A+ Certification Guide

Chapter 1

Technician Essentials and PC Anatomy

Chapter 1 Objectives

The Essential Parts of Any Computer:

– The vital components of a PC—an overview Hardware, Software, and Firmware:

– Explain how hardware, software, and firmware interact, and define the major types of software and utility programs.

Points of Failure:

– Learn about possible issues that could cause the computer to fail—for example, overheating, hard drive failure, or loose adapter cards.

The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process PC Tools:

– Demonstrate how to assemble/disassemble the computer safely. Resources to prepare for the exam:

– Websites and exam resources.

Essential Parts of a Computer

Storage devices Motherboards Power supplies Processors/CPUs Memory Display devices Input, multimedia, and biometric devices Adapter cards Ports and cables Cooling systems

Front Side of PC

What Are All Those Connections and Lights For?

Motherboard Components

Figure 1-4

01fig04

Illustration: Please add callouts as indicated and initial-cap Proprietary.

Example: A Laptop PC Side View

Figure 1-5

01fig05Illustration: Please add callouts as indicated remove hyphen and space for DVD multioptical drive.

Example: A Laptop PC side view

Points of Failure Overheating:

– Failure of the fans in the power supply or those attached to the processor, northbridge chip, or video card can cause overheating.

Loose peripheral card:– A loose add-on card might not be detected by plug-and-play or might

have intermittent failures after installation.

Inability to start the computer:– Loose processor/memory module can prevent the computer from

starting.

Drive failures:– Improperly connected power or data cables, or improperly configured

jumper blocks, will not work properly.

Front panel failures:– Cables connecting the case switch, reset switch, and status lights.

Battery failure BIOS chip failure

Hardware, Software, and Firmware

Hardware:– Components that can generally be touched or seen.– Often a source of failure:

• Loose connections• Physical damage• Electrical damage (electrostatic, voltage spikes/surges)• Incompatibility of devices with other devices

Software:– Drivers used to control the hardware– Applications used to generate user data– Protocols to transmit data over the network– Internal/external commands to control the system

The CompTIA Six-Step Troubleshooting Process

Step Description

Step 1 Identify the problem.

Step 2 Establish a theory of probable cause. (Question the obvious.)

Step 3 Test the theory to determine the cause.

Step 4 Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.

Step 5 Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventative measures.

Step 6 Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

Tools: Working Inside the PC

Opening the Case: Different manufacturers have different case access mechanisms. Protect your system against electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Common Tasks: Connecting internal and external data cables.

– Recheck periodically; can work loose over time. Installing a PCI card (for example, video or sound card). Replacing the power supply. Replacing the hard drive. Replacing the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM. Upgrading memory. Installing a USB support.

Illustration: This is a pick up of Figure 1-1 from "CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide“ 2e (ISBN: 978-0-7897-4790-7).

Figure 1-7

01fig07

Basic Tools for Assembly/Disassembly of Computers

Figure 1-8Illustration: This is a pick up of Figure 2-6 from "CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Cert Guide“ 2e (ISBN: 978-0-7897-4790-7).

System and Testing Tools

Multimeter: AC/DC voltage Ohms Amperage

Power Supply Tester: Can save a motherboard from being ruined by a bad power

supply

Loopback plugs: Serial, network, and USB port testing

Network Testing Tools

Cable tester Punch-down tool Loopback plugs Toner probes Wire strippers Crimper

What Have You Learned?

Name four common hardware failures. How does the CPU receive data? What device has the IRQ with the highest priority? Why is it important to use ESD precaution? What is a resource conflict? How is software different from firmware?

Exercise

Activity 2.2: The motherboard and CPU.

Chapter 1Summary

Essential Parts of a Computer:– Motherboards, CPUs, video cards, and how to identify them.

Hardware, Software, and Firmware Points of Failure:

– Issues that could cause the computer to fail—for example, overheating, hard drive failure, or loose adapter cards.

Six-Step CompTIA Troubleshooting Process Working Inside Your PC:

– How to assemble/disassemble the computer safely.

Next Lesson: Chapter 2