1. Upgrading Your PC: Flash Memory and Gathering User Information
Computer Maintenance
Upgrading Your PC: Flash Memory and Gathering User Information
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Trade & Industrial Education

2. Course Objectives Define flash memory
Demonstrate how to upgrade/update flash memory
Define information from the user
Convey understanding of how to gather information from the user
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3. Computer Maintenance Flash Memory Solid-state and rewriteable
Uses low voltage and retains data even when the device is off
Used in many portable devices and functions like a combination of RAM (random access memory) and a hard drive
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4. Flash Memory Benefits of flash memory
Durable: No moving or mechanical parts
Low Power Consumption: Saves battery usage, generates less heat, and components run cooler
Size: Its small footprint and large capacity allows it to be used in a diverse range of ways
Devices Include
Cell phones, PDAs, laptops,
desktops, cameras, printers,
audio recorders, TVs, thumb
drives, etc.
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5. Flash Memory Most notable benefit of flash memory Speed
Since there are no moving parts, the retrieval, transfer, and write speeds for data are much faster.
Flash memory in use as a hard drive is often referred to as an SSD (solid-state drive).
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6. Computer Maintenance: Flash Memory
Traditional Hard Disk Drive
Flash-Based
Solid-State Hard Drive
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7. Flash Memory Updating or Upgrading flash memory and storage
Firmware or software update: Computers that already have a flash based hard drive can be updated with newer “drivers” for increased functionality and performance.
Hardware upgrade: To upgrade a computer containing a traditional hard drive, you should open the case, remove the old hard drive, and connect and install the new drive. It should be formatted and loaded with the operating system and all drivers for the hardware that exists on the computer.
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8. Flash Memory Steps for software updates:
Determine the type and model of your SSD.
Go online to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest software update to your computer.
Double click the icon to initiate installation and follow the prompts.
When you’ve finished the installation, delete the icon.
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9. Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware
There are different hard-drive connections to the motherboard of your computer: IDA and SATA.
The SATA connection has a faster transfer rate, and the cable is smaller than an IDE cable. When purchasing a new hard drive, you need to know what type of connection is supported on the motherboard.
IDE Cable
SATA Cable
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10. Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware (cont.)
There should be an informational label on the hard drive detailing the hard-drive size and manufacturer.
If you are upgrading to a larger hard drive, you will want to know the capacity of the old drive. You will also want to back up the data from the old hard drive prior to removing it.
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11. Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware (cont.)
Once you’ve installed the new hard drive, shut the computer down and disconnect the power.
Make sure that you are grounded (that your body does not carry any static electricity) and then disconnect the power cable and open the case.
Unscrew, unplug, and remove the hard drive.
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12. Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware (cont.)
Mount the new hard drive the same way you removed the old hard drive.
Firmly plug the cables into the new hard drive.
Close the computer and plug the power cable back in.
Note: This image is an SATA connection
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13. Flash Memory Upgrading the hardware (cont.)
Turn the computer ON. The POST screen should flash new hard drive information.
At this point, you should reinstall the operating system on the new hard drive along with all of the appropriate drivers for the hardware.
Finally, you can restore previously backed-up software and data.
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14. Flash Memory Things to consider when upgrading flash memory
The different speeds of flash memory
Flash memory comes in different speeds that allow for faster read or write speeds.
Higher speeds give more performance but also cost more.
The capacities of flash memory
Consider how much storage space you currently use and how much you foresee yourself needing.
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15. Flash Memory Things to consider when upgrading flash memory (cont.)
The manufacturer
Make sure that the manufacturer is well known.
Flash SSD hard drives are still relatively new; lesser-known, inexpensive companies may have poor records for reliability and component failures where data can be lost from a drive.
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16. Flash Memory The future of flash memory
Computer manufacturers are making computers harder to upgrade by making them smaller, lighter, and more integrated.
Components such as flash memory are beginning to be soldered to the motherboard of the computer.
As technology evolves and components become integrated, some new computers will not be upgradable at all.
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17. Computer Maintenance User information
Information provided by the user about the computer for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes
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18. Gathering Information from the User
Ask general questions first
Have the user explain what the problem is.
Ask specific questions
What type of computer is having the issue?
When does the computer have issues?
All the time
Part of the time
When does it occur? (during certain programs, after rebooting, etc.)
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19. Gathering Information from the User
How long has the issue existed?
Find out if the problem has remained the same or gotten worse as time has progressed.
Software questions
Is the software up to date?
Does the computer have security software or an anti-virus program installed? If so, are the definition files current?
Does rebooting the computer make any difference?
What programs are open when the issue arises?
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20. Gathering Information from the User
Hardware questions
Does the computer make unusual sounds?
What types of sounds (grinding, squeaking, loud, soft)
Is the computer set up correctly?
Did the computer always have this issue?
Has it been relocated recently?
Does it have proper ventilation?
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21. Gathering Information from the User
Obtain system specifications
What specific components are installed?
Computer OS (operating system), processor, graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
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22. Gathering Information from the User
Obtaining information from the user helps
Diagnose the problem correctly
Determine if the issue is software or hardware related
Identify the specifications of the user’s computer
This is the first step in troubleshooting!
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23. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.