Installing computer systems and networks

Plan and prepare for installation

Information Sheet No 1.1-1Safety 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 acommon task.It isa general knowledge in our workplace.Inmostcases, onemustbetrained toapplysafetyprocedures 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 theirpersonnel duringand afterwork 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 Takeoutunnecessaryitemsanddispose S-seiton/Systematize Arrangenecessaryitemsingoodorderforuse S-seiso/Sweep Cleanyourworkplace S-seiketsu/Sanitize Maintainhighstandardofhousekeeping S-Shitsuke/Self-discipline Dothingsspontaneouslywithoutbeingtold

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS1. Remove power from the circuit orequipment 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 tightlyclosed metal containers.7. In case of an electrical fire, de energize the circuit and report it immediately to the appropriate authority.

HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS1. 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 PRECAUTIONS1. 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 getaccess 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 EMIElectrostatic discharge(ESD), harsh climates, and poor-quality 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 electricityis 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.

ESDcan 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. Useantistatic wrist strapswhen 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.

EMIdoes 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 networksare affected byradio frequency interference (RFI).RFIis 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 TypesVoltageis the force that moves electrons through a circuit. The movement of electrons is calledcurrent. 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 calledpower 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 one-billionth of a second.

Power Protection Devices To help shield against power fluctuation problems, usepower protection devicesto 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 1.1-2Basic 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 datatransfer 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 receivesdata 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/MWrite 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-Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor CPU -Central Processing Unit CRT-Cathode Ray Tube DMA -Direct Memory Access DTE-Data Terminal Equipment DDR-Double Data Rate DIMM -Dual Inline Memory Module DLL -Dynamic Link Library DNS -Domain Name System DOS -Disk Operating System DRAM-Dynamic Random Access Memory DSL-Digital Subscriber Line DVD-Digital Versatile Disc EDO-Enhanced Data Output EPROM -Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory FAT -File Allocation Table FRAM -Ferro-Magnetic RAM FDD -Floppy Disk Drive FSB -Front Side Bus FTP -File Transfer Protocol GIF -Graphics Interchange Format GPRS -General Packet Radio Service GSM -Global System for Mobile Communication GUI -Graphical User Interface HDD -Hard Disk Drive HTML -Hypertext Markup Language HTTP -Hypertext Transport Protocol IC -Integrated Circuit IBM-International Business Machines ICT -Information and Communication Technology IDE-Integrated Drive Electronics I/O -Input/ Output IP -Internet Protocol IRQ -Interrupt Request IT -Information Technology ISA -Industry Standard Architecture JFET -Junction Field Effect Transistor JPEG -Joint Photographic Experts Group LAN-Local Area Networking LED -Light Emitting Diode LBA -Logical Block Addressing LSB -Least Significant Bit MAN-Metropolitan Area Network MB -Megabyte MHz -Megahertz MIDI -Musical Instrument Digital Interface MPEG -Motion Pictures Experts Group MODEM -Modulator Demodulator MPU -Microprocessor Unit NTFS -New Technology File System OCR-Optical Character Recognition OS -Operating System PATA -Parallel ATA PC -Personal Computer PCB -Printed Circuit Board PCI -Peripheral Component Interconnect PIC-Programmable Interval Controller PPI -Programmable Peripheral Interface PDF -Portable Document Format PNG-Portable Network Graphics PnP -Plug-and-Play PS/2- Personal System/2 RAID- Redundant Array of Independent Disks RAM-Random Access Memory RMW -Read/Modify/Write R/W -Read/Write ROM -Read Only Memory RGB-Red Greed Blue SATA -Serial ATA SCSI -Small Computer System Interface SDRAM -Synchronous Dynamic RAM SRAM-Static RAM SVGA -Super Video Graphics Array SMART -Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology SSRAM -Synchronous Static RAM TCP/IP -Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol URL -Uniform Resource Locator USB-Universal Serial Bus VGA -Video Graphics Array/Adapter VIRUS -Vital Information Resource Under Seize WAN -Wide Area Network WAP -Wireless Application Protocol Wi-Fi -Wireless Fidelity WLAN -Wireless Local Area Network www -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 dot-matrix printer, inkjet printer and laser printer.

Speakers Audio output devices used to deliver voice, 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 Totaldrive 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 low-profile 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. 1.1-3Structure of operating systems

Systems in the Computer System

1. Process Management 2. Main Memory Management3. File Management4. I/O System Management5. Secondary Management6. Networking7. Protection System8. 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.

These are examples of various system calls.

How An Operating System Is Put Together

A SIMPLE STRUCTURE:Example of MS-DOS.

A LAYERED STRUCTURE:

Example of Windows 2000

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.

Example of MS-DOS on top of Windows XP

Information Sheet No. 1.1-4

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

Information Sheet No. 1.2-1Basic computer configuration set up

You have anew computerand 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 ahow-to guidein the packaging that includesstep-by-step details. However, even if it didn't include instructions you can still set up the computer in afew 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 themonitorandcomputer casefrom the box. Remove any plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and computer case where you want on a desk or work area.

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 iswell ventilatedand that has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.

Step 2

Locate themonitor cable. There are several types of monitor cables, so the one on your computer may not look like the one in the image at the left. If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the instruction manual for your computer. (If you have anall-in-onecomputer that's built into the monitor, you can skip toStep 4).

Step 3

Connect one end of the cable to themonitor porton the back of thecomputer caseand the other end to themonitor. Hand tighten the plastic-covered screws on the monitor cable to secure it.Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit, don't force it or you 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 ourConnecting Cablesinteractive.

Step 4

Unpack thekeyboardand determine whether it uses aUSB(rectangular) connector or aPS/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 thepurplekeyboard port on the back of the computer.

Step 5

Unpack themouseand determine whether it uses aUSB(rectangular) connector or aPS/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 thegreenmouse port on the back of the computer.

If your keyboard has aUSB port, you can connect your mouse to the keyboard instead of connecting it directly to your computer.

If you have awirelessmouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a Bluetoothdongle(USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers have built-in Bluetooth, so a dongle may not be necessary.

Step 6

If you haveexternal speakersorheadphones, you can connect them to your computer'saudio port(either on the front or the back of the computer case). Many computers have color-coded ports.

Speakersor headphonesconnect to thegreenport, and amicrophoneconnects to thepinkport. Theblueport is theline in, which can be used with other types of devices.

Some speakers, headphones, and microphones haveUSB 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 twopower supply cablesthat came with your computer. Plug the first power supply cable into the back of thecomputer case, and then into asurge protector. Then, using the other cable, connect themonitorto thesurge protector.

Step 8

Finally, plug thesurge protectorinto a wall outlet. You may also need to turn on thesurge protectorif it has a power switch.If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this isnot recommendedbecause 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 canimprove your productivityandpromote health.

Challenge!

If you have a desktop computer that is already set up at home, take a look at it. Look at themonitor cable, and see where it connects to the computer case and monitor. Locate thepower cordsfor the monitor and computer case. Locate theaudio ports. Does your computer have aVGAmonitor port, or another kind? Do you have aUSBorPS/2mouse? Do you have aUSBorPS/2keyboard? Is your computer plugged into asurge 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)Deletekey.Esckey.F1key.F2key.F3andF2key.F10key.Ctrl+Alt+Esckey.Ctrl+Alt+Skey.How to change the boot sequence.3. Press[F2]key until you see the BIOS Setup Utility screen, then go to theBoot Optiontab then change theBoot sequencetoCD-ROM driveas 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 HelpExit System Setup and save your changes to CMOS.NOTE: Press[ F10 ]key toSave all the CMOS changes and Exitthe BIOS / CMOS Setup Utility.Keyword: set computer boot sequence, change boot sequence, boot cd, boot from cdrom, boot sequence, boot from installation media, boot from cd, boot from cd rom, set boot sequence, bios setting, cmos setting, change cmos 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.

Information Sheet No. 1.2-2Systems 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.

Information Sheet No. 1.2-3Identifying 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 ourcleaning page.

MCI CD audio driver not installed or is corruptIf 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. ClickStart, Settings,Control Panel2. Double-click on Multimedia3. 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 panel8. 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 acomputer that has a slow boot uporslow Internet.Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that can help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.RebootIf your computer has not been rebooted recently, make sure torebootit 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 anyTSRs and startup programsthat 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, openTask Manager. If you are runningWindows 7or higher, runResmonto 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 WindowsDisk Cleanuputility 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 theStart menuand 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 spaceVerify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for theswap fileto increase in size, as well as room fortemporary 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'shard drive. Run Defragto help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order. Use other software tools totest the hard drive for any errorsby looking at theSMARTof the drive.

Scan for malwareToday,spywareand othermalwareis 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 ofMalwarebytesto scan your computer for malware.

Scan for virusesIf your computer is infected with one or moreviruses, this can cause your computer to run slow. If your computer does not have an antivirus program installed, you can run Trend Micro's freeHousecallonline 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 theDevice 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 thelatest 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 trydisabling browser plug-insto see if one of them is causing the slowness.

Update your driversMake sure you have thelatest drivers for your computer hardware, especially thelatest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues, including slow performance.

Reboot computer againIf you have done any of the above steps but your computer is still acting slow try rebooting the computer again at this point.

Memory upgradeIf 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)for32-bitsystem and 2GB for a64-bitsystem. 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 thehard 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 aSolid 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 eitherreinstall 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 badhard drive,CPU,RAM,motherboard, or other component.You can run hardware diagnostic tests using theUltimate 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 settingsFirst, verify you see a small sound iconorin theWindows 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 81. Open theControl Panel2. 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 drop-down 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 71. Open theControl Panel2. 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 drop-down 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 XP1. Open theControl Panel2. Open the "Sounds and Audio Devices" icon.3. Verify the "Place volume icon in the taskbar"checkboxis checked. If this option is not available or is grayed out, skip to thenext sectionof 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 ourDevice 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 andpress the delete keyto 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 thelatest sound driversfrom your sound card manufacturer.Other devices sectionIf 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 anon-boardsound card, you can verify that it is enabled in theCMOS 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 Managertab within Device Manager, and ensure there are no yellow!or redX.

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 ourDevice Manager error code sectionfor additional information on the error code you are experiencing.

Verify speaker connections

Verify the speaker settings and speakers are not at fault by running throughcomputer 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 oursound 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 youcontact the manufacturerof 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 areadable picture that gets distorted when Windows opens.

1. Monitor is not on

Make sure the monitor is on. If you do not see a powerLED(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 theconnections 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 isasleep. 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'sVGA cableto 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 aDVIorHDMIcable 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 workingwall 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 thebrightnessandcontrastare 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 NoPOST. Run through thePOST troubleshooting stepsto 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 badvideo cardor 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 themotherboardin 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 indicatorFirst, make sure that the printer is on. When a printer is on it should have some light orLED(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 theprinter manufacturerfor 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 cableorUSBcable) 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 yourprinter 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 users1. ClickStart, Settings, and openControl 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 Pagebutton.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) printersIf the printer you're connecting to the computer is anLPT(parallel port) printer we also suggest verifying the below suggestions if your printer is not working.

Parallel port in CMOS1. Enter the computers CMOS setup.2. Once in CMOS verify that your parallel port isenabledorinstalled.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 deviceIf 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 ourlaptop touchpad not workingpage.

A. Computer frozen

1. Using the Num Lock key

Make sure the computer is notfrozenby pressing theNum Lockkey on the keyboard. When Num Lock is pressed repeatedly, theNum Lock indicator LEDon 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 computerto 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 theCtrl+Alt+Delkeys at the same time. This action should bring up a blue Windows options screen (you may leave this menu by pressing theEsckey). If you are not taken to the blue screen within a few seconds, your computer is frozen.Reboot your machineto resolve this issue.

B. Mouse conflict

If any newhardwarehas 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 aUSBmouse, disconnect the mouse cable and then reconnect to a different USB port. If the mouse is connected to aUSB hub, unplug the mouse cable and the connect it to a USB port on the back of the computer.

2. PS/2 mouseIf you are using a mouse with aPS/2connection, 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 theWindows key, and then using thearrow keysto move to the shut down option on theStart Menu.

3. Wireless mouse1. 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 intoWindows Safe Mode. If the mouse is working in Safe Mode, there is likely adriveror 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 theDeletekey on the keyboard.

If the mouse still does not work in Normal Windows, follow thebasic troubleshooting stepsfor 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 ourdriver listpage 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 PortIf 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, themotherboardis potentially bad and would need to be replaced.

2. Bad MouseIf 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 notposting(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 properlyVerify 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 thepower cordto make sure the cable is not loose.If you have apower 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 thecablesupplying power to your computer is not bad or damaged by using another power cable. If you have a standardCRT 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 defectivepower supplythat 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 abatteryfor 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 troubleshootingBecause 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 inDevice Managerand 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 connectionsWired NetworkIf this is a wired network, verify that the network cable is properly connected and make sure theLEDsnext to the network jack are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with asolidgreen 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 theRJ-45port. 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 ahub,switch, orrouterverify 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 NetworkIf 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 Wi-Fihotspotby right-clicking on the Network icon in theWindows notification areaand 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 properSSID(password) in order to connect to the network. If the incorrect SSID has been entered you cannot access the network.Adapter functionalityVerify that the network card is capable of pinging itself by using theping command. Windows users can ping the computer from aWindows command line. Unix and Linux users can ping from theshell.To ping the card or the localhost, type eitherping 127.0.0.1orping localhostDoing 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 routerIf all of the above steps have been checked and your network has arouter, make sure the computer can connect to the router by performing the below commands.Determine the routers addressUsing theipconfig command(orifconfig commandfor 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 typeipconfigand 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. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.103Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1The 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 192.168.1.1If you get replies back from the router, the connection between your router and computer are good, and you canskip 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 yourrouterandcable modemorDSL 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.FirewallIf your computer network utilizes afirewall, make sure all requiredportsrequired are open, especially port 80, which is theHTTPport. 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 workingIf you're able to ping the router, but are still unable to connect to the Internet, either your router is improperly configured or theISPis having issues.Note:Some ISPs such asComcastrequire 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 yourrouterandcable modemorDSL 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 lineand run the below command.

ping google.comRunning 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 theInternet browseryou are using to browse the Internet. Try an alternative browser such asFirefoxorChrome.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 hasDHCPenabled and that theWANorGatewayaddress 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 troubleshootingAnother method of determining network issues is to use thetracert commandif you are a Windows user or thetraceroute commandif 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.comortraceroute google.comIf 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.

Information Sheet No. 1.2-4Troubleshooting 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 FileDynamic-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 s