Computer Hardware and Printing Process Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the charge of the drum after writing/exposing the areas intended for the image?

  • 0 volts
  • Positive charge
  • -600 volts
  • -100 volts (correct)

During the developing step, what is the primary purpose of the developer roller?

  • To clean the drum
  • To charge the paper
  • To attract toner to the drum (correct)
  • To fuse toner to the paper

What happens during the transferring step of the EP/Laser Print Process?

  • The drum is reset and prepared for the next print.
  • The toner is attracted from the drum onto the paper by a positive charge. (correct)
  • The toner is heated and permanently bonded to the paper.
  • The toner particles are dissolved in ink.

Which component is responsible for bonding the toner to the paper during the fusing stage?

<p>Fusing rollers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cleaning blade in the EP/Laser Print Process?

<p>To remove excess toner from the drum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Micro-ATX motherboard form factor?

<p>Reduced width compared to ATX (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes Mini-ITX motherboards?

<p>They are designed for use in Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the intended improvements of the BTX/Micro-BTX form factor over ATX?

<p>Increased airflow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the motherboard installation process?

<p>Install the CPU directly onto the chassis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a hard disk drive in a computer system?

<p>Storing data, applications, and operating systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Micro-ATX form factor?

<p>Fully backwards compatible with regular ATX (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the Mini-ITX form factor?

<p>Limited space for only one expansion slot (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the BTX/Micro-BTX motherboard form factor become less popular?

<p>It was not widely adopted for general use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an audio adapter in a computer?

<p>To transform digital sound data into analog audio (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component in sound cards controls how sounds are encoded and decoded?

<p>DSP (Digital Signal Processor) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of audio file is characterized as being highly compressed and may result in loss of quality?

<p>MP3 files (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In modern desktop systems, how is an upgrade to a discrete sound card typically performed?

<p>By installing a PCI or PCI Express sound card (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of MIDI files?

<p>They contain simulated instrumental sounds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of all audio adapters?

<p>Encoding video data for playback (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is often required to upgrade the audio capabilities of a laptop?

<p>Using ExpressCard or USB audio adapters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hardware component boosts signals for microphones and speakers in sound cards?

<p>Onboard amplifier (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes U.2 from standard 2.5" SATA drives?

<p>U.2 drives are thicker and used in servers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes NVMe and its operation?

<p>NVMe operates over the PCIe bus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of extra display adapters?

<p>They convert various signal types. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT significantly affect the quality of an LCD unit?

<p>Type of backlight used (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during a cold boot?

<p>The entire boot process is completed from scratch. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of portable computers compared to desktops?

<p>They are less upgradeable and often proprietary. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of POST during the boot process?

<p>To check hardware configuration and report failures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do liquid crystals in an LCD unit operate?

<p>By altering their orientation based on electrical charges. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do laptop processors compare to desktop processors?

<p>Some laptop processors use BGA sockets limiting upgrades. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the hard drive form factor used in portable computers from desktops?

<p>Portable computers use a 2½ inch form factor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a warm boot be initiated?

<p>Using Alt-Ctrl-Del key combination. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advantage of LCD technology?

<p>They have a small footprint and use very little power. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage associated with LCD monitors?

<p>They may have defective pixels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the boot process follows the initialization of the CPU?

<p>The BIOS bootstrap loader is started. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common upgrade for laptop users?

<p>Upgrading the hard drive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of shadowing in the boot process?

<p>To load BIOS programs into main memory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor limits the rotational speeds of optical drives in some portable computers?

<p>Vibration and heat issues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of LCDs defines their native resolution?

<p>The resolution at which they operate best. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do prices of memory for portable computers compare to those for desktop computers?

<p>Memory prices for both have become comparable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method do advanced LCDs use to improve visibility?

<p>Incorporating a backlight behind the screen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the system choose a boot device?

<p>During the final stage of the boot process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signals that the power supply has successfully generated voltage during the boot process?

<p>The power good signal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following input types is NOT typically associated with LCDs?

<p>USB (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during a warm boot compared to a cold boot?

<p>POST is not fully executed during a warm boot. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of RAID 1 in terms of data protection?

<p>It provides fault tolerance by mirroring data on multiple drives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In RAID 3, what is the main purpose of the dedicated parity drive?

<p>To enable quick data recovery in case of a drive failure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does RAID 4 have in comparison to RAID 5?

<p>RAID 4 does not use rotating parity across the drives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes RAID 6 from RAID 5?

<p>RAID 6 can withstand the failure of up to two drives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable disadvantage of RAID 3 compared to RAID 5?

<p>RAID 3 does not allow for parity information to be distributed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does rotational delay refer to in the context of hard drives?

<p>The time it takes for the right sector to align under the read-write head. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do modern computer systems determine hard drive geometry?

<p>Through querying the drive directly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of the 28-bit addressing used in older BIOS systems?

<p>It limits the drive capacity to 137 GB. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major hard drive interface?

<p>USB (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of a landing zone in hard drives?

<p>To provide a safe area for the read-write heads when not in use. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of manufacturers calculating hard disk capacities using the 1000 division method?

<p>The actual usable capacity appears higher than it really is. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of Logical Block Addressing (LBA) used by modern hard drives?

<p>Each sector is given a unique identifier to simplify access. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the write precompensation cylinder in hard drives?

<p>To adjust the sensitivity of heads for smaller inner sector sizes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of applying thermal compound when attaching a heatsink to a processor?

<p>To ensure efficient heat transfer between the CPU and heatsink (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the cooling of modern CPUs is true?

<p>Case fans play a crucial role in removing heat from the system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key risk associated with overclocking a CPU?

<p>Increased likelihood of CPU failure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can make a CPU more favorable for overclocking?

<p>The ability to adjust the multiplier value (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do motherboard fan connectors play in temperature management?

<p>They adjust fan speeds based on temperature readings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component primarily contributes to the increased risk of overheating when overclocking a CPU?

<p>Higher core voltage settings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cooling solution became necessary as CPUs began to operate at higher speeds?

<p>Fan-based active cooling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What important function do case fans perform in a computer system?

<p>They help circulate air within the case to lower ambient temperature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Intel's 'SpeedStep' setting in mobile processors?

<p>To allow the CPU to adjust speed for optimal performance based on the workload (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common issue that can cause problems in portable computers?

<p>Inadequate ventilation in the device (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do optical discs differ from hard drives in terms of data organization?

<p>Optical discs utilize a single continuous spiraling track for data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of Constant Linear Velocity (CLV) in optical drives?

<p>The motor consistently adjusts the disc's spin rate while maintaining a constant data speed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When troubleshooting a notebook, what is the first component that should be checked if problems occur only in DC mode?

<p>The battery's health and performance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of a laser within an optical drive?

<p>It reads data by reflecting off a layer on the bottom side of the disc (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of relying on integrated devices within portable computers?

<p>Higher likelihood of requiring more frequent driver updates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for connecting external optical drives?

<p>USB (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during a warm boot that does not happen during a cold boot?

<p>The system uses previous settings and states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of the graphics processing unit (GPU) in a video adapter?

<p>Controlling the quality of images outputted to the display (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step follows the initialization of the CPU during the boot process?

<p>The system ROM BIOS bootstrap loader is started. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action taken when the boot process begins?

<p>The power supply generates the necessary voltages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT pertain to the specifications of a video card?

<p>Internet connectivity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the boot process, what happens if the BIOS encounters hardware issues?

<p>The BIOS issues beep codes indicating the problem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of video card typically provides better graphics performance?

<p>Discrete video cards (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the action of shadowing in the BIOS loading process?

<p>Loading data into volatile memory to speed up access. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should documentation of troubleshooting findings be formatted?

<p>Professionally and specifically without personal bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of performing a thorough 'fit and finish' check in troubleshooting?

<p>To ensure all physical aspects of the system are optimal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What selection process occurs when determining which boot device to use?

<p>It follows a specific order defined in the BIOS settings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following manufacturers is known for producing integrated graphics solutions?

<p>Intel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a sudden power interruption affect the system during a boot process?

<p>It may corrupt data and require a full boot restart. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically defines the evolution rate of video cards?

<p>Market demand and technological advances (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the CMOS in the boot process?

<p>It maintains configuration data for hardware detection and boot order. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should one document troubleshooting findings to maximize future use?

<p>With detailed symptoms, theories, and the solution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a line conditioner?

<p>To stabilize power supply during brownouts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to replace a surge suppressor if its indicator lights show devices are unprotected?

<p>It poses a risk of hardware damage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a UPS over a SPS?

<p>It provides continuous power without delay during outages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a backup power supply allow in case of a blackout?

<p>Saving data and safe system shutdown. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major downside does an SPS have compared to a true UPS?

<p>It can switch to battery power too slowly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of a UPS's software?

<p>Configures the system's response to outages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hardware failure in computer systems?

<p>Excessive heat generation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices ensures that connected systems are protected against power outages?

<p>UPS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when deciding on a video card due to the rapid advancement in video card technology?

<p>Get the current version at the time of purchase rather than the best. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which video card connector is known for handling both analog and digital video signals?

<p>DVI (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key recommendation when unloading an old video card before installing a new one?

<p>Enter safe mode and uninstall the video driver. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT important for ensuring a video card operates efficiently after installation?

<p>Having the newest drivers from any source. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of connection does the HDMI interface provide?

<p>Digital video and digital audio connection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might some video cards require additional power connectors from the power supply?

<p>The PCIe slot cannot provide sufficient power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for maximizing the performance of today's video cards?

<p>Ensuring proper cooling and ventilation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the PCIe 8-pin and 6-pin power connectors?

<p>To supply additional power to high-demand video cards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which USB version is known for having a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps?

<p>USB 2.0 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of FireWire compared to USB?

<p>FireWire devices can daisy-chain without a computer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is typically associated with USB 3.0 connectors?

<p>Blue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Thunderbolt is incorrect?

<p>Thunderbolt was developed solely for Apple devices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which USB standard supports the fastest data transfer rate?

<p>USB 4.0 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of USB compared to FireWire?

<p>USB devices must be connected to a host computer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the evolution of USB?

<p>USB 3.0 provided the highest transfer rate of USB standards. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using enterprise class SATA drives over typical SATA drives in servers?

<p>Enterprise class SATA drives are designed for more intensive use. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color are the 'sleep-and-charge' USB ports typically associated with?

<p>Red or Yellow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature makes SAS backward compatible with SATA?

<p>The basic architecture of SAS allows it to support SATA devices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do redundant power supplies provide in server hardware?

<p>They allow for continued operation during a power supply failure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the CompTIA Troubleshooting Procedure?

<p>Identify the problem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are KVM switches used in server management?

<p>To allow multiple servers to share one keyboard, video, and mouse. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of how hard drives are typically arranged in servers for maintenance?

<p>They are located in bays at the front of the case for easy replacement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of establishing a theory of probable cause?

<p>Identifying recent software updates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the transfer rate of SAS compare to that of typical SATA drives?

<p>SAS has a higher transfer rate than SATA, supporting up to 22.5 Gb/s. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken during the 'Test the theory' step?

<p>Roll back suspect driver (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the popularity of physical servers today is accurate?

<p>The usage of cloud services has reduced the prevalence of physical servers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After implementing a solution, what is the next crucial step in the troubleshooting process?

<p>Verify functionality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does a typical SAS controller card offer besides connecting devices?

<p>It is usually capable of RAID functionality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should NOT be done before making system changes?

<p>Notify the IT department of the issue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'action plan' in the troubleshooting process entail?

<p>Replacing or reinstalling components (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if you suspect a hardware component is causing the problem?

<p>Swap it with a known working component (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a system is not functioning correctly during troubleshooting?

<p>The presence of beep codes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during a warm boot that differs from a cold boot?

<p>The system uses menu options or commands for resetting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the boot process involves checking hardware configuration and may produce beep codes for errors?

<p>BIOS checks hardware configuration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the power good signal indicate during the boot process?

<p>The power supply is stable and operational. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if power is interrupted during the boot process?

<p>All functions of the computer are interrupted. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step directly follows the initialization and reset of the CPU in the boot process?

<p>The BIOS bootstrap loader is started. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the boot process, what are the ROMs of devices like network adapters and DVD drives started after?

<p>Video ROM initialization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which key combination is commonly used to initiate a warm boot?

<p>Ctrl-Alt-Delete (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Motherboard Form Factors

Different sizes and layouts of motherboards for computers, with various features and compatibility.

ATX Motherboard

Standard size motherboard form factor, often used in larger computer cases.

Micro-ATX Motherboard

Smaller version of ATX board, suitable for smaller computer cases, backwards compatible with ATX.

Mini-ITX Motherboard

Smallest motherboard form factor, ideal for small-form-factor (SFF) PCs and HTPC (Home Theater PC) systems.

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Main storage device for computer data, including files, applications, and operating systems.

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Motherboard Installation

Installing the motherboard in the computer case, including standoffs, I/O shield, and various connectors.

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BTX Motherboard

A discontinued motherboard form factor that had improvements in airflow and power supply designs.

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Motherboard Connectors

Various connectors on the motherboard, including front panel, header, and power connectors.

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U.2 Drives

A type of solid-state drive (SSD) that is thicker than a standard 2.5" SATA SSD, often used in servers and high-end workstations.

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PCIe Drives

Solid state drives that use a PCIe expansion slot instead of a standard connection like SATA. They are not NVMe.

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NVMe

Non-Volatile Memory Express. A storage interface that operates over the PCIe bus, offering faster data transfer speeds than SATA.

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SATA

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. A standard interface for connecting storage devices (like hard drives and SSDs) to a computer.

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Laptop/Notebook Upgradeability

Portability components often have a less open architecture and fewer upgrade options than desktop components due to specific component designs.

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Portable Processor Size

Processors in laptops are smaller than desktop processors, but often use the same internal designs.

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Laptop Hard Drive Form Factor

2.5 inches. Used instead of the 3.5-inch form factor commonly found in desktop computers.

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Portable Computer Memory

Portable computer memory is becoming less proprietary, making prices comparable to desktop memory.

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Laser Exposure in Printing

The laser beam selectively exposes areas of the drum, creating a weaker charge (around -100 volts) in those areas.

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Toner Attraction

The toner, attracted to the areas of the drum with the strongest positive charge, adheres to the image in the printing process.

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Transferring Toner

Applying a positive charge to the paper; the toner (a powder) is then drawn onto the paper from the drum.

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Fusing Toner

Melts and bonds toner to the paper using heat and pressure for permanent adhesion.

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Drum Cleaning

Removes remaining toner from the drum and neutralizes any leftover electric charges to prepare it for the next print.

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Audio Adapter

A computer component that allows input and output of sound, transforming digital sound data to analog.

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Sound Card (Audio Adapter)

A dedicated card (often built-in) to handle sound processing within a computer.

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DSP (Digital Signal Processor)

A chip inside a sound card that manages the encoding and decoding of sound.

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DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)

A component that converts digital sound signals to analog signals for output.

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ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)

A component that converts analog sound signals to digital sound data for input.

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Lossless Audio Files

Sound files that keep all the original sound quality, without any loss of information.

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Lossy Audio Files

Sound files that reduce file size by discarding some sound information.

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MIDI Files

Files that store musical instructions, not the actual sounds.

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Cold Boot

A cold boot happens when a computer is turned on from a completely off state, or when power is restored after a complete shutdown.

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Warm Boot

A warm boot occurs when a computer is already running and is reset using software commands or key combinations, without fully powering down.

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POST

Power-On Self Test (POST) is a diagnostic process run by the BIOS during the boot process to check the computer's hardware components before loading the operating system.

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BIOS

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a firmware program stored on a chip on the motherboard. It is responsible for booting the computer and controlling basic hardware operations during the startup process.

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Boot Record

A boot record is a small data block stored on a boot device (usually a hard drive) that contains instructions for loading the operating system.

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CMOS

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) is a special type of memory chip that stores the computer's system configuration settings, including boot order, time, and date.

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Expansion Bus

An expansion bus is a set of electronic pathways on the motherboard that allows you to connect and use additional hardware components (like video cards, sound cards, etc.)

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Plug and Play

Plug and Play (PnP) is a technology that allows the computer to automatically detect and configure newly installed devices without manual intervention.

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Display Adapter Conversion

Some display adapters can convert between analog and digital signals, or different digital signals, allowing various devices to connect to displays.

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LCD Quality Factors

The quality of an LCD display depends on its size, resolution, contrast ratio (static & dynamic), response time, and input type (VGA/DVI/HDMI/DP).

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LCD Basics: Polarization

LCDs utilize two sheets of polarized glass with liquid crystals in between. These crystals align based on electrical charges, affecting light passage.

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LCD Backlit System

More advanced LCDs use a backlight (usually fluorescent or LED) behind the screen to illuminate the pixels, improving visibility in low light.

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LCD Size Advantage

LCD displays are thin, light, and have a small footprint, making them ideal for various devices.

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LCD Power Consumption

LCDs consume very little power compared to older display technologies, making them energy-efficient.

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LCD Advantages

LCDs offer several advantages, including thin size, low power consumption, full viewing area, no radiation, and minimal flicker.

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LCD Disadvantages

LCDs can have defective pixels, might not perform well with analog VGA connections, and have a specific resolution they function best at.

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Rotational Delay

The time it takes for the desired sector on a hard drive to rotate under the read/write head.

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Access Time

The total time it takes for a hard drive to locate and read or write data. Includes seek time and rotational delay.

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Transfer Rate

The speed at which data is transferred from the hard drive to the system after it has been accessed.

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LBA Addressing

A method used by modern hard drives to address each sector on the drive with a unique identifier (sector number).

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Write Precompensation Cylinder

A cylinder on a hard drive where the drive starts increasing head sensitivity to read smaller sectors on the inside of the disk.

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Landing Zone

An unused cylinder on a hard drive where the heads can be parked when not in use.

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RAID 0

A RAID level that stripes data across multiple drives without any redundancy, providing increased speed but no fault tolerance. It is not considered a true RAID level because it lacks data protection.

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RAID 1

A RAID level that provides fault tolerance by creating an exact mirror of data on two or more drives. If one drive fails, the other can take over seamlessly.

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RAID 3

A RAID level that uses dedicated parity drive to protect data. It stripes data across multiple drives, and the parity drive stores error-checking information to recover lost data in case of a drive failure.

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RAID 4

A RAID level that is similar to RAID 3 but with larger data stripes. It uses a dedicated parity drive for data recovery, but it is less commonly used due to performance limitations in certain scenarios.

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RAID 5

A RAID level that stripes data across multiple drives and rotates parity information across the drives. It offers good balance between performance, redundancy, and cost efficiency, making it the most common RAID configuration.

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Optical Drive

A device that uses a laser to read and write data on optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

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SATA Drive

A type of hard drive interface that connects internal optical drives to the motherboard.

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Optical Disc Data Organization

The data on an optical disc is stored on a single continuous track that spirals outward from the center.

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CLV (Constant Linear Velocity)

A method where the optical drive changes the disc rotation speed to keep the data transfer rate constant.

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CAV (Constant Angular Velocity)

A method where the disc spins at a constant speed, resulting in varying data transfer rates.

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Pit and Land on a Disc

Pits are indentations on the disc surface, while lands are the flat areas in between. The laser reflects differently from these areas, representing data.

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Laser Reflection

Light reflected from pits is scattered, while light reflected from lands is returned to the detector in the drive.

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What is a Cold Boot?

A cold boot starts a computer from a completely off state. This includes turning the power on after a full shutdown or when power is restored after an outage.

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What is a Warm Boot?

A warm boot restarts a running computer without fully powering it down. It's done using menu options, commands, or key combinations within the operating system.

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What is POST?

Power-On Self Test (POST) is a diagnostic process run by the BIOS during startup. It checks the computer's hardware for any errors before loading the operating system.

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What does the BIOS do?

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is firmware that manages basic hardware operations during startup. It's stored on a chip in the motherboard.

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What is a Boot Record?

A boot record is a small data block on the boot device (usually the hard drive) that contains instructions for loading the operating system.

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What is CMOS?

Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) is a memory chip that stores the computer's system settings, like boot order, date, and time.

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What is an Expansion Bus?

An expansion bus is a set of pathways on the motherboard that allows you to connect additional hardware components.

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What is Plug and Play?

Plug and Play (PnP) allows the computer to automatically detect and configure new hardware without manual intervention.

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Thermal Monitoring

Motherboards often include built-in sensors to track component temperatures, helping to prevent overheating and maintain stable performance. Some motherboards allow for customization of cooling fan speeds based on temperature readings.

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Passive Cooling

This type of cooling relies on natural heat dissipation through materials like metal heatsinks, which draw heat away from components. It's often adequate for older, less powerful processors.

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Active Cooling

This involves using fans to actively move air over heatsinks, accelerating the cooling process. It's essential for modern, high-performance components that generate a lot of heat.

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Thermal Compound

A paste-like substance applied between a processor and its heatsink to ensure efficient heat transfer. It fills in microscopic air gaps, improving the thermal contact for greater cooling.

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Case Fans

Fans mounted within the computer case to circulate air and move heat away from components. These fans help maintain a consistent temperature within the system.

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Overclocking

Pushing a processor to operate at a higher speed than its default settings. This can improve performance but generates more heat and can potentially damage the CPU.

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Overclocking Perils

While overclocking can boost performance, it's not guaranteed and can lead to instability, reduced hardware lifespan, and even component failure.

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CPU Voltage

The amount of electrical power supplied to the processor. Increasing voltage can boost performance but also generates more heat.

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Video Card's Role

The video card controls the visual output quality of your display by regulating the resolution, number of colors displayed, refresh rate and how quickly 3D graphics are created.

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Discrete vs. Integrated Video

Discrete video cards are separate, add-on components that usually connect via a PCIe slot for higher performance. Integrated video is built into the motherboard or CPU for basic display needs.

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GPU's Importance

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is the main component within a video card, determining its quality, compatibility and abilities. It handles the rendering of images.

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Common Video Card Manufacturers

Some well-known video card companies include NVIDIA, AMD (formerly ATI), and Intel (usually offering integrated solutions).

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Troubleshooting Steps

When troubleshooting a computer problem, it is essential to try to recreate the situation that caused the problem, ask the user to attempt the action that failed, and ensure all components are in perfect working order.

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Documentation Importance

Thorough documentation is crucial for troubleshooting. Record all symptoms, theories, and solutions in a professional manner to avoid repeating the same mistakes and ensure a smooth resolution.

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Video Cards & Evolution

Video cards rapidly advance in terms of technology, so it's important to stay updated with the latest models and their capabilities.

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Fit & Finish Check

After resolving an issue, ensure the computer is in excellent working condition and all components are properly installed and functioning correctly.

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What causes most hardware failure?

Heat is the primary culprit behind most hardware failures.

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What is a brownout?

A brownout is an under voltage situation caused by interference and noise on power lines, resulting in instability and shutdowns.

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What is a line conditioner?

A line conditioner combats brownouts by cleaning and stabilizing power.

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Why are backup power supplies important?

Backup power supplies protect against blackouts by providing a battery backup, allowing data to be saved and the system to shutdown safely.

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What is a UPS?

A UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) is an online device that constantly powers your system with its battery and keeps it charged.

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What is an SPS?

An SPS (Standby Power Supply) is an offline device that only switches to battery power when it detects a power drop. It's often cheaper but less reliable than a UPS.

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Why is cooling important for PC components?

Heat is the enemy of PC components. Cooling systems like fans and heatsinks help manage heat and prevent failure.

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What is overclocking?

Overclocking pushes a processor to run faster than its designed speed, potentially improving performance but also generating more heat.

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What are enterprise class SATA drives?

Enterprise class SATA drives are designed for heavy workloads and are considered more reliable than standard SATA drives, making them suitable for server environments.

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What is a KVM switch?

A KVM switch allows a single keyboard, video monitor, and mouse to control multiple servers simultaneously, simplifying management.

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Why are redundant power supplies important?

Redundant power supplies provide backup power in case one fails, ensuring the server remains operational and prevents data loss.

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What is a headless server?

A headless server doesn't have a connected monitor, making it ideal for remote management and server rooms without displays.

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What is the trend with physical servers?

As cloud computing services grow in popularity, the demand for physical servers is decreasing, with companies opting for cloud solutions.

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Cloud Service Benefits

Using cloud services can significantly reduce the need for server maintenance tasks like regular updates and backups, as cloud providers often handle these responsibilities.

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Troubleshooting Step 1: Identify the Problem

The first step in troubleshooting is accurately identifying the problem. This involves examining all symptoms, such as error messages, abnormal behavior, and any unusual sounds or smells.

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Troubleshooting Step 2: Theory of Probable Cause

After identifying the problem, formulate a theory about the likely cause. This involves examining the system for clues, such as loose connections, damaged components, or unusual sounds.

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Troubleshooting Step 3: Test the Theory

Test your theory by making changes or using diagnostic tools to determine if the suspected cause is truly the problem. This could involve rolling back drivers, swapping components, or running specific diagnostic checks.

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Troubleshooting Step 4: Action Plan and Solution

Based on your tested theory, create a plan for fixing the problem. This might involve replacing components, reinstalling software, reconfiguring settings, or updating drivers.

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Troubleshooting Step 5: Verify Functionality

After implementing the solution, thoroughly verify that the system is functioning correctly. Check that all components are working properly and that any temporary changes have been reversed.

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Heat as the Enemy

Heat is a primary cause of hardware failures in computers. High heat can damage components and shorten their lifespan.

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Documentation in Troubleshooting

Thorough documentation is crucial during troubleshooting. Maintain a detailed record of symptoms, theories, and solutions to prevent repeating mistakes, provide context for future issues, and ensure efficient problem resolution.

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What are Video Card Connectors used for?

Video Card Connectors are ports that allow you to connect your monitor to your video card, providing the necessary video signal for display.

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DVI Connector

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a common video connector, often used with LCD monitors, capable of transmitting both analog and digital video signals.

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HDMI Connector

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a simplified video connector that transmits digital video and audio signals, also using digital DVI capabilities.

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VGA Connector

VGA (Video Graphics Array) is an older connector used with CRT monitors and some LCD monitors, transmitting analog video signals. It might also be labeled "RGB."

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DisplayPort Connector

DisplayPort is a digital interface similar to HDMI, offering very fast data transfer for high resolution displays and the ability to carry digital audio.

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PCIe Power Connectors

These 6-pin or 8-pin connectors provide additional power to high-performance video cards, as the regular PCIe slot alone cannot supply enough power.

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Video Card Drivers

Drivers are software programs that allow your computer's operating system to communicate with your video card, ensuring it functions correctly and performs optimally.

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Optimizing Video Card Performance

To optimize performance, ensure the latest drivers are installed, Direct X software is up-to-date, and proper cooling is maintained to prevent overheating.

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USB Connector Types

Different USB connectors exist: Type A, B, Mini-B, Micro-B, and C. Each has unique size and application, e.g., Type A is common on computers, while Micro-B is often used for mobile devices.

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USB Speeds

USB standards have several speeds: USB 1.1 (Full Speed), USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed), USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed), and USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed+). Each offers different data transfer rates.

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FireWire (IEEE 1394)

A bus technology developed by Apple intended as a USB alternative. Initially designed for external storage devices and digital cameras. It has two versions: FireWire 400 and FireWire 800.

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Thunderbolt

A high-speed external PC expansion technology developed by Intel. It's known for its high data transfer rates and ability to connect multiple devices.

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FireWire vs. USB

Both are hot-pluggable and plug-and-play compatible. USB has wider device support, is royalty-free, and is host-based. FireWire is peer-to-peer and used daisy-chaining.

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Hot-Pluggable

A device can be plugged in or removed while the computer is running without causing system errors. This is true for both USB and Firewire.

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Daisy Chaining

Connecting multiple FireWire devices in a chain, with each device connected to the previous one instead of directly to the host computer.

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Study Notes

Course Information

  • Course name: CST8208 – PC System Technology
  • Course section: 010
  • Academic year: Fall 2024

Professors

Marks Breakdown

  • Term Test: 25%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • Final Exam: 35%
  • Lab Evaluation: 20%
  • Pre-Labs: 10%
  • Total: 100%

Test Dates

  • Term Test (Section 010): October 15th
  • Final Exam: TBA

Textbook

  • Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PC's (22nd Edition)
  • ISBN: 978-0-7897-5000-6
  • Online option: Safari by O'Reilly in library

Hardware/Technician Certification

  • CompTIA A+

Hardware Basics - Tools

  • Screwdrivers: #2 Phillips, #1 Phillips, Slot/Flat, Torx
  • Nutdrivers
  • Pliers (Needlenose)
  • Anti-Static Strap/Mat
  • Thermal Compound

Hardware Basics - Screw Types

  • M3: Fine thread
  • 6-32: Coarse thread
  • Standoff/jackscrew

Hardware Basics - Safety

  • Do not work on a computer system while it is powered on (unless absolutely necessary)
  • Do not open or attempt to repair devices that could be dangerous (CRT monitor, power supply)

Motherboards

  • The main circuit board in a PC
  • Almost every component and peripheral in a computer connects to the motherboard
  • Allows devices and components within a computer system to communicate and interact with one another
  • Also called system board or main board
  • Motherboard designs come in many different designs to accommodate different needs
  • The selected CPU and type of case often determines the motherboard's physical architecture
  • As new processors are marketed new motherboards are needed to accommodate the processor
  • Motherboard form factor defines the motherboard's size, shape, how it's mounted, power requirements, and location of external connectors
  • ATX is the most popular form factor for modern motherboards
  • AT and XT were prior to ATX, but are now obsolete
  • Micro-ATX is designed for smaller, lower cost systems, used in mini towers
  • Mini-ITX is designed for use in SFF (Small Form Factor) PCs and HTPC (Home Theater PC) systems, often passively cooled.
  • BTX/Micro-BTX: Was intended to replace ATX, but is no longer manufactured.

Motherboard Installation

  • Install standoffs in correct positions in chassis
  • Install the motherboard I/O shield
  • Install and secure motherboard to chassis
  • Connectors: Front panel connectors (correct polarity), Header connectors (USB, audio, etc), Power connectors

Chipset Block Diagrams

  • Diagrams illustrating the evolution of motherboard chipsets

Hard Disk Drives

  • The primary storage device for most modern computers
  • Stores computer data, applications, and operating systems
  • Early drives were slow and unstable, but have evolved to be faster and more reliable
  • Storage capacity has increased from 5MB to over 8TB+
  • Data transfer rates have increased from 85KBps to over 150MBps+
  • Access time has decreased from around 85ms to 10-20ms
  • Cost has decreased significantly, with a 1TB drive now costing far less than $100.
  • Internal Components: Platters, read/write heads, actuator arms, spindle, motors, air filters

Inside a Hard Drive

  • Platters: Use rugged, solid materials (aluminum or ceramic composite) for storage. Light and low thermal expansion.
  • Read/Write heads: Coated for separate magnetic surfaces. Float on a thin air cushion.
  • Actuator arms: Move read/write heads to various locations on the platters.
  • Motors: Power the spindle for constant speed rotation
  • Air filters: Keep small particles from damaging the drive. (Recirculating and barometric)

Care of your hard disk drive

  • Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Properly cool the drive, and avoid sharp jumps or jarring impacts that may compromise its integrity or cause a mechanical failure.

Hard Drive Organization

  • Tracks: Concentric circles on each platter to organize data storage. Many tracks per platter.
  • Cylinders: Group of tracks of the same diameter to help organize and access sectors on the platters
  • Sectors: Smallest units of allocated space, traditionally held 512 bytes, now commonly held 4KB in more modern drives.
  • Clusters: A number of sectors that is used in allocating resources when accessing or writing data, thus the minimum amount of space. (ranged from 2 to 64)

Terms to Know

  • Seek time: Time taken for a disk arm to move to the right cylinder
  • Rotational delay: Time for the desired sector to move to beneath the read/write head to access.
  • Access time: Seek time + rotational delay
  • Transfer rate: Speed at which data is transferred from the drive

Hard Drive Interfaces

  • SATA: Serial ATA – 7-pin data connector
  • PATA: Parallel ATA – 40-pin data connector
  • SCSI: Small Computer System Interface – variety of connectors, typically used in servers

Capacity Confusion

Some manufacturers of hard drives calculate capacity in GB by dividing by 1000; producing a higher number than the formatted drive capacity reported by the operating system.

Head Crash

A head crash is a hard disk drive failure that occurs when a read/write head contacts the rotating platter, resulting in permanent damage to the magnetic media.

SMART

Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology to monitor hard drive performance. Vital information that allows the advanced notice necessary to back up data.

RAID

Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. Method to minimize/prevent data loss. Some provide faster data access times/transfer rates. Typically used in server systems, but has become popular in workstations and home systems.

  • RAID 0: Data striping across multiple drives to enhance performance, but with no redundancy
  • RAID 1: Data mirroring on multiple drives. Duplicates are stored for redundancy
  • RAID 3: Data striping with dedicated parity drive
  • RAID 4: Data striping with dedicated parity drive.
  • RAID 5: Data striping with rotating parity drive
  • RAID 6: Data striping with dual rotating parity.
  • Nested RAID levels: A combination of RAID levels 1 and 0 (RAID 10)
  • Software based vs. Hardware based RAID

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

  • Looks like and acts like a traditional hard drive, but is much faster.
  • Stores data on NAND flash memory.
  • Advantages: Much better performance, reliability (no moving parts), produces very little heat and doesn't vibrate
  • Disadvantages: Cost per GB of storage, finite lifetime, garbage collection more difficult.
  • Types of NAND: SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC
  • Pages and Blocks: Data written in pages, deleted in blocks (hundreds of pages per block)
  • Garbage Collection: SSDs reuse pages that have already been deleted at the OS level.
  • Write Amplification & Wear Leveling

Solid State Drive Interfaces

  • SATA: Serial ATA – 7-pin data connector
  • mSATA: Precursor to M.2; uses a socket attached to the motherboard
  • M.2: Modern interface; allows for NVMe and SATA bus connections. various form factors (2242, 2260, 2280)
  • SAS: Serial Attached SCSI; using SFF8482 connector
  • PCIe: Not to be confused with NVMe; consuming a PCI expansion slot

NVMe vs. SATA

  • NVMe (Non-volatile Memory Express): Operates via PCIe bus
  • SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment): Connects to the systems host bus adapter (HBA)

Portable Computers

  • Less proprietary (though more proprietary than typical desktops.)
  • Not very upgradeable
  • Components are specifically shaped to fit into the case.
  • Often slower than high performance desktops (HDD, memory, CPU, etc.)
  • Processors, Hard Drives, Optical Drives, Removable Media, Memory

Evolution of DRAM

  • Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM): Tied to the system clock, less time wasted
  • DDR (Double Data Rate): Transfers data on rising/falling edges of the clocks, doubles transmission rate
  • DDR2/3: Lower voltage than DDR (reduced power consumption); use 240 pin memory modules

ROM Versus RAM

  • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory; data lost when power is off
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Nonvolatile memory: programs are not erased when the power is off

The BIOS - Basic Input Output System

  • Also referred to as a System ROM or firmware. Stored on a ROM chip attached directly to the motherboard. Contains programs for basic hardware communication. Contains instructions for starting a computer.
  • Types of ROM: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM/Flash ROM.

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

  • Replaced BIOS in modern systems
  • Advantages: Support for larger hard drives, using modern processors and RAM to their full boot capability, security to prevent malicious software

Power Supplies and Power Protection

  • Converts incoming AC power into necessary DC power
  • Main Voltages: +3.3V, +5V, +12V, -12V
  • Form Factors: ATX, ATX variants
  • Components: Power connector (IEC-320), Motherboard and peripheral power connectors, Power toggle switch, Fan
  • Troubleshooting common problems: Intermittent lockups & reboots, boot up difficulties, overheating, data loss on storage devices.
  • Wattage: All power supplies are rated in watts; higher wattage rating generally indicates better performance / protection.

Peripheral Connectors

  • Molex: Large peripheral connector for powering drives
  • Berg/Floppy: Small peripheral power connector for peripherals such as floppy drives, but still found in some PCs
  • SATA: 15-pin connector used with SATA hard drives and devices
  • ATX 12V: 4-pin connector used to supply power to the processor

Power Supply Fan, Wattage and Power Protection

  • The fan keeps voltage regulator, and system components cool.
  • Power Protection Devices: Protect against power issues by being designed to withstand deviations in power that may cause issues for PCs
  • Surge suppressors: Protect devices from higher voltage surges and spikes
  • Line conditioners: Protect devices from under voltage situations such as browouts caused by interruptions / interference in power lines
  • Backup Power Supplies/UPS: Backup power to computers in case of power outages. Contains a battery that prevents and mitigates any potential issues.

PC Cooling and Overclocking

  • Most hardware failures arise from issues caused by excess heat and inadequate cooling
  • Thermal Monitoring on-board : Motherboard often monitors temperature output, and uses sensors
  • Passive Cooling: Cooling without fans
  • Active Cooling: Using fans to cool components
  • Thermal Compound: Applied between heatsinks and components to ensure proper heat transfer

Overclocking

  • All CPUs eventually die, overclocked processors usually die prematurely or immediately.
  • Overclocking is running a CPU at a higher speed than the advertised speed
  • Not an exact science. May void CPU warranty, and may cause damage to other components if not adequately cooled
  • Increasing base clock speed, increasing voltage and usage of multiple cores are all potential causes of increased overheating

Printers - Laser/EP

  • Steps in Laser Printing Process (Conditioning, Writing, Developing, Transferring, Fusing and Cleaning)
  • Toner and Charges: Toner is attracted to the drum through a particular charge
  • Laser Printing: Use laser beams to produce an image on a rotating drum with a particular charge.
  • Laser Printer Operations: Toner, Primary Corona, Developer Roller, Transfer Corona, Fuser assembly

Printers - Ink Jet

  • Printing Methods: Impact and non-impact (Dot Matrix, Ink Jet)
  • Character Types: Defined for fully forming characters or using strategic dots to represent them
  • Dot Matrix Printers (Pro & Cons - pros - reliable, cons - loud, expensive, slow.)
  • Dot-Matrix Print Heads (9, 18 and 24 Pins)
  • Dot Matrix Printer Modes: Font mode, Dot addressable

Paper Handling

  • Two common methods for moving paper;
  • Friction feed; uses friction to hold to the paper and moves it as it turns
  • Tractor feed; uses pins to pull the paper through

Sound Cards / Adapters

  • Audio Adapters (Sound Cards): Audio Adapters are a common component of computers; they were historically an optional component, now they are in the vast majority of computer systems.
  • Components and Functions: DSP process, DAC / ADC, amplifier (for microphone/speaker audio)
  • Examples of Sound File Types: Wav (Lossless), MP3 (Lossy), MIDI
  • Digital Music Sampling: Higher sampling rate leads to a more precise original recording (a smoother sound quality)
  • External Audio Adaptor Connectors: Includes all possible connections

CPU Sockets, POST and Boot Processes

  • Features to consider in choosing a processor - entry level, mainstream, & high end, hardware virtualization, multiple cores, cache amount & hyper-threading & turbo boost
  • Desktop Socket Standards (Intel - LGA 775, 1366, 1156, 1155, 1150 & 1151 ; AMD - AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ & AM4)

POST and Boot Processes

  • Power-On Self-Test (POST): Checks for the presence of hardware and functionality
  • Cold Boot (Hard Reset): Completes the entire boot process after being turned off then back on again. Interrupts all ongoing functions
  • Warm Boot (Soft Reset): Resets the current system using internal operating system functions and maintains many ongoing functions
  • Steps in the Boot Processes:
  1. Power supply starts,
  2. CPU initializes & resets,
  3. CPU starts BIOS bootstrap loader
  4. BIOS programs load into memory,
  5. BIOS begins checking hardware & sends beep codes,
  6. Video ROM initializes,
  7. Devices ROMs start up

Storage Devices, SCSI/SAS, Servers

  • SCSI: A set of standards defining how computers communicate & transfer data with devices (disks drives, tape drives, optical drives, scanners). It is fast, highly compatible & efficient, but generally deprecated by modern devices.
  • SAS: Serial Attached SCSI - a point-to-point serial protocol that transfers data between storage devices and a computer system. Faster, more flexible, and supports hot-swappable drives.
  • Server Hardware Considerations: Specialized hardware (cases - rackmounts, blade servers), processors (Intel Xeon, AMD Epyc), memory (ECC, registered memory), storage (SCSI/SAS, enterprise-grade SATA), power supplies (redundant power supplies), KVM switches

PC Expansion Options and Interfaces

  • USB: Universal Serial Bus; a common standard used with all modeern computers to connect devices
  • USB Evolution: Various versions (1.1 - 3.0 and 4.0) with increasing data transfer rates Different types of USB connectors (A, B, Mini-B, Micro-B and type-C)
  • IEEE 1394 (FireWire): Deprecated industry connection standard for External storage, digital cameras, and other devices (using a daisy-chain connection configuration)
  • Thunderbolt : External PC expansion technology; faster than previous interfaces and supports hot-plugging and daisy-chaining of multiple devices.

Video Adapters

  • Video cards: Controlling image quality. Including all parameters such as resolution, color depth, refresh rate, speed in rendering
  • Discrete video (Add-on cards): Includes PCIe (and older) cards.
  • Integrated video: Found on motherboard (chipset or CPU)
  • Multiple Display Adapters: SLI & Crossfire (NVIDIA/AMD multi-graphics solutions

Video Memory

  • The type and amount of video memory greatly influences video card performance. Including considerations for VRAM, GDDR variants (GDDR4, 5 etc.).

Display Adapters

  • DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), VGA (Video Graphics Array), DisplayPort
  • Video Dongles: Convert connectors and adapt one connection to another.

Display Units – LCD

  • LCD quality depends largely on size, native resolution, contrast radio, response rate, and input type. LCD Basics: Employ polarized sheets of glass, and liquid crystals in between. Applying various voltages to subpixels (RGB) manages the orientation of the crystals to control light transmission/blockage.
  • LCD Advantages and Disadvantages

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Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of computer hardware, including motherboard forms like Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. Explore the electrostatic printing process and critical components involved in printing technology. This quiz covers key concepts essential for understanding both fields.

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