Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key aspect of respectful communication in a professional setting?
What is a key aspect of respectful communication in a professional setting?
Which of the following traits is NOT considered a trait of a tech professional?
Which of the following traits is NOT considered a trait of a tech professional?
When proposing a solution, what should a technician do first?
When proposing a solution, what should a technician do first?
What should a technician do after completing the repair?
What should a technician do after completing the repair?
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Which of the following is a recommended practice for effective communication?
Which of the following is a recommended practice for effective communication?
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How can a technician minimize the risk of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) when handling PC components?
How can a technician minimize the risk of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) when handling PC components?
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What is the first step a technician should take when arriving late or needing to reschedule?
What is the first step a technician should take when arriving late or needing to reschedule?
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Which of the following actions is essential before starting work on a problem?
Which of the following actions is essential before starting work on a problem?
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What is the primary role of thermal paste in a computer?
What is the primary role of thermal paste in a computer?
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What component is considered the 'brain' of the computer?
What component is considered the 'brain' of the computer?
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What does RAM primarily do when a program is executed?
What does RAM primarily do when a program is executed?
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How does the kernel manage memory in an operating system?
How does the kernel manage memory in an operating system?
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Which type of storage is the fastest when compared to others mentioned?
Which type of storage is the fastest when compared to others mentioned?
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What is a process ID (PID)?
What is a process ID (PID)?
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What does mass storage typically contain?
What does mass storage typically contain?
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Which feature does the chipset of a motherboard define?
Which feature does the chipset of a motherboard define?
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What is the connection between the CPU and the L2 cache called?
What is the connection between the CPU and the L2 cache called?
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Which technology enables CPU to protect specific memory sectors?
Which technology enables CPU to protect specific memory sectors?
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What role does an Integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) serve?
What role does an Integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) serve?
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What type of RAM is synchronized with the system clock?
What type of RAM is synchronized with the system clock?
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What is the main purpose of thermal paste in CPU installation?
What is the main purpose of thermal paste in CPU installation?
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Which socket type is used by Intel CPUs?
Which socket type is used by Intel CPUs?
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Which of the following statements about RAM is true?
Which of the following statements about RAM is true?
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What distinguishes Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) from regular SDRAM?
What distinguishes Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) from regular SDRAM?
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What is the primary function of RAID 1?
What is the primary function of RAID 1?
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Which RAID level requires the lowest number of drives while providing redundancy?
Which RAID level requires the lowest number of drives while providing redundancy?
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What determines the resolution of a monitor?
What determines the resolution of a monitor?
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Which technology does not utilize a charge for lighting sub-pixels?
Which technology does not utilize a charge for lighting sub-pixels?
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What is the function of parity in RAID 5?
What is the function of parity in RAID 5?
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What distinguishes RAID 6 from RAID 5?
What distinguishes RAID 6 from RAID 5?
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What is an advantage of using IPS technology in LCD monitors?
What is an advantage of using IPS technology in LCD monitors?
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Which type of display technology uses individual cathode rays to create images?
Which type of display technology uses individual cathode rays to create images?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of PCI Express?
Which of the following is a characteristic of PCI Express?
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What type of devices connect to the slow device slots?
What type of devices connect to the slow device slots?
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What is the main function of Device Manager in troubleshooting expansion cards?
What is the main function of Device Manager in troubleshooting expansion cards?
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What should be the first step in physically installing an expansion bus?
What should be the first step in physically installing an expansion bus?
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What does a Device Manager error code indicate?
What does a Device Manager error code indicate?
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Why was PC-x discontinued?
Why was PC-x discontinued?
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Which option describes the connection methodology of PCI devices?
Which option describes the connection methodology of PCI devices?
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What should be done if the Device Manager does not recognize a newly connected device?
What should be done if the Device Manager does not recognize a newly connected device?
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Which component acts as the brain of the computer system?
Which component acts as the brain of the computer system?
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What is the main function of an operating system (OS)?
What is the main function of an operating system (OS)?
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Which of the following is NOT a stage in the computing process?
Which of the following is NOT a stage in the computing process?
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What type of interface allows users to interact with a computer using images or icons?
What type of interface allows users to interact with a computer using images or icons?
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Which hardware component is primarily used for outputting visual data?
Which hardware component is primarily used for outputting visual data?
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What is the purpose of RAM in a computer?
What is the purpose of RAM in a computer?
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Which of the following devices would be considered a specific-purpose computer?
Which of the following devices would be considered a specific-purpose computer?
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What type of connector is commonly used for network cables?
What type of connector is commonly used for network cables?
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Study Notes
Computer Systems (Hardware)
- Refer to Moodle slides and videos for complete information, this notebook is supplementary.
- Good luck in your studies.
- PASS Leader: Fatema Habib
- Special thanks to: Mr. Husain Naser, Maryam Taraif, and Sayed Ali Alawi.
Professionalism and Procedures
-
Effective Communication:
- Respectful Communication: Respect others, ask permission, actively listen, and maintain professional conduct, avoid interrupting customers.
- Electing Answers: Use non-accusatory language and ask clarifying questions to understand the issue.
- Explaining Actions: Avoid technical jargon, acronyms and use analogies and visual aids where appropriate, stay friendly.
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Traits of a Tech:
- Dependability
- Responsibility
- Honesty
- Integrity
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Effective Communication Process:
- Arrive early or schedule well in advance.
- Listen to the user (refer to respectful communication section).
- Ask clarifying questions (refer to electing answers section).
- Identify the problem.
- Identify the probable cause.
- Propose a solution (seek authorization and quote).
- Start work (refer to explaining actions section).
- Escalate if unable to fix the problem.
- Ask the user to test and verify the solution.
- Communicate results clearly to the user, manager, and your manager.
- Follow up with the user the next day to confirm satisfaction.
- Document entire process and its details.
Tools of the Trade and Personal Safety
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components.
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Physical Safety Hazards:
- Messy cables.
- Handling heavy items (lift with legs).
- Handling hot components (remove jewelry).
- Computer repairs (wear mask, safety goggles).
- Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): Transfer of electromagnetic energy, may cause damage.
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI), Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Just a sound
Software License Types
- EULA (End-User Licensing Agreement): Restricts usage and transfer rights.
- Open-Source Licenses: Freely accessible, used, changed and shared by anyone.
- Commercial Licenses (Closed Source): Source code not included; limited usage by a license (personal or enterprise licenses).
- Personal License: Available via retail stores for individual or small-group (family) use.
- Enterprise License: Includes more advanced features and management capabilities for various business and organizational purposes.
Digital Rights Management (DRM)
- Mechanisms used to control access and usage of digital media and software.
- Important to understand effects of upgrades or app removal on DRM licenses.
Antistatic Tools
- Antistatic Wrist Strap: Prevents ESD by grounding the user.
- Antistatic Mat: Temporary surface for placing components removed from the PC, helps reduce static electricity.
- Antistatic Bags: Store components safely to prevent electrostatic discharge.
Physical Tools
- Standard toolkit for computer repairs includes screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead), nut drivers, torx drivers, magnifying glass and flashlight, and plastic tweezers.
- Mobile devices also have kits with specialized tools.
The Visible Computer
-
Components:
- Hardware: Physical components (keyboard, mouse).
- Operating System (OS): Controls hardware and enables user interaction (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- User Interface (UI): Software for user interaction.
- Graphical User Interface (GUI): Displays images/icons for interactions.
- Applications (programs): Specialized software for specific tasks.
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Computing process:
- Input
- Processing
- Output
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Additional stages: Data storage, network connection.
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Typical PC: runs Microsoft Windows.
-
Various types of computers: general-purpose computing devices; specific-purpose computing devices; cars.
Computing Hardware
- System unit or case.
- Keyboard.
- Monitor.
- Printers and Multifunction Devices.
- Speakers.
- Mouse.
Definitions and Terms
- System Unit: Contains the CPU, RAM, hard drives (the computer brain and tools).
- Monitor: Displays computer output.
- Universal Serial Bus (USB): Common standard for peripheral connections.
- Rectangle Connection (Network Cable Connection): Uses RJ45 connectors for wired network connections.
- Digital Visual Interface (DVI): Older video connection.
- Video Graphics Array (VGA): Older video connector.
Inside the PC
- Motherboard: Connects and manages all computer components.
- RAM Stick: (Random Access Memory) Temporary storage (fast but volatile).
- Liquid Cooling System: Cools down the central processing unit (CPU) using liquid.
- Thermal Paste: Conduct heat away from the CPU (acts as a heat conductor).
- Mass Storage (M.2 SSD): Primary storage for the system (main memory).
- Chipsets: Defines features of the motherboard (USB ports, hard drive support).
- Power connector: Powers up the motherboard.
- Reset button: Resets the computer.
Microprocessor (CPU)
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): Computer's brain, performs calculations.
- External Data Bus (EDB): Computer communication channel (uses binary, on or off).
- Registers: Storage space for internal computer operations/commands.
- Code Book (Instruction Set): Defines the CPU's "language" (machine language).
- Clock: Regulates CPU operation speed. Sets timings for commands and calculation processing.
- Clock Cycle: Complete operation/sequence/wave of commands.
- Clock Speed: Number of clock cycles in a given time. Measured in Hertz (1 cycle per second = 1 Hz).
- System Crystal: Controls the CPU's operating speed.
- Overclocking: Running CPU faster than its maximum clock speed, can lead to overheating.
- Underclocking: Running CPU slower than its rated speed.
- Pipelining: Method of simultaneous sub-process operations in the CPU to increase its throughput in executing commands.
- Cache: Temporary storage space in the CPU (static RAM) which helps processing speed and minimizes wait times.
- Multithreading: Running multiple tasks/threads at the same time.
- Multicore Processing: Combining multiple CPUs into a single chip.
- Integrated Memory Controller (IMC): Handles memory (RAM) and speeds-up operations, previously handled by motherboard. Ideal for mobile devices.
- Security: NX bit technology.
- Installing Issues: CPU pins, Power Supply, and Proper cooling are essential.
- Socket types: Intel (LGA) , AMD (PGA)
* RAM (Memory)
- Memory: Holds data and instructions for short-term use while a computer is running; fast access but data is volatile- it is erased when power is turned off.
- Parity and ECC: Error detection and correction methods (used only in higher-grade systems; costlier).
- Registered and Buffered RAM: Registers act as a buffer between RAM and controlling units.
- RAM types: SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L, DDR3U, DDR4 (types and their variations exist).
- Clock Speed and DDR Speed Rating: Determines how fast RAM operates (measures frequency/speed of data transfers in millions of cycles per second).
- RAM Variations: Single-side RAM and double-side RAM (Some motherboards cannot use double-side RAM sticks).
- Latency: Measures the delay response time from a request to receiving the response (lower number denotes faster RAM; example: CL6 and CL9).
- Virtual Memory: Part of hard drive used as an extension of RAM.
- System RAM Recommendation: Different types of RAM requirements based on the operating systems and the computer needs.
- Memory Errors: Page Fault, Non-maskable interupt (NMI), and Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) might stem from problems, buggy software applications and electrical interference.
Storage Technologies
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Uses magnetic platters with read/write heads to store data. Common speeds expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM).
- SSD (Solid-State Drive): No moving parts, much faster than HDD; data stored on flash memory.
- SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment): Standard for data transmission in storage devices.
- PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment/ATA): Older standard for data transmission in storage devices (faster than older standards).
- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): Data storage methods to ensure data reliability and redundancy—RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10.
Display Technology
- CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Older technology, uses electron beams to display images on a monitor.
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Used in most modern monitors, uses liquid crystals and backlights to create images.
- LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Displays that use LED lights rather than traditional backlights.
- OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode): Uses organic compounds, providing superior images to LCDs and consumes less power.
- Projectors: Used for larger images, display images on a screen, usually use Digital Light Processing (DLP). Measured in Lumens (light output).
- Plasma Displays (PDPs): Uses gas-filled cells for producing images in older technologies (consumes more power).
- Resolution: Number of horizontal pixels multiplied by the number of vertical pixels (higher resolution means better image quality).
- Aspect Ratio: Ratio of width to height of the display area (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9).
- Display Adapter (Graphics Cards): Crucial components that process and send outputs to displays; aspects include display modes, motherboard slots, graphic processors, and so on. The device handles video processing for display devices.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Processes display outputs (handles video rendering when required—e.g., in a game).
Motherboards
- Motherboard: The foundation for a PC; it contains wires called traces; connecting and managing all other components.
- Form Factor: The physical dimensions of the motherboard.
- Types of Form Factors: Types of form factors (ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX).
- Chipset: Crucial component of a motherboard, it determines the motherboard's capabilities, including processing type, RAM type, and storage interface supports. Sub-components like the Northbridge and Southbridge handle unique elements for the device performance.
- Expansion Bus: To expand the functionality of the motherboard; connectors vary, and the system crystal manages/controls the speed of the expansions.
- PCIe, PCI, AGP: Various bus standards, which transfer data in different ways.
- Installing expansion Bus: Requires knowledge of the device, careful handling of the chips, proper installation, anti-static gloves and mats.
Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot motherboards and expansion cards using device manager.
- Identifying issues.
- Replacing components (motherboard if necessary).
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