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

2. Types of Computers

3. 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?

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

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

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

7. Computer Components

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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?

12. 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?

13. Troubleshooting

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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