IT Essentials Lecture Notes PDF

IT Essentials Dr. Ayat Taha IT Essentials grade Total 150 final 45 Assignment 1 30 Assignment 2 45 Quizzes and tasks 30 It Essential Content Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer Hardware Chapter 2: PC Assembly Chapter 3: Adv...

IT Essentials Dr. Ayat Taha IT Essentials grade Total 150 final 45 Assignment 1 30 Assignment 2 45 Quizzes and tasks 30 It Essential Content Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer Hardware Chapter 2: PC Assembly Chapter 3: Advanced Computer Hardware Chapter 4: Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting Chapter 5: Networking Concepts Chapter 6: Applied Networking Chapter 7: Laptops and Other Mobile Devices Chapter 8: Printers Chapter 9: Virtualization and Cloud Computing Chapter 10: Windows Installation Chapter 11: Windows Configuration Chapter 12: Mobile, Linux, and macOS Operating Systems Chapter 13: Security Chapter 14: The IT Professional Lecture 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE Sections & Objectives 1.1 Personal Computers – Explain how to keep personal computer components safe. – Explain components in a computer. – Explain electrical and ESD safety. 1.2 PC Components – Explain the features and functions of computer components. – Describe cases and power supplies. – Describe motherboards. – Describe CPUs. – Explain types of memory. Sections & Objectives (Cont.) 1.2 PC Components (Cont.) – Describe adapter cards and expansion slots. – Describe hard disk drives and SSDs. – Describe optical storage devices. – Describe ports, cables and adapters. – Describe input devices. – Describe output devices. 1.3 Disassemble a PC – Explain the features & functions of each component in the tool kit. – Disassemble a computer. 1.1 PERSONAL COMPUTER Computer Definition A computer can be defined as: 1. A person who makes calculations, especially with a calculating machine. 2. A programmable device that can store, retrieve, and process data. 3. An electronic device that can retrieve, store, process, and output data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. 4. A programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations, store data, and display the results of these operations. – Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and IoT devices are some of the different types of computers. Basic Personal Computer System A computer system consists of hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers. Software is the operating system and programs. – The operating system instructs the computer how to operate. – Programs or applications perform different functions. 1.2 PC COMPONENTS Cases The case houses the internal components such as the power supply, motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), memory, disk drives, and assorted adapter cards. Many case manufacturers may have their own naming conventions, including super tower, full tower, mid tower, mini tower, cube case, and more. Quiz….. What are two factors that must be considered when choosing a computer case? (Choose two.) the size of the monitor the speed of the memory the number of internal drive locations the size of the motherboard and the power supply the number of LED indicators at the front of the case Quiz….. What are two factors that must be considered when choosing a computer case? (Choose two.) the size of the monitor the speed of the memory the number of internal drive locations the size of the motherboard and the power supply the number of LED indicators at the front of the case Power Supplies Provides power to all computer components. Must be chosen based on current and future needs. Deliver different voltage levels to meet different internal component needs. Converts AC power from the wall socket into low voltage DC power. Must provide enough power for the installed components and future additions. Input voltage selector on the back of the power supply. Power supplies are measured in Wattage Ohm’s Law: W = V x A Connectors A power supply includes several different connectors. They are used to power various internal components such as the motherboard and disk drives. The amount of connector varies based on the wattage of the power supply. Some examples are: – 20-pin or 24-pin mail power connector – SATA keyed connector like hard drives and SSDs – Molex keyed connector like older hard drives, optical drives, and fans. – Berg keyed connector often used to power floppy drives (now mostly obsolete). – 4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector – additional power to the CPU (also known as the ATX12V connector). – 6/8-pin PCIe power connector – Supplies power to high-performance graphics cards. Power Supply Voltage The different connectors in a power supply also provide different voltages. The most common voltages supplied are 3.3 volts, 5 volts, and 12 volts. The 3.3 volt and 5 volt supplies are typically used by digital circuits, computer's digital circuits, like the CPU, RAM, and chipset on the motherboard. while the 12 volt supply is used to run motors in disk drives and fans. Power supplies can also be single rail, dual rail, or multi rail. A rail is the printed circuit board (PCB) inside the power supply to which the external cables are connected. Known as a Modular Power Supply. A computer can tolerate slight fluctuations in power, but a significant deviation can cause the power supply to fail. Motherboard Backbone of the computer. Interconnects computer components. The motherboard is the main printed circuit board. Contains the buses, or electrical pathways found in a computer. Buses allow data to travel among the various components. Accommodates CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat sink/fan assembly, BIOS chip, chip set, sockets, internal and external connectors, various ports, and the embedded wires that interconnect the motherboard components. These components may be soldered directly to the motherboard, or added using sockets, expansion slots, and ports. Main power uses a 20 or 24-pin connector. Motherboard Components Major components on a motherboard include: Central Processing Unit (CPU) Random Access Memory (RAM) Expansion slots Chipset Basic input/output system (BIOS) chip and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) chip SATA connectors Internal USB connector Motherboard Chipset Chipset consists of the integrated circuits on the motherboard that control how system hardware interacts with the CPU and motherboard. System performance System limitations How much memory can be added to a motherboard Motherboard Chipset Most chipsets consist of the following two types: Northbridge controls Access to the RAM Access to video card Access to the CPU The speed the CPU can communicate Southbridge controls Communication between the CPU and the expansion ports (hard drives, sound card, USB ports, and other I/O ports) Motherboard Form Factors The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size and shape of the board. There are three common motherboard form factors: Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX), Micro-ATX, and ITX. The choice of motherboard form factor determines how individual components attach to it, the type of power supply required, and the shape of the computer case What is CPU? The central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for interpreting and executing commands. The CPU is known as the brain of the computer. The CPU is a small microchip that resides within a CPU package. CPU Connections The CPU socket is the connection between the motherboard and the processor. Modern CPU sockets and processor packages are built in following architectures: Pin Grid Array (PGA) - the pins are on the underside of the processor package and is inserted into the motherboard CPU socket. Land Grid Array (LGA) - the pins are on the socket instead of on the processor. Can have higher density. Ball Grid Array (BGA) – the pins are soldered to the motherboard (Laptops, phone, tablets). Central Processing Unit Some CPUs incorporate hyperthreading or hypertransport to enhance the performance of the CPU. Hyper-Threading creates two virtual cores per physical core. When one virtual core is waiting (e.g., for data from memory), the other can continue executing instructions. This improves the overall utilization of the CPU. HyperTransport is a high-speed, low-latency connection used primarily to enhance communication between the CPU and other components such as memory, input/output (I/O) controllers, and other processors in multi-CPU systems. The amount of data that a CPU can process at one time depends on the size of the processor data bus. Speed of the CPU is measured in cycles per second – megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Central Processing Unit The latest processor technology has resulted in CPU manufacturers finding ways to incorporate more than one CPU core onto a single chip. Dual Core CPU - Two cores inside a single CPU Triple Core CPU - Three cores inside a single CPU Quad Core CPU - Four cores inside a single CPU Hexa-Core CPU - Six cores inside a single CPU Octa-Core CPU - Eight cores inside a single CPU Some as high as sixteen cores Cooling Systems Computer components perform better when kept cool. A case fan makes the cooling process more efficient. A heat sink draws heat away from the core of the CPU. A fan on top of the heat sink moves the heat away from the CPU. Fans can be dedicated to cool the Graphics-processing unit (GPU). Computers are kept cool using active and passive cooling solutions. Active Cooling: Active cooling solutions require power to operate, typically using fans or liquid cooling systems. They actively move air or liquid to remove heat from components. Example: Case fans Passive Cooling: Passive cooling solutions do not require any power** and rely on natural heat dissipation methods to cool down components. Example: Heat sinks: A heat sink is a passive cooling device made from materials like aluminum or copper. It is attached to components like the CPU or GPU, allowing heat to transfer from the chip to the heat sink, which then dissipates the heat into the surrounding air. This method works without any power consumption. Types of Memory A computer might use different types of memory chips. All memory chips store data in the form of bytes. A byte is a block of eight bits stored as either 0 or 1 in the memory chip. Read-Only Memory (ROM) Basic instructions for booting the computer and loading the operating system. ROM chips retain their contents even when the computer is powered down. Can’t be erased or rewritten. Types of ROM Types of Read-only Memory include: Read-Only Memory (ROM) chips – Programmed at factory and can’t be erased or rewritten. Programable Read-Only Memory (PROM) chips – Manufactured blank and can be programmed only once. Erasable Programable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) chips – Can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light. Electrically Erasable Programable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chips – Can be reprogrammed while still in the computer. Random-access memory (RAM) RAM is temporary storage for data and programs that are being accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased when the computer is powered off. All data moving in or out of the processor must be loaded into RAM first. More RAM means more capacity to hold and process large programs and files, as well as enhance system performance. The maximum amount of RAM that can be installed is limited by the motherboard (chipset). Types of RAM Types of Random Access Memory (RAM) include: Static RAM (SRAM) – Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) – Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM) DDR2 Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR2 SDRAM) DDR3 Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR3 SDRAM) DDR4 Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR4 SDRAM) GDDR Synchronous Dynamic RAM (GDDR SDRAM) – Designed specifically for video graphics and use with a dedicated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Cache SRAM is used as cache memory to store the most frequently used data. SRAM provides the processor with faster access to the data than retrieving it from the slower DRAM, or main memory. The speed of memory has a direct impact on how much data a processor can process in a given period of time. The fastest memory is typically static RAM (SRAM) which is used as cache memory for storing the most recently used data and instructions by the CPU. The three most common types of cache memory are: L1 cache – integrated into the CPU L2 cache – was original mounted on the motherboard, but now integrated into the CPU L3 cache – used some high-end workstations and server CPUs Adapter Cards Adapter cards increase the functionality of a computer by adding controllers for specific devices or by replacing malfunctioning ports. Common adapter cards include: Sound adapter Network Interface Card (NIC) Wireless NIC Video adapter or display adapter Video capture card TV tuner card Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller card eSATA card Adapter Cards Computers have expansion slots on the motherboard to install adapter cards. The type of adapter card connector must match the expansion slot. Common expansion slots include: Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Mini-PCI PCI eXtended (PCI-X) PCI Express (PCIe) Riser card Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Types of Storage Devices Data drives provide non-volatile storage of data. Designed to permanently store user data, user applications and the Operating System. Can be internal or external to the computer. Some drives have fixed media, and other drives have removable media. Data storage devices can be classified according to the media on which the data is stored: Magnetic – like hard disk drive and tape drive Solid state – like solid state drive Optical – like CD and DVD Types of Storage Devices Storage devices inside a computer connect to the motherboard using Serial AT Attachment (SATA) connections. The legacy interface is Parallel ATA (EIDE). The interface standards define the way that data is transferred, the transfer rates, and physical characteristics of the cables and connectors. There are three main versions of the SATA standard: SATA 1, SATA 2, & SATA 3. The cables and connectors are the same, but the data transfer speeds are different. Magnetic Media Storage This type of storage represents binary values as magnetized or non-magnetized physical areas of magnetic media. Common types of magnetic media storage drives: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – the traditional magnetic disk devices with storage capacity ranging from gigabytes (GBs) to terabytes (TBs). Magnetic hard drives have drive motors designed to spin magnetic platters and move the drive heads. Speed is measured in revolutions per minute. – Common speeds are 5400rpm, 7200rpm, 10,000rpm. Magnetic Media Storage Common types of magnetic media storage drives: Tape Drive – most often used for archiving data. Tape drives use a magnetic read/write head and removable tape cartridge. Common tape storage capacities vary between a few GBs to many TBs. A floppy disk drive (FDD) is storage device that uses removable 3.5 inch floppy disks that can store up to 1.44 MB of data. Semiconductor Storage Solid-state drives (SSD) store data as electrical charges in semiconductor flash memory. This results in faster access to data, improved performance, higher reliability, reduced power usage. SSDs have no moving parts, make no noise, are more energy efficient, not susceptible to vibrations, and produce less heat than HDDs. SSDs come in three form factors: Disc drive form factor – similar to an HDD Expansion cards – plugs directly into the motherboard and mounts in the computer case like other expansion cards mSata or M.2 modules – these packages may use a special socket. – M.2 is a standard for computer expansion cards. Types of Optical Storage Devices Optical drives are removable media storage devices that use lasers to read and write data on optical media. They were developed to overcome the storage capacity limitations of removable magnetic media such as floppy discs. There are three types of optical drives: Compact Disc (CD) - audio and data Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - digital video and data Blu-ray Disc (BD) - HD digital video and data Ports and Cables Input/output (I/O) ports on a computer connect peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and portable drives. A computer may have other ports: Personal System 2 (PS/2) Audio and game port Network Parallel AT Attachment (PATA) Serial AT Attachment (SATA) External SATA (eSATA) Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) Universal Serial Bus (USB) Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE Ports and Cables Serial ports transmit one bit of data at a time. Uses a DB-9 or DB-25 connector. Usage: Often used for connecting devices like modems, mice, and older printers. USB is a standard interface for connecting hot-swappable peripheral devices to a computer. Some devices can also be powered through the USB port. Usage: Widely used for connecting various peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, external storage, and printers. FireWire is a high-speed, hot-swappable interface that can support up to 63 devices. Some devices can also be powered through the FireWire port. (IEEE-1394) Usage: Commonly used for connecting digital cameras, external hard drives, and audio/video equipment. A parallel cable is used to connect parallel devices, such as a printer or scanner, and can transmit 8 bits of data at one time. (IEEE-1284) Usage: Mainly used for connecting older printers and scanners, especially before USB became the standard. Ports and Cables SCSI port can transmit data at rates in excess of 320 Mbps and can support up to 15 devices. SCSI devices must be terminated at the endpoints of the SCSI chain. Usage: Commonly used for connecting hard drives, scanners, and other peripherals in high- performance environments. A network port, also known as an RJ-45 port, connects a computer to a network. The maximum length of network cable is 328 ft (100 m). A telephone port (RJ11) is used to connect a modem to a telephone outlet. A BNC connects data networks over coaxial cable. Usage: Historically used in video and broadcast applications, as well as in some networking environments (like 10BASE2 Ethernet). A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or a mouse to a computer. The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN female connector. An audio port connects audio devices to the computer. A video port connects a monitor cable to a computer. Video Ports and Cables A video port connects a monitor to a computer using a cable. Video ports and monitor cables transfer analog signals, digital signals, or both. Video ports and cables include: Digital Visual Interface (DVI) DisplayPort High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Thunderbolt 1 or 2 Thunderbolt 3 Video Graphics Array (VGA) Radio Corporation of America (RCA) Adapters and Converters There are many connection standards in use today. These components are called adapters and converters: Converter – performing the same function as an adapter but also translates the signals from one technology to the other. Adapter – physically connecting one technology to another Example of adapters include: DVI to VGA Adapter USB to Ethernet adapter USB to PS/2 adapter DVI to HDMI adapter Molex to SATA adapter HDMI to VGA converter The Original Input Devices Input devices all the user to communicate with a computer. Some of the first input devices include: Keyboard and Mouse – these are the two most commonly used input devices ADF / Flatbed Scanner – these devices digitize an image or document Joystick and Gamepad – these devices are used for playing games KVM Switch – a hardware device that can be used to control more than one computer while using a single keyboard, video (monitor), and mouse New Input Devices Some new input devices include: Touch screen – input devices with touch or pressure sensitive screens Stylus – a type of digitizer that allows a designer or artist to create artwork by using a pen-like tool Magnetic strip reader – a device that reads information magnetically encoded on the back of plastic cards Barcode scanner – a device that reads the information contained in the barcodes affixed to products More New Input Devices A few newer input devices: Digital camera – devices that capture digital images and videos Webcams – video cameras that can be integrated into a computer Signature pad– a device that electronically captures a person’s signature Smart card reader – a device used on a computer to authenticate the user. A smart card may be the size of a credit card with an embedded microprocessor that is typically under a gold contact pad on one side of the card. Microphone – a device that allows a user to speak into a computer and have their voice digitized Most Recent Input Devices The newest input devices include: NFC devices and terminals – Near Field Communication (NFC) tap to pay devices Biometer Devices: Facial recognition scanners – devices identifying a user based on unique facial features Fingerprint scanners – devices identifying a user based on unique fingerprint Voice recognition scanners – devices identifying a user based on unique voice What are Output Devices? An output device takes binary information from the computer and converts it into a form that is easily understood by the user. Examples of output devices include monitors, projectors, printers, speakers, headphones, and VR headsets. Monitors and Projectors Most monitors use one of three types of technology: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is commonly used in laptops and some projectors. LCD comes in two forms, active matrix and passive matrix. A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display is an LCD display that uses LED backlighting to light the display. An Organic LED (OLED) display uses a layer of organic material that responds to electrical stimulus to emit light. Several factors are involved in Monitor Resolution –Pixel, Dot Pitch, Contrast Ratio, Refresh rate, Interlace/Non-Interlace, Horizontal vertical color, Aspect ratio, Native resolution. Monitor Resolution refers to the level of image detail that can be reproduced. Higher resolution settings produce better image quality. Contrast ratio is the difference in the intensity of light between the brightest Monitors and Projectors Plasma - Plasma displays are another type of flat panel monitor Most video projectors use LCD or DLP technology. DLP stands for Digital Light Processing Different projectors have different numbers of lumens, which affects the level of brightness of the projected image. VR and AR Headsets Virtual reality headset – used with computer games, simulators, and training applications with virtual reality functionalities. Virtual Reality (VR) uses computer technology to create a simulated, three- dimensional environment. A VR headset completely encases the upper portion of users’ faces, not allowing in any ambient light from their surroundings. Augmented Reality (AR) uses similar technology but superimposes images and audio over the real world in real time. AR can provide users with immediate access to information about their real surroundings. An AR headset usually does not close off ambient light to users, allowing them to see their real life surroundings. Printers Printers are output devices that create hard copies of files. A hard copy might be a on a sheet of paper. It could also be a plastic form created from a 3D printer. Different types of printers: Inkjet, impact, thermal, laser, and 3D printers Printers use wired or wireless connections All printers require printing material (such as ink, toner, liquid plastic, etc.) Printers use a driver to communicate with OS Speakers and Headphones Speakers are a type of auditory output device. Most computers and mobile devices have audio support either integrated into the motherboard or on an adapter card. Headphones, earbuds, and the earphones found in headsets are all auditory output devices. These may be wired or wireless. Some are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled. 1.3 COMPUTER DISASSEMBLY