ICT Reviewer: Hardware Tools and Maintenance

Study Notes

Identifying Faulty Tools

Regular maintenance is crucial for tool condition.
Selecting the correct tool is essential for effective work.
Examine each tool for functionality.
Use tools according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

Categories of Computer Hardware Tools

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Tools:
- Static electricity is generated by friction on various surfaces.
- Anti-Static Wrist Wraps prevent ESD damage to equipment.
- Anti-Static Mats protect hardware from static when placed or stood upon.
- Anti-Static Spray can be applied to surfaces to reduce static buildup.
Hand Tools:
- Flat Head Screwdriver: for slotted screws.
- Philips Head Screwdriver: for crosshead screws.
- Torx Screwdriver: for star-shaped screws.
- Hex Driver: used for nuts and bolts.
- Needle Nose Pliers: useful for holding small parts.
- Tweezers: help manipulate small components.
- Part Retriever: retrieves hard-to-reach small parts.
- Wire Cutter: strips and cuts wires.
- Flashlight: illuminates work areas.
Cleaning Tools:
- Lint-Free Cloth: cleans components without scratches.
- Compressed Air: blows away dust from components.
- Cable Ties: organize and bundle cables neatly.
- Parts Organizer: keeps screws, jumpers, and fasteners sorted.
- Computer Duster: brushes off dust gently.
Diagnostic Tools:
- Multimeter: tests circuit integrity and electrical quality.
- Loopback Adapters: test computer part functionality.

Main Parts of Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware System: Interconnected computers sharing central storage and devices.
Four Basic Functions:
- Input
- Process
- Storage
- Output
Hardware Characteristics:
- Physical components are tangible and mechanical.
- Hard Copy: physical printout of documents.
- Soft Copy: digital files in raw form.
System Unit: Houses the internal parts of microcomputers.
Motherboard: Main PCB interconnecting computer parts; serves as the backbone.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain executing calculations and instructions, interprets numbers.

Storage Types

Primary Storage:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory, data lost when power is off.
- ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile memory, retains data without power.
Expansion Bus: Connects additional adapters for expanded capabilities.
- Types include ISA, AGP, PCI.
Adapters/Expansion Cards: Upgrade devices granting additional functionalities (e.g., sound card, video card).
- Wi-Fi: Wireless network access.
- Network Interface Card (NIC): Connects computers to networks.
- Modem: Converts signals for communication.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts standard AC (120V) to DC for computer components.
Storage Devices:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Internal electromagnetic storage.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): Faster drive with no moving parts, available in IDE or SATA formats.
- Optical Disk Drive (ODD): Uses lasers for data reading and writing.
  - CD: Low storage capacity.
  - DVD: Higher storage capacity.
  - Blu-ray Disk: High storage with advanced features.

Input Devices

Accept data and instructions from users, categorized as:
Keyboard Entry:
- First input device developed by Christopher Latham Sholes.
- Consists of alphanumeric characters and specialized command buttons.
Direct Entry:
- Data is entered without a keyboard, includes:
Pointing Devices:
- Mouse: Developed by Douglas Engelbart in 1960; most common device for pointer manipulation.
  - Variants include Mechanical, Optical, and Wireless types.
- Touch Screen: Responds to touch, eliminating the need for other input devices.
- Light Pen: Device sensitive to light used for graphical input.

Conclusion

Understanding the tools, components, and devices integral to computer hardware increases efficiency in operation and maintenance.

Description

This quiz focuses on identifying faulty tools and ensuring proper maintenance of handheld devices and computer hardware. It covers the importance of choosing the right tool, examining tools before use, and operating them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) and the impact of electrostatic discharge (ESD) are discussed.