1 Computer Maintenance Upgrading Your PC: Flash Memory and Gathering User Information Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved

1

Computer Maintenance

Upgrading Your PC: Flash Memory and Gathering User Information

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.

Course Objectives

Define flash memory Demonstrate how to upgrade/update flash

memory Define information from the user Convey understanding of how to gather

information from the user

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 2

Computer Maintenance

Flash Memory Solid-state and rewriteable Uses low voltage and retains data even when the

device is off Used in many portable devices and functions like

a combination of RAM (random access memory) and a hard drive


Flash Memory Benefits of flash memory

Durable: No moving or mechanical parts Low Power Consumption: Saves battery usage,

generates less heat, and components run cooler Size: Its small footprint and large capacity allows

it to be used in a diverse range of ways Devices Include

Cell phones, PDAs, laptops,

desktops, cameras, printers,

audio recorders, TVs, thumb

drives, etc.


Flash Memory

Most notable benefit of flash memory Speed

Since there are no moving parts, the retrieval, transfer, and write speeds for data are much faster.

Flash memory in use as a hard drive is often referred to as an SSD (solid-state drive).


Computer Maintenance: Flash Memory


Traditional Hard Disk

Drive

Flash-BasedSolid-State Hard Drive

Flash Memory Updating or Upgrading flash memory

and storage Firmware or software update: Computers that already

have a flash based hard drive can be updated with newer “drivers” for increased functionality and performance.

Hardware upgrade: To upgrade a computer containing a traditional hard drive, you should open the case, remove the old hard drive, and connect and install the new drive. It should be formatted and loaded with the operating system and all drivers for the hardware that exists on the computer.


Flash Memory Steps for software updates:

Determine the type and model of your SSD. Go online to the manufacturer’s website and

download the latest software update to your computer.

Double click the icon to initiate installation and follow the prompts.

When you’ve finished the installation, delete the icon.

8Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.

Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware

There are different hard-drive connections to the motherboard of your computer: IDA and SATA.

The SATA connection has a faster transfer rate, and the cable is smaller than an IDE cable. When purchasing a new hard drive, you need to know what type of connection is supported on the motherboard.

9

IDE Cable SATA Cable


Flash Memory


Upgrading the hardware (cont.) There should be an informational label on the hard drive detailing the hard-drive size and

manufacturer. If you are upgrading to a larger hard drive, you will want to know the capacity of the old drive.

You will also want to back up the data from the old hard drive prior to removing it.

Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware (cont.)

Once you’ve installed the new hard drive, shut the computer down and disconnect the power.

Make sure that you are grounded (that your body does not carry any static electricity) and then disconnect the power cable and open the case.

Unscrew, unplug, and remove the hard drive.

11Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.


Mount the new hard drive the same way you removed the old hard drive.

Firmly plug the cables into the new hard drive. Close the computer and plug the power cable

back in.

12

Note: This image is an SATA connection



Turn the computer ON. The POST screen should flash new hard drive information.

At this point, you should reinstall the operating system on the new hard drive along with all of the appropriate drivers for the hardware.

Finally, you can restore previously backed-up software and data.


Flash Memory Things to consider when upgrading flash

memory The different speeds of flash memory

Flash memory comes in different speeds that allow for faster read or write speeds.

Higher speeds give more performance but also cost more. The capacities of flash memory

Consider how much storage space you currently use and how much you foresee yourself needing.


Things to consider when upgrading flash memory (cont.) The manufacturer

Make sure that the manufacturer is well known. Flash SSD hard drives are still relatively new; lesser-

known, inexpensive companies may have poor records for reliability and component failures where data can be lost from a drive.


Flash Memory

Flash Memory The future of flash memory

Computer manufacturers are making computers harder to upgrade by making them smaller, lighter, and more integrated.

Components such as flash memory are beginning to be soldered to the motherboard of the computer.

As technology evolves and components become integrated, some new computers will not be upgradable at all.


Computer Maintenance User information

Information provided by the user about the computer for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes


Gathering Information from the User

Ask general questions first Have the user explain what the problem is.

Ask specific questions What type of computer is having the issue? When does the computer have issues?

All the time Part of the time

When does it occur? (during certain programs, after rebooting, etc.)


How long has the issue existed? Find out if the problem has remained the same or gotten

worse as time has progressed.

Software questions Is the software up to date? Does the computer have security software or an anti-

virus program installed? If so, are the definition files current?

Does rebooting the computer make any difference? What programs are open when the issue arises?

19



Hardware questions Does the computer make unusual sounds?

What types of sounds (grinding, squeaking, loud, soft) Is the computer set up correctly?

Did the computer always have this issue? Has it been relocated recently? Does it have proper ventilation?

20



Obtain system specifications What specific components are installed?

Computer OS (operating system), processor, graphics

card, memory, hard drive, etc.

21



Obtaining information from the user helps Diagnose the problem correctly Determine if the issue is software or hardware

related Identify the specifications of the user’s computer

This is the first step in troubleshooting!



Independent or Group WorkGroups: Get into your groups. Practice uninstalling and reinstalling a flash-based hard drive.

Individual Gather information from a friend or family member about a problem

he or she has or has had with his or her computer in the last 6 months

Have the individual sign off on your report Extra credit: Write up a diagnosis and repair plan for the computer


Exam Preparation An exam will be given over the material in the

presentation. Make sure to review your class notes and

these slides. Questions will be multiple choice and

true/false.


Documents

1 Computer Maintenance Upgrading Your PC: Flash Memory and Gathering User Information Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved