A complete

computer system
consists of four
parts
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Users
4. Data
The physical devices that make
up the computer are called
hardware
A computers hardware consists
of interconnected electronic
devices
Computer hardware illustration
Next slide

Introduction
to
Computer
Hardware
Basics

Tape Drive Mass Data Backup
5 1/4 and 3 1/2Floppy Removable
Media
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM CDRW/DVD-R
Hard Drive Light
On means working
Blinking means busy
Power Light
On/Green
Amber/Standby
USB Ports
For Media readers/Cameras/Scanners
Build in Media readers (CF, SD cards)
Air Vents
A
B
C
D
E
F
CPU
PCI Slots
RAM
Hard Disc
Power
Two major venders
X2, X3, X4, Dual
Core, Quad Core ?
Older Computers P4s DDR
Current Computers DDR2
New Computers (2009-2010) DDR3
Internal & External
Runs the Computer OS
Great for storage
ATI & Nvidia
DVI (Digital Visual Interface )
VGA
HDMI
VS.
VS.
CRT = Faster refresh rate, better viewing angle, better
brightness/contrast, more resolutions, cheaper (Heavy, Bulky,
use more power, radiation)
LCD = Lighter, Use less power, Digital Input (poor viewing angle,
Fixed resolution, more $$$) 16x9 ratio or 16x10 ratio ------ (19
Minimum)
LCD TV = Bigger screen, cheaper than normal LCD of same size,
Wide Screen, Digital input, Save more space (lower resolution
for computing)
Impact Printers (dot-matrix)
Inkjet (all in one function - Scan, Copy,
Print)
Photo quality
Prints photos 4x6 to 8x10
Cheap Printer, expensive ink (new
printer every time)
Refilling kits from 3
rd
party / Local Stores
Laser
Mostly Black/White
Overall best value for text printing
USB Cable to hook up to Computer
Networked is better if you have 2 or more
computers
Use Ink Refill stations
Touchpad = Mouse
Left Click / Right
Click
Left Click / Right Click
Windows XP, Windows Vista
Plug in the new the Keyboard, Mice (wired
or wireless)
Turn on the Computer
Wait for Windows to Boot
Wait for Windows to Install Drivers (1-2
minutes)
Start using the Keyboard & Mice
Recognize the main
components and
understand their
basic function.
Understand that there
are different types of
components.
Get familiar with how
the components are
installed.
Understand common
hardware problems.
Protect yourself
Power off
One hand rule
Dont open a
monitor
Protect the
equipment
Power off
Grounding strap
Motherboard overview
Hard drive/CD/DVD
NIC/expansion cards
Memory

Put It Back Together

Be able to use basic operating system
utilities to monitor system functions and
identify software related problems.
Be able to install a desktop operating
system and perform basic configuration
functions.
Be able to obtain and install software
updates and patches.
Whats the first step in
troubleshooting?

Isolate the
problem
Document
Application
Operating system
Try opening a backup copy
Try opening on another machine
Try opening with a different version of the
program
Try another document
Uninstall any new items
Apply vendor updates
Try a different application
Check disk drive space
Use scan disk and defrag for maintenance
Try a Windows troubleshooting wizard
Apply vendor updates
Install Windows
Work with drivers as required
Find Windows update
Download and install Adobe Acrobat
Uninstall Adobe Acrobat


Be able to properly
connect a printer.
Be able to install
print driver software.
Be able to access and
understand the
windows tools used
for print
troubleshooting.
Be able to perform
basic troubleshooting
of network printing.
Install a new printer
Get correct cable and driver
Troubleshoot printing
Start at printer and use process of
elimination.
Network printing
Things to look for

Identify and solve
basic networking
problems.
Differentiate between
problems with a
single machine and
the entire network.
Identify the reasons
for common internet
error messages.
Find and use
windows utilities
helpful in identifying
network problems.
Internet Problems
Bad URL
Server down
Missing or old plug-in
Network Problems
Cable
Software/client
Server