutter - used to strip and cut wires.

Tweezers
Tweezers - used to manipulate small parts.
Part retriever
Part retriever - used to retrieve parts from location that are too small for your
hand to fit.
Flashlight
Flashlight - used to light up areas that you cannot see well.

Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or
repairing computers. Using these tools ensures the computer components are
not damage during cleaning. Examples.
Lint-free cloth
Lint-free cloth - used to clean different computer components without

scratching or leaving debris.
Compressed air
Compressed air - used to blow away dust and debris from different computer
parts without touching the components.
Cable ties
Cable ties - used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a computer.
Parts organizer
Parts organized - used to hold screw, jumpers, fasteners and other small parts
and prevents them from getting mixed together.
Diagnostic Tools
Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of
hardware and operating system update, but that doesn't mean they're
problem-free. Here's the most popularb tools for diagnosing your computer
problems:
Multimeter
Multimeter -used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in
computer components.
Loopback Adapter
Loopback Adapter - used to test the functionality of computer ports.
PC Tools for Software and Hardware Trouble Shooting.

These are the PC Tools and Components that will be used in PC Hardware and
Software Trouble Shootings.
A lens
A lens is an optical device which transmits and refracts light, converging or
diverging the beam. A simple lens consists of a single optical element.
A compound lens is an array of simple lenses (elements) with a common axis;
the use of multiple elements allows more optical aberrations to be corrected
than is possible with a single element.
Lenses are typically made of glass or transparent plastic. Elements which
refract electromagnetic radiation outside the visual spectrum are also called
lenses: for instance, a microwave lens can be made from paraffin wax.
A multimeter
A multimeter or a multitester, also
known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm meter), is

an electronic measuring
instrument that
combines
several
measurement functions in one unit. A
typical multimeter may include features such as the ability to
measure voltage, current and resistance.
]
Multimeters may use analog or digital circuits--analog multimeters (AMM)
and digital multimeters (often abbreviatedDMM or DVOM.)
Analog instruments are usually based on a microammeter whose pointer
moves over a scale calibrated for all the different measurements that can be
made; digital instruments usually display digits, but may display a bar of a
length
proportional
to
the
quantity
being
measured.
A multimeter can be a hand-held device useful for basic fault finding and field
service work or a bench instrument which can measure to a very high degree
of accuracy. They can be used to troubleshoot electrical problems in a wide
array of industrial and household devices such as electronic equipment, motor
controls, domestic appliances, power supplies, and wiring systems.
An eraser
synthetic soy-based gum.
An eraser or rubber (elsewhere) is an

article of stationery that is used for
removing pencil markings. Erasers
have a rubbery consistency and are
often pink or white. Some pencils
have an eraser on one end. Typical
erasers are made from synthetic
rubber, but more expensive or
specialized erasers are vinyl, plastic,
or gum-like materials. Cheaper
erasers can be made out of
An eraser can be used of cleaning the RAM, a memory chip of the PC.
Paint brush
brush 1 (brsh)
n.
1. a. A device consisting of bristles fastened into a handle, used in scrubbing,
polishing, or painting.
b. The act of using this device.
2. A light touch in passing; a graze.
3. An instance of contact with something undesirable or dangerous: a brush
with the law; a brush with death.
4. A bushy tail: the brush of a fox.
5. A sliding connection completing a circuit between a fixed and a moving
conductor.
6. A snub; a brush off.
A vacuum
A vacuum is a space devoid of air or matter, or a tool that uses suction to

clean.(noun)
1.
An example of a vacuum is a space with nothing in it.
2.
An example of a vacuum is something used to clean up dirt on a floor.
To vacuum is to clean using a tool that sucks dirt or other elements into a
storage container. (verb)
An example of vacuum is to clean the dirt off the carpet using a vacuum cleaner.
A soldering gun
A soldering gun is an approximately pistol-shaped tool for soldering metals

using tin-based solder to achieve a strong mechanical bond with good
electrical contact. The tool has a trigger-style switch so it can be easily
operated with one hand. The body of the tool contains a transformer with a
primary winding connected to mains electricity when the trigger is pressed,
and an incomplete single-turn secondary winding of thick copper with very
low resistance. A soldering tip, made of a loop of thinner copper wire, is
secured to the end of the transformer secondary by screws, completing the
secondary winding. When the primary of the transformer is energized, several
hundred amperes of current flow through the secondary and very rapidly heat
the copper tip. Since the tip has a much higher resistance than the rest of the
tubular copper winding, the tip, used for soldering, gets very hot while the
remainder of the secondary warms much less. A tap on the primary winding is
often used to light a pilot lamp which also provides illumination of the work
piece.
Pliers
Pliers are a hand tool used to hold objects firmly,
for bending, or physical compression. Generally,
pliers consist of a pair of metal first-class
levers joined at a fulcrum positioned closer to one
end of the levers, creating short jaws on one side of
the fulcrum, and longer handles on the other side.
This arrangement creates a mechanical advantage,
allowing the force of the hand's grip to be amplified
and focused on an object with precision. The jaws can also be used to
manipulate objects too small or unwieldy to be manipulated with the fingers.
Diagonal pliers
Diagonal pliers (or wire cutters or diagonal cutting pliers)

are pliers intended for the cutting of wire (they are generally not used to grab
or turn anything). The plane defined by the cutting edges of the jaws intersects
the joint rivet at an angle or "on a diagonal", hence the name. Instead of using
a shearing action as with scissors, they cut by indenting and wedging the wire
apart. The jaw edges are ground to a symmetrical "V" shape; thus the two jaws
can be visualized to form the letter "X", as seen end-on when fully occluded.
The pliers are made of tempered steel with inductive
heating and quenching often used to selectively harden the jaws.
A Phillips screw driver
A Phillips screw driver is primarily used to fasten and unfasten screws with a
star-like hole in their heads.
A screwdriver
A screwdriver is a tool for driving screws or bolts with special slots, and
sometimes for rotating other machine elements with the mating drive system.
The screwdriver is made up of a head or tip, which engages with a screw,
a mechanism to apply torque by rotating the tip, and some way to position and
support the screwdriver. A typical hand screwdriver comprises an
approximately cylindrical handle of a size and shape to be held by a human
hand, and an axial shaft fixed to the handle, the tip of which is shaped to fit a
particular type of screw. The handle and shaft allow the screwdriver to be
positioned and supported and, when rotated, to apply torque. Screwdrivers are
made in a variety of shapes, and the tip can be rotated manually or by
an electric motor or other motor.
The flat head is also one of the most abused tools, often substituted for any
number of other tools that might not be available. The fact is the flat head
screwdriver is quite useful for more than tightening screws. Used for light
prying, scraping, nudging or holding it can be pretty versatile. Treat it too
badly, though, and it'll snap, leaving you with a fishing weight in your
toolbox.
Goggles or safety glasses
Goggles or safety glasses are forms of protective eyewear that usually enclose
or protect the area surrounding the eye in order to prevent particulates, water
or chemicals from striking the eyes. They are used in chemistry laboratories
and in woodworking. They are often used in snow sports as well, and
in swimming. Goggles are often worn when using power tools such
as drills or chainsaws to prevent flying particles from damaging the eyes. Many
types of goggles are available as prescription goggles for those with vision
problems.
A glove
A glove (Middle English from Old English glof) is
a garment covering the whole hand. Gloves have
separate sheaths or openings for each finger and
the thumb; if there is an opening but no covering
sheath for each finger they are called "fingerless
gloves". Fingerless gloves with one large opening
rather than individual openings for each finger are
sometimes called gauntlets. Gloves which cover the
entire hand or fist but do not have separate finger
openings or sheaths are called mittens. Mittens
are warmer than gloves made of the same material
because fingers maintain their warmth better
when they are in contact with each other. Reduced
surface area reduces heat loss.
LAN tester
A LAN tester is a circuit used to check the LAN cables.

An antistatic wrist strap
An antistatic
wrist
strap, ESD
wrist
strap,
or ground
bracelet is
an antistatic device used to
safely ground a
person
working
on
very
sensitive electronic equipme
nt, to prevent the buildup
of static electricity on their
body, which can result
in electrostatic
discharge (ESD). It is used
in the electronics industry
by workers working on electronic devices which can be damaged by ESD, and
also sometimes by people working around explosives, to prevent electric
sparks which could set off an explosion. It consists of a stretchy band of
fabric with fine conductive fibers woven into it, attached to a wire with a clip
on the end to connect it to a ground conductor. The fibers are usually made of
carbon or carbon-filled rubber, and the strap is bound with a stainless steel
clasp or plate. They are usually used in conjunction with an antistatic mat on
the workbench, or a special static-dissipating plastic laminate on the
workbench
surface.
A crimping tool
A crimping tool is a tool designed to crimp or connect a
connector to the end of a cable. For example, network
cables and phone cables are created using a crimping
tool to connect the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to the
end of the cable. In the picture to the right, is an
example of what a crimping tool looks like. This example
shows a tool capable of crimping both RJ-11 and RJ-45
connectors.
Sharp Pointed Tweezers

The Tweezerman Pointed Tweezers
feature perfectly aligned, hand filed
tips made from 100 stainless steel.
The fine, precision design makes
eliminating even the most stubborn
stray hairs a cinch. Caution:
Tweezers are very sharp. Use with
care. Keep out of the reach of
children. Tweeze in the direction of
hair growth, after a hot shower, or use a hot wash cloth to open pores. For
ingrown hairs, cleanse skin and disinfect the tips of the tweezers with alcohol.
After any work under the skin, clean area with hydrogen peroxide. Always
replace protective cap on tweezer tips.
A soldering iron
A soldering iron is a hand tool used in soldering. It supplies heat to melt

the solder so that it can flow into the joint between two workpieces.
A soldering iron is composed of a heated metal tip and an insulated handle.
Heating is often achieved electrically, by passing an electric current (supplied
through an electrical cord or battery cables) through a resistive heating
element. Portable irons can be heated by combustion of gas stored in a small
tank, often using a catalytic heater rather than a flame. Simple irons less
commonly used than in the past were simply a large copper bit on a handle,
heated in a flame.

Procedures in Diagnosing Computer Systems

Safety precautions
Safety precautions
Proper preparation is the key to a successful built. Before you
begin, make sure that you have the tool you will need, and secure a
clear well-lit workplace. Gather all the components youll be using
and unpack them at the same time. Find a dry, well-ventilated
place to do your work, you should choose an area without carpets,
because it tends to create static electricity. Always keep in mind
that personal protection is one of the traits of a good technician.
Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance is keeping something in working order. It includes
repair, testing, adjusting, and replacing parts of a computer or a
peripheral.
Types of Preventive Maintenance
Active
Passive
Active this is carried out before problems develop in a computer
unit.
Passive this is carried after problems have developed in the
computer unit.
Accident reports
Forms used to give specific details with regards to the accidents happed
in the laboratory during experiments.
Accident reports contain the following details:
Name of the person injured
Date and time of the accident
Type of injury
First aid given
Action taken to prevent further accidents
General Safety Tips and Reminders
Observe good housekeeping in the area of the machines

during and after maintenance.
Place removed covers and other parts in a safe place, away from all
personnel, while you are servicing the machine.
Dress for the Job

Keep your tool case away from walk areas so that other
people will not trip over it.
Do not wear loose clothing that can be trapped in the moving
parts of a machine. Ensure that your sleeves are fastened or
rolled up above your elbows. If your hair is long, use hair net
or hair cap.
Insert the ends of your necktie or scarf inside clothing or
fasten it with a nonconductive clip, approximately 3 inches
from the end.
Do not wear jewelry, chains, metal-frame eyeglasses, or metal
fasteners for your clothing.
Electrical safety
Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables

can be hazardous. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage,
disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,
networks and modems before you open the server/workstation
covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and
configuration procedure.
Precautions
Disconnect all power before:
Performing a mechanical inspection
Working near power supplies
Removing or installing main units
Before starting work on the machine, unplug the power cord.
Never assume that power has been disconnected from a
circuit.
First, check that it has been powered-off.
Always look carefully for possible hazards in your work
Moist floors
Non-grounded power extension cables
Power surges.
If an electrical accident occurs:
Use caution
Switch off power
Send another person to get medical aid
Safety Inspection Guide

1. These steps will help you to identify potentially unsafe conditions
on these products:
Check exterior covers for damage (loose, broken, or sharp edges)
Power-off computer. Disconnect the power cord.
The power cord should be the appropriate type.
Insulation on the power cord must not be frayed or worn out.
Remove the cover.
Check for any obvious alteration. Use good judgment as to the
safety of any alterations.
Check for worn out, frayed or pinched cables.
Check that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets)
have not been removed or tampered with.

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Installing

Information Sheet No 1.1-1

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Electrical Safety Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent electrical fires,

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is the intrusion of outside electromagnetic

Any source designed to generate electromagnetic energy

Wireless networks are affected by radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI is

If the environment temperature is too high, equipment can overheat.

Blackout: Complete loss of AC power. A blown fuse, damaged

Power Protection Devices To help shield against power fluctuation problems,

Surge suppressor: Helps protect against damage from surges and

Information Sheet No 1.1-2

Basic Computer Terms

a number that represent a unique location in memory

the single smallest unit of data in a computer.

a term meaning to load DOS or an operating system.

comprised of 8 bits to form a word

Character the equivalent meaning of byte formed.

prefix which means 1,000 units

prefix which means 1,000,000 units

to get data from a device.

- Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

- Joint Photographic Experts Group

- Synchronous Static RAM

As A technician, you should know and be able to identify the components

Keyboard The most familiar computer

Mouse An input device used with

Video display A Visual output device

Printers A hard copy output device that

Audio output devices used to

System Unit Cases

1. Desktops PC units that are

2. Low-profile desktops A special

Inside the system unit

Power supply The component in the system that converts the AC

System board The main component of a personal computer. It

Signal cables Connecting cables, typically configured in a flat ribbon

positions that optimize cooling outside the case to support higher

Information Sheet No. 1.1-3

Systems in the Computer System

Process Scheduling (priority, time management, . . . )

MAIN MEMORY MANAGEMENT

Allocation/de-allocation for processes, files, I/O.

Buffer caching system

SECONDARY STORAGE MANAGEMENT

Disks, tapes, optical, ...

Communication system between distributed processors.

Of files, memory, CPU, etc.

Command Interpreters -- Program that accepts control

Typically a System can support many possible devices, but any

Two ways of passing data between programs.

These are examples of various system calls.

How An Operating System Is Put Together

Protection is excellent, but no sharing possible.

Example of MS-DOS on top of Windows XP

Information Sheet No. 1.1-4

Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive

Information Sheet No. 1.2-1

has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.

Think about where

the monitor cable.

Connect one end of the cable to