Computer Hardware, Peripherals, and Troubleshooting Computer Basics Standard 1: Objective 1 Computer Hardware, Peripherals, and Troubleshooting

Types of Computers

Which of these is a computer? Types of Computers Computer: an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. Which of these is a computer?

Answer: ALL OF THEM. Types of Computers There are five categories of computers: Supercomputers Mainframes Minicomputers Microcomputers Mobile Computers

Minicomputers & Microcomputers Microcomputer – Smaller computers designed for one user, meant for every-day uses. Types of Microcomputers vary widely. Desktops Game Consoles

Mobile Computers Mobile Computers – Computers that are small and mobile, and meant to be carried around and taken from place to place.

Computer Components

Purpose of a Computer Input Storage Process Output Computer Ultimately, a computer does only four things. Input data Store data Process the data Output the data Computer Input Storage Process Output

Parts of a Computer System Unit: Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard.) Cases can come in many different and even unusual shapes! CPU – Central Processing Unit - where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the "brain" of the computer. Motherboard – What everything else connects to. A circuit board that lets other components communicate.

Parts of a Computer Power Supply – Powers all other components of the machine. It usually plugs into the motherboard to power the other parts. Either an internal battery (laptop) or a plug outlet. RAM – Temporary memory. You can buy RAM sticks to make your computer faster but you are limited in how many will fit.

Parts of a Computer Hard Disk/Solid State Drive – Permanent storage. Can crash easily as it has moving parts. Now being replaced by solid state drives, which are far less likely to crash but are expensive. Video Card – The more high-end your video card, the more intense graphics you can use. If you play a lot of video games, you need a good video cards. They can cost between $100 and $2000! What’s Inside?

Which of these are for Input vs. Output? Peripheral Devices Peripheral Devices: A computer device that is not part of the essential computer, but is connected to the CPU by cables. Keyboard Mouse Graphic Tablets Touchscreens Barcode readers Image Scanners Microphones Webcams Game controllers Light pens Digital Cameras Printers Speakers Projectors Computer Speakers Which of these are for Input vs. Output?

Troubleshooting

Common Problems – Power Cords Check all cords going into the wall and into the monitor and the system unit to ensure that everything is plugged in correctly. There are three main cords The AC Power Cords – Connects your monitor to the wall. There is a second AC Power Cord that connects your system unit to the wall. The VGA Cord runs between your monitor and your system unit HDMI cord could also be used for the same purpose. Check your computer right now and see if you can identify all three cords. Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common problems – Power Button TURN IT ON. It’s amazing how many people just don’t think to turn on the computer! Remember that your monitor and your system unit both have their OWN power buttons. If the computer isn’t turned on but you turn on and off you monitor button, nothing will happen! Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common Problems – Computer is slow Cleaning the hard disk of unwanted files C Drive Properties Disk Cleanup Tools – Errors, defragment, backup Defragment Drive Install a Firewall Anti-virus and anti-spyware software What is the difference between a virus and spyware? Schedule regular registry scans Hard drive is too full External hard drives Danger of drives Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common problems – Control Alt Delete Often called “the three finger salute” First line of defense! If your computer is frozen up or something isn’t running—do CTRL+ALT+DELETE! Interrupts or facilitates interrupting a function. Task manager Check if a program is not responding and end the task Check your CPU Usage level Close programs quickly Sometimes it just jump starts the computer and gets it unfrozen. Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common problems – Restart Second line of defense—RESTART! If something weird happens and you can’t figure it out, restarting your computer can often solve the problem. Don’t ask for help until you have at least tried this! If your computer is all frozen up or slow and you cannot restart through the windows menu, you can also use another method: Hold in the on button for about ten seconds, until it turns off. Then turn it on again. Don’t use this method unless you have tried other options first If you use this method, you will likely be prompted to open in “safe mode,” which is a diagnostic mode designed to fix problems with an operating system. Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common Problems – Update Drivers If certain devices aren’t working well—like your printer or your sound card—you may want to update your drivers Go to you device manager (control panel) to find out what exact device you have, then go find it’s drivers online. Drivers are in the software that comes with your new device. If your device is older, the drivers may need to be updated. Often if your printer or sound card or whatever won’t work, checking for updated drivers is a good idea. Just download the drivers from the manufacturers website. Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common Problems - Overheating If a computer case lacks a sufficient cooling system, then the computer’s components may start to generate excess heat during operation. Turn it off and let it rest Check the fan to make sure it’s working properly Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1

Common problems – Reinstall Device If a device isn’t working (keyboard, printer, scanner, etc.) you can re-install it. If you don’t want to troubleshoot the actual problem, re-installing can be a good option Go to the device manager and delete the device. When the computer restarts, the hardware you deleted will be detected and reinstalled If you can’t find the device, uninstall and then reinstall the software that came with the device. Megan Rees ERMS 12/13 Part 1