Personal Computers PDF

6 * & ' ( % u Learning Plan...

6 * & ' ( % u Learning Plan Lessons Table of Contents Confidence Levels Notes Bookmarks Highlights Personal Computers C Strengths & Weaknesses ! " Personal Computers 3 4 7 6 k Lessons X PBQs PERSONAL COMPUTERS Rate Your Confidence High , Labs The components of a personal computer (PC) are divided between those that are designed to be handled by the user— Medium r PracJce peripheral devices—and those that would be damaged or dangerous if exposed. Peripheral devices typically perform the v Assessments function of input (keyboard, mouse, microphone, and camera), Low output (monitor and speakers), or external storage. g Flashcards Con/nue # The system case/chassis houses the internal components. These j Game Center include the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), system memory modules, adapter cards, fixed disks, and power supply Category " Resources unit. Most cases use a tower form factor that is designed to be Topic Topic 1A: 1A: Explain Explain Cable Cable oriented vertically and can be placed on a desk or on the floor. Types Types and and Connectors Connectors PCs can also be purchased as all-in-one units. All-in-one means that the internal components are contained within a case that is also a monitor. To perform PC maintenance, you must understand how to open a desktop computer's case. A tower case has a side cover that can be removed by sliding the panel from its housing. Cases might be secured by screws or retaining clips and might have anti-tamper security mechanisms. Always refer to the system documentation, and follow the recommended steps. The front panel provides access to the removable media drives, a power on/off switch, and light- emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate drive operation. The front cover can be removed but may require the side panel to be removed first to access the screws or clips that secure it.  Features on the front of a typical PC case. (Image © 123RF.com) The rear panel provides access to the power supply unit (PSU) sockets. The PSU has an integral fan exhaust. Care should be taken that it is not obstructed, as this will adversely affect cooling. There may be an additional case fan.  Features on the rear panel of a typical PC case. (Image © 123RF.com) Below the PSU, there is a cutout aligned with the motherboard's input/output (I/O) ports. These allow for the connection of peripheral devices. The spaces between the ports are covered by an I/O shield to prevent dust getting into the case. At the bottom of the rear panel there are cutout slots aligned with the position of adapter card slots to allow cables to be connected to any I/O ports on the cards. These slots should either be covered by an adapter card or a metal strip known as a blanking plate. The I/O shield and blanking plates are necessary to prevent gaps in the system case. Gaps create the following problems: Dust can enter the case and settle on the components, increasing the risk of damage through overheating. Components are more exposed to touching, increasing risks from electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD means that a static charge on someone’s finger or on a tool is conducted into a computer chip. This can cause a temporary or permanent fault in the chip. Pins in the I/O shield connect the external metal parts of the ports to the metal case, which in turn is bonded to the PSU, which connects to the building’s ground system when plugged in. This provides a safe path for ESD to drain into instead of arcing to a chip.  Components are more exposed to electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI is energy from magnetic and electrical sources, such as motors or other electronic devices and radios, that can cause temporary or permanent faults. The PC’s case absorbs this energy, but gaps can reduce this protection. ) Report Content Errors Copyright © CompTIA, Inc. All Rights Reserved Terms of use Privacy Statement Trademarks