COMPUTER

MAINTENANCE
By
TSHIMANGA Célestin
Professor at University of Kinshasa
Research’s Area: Cloud computing
Phone number: +243812044120
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyriht
 Chapter 1

Introduction to the
Personal Computer
 Chapter 1 Objectives
• 1.1 Explain the IT industry certification
• 1.2 Describe a computer system
• 1.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and power
supplies
• 1.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal
components
• 1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ports and cables
• 1.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of input devices
• 1.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of output devices
• 1.8 Explain system resources and their purposes.
 Computer organization
 All computer systems, no matter how small or large, have the same
fundamental capabilities: processing, storage, input and output.
 Input unit includes devices like keyboard and mouse, which are
used by the user to give some data to the computer. Processing
unit is where these data are processed and turned into meaningful
information.
 Processing unit also includes temporary storage (RAM) in which the
data currently being processed are stored temporarily. To show the
result of processes, to the user, output devices like monitors and
printers are used.
 The output on a monitor is usually called softcopy and the output
on a printer is usually called hardcopy. Sometimes we may want to
store our data and information permanently so that we can refer to
them again, later. For this purpose, interchangeable devices like
floppy disk drives and CD-ROM drives, or permanently installed
devices like hard disks are used as permanent storage mediums.
Computer organization
 Microprocessor architecture
• The microprocessor or a center processing unit CPU is a brain of any
normal computer whether it is a personal computer, server or a laptop.
Microprocessor within any computer might be a INTEL Pentium, AMD,
Power PC, Spark or any other brand but they all do approximately the
same thing in approximately the same way.

• CPU contains three basic components as shown in the figure below:

Arithmetic
and
Logic
Registers
Unit
(ALU)

Control Unit (CU)

• A control unit instructs the rest of the computer system on
how to follow program instructions. It directs the movement
of data to and from processor / memory. The control unit
temporarily holds data, instructions, and processed
information in its arithmetic/logic unit. In addition, it directs
control signals between the CPU and external devices such as
hard disks, main memory, I/O ports, and so on.
• The Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) performs both arithmetic and
logical operations. Arithmetic operations are fundamental
math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. Logical operations such as the AND, OR, and XOR are
used to make comparisons and decisions, and these
determine how a program is executed.
• Registers are used by a processor to temporally store data
being processed.
 Information Technology (IT)

• The design, development, implementation,

support, and management of computer
hardware and software applications
• An IT professional is knowledgeable about
computer systems and operating systems.
• This chapter will review IT certifications and
the components of a basic personal
computer system.
 IT Technician
• Has specialized skills to install, maintain, and
repair computers
• Computers include desktop, laptop, and
personal electronic devices
 IT Administrator
• Computer Hardware
– Includes the functions of the components of a personal
computer, diagnosis and repair of hardware problems,
and selection and recommendation of appropriate
hardware
• Operating Systems
– Includes installing and updating most common
operating systems and applications and using system
tools for troubleshooting and repairing operating
systems
• Local Area Network and Network Services
– Includes installing, using, and managing local area
networks, adding and removing users and shared
resources, and using system tools to repair problems
 Basic Personal Computer System
 A computer system consists of hardware and software
components.
 Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case,
storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and
printers.
 Software is the operating
system and programs.
 The operating system
instructs the computer how
to operate.
 Programs or applications
perform different functions.
Computer Cases and Power Supplies
Computer case
• Provides protection and support for internal
components
• Should be durable, easy to service, and have enough
room for expansion
Power supply
• Converts AC power from the
wall socket into DC
• Must provide enough power
for the installed components
and future additions
Computer Cases
• Contain the framework to
support and enclose
internal components of the
computer
• Typically made of plastic,
steel, and aluminum
• Available in a variety of
styles
• The size and layout of a case
is called a form factor
• Designed to keep internal
components cool
• Helps to prevent damage
from static electricity
 Case Selection
Factor Rationale
Two main case models (one for desktop PCs and the other for
Model Type tower PCs). The type of motherboard determines the type of case.
Size and shape must match exactly.
If a computer has many components, it will need more room for
Size airflow to keep the system cool.

Desktop cases allow space conservation in tight areas because the

Available Space monitor can be placed on top of the unit. The case design may limit
the number and size of the components that can be added.

Match the power rating and connection type of the power supply to
Power Supply the type of motherboard chosen.
There are many case designs to choose from if it is necessary to
Appearance have a case that is attractive.
LED indicators that are mounted on the front of the case can tell
Status Display you if the system is receiving power, when the hard drive is being
used, and when the computer is on standby or sleeping.
All cases have a vent on the power supply. Some cases have more
Vents vents to dissipate an unusual amount of heat.
 Power Supplies
• The power supply converts alternating-current
(AC) power coming from a wall outlet into direct-
current (DC) power, which is a lower voltage.
• DC power is required for all of the components
inside the computer.
• Cables, connectors, and
components are designed
to fit together snugly.
Never force any connector
or component.
 Four Basic Units of Electricity
• Voltage (V) is a measure of the force required to push
electrons through a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts. A
computer power supply usually produces several different
voltages.
• Current (I) is a measure of the amount of electrons going
through a circuit. Current is measured in amperes, or amps (A).
Computer power supplies deliver different amperages for each
output voltage.
• Power (P) is voltage multiplied by current. The measurement is
called watts (W). Computer power supplies are rated in watts.
• Resistance (R) is the opposition to the flow of current in a
circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms. Lower resistance
allows more current to flow through a circuit.
Power Supplies

CAUTION: Do not open

a power supply.
Electronic capacitors
located inside of a
power supply can
hold a charge for
extended periods of
time.
Internal Components
 Motherboards
• The main printed circuit board.
• Contains the buses, or electrical
pathways found in a computer.
Buses allow data to travel
among the various components.
• Also known as the system board,
the backplane, or the main board.
• Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat
sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip, chip set, sockets,
internal and external connectors, various ports,
and the embedded wires that interconnect the
motherboard components.
 Motherboard Form Factors
• The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size
and shape of the board.
• It also describes the physical layout of the different
components and devices on the motherboard.
• Various form factors exist for motherboards.
– AT – Advanced Technology
– ATX – Advanced Technology Extended
– Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
– Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
– LPX – Low-profile Extended
– NLX – New Low-profile Extended
– BTX – Balanced Technology Extended
 Motherboard Jumpers
• A jumper is a pair of prongs that are electrical contact points set into
the computer motherboard or an adapter card. When setting a jumper,
place a plug on the prongs that completes or closes the contact.
Closing or opening the circuits establishes logic levels to select
functions for the operation of the board. Some motherboard jumpers
are given below.
• BIOS recovery – This jumper is for recovering BIOS data from a diskette
in the event of a catastrophic failure. Leave this to the default (normal
operation) values. Check the technical product specifications for
details.
• Password clear – Use this jumper, if provided, to clear the password if
the password is forgotten. The default setting is "password enabled".
• BIOS setup access – This jumper enables or disables access to the
Setup program. The default setting is "access enabled".
• Processor voltage – This jumper , when provided, sets the output of
the onboard voltage regulator. The two choices are usually standard
voltage and Voltage Regulator Enhanced (VRE).
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Known as the brain of the computer. Also
referred to as the processor.
• Most important element of a computer system.
Executes a program, which is a sequence of
stored instructions.
• Two major CPU architectures related to
instruction sets:
– Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)
– Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• To an operating system, a single CPU with hyperthreading
appears to be two CPUs.
• The wider the processor data bus width, the more powerful
the processor. Current processors have a 32-bit or a 64-bit
processor data bus.
• Overclocking is a technique used to make a processor work
at a faster speed than its original specification.
• MMX(multimedia extension ) enabled microprocessors can
handle many common multimedia operations that are
normally handled by a separate sound or video card.
• The latest processor technology has resulted in CPU
manufacturers finding ways to incorporate more than one
CPU core onto a single chip.
– Single core CPU and Dual core CPU
 Rates & Data Transfer:
• What characterizes a computer processor is its speed or rate - how fast it
can execute instructions. As of now, speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz),
or billions of cycles a second. Some CPU rates are 2.0 GHz, 2.40 GHz, and
3.20 GHz. Because the CPU greatly determines the overall performance of
a PC, the type of processor and its speed are two of the main factors to
look for when deciding to buy a computer. But keep in mind there are
other important things, such as the amount of memory.
•
CPUs are either 32-bit or 64-bit. This means how much data that can be
processed in terms of bits. Computers data is composed of 1's and 0's (e.g.
01110010). Each individual 1 or 0 is called a bit. A 32-bit CPU can process a
max of 2^32 (2 raised to 32nd power) or about 4.3 billion bits per cycle. A
64-bit processor 2^64 or about 18,400,000,000,000,000,000 of data per
cycle. The more data a computer can handle means improved
performance. The amount of memory supported by a processor is also
determined by the number of bits. Using the same math above, a 32-bit
processor supports 2^32 or approximately 4 GB of memory.
 Cooling Systems
• Electronic components
generate heat. Too much heat
can damage components.
• A case fan makes the cooling
process more efficient.
Case Fan • A heat sink draws heat away
from the core of the CPU. A fan
CPU Fan on top of the heat sink moves
the heat away from the CPU.
• Fans are dedicated to cool the
Graphics-processing unit
(GPU).
 Read-only Memory (ROM)
 Basic instructions for booting the computer and
loading the operating system are stored in ROM.
ROM
ROM Types Description
Types
Information is written to a ROM chip when it is
ROM Read-only memory chips manufactured. A ROM chip cannot be erased or
re-written and can become obsolete.

Information is written to a PROM chip after it is

Programmable read-only
PROM manufactured. A PROM chip cannot be erased
memory or re-written.
Information is written to an EPROM chip after it
Erasable programmable is manufactured. An EPROM chip can be erased
EPROM with exposure to UV light. Special equipment is
read-only memory
required.

Information is written to an EEPROM chip after

Electrically erasable it is manufactured. EEPROM chips are also
EEPROM programmable read-only called Flash ROMs. An EEPROM chip can be
memory erased and re-written without having to remove
the chip from the computer.
Random-access Memory (RAM)
• Temporary storage for data and programs that are being
accessed by the CPU
• Volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased
when the computer is powered off
• More RAM means more capacity to hold and process large
programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.
• Types of RAM:
– Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
– Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
– Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM Memory)
– Extended Data Out RAM (EDO Memory)
– Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
– Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)
– Double Data Rate 2 SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM)
– RAMBus DRAM (RDRAM)
 Memory Modules
• Dual Inline Package (DIP) is an individual memory chip. A
DIP had dual rows of pins used to attach it to the
motherboard.
• Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) is a small circuit
board that holds several memory chips. SIMMs have 30-pin
and 72-pin configurations.
• Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) is a circuit board that
holds SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and DDR2 SDRAM chips. There
are 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 240-
pin DDR2 DIMMs.
• RAM Bus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) is a circuit board
that holds RDRAM chips. A typical RIMM has a 184-pin
configuration.
 Integrated Circuits (Chips,
Microchips)
DIP (Dual In-line
Pin)
DIMM (Dual In-line
Memory Module)
PGA (Pin-Grid
Array)
SEC (Single-Edge
Contact)
Movies at:
http://chemistry.beloit.edu/Chip/
How small is small
Photolighography
 Cache memory
Cache
• In addition to CPU speed, another important processor
feature that influences performance is the amount of cache
(pronounced cash) it has. CPU cache is memory set aside for
the most frequently used data. There's Level 1, Level 2, and
Level 3 (commonly just called L1, L2, and L3). L1 uses
extremely fast and expensive SRAM (Static RAM) and is the
smallest in size. L2 is slightly larger in size. Both L1 and L2 are
located on the processor. L3 is the largest and is usually
located outside the CPU and shared by all the cores. When
data is requested, the CPU first checks the L1 to see if it's
there. If not it checks L2 and so on. Accessing data in the
cache is far more faster and efficient than fetching it from
RAM
 Adapter Cards
Increase the functionality of a computer by adding controllers for
specific devices or by replacing malfunctioning ports.
• Examples of adapter cards:
– Sound adapter and video adapter
– USB, parallel, and serial ports
– RAID adapter and SCSI adapter
– Network Interface Card (NIC),
wireless NIC, and modem adapter
• Types of expansion slots:
– Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)
– Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA)
– Microchannel Architecture (MCA)
– Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
– Advanced Graphics Port (AGP)
– PCI-Express
 Hard Drives and Floppy Drives
• Reads or writes information to magnetic or
optical storage media
• May be fixed or removable
• The hard disk drive (HDD) is a
magnetic storage device installed
inside the computer. The storage
capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB).
 A floppy disk drive (FDD) is storage device
that uses removable 3.5 inch floppy disks
that can store 1.44 MB of data.
 Optical Drives and Flash Drives
• An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to
read data on the optical media. The two types are CD
and DVD.
• A flash drive is a removable storage device that
connects to a USB port. A flash drive uses a type
of memory that requires no power to maintain the
data.
• Some common drive interfaces:
– Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
– Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE)
– Parallel ATA (PATA)
– Serial ATA (SATA)
– Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
 Internal Cables
Data cables connect drives to the drive
controller, which is located on an adapter
card or on the motherboard.
• Floppy disk drive (FDD) data cable
• PATA (IDE) data cable
• PATA (EIDE) data cable
• SATA data cable
• SCSI data cable
Serial Ports and Cables
• A serial port can be either a
DB-9, as shown, or a DB-25
male connector.
• Serial ports transmit one bit
of data at a time.
• To connect a serial device,
such as a modem or printer, a
serial cable must be used.
• A serial cable has a maximum
length of 50 feet (15.2 m).
USB Ports and Cables
• USB is a standard interface for
connecting peripheral devices to
a computer.
• USB devices are hot-swappable.
• USB ports are found on computers,
cameras, printers, scanners,
storage devices, and many other electronic devices.
• A single USB port in a computer can support up to 127
separate devices with the use of multiple USB hubs.
• Some devices can also be powered through the USB
port, eliminating the need for an external power
source.
FireWire Ports and Cables
• FireWire is a high-speed,
hot-swappable interface.
• A single FireWire port in a computer
can support up to 63 devices.
• Some devices can also be powered
through the FireWire port, eliminating the need for an external power
source.
• The IEEE 1394a standard supports data rates up to 400 Mbps and cable
lengths up to 15 feet (4.5 m). This standard uses a 6-pin connector or a 4-
pin connector.
• The IEEE 1394b standard supports data rates in excess of 800 Mbps and
uses a 9-pin connector.
Parallel Ports and Cables

• Parallel ports can transmit

8 bits of data at one time
and use the IEEE 1284
standard.
• To connect a parallel
device, such as a printer, a
parallel cable must be
used.
• A parallel cable has a
maximum length of 15
feet (4.5 m).
 SCSI Ports and Cables
• A SCSI port can transmit data at rates in
excess of 320 Mbps and can support up
to 15 devices.
• Three different types of SCSI ports:
– DB-25 female connector
– High-density 50-pin female connector
– High-density 68-pin female connector
• NOTE: SCSI devices must be terminated at the
endpoints of the SCSI chain. Check the device
manual for termination procedures.
• CAUTION: Some SCSI connectors resemble
parallel connectors. The voltage used in the
SCSI format may damage the parallel interface.
 Network Ports and Cables
• A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port,
connects a computer to a network.
• Standard Ethernet can transmit up to 10 Mbps.
• Fast Ethernet can transmit up to 100 Mbps.
• Gigabit Ethernet can transmit up to 1000 Mbps.
• The maximum length of network cable is 328
feet (100 m).
 PS/2 Ports and Audio Ports
• A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or a
mouse to a computer.
• The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN
female connector.
 Line In connects to an external source
 Microphone In connects to a microphone
 Line Out connects to speakers or headphones
 Gameport/MIDI connects
to a joystick or
MIDI-interfaced device
Video Ports

A video port connects a monitor

cable to a computer.
 Video Graphics Array (VGA)
 Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
 High-Definition Multimedia
Interface (HDMi)
 S-Video
 Component/RGB
 Fingerprint scanner
Input Devices
Input devices used to enter data or
instructions into a computer:
• Mouse and Keyboard
• Digital camera and digital video
camera
Digital camera
• Biometric authentication device
• Touch screen
• Scanner
Monitors and Projectors
The most important difference between
these monitor types is the technology
used to create an image:
• Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor is the
most common monitor type. Most
televisions also use this technology.
• Liquid crystal display (LCD) is commonly
used in laptops and some projectors.
LCD comes in two forms, active matrix
and passive matrix.
• Digital light processing (DLP) is another
technology used in projectors.
 Other Output Devices
• Printers, Scanners, and Fax Machines -
Printers are output devices that create
hard copies of computer files. Other
all-in-one type printers are designed to
provide multiple services such as
printing, fax, and copier functions.
• Speakers and headphones are output
devices for audio signals.
– Most computers have audio support
either integrated into the motherboard
or on an adapter card.
– Audio support includes ports that allow
Headphones
input and output of audio signals.
Speakers
 System Resources
System resources are used for communication
purposes between the CPU and other
components in a computer.
There are three common system resources:
• Interrupt Requests (IRQs)
• Input/Output (I/O) Port Addresses
• Direct Memory Access (DMA)
Interrupt Requests (IRQs)
• IRQs are used by computer
components to request information
from the CPU.
• When the CPU receives an interrupt
request, the CPU determines how to
fulfill this request.
• The priority of the request is
determined by the IRQ number
assigned to that computer component.
• Today, most IRQ numbers are assigned
automatically with plug and play (PnP)
operating systems and the
implementation of PCI slots, USB ports,
and FireWire ports.
Input/Output (I/O) Port Addresses
• Used to communicate between
devices and software.
• Used to send and receive data for a
component.
• As with IRQs, each component will
have a unique I/O port assigned.
• There are 65,535 I/O ports in a
computer.
• They are referenced by a
hexadecimal address in the range of
0000h to FFFFh.
Direct Memory Access (DMA)
• DMA channels are used by high-
speed devices to communicate
directly with main memory.
• These channels allow the device to
bypass interaction with the CPU and
directly store and retrieve
information from memory.
• Only certain devices can be assigned
a DMA channel, such as SCSI host
adapters and sound cards.
• Newer computers have eight DMA
channels that are numbered 0 to 7.
 Chapter 1 Summary
• This chapter introduced the IT industry, options
for training and employment, and some of the
industry-standard certifications.
• This chapter also covered
the components that
comprise a personal
computer system.
Questions and Answers