1. Computing Fundamentals Module Lesson 3 — Maintaining and Protecting Hardware Computer Literacy BASICS

2. 2 Objectives Explain how to evaluate computer hardware to purchase components or upgrades. Identify and describe how input and output devices are connected to the computer. Describe the routine maintenance tasks necessary to keep your computer in good working condition.

3. Computer Literacy BASICS 3 Objectives (cont.) Explain how to use troubleshooting techniques to solve computer-related problems. Understand how to protect the computer system from damage. Identify factors that can damage storage media and learn how to safeguard stored data.

4. Computer Literacy BASICS 4 Vocabulary Firewall Hackers Modem Parallel ports Plug and play Serial ports Surge protectors Troubleshooting Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Universal serial bus (USB) Virus

5. Computer Literacy BASICS 5 Evaluating Hardware Components and Upgrades Make a list of the tasks you want to accomplish with a new system or upgrade. Check company policies or standards. Make sure the software you want to use for applications is compatible with the computer’s operating system. Consider the expected useful life of the components.

6. Computer Literacy BASICS 6 Comparing CPUs Different types of computers use different central processing unit (CPU) chips. The speed of the CPU depends on the system clock, but one 800-MHz computer system may run faster than another of the same speed because they are designed differently. The amount of RAM available also affects the processing speed.

7. Computer Literacy BASICS 7 Comparing Computer Models The tasks you want to perform with a computer and the environment in which you will use it will guide you in deciding what kind of computer you need. Consider the peripherals and storage devices you will need when comparing available systems.

8. Computer Literacy BASICS 8 Upgrading Computer Hardware You can add more RAM to make a processor run faster. Expansion cards with 128K to 512K or more additional RAM are available on expansion cards that fit easily into the computer’s motherboard. Hardware peripherals, such as a new keyboard, mouse, or printer, are even easier to install with an installation wizard.

9. Computer Literacy BASICS 9 “Bundled” Software Sometimes the software that comes with a new computer system is fully operable and can be registered and used for the life of the computer. Other software may be offered on a trial basis, and you must pay a fee to continue to use the program after a certain date.

10. Computer Literacy BASICS 10 Warranties and Technical Support Most electronic equipment has a limited warranty that ensures defective components will be repaired or replaced during that time. Manufacturers and retailers offer extended warranties at additional cost. Read the terms of a warranty to make sure it is a good value. Register new equipment so that the manufacturer’s warranty will be in effect.

11. Computer Literacy BASICS 11 Connecting Devices to the Computer Input and output devices must be connected to the printer before they can be used. There are two ways to connect I/O devices to the computer: – Plug the device into an existing socket or port on the back of the computer. – Install a circuit board with the port you need already included.

12. Computer Literacy BASICS 12 Typical PC Port Arrangement

13. Computer Literacy BASICS 13 Serial and Parallel Ports Serial ports transmit data one bit at a time and are used to connect a mouse, modem, and keyboard. Parallel ports transmit data eight bits at a time and are used for printers and external storage devices.

14. Computer Literacy BASICS 14 Special Ports PS/2: Often used to connect a mouse or keyboard USB: A newer standard that can be used to replace serial and parallel ports and can handle up to 127 devices SCSI: Allows many devices to use a single port MIDI: Used to connect recording devices PC card: Can be connected to add memory or storage capacity

15. Computer Literacy BASICS 15 Cables Different types of cables are required to connect different devices: Power cords Computer-to-peripheral connections Telephone line or cable modem connections A printer cable

16. Computer Literacy BASICS 16 Plug and Play Most hardware components available today are called plug and play because they install so simply. The computer’s operating system recognizes the new device when it is plugged in and takes care of all configuring tasks. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the type of new hardware, and then the computer takes care of changing all settings and making it ready to use.

17. Computer Literacy BASICS 17 Routine Maintenance Make regular visual inspections of the computer system to look for problems. Keep the computer components clean. Perform routine “internal” maintenance by running utility programs that clean up the hard disk drive by removing unneeded files and defragmenting the drive.

18. Computer Literacy BASICS 18 Troubleshooting Steps 1. Recognize the problem. 2.Replicate the problem by reproducing the steps that cause the problem consistently. 3.Attempt basic solutions to correct the problem, such as restarting the hardware or checking cable connections. 4.Look for available help and advice in manuals, or access a technical support Web site or telephone number.

19. Computer Literacy BASICS 19 Troubleshooting Steps (cont.) 5.Communicate the problem accurately to the support technician. 6.Follow the instructions the technician gives you carefully. 7.Confirm that the problem has been fixed. 8.Avoid similar problems in the future.

20. Computer Literacy BASICS 20 Accessing Technical Support When trouble- shooting a computer problem, you can find advice on a technical support Web site provided by the hardware or software manu- facturer.

21. Computer Literacy BASICS 21 Protecting Hardware Keeping hardware safe involves protecting it from power surges and electrical failures, theft, and environmental damage. An uninterruptible power source prevents damage and data loss during a power failure. Surge protectors can protect against power spikes that can destroy components. Using security measures and good sense protect computer hardware from theft or damage.

22. Computer Literacy BASICS 22 Protecting Data Saving active files frequently is the best way to protect against data loss. Backup procedures create files that can be used to restore data if the primary storage system becomes inaccessible. Viruses are programs written to corrupt data. Backup files and antivirus software help avoid data loss from viruses. Firewalls, a combination of software and hardware elements, prevent unauthorized access to a computer on a network (including the Internet).

23. Computer Literacy BASICS 23 Caring for Storage Media Keep disks away from magnetic and electrical fields, such as those contained in televisions and monitors. Avoid extreme temperatures. Never touch the surface of the media itself. Hold optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, at the edges. Remove media from drives and store them properly when not in use. Never remove a disk from a drive when the drive indicator light is on. Keep disks in a sturdy case when transporting.

24. Computer Literacy BASICS 24 Summary Decisions about what kind of computer to buy should be based on what you want a computer to do. The kind of software you want to run should also help you decide what kind of computer to buy. It is important to register new equipment to activate the warranty and technical support.

25. Computer Literacy BASICS 25 Summary (cont.) Input and output devices are connected to the computer through serial and parallel ports. The Universal Serial Bus is a newer standard that is beginning to replace serial and parallel ports. There are several types of ports: USB, SCSI, MIDI, parallel, and serial.

26. Computer Literacy BASICS 26 Summary (cont.) Cables connect peripherals to the computer. Many hardware devices today are designed to be plug and play, so the operating system recognizes the new hardware and configures the system for it to work correctly.

27. Computer Literacy BASICS 27 Summary (cont.) A regular visual inspection of your computer system can help you find loose cables and other potential problems before they affect how the computer runs. Keeping your computer system clean is another way to avoid serious problems.

28. Computer Literacy BASICS 28 Summary (cont.) Troubleshooting involves analyzing problems to correct faults in the system. Power outages and power surges can both damage hardware and corrupt data, so it is important to protect your computer system from fluctuations in the power supply.

29. Computer Literacy BASICS 29 Summary (cont.) Protect your computer from theft, viruses, and hackers by taking basic security precautions. To maintain a permanent copy of data, you must store it on some type of storage medium. These may include floppy diskettes, hard drives, CDs, magnetic tape cartridges, and WORM disks.

30. Quick Quiz 1.Which of the following is not a reason to upgrade computer hardware? A. to increase RAM B. to add the ability to scan art and text C. to run shareware D. to increase data storage capacity Computer Literacy BASICS 30

31. Answer: C to run shareware Computer Literacy BASICS 31

32. 2.Which of the following ports transmit data one bit at a time? A. parallel ports B. serial ports C. MIDI ports D. SCSI ports Computer Literacy BASICS 32

33. Answer: B serial ports Computer Literacy BASICS 33

34. 3.True or False? A regular visual inspection of computer equipment is the easiest routine maintenance you can perform. Computer Literacy BASICS 34

35. Answer: True Computer Literacy BASICS 35

36. 4.The first step in the troubleshooting process is to _______________. A. avoid similar problems in the future B. recognize the problem C. replicate the problem D. communicate the problem to a support technician Computer Literacy BASICS 36

37. Answer: B recognize the problem Computer Literacy BASICS 37

38. 5.What device can protect your computer and data from electrical blackouts? Computer Literacy BASICS 38

39. Answer: uninterruptible power source (UPS) Computer Literacy BASICS 39

40. Discussion Question #1 What kinds of hardware upgrades would you like to make to the computer system you use at home or school? Why do you think these upgrades are important, and how will they help improve the quality and speed of your work? Computer Literacy BASICS 40

41. Discussion Question #2 Why don’t all computer peripherals connect using the same kinds of cables and ports? Computer Literacy BASICS 41

42. Discussion Question #3 Warnings about new types of computer viruses are often reported on the news or via an e-mail alert. What are some ways you can protect your computer from viruses? Do you think technical fixes, such as antivirus software, or personal caution when using the computer is the best way to avoid problems with viruses? Computer Literacy BASICS 42