IDENTIFYING THE FOUR BASIC FUNCTION OF THE CRT- Cathode Ray Tube

COMPUTER 5. SPEAKER- provide the audio output for the system

1. INPUT- keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, camera, PERIPHERAL DEVICE- everything attached to the system unit
joystick that performs (I/O) Input / Output functions.
2. PROCESS - CPU PORTS FOUND AT THE BACK OF THE SYSTEM UNIT
3. STORAGE HDD, FDD, Optical Disc, Flash Drive (USB 1. Power Input- is where you plug in the PCs electrical
Removable Disk) power cord
4. OUTPUT- monitor, speaker, printer(LaserJet, Inkjet, Dot 2. Keyboard Port dedicated port for the keyboard
matrix) 3. Mouse Port- dedicated port for the mouse
4. USB Ports- general purpose connectors for newer PCs
IDENTIFYING THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A PC 5. Parallel Port- 25-pin connector remain a popular means
1. SYSTEM UNIT- is the box that contains the essence of for connecting printers
the computer - is a type of interface found on computers (personal
CPU and otherwise) for connecting various peripherals. It is
Short-term & Long Term Memory also known as a printer port.
Peripheral Devices 6. Serial Port- 9-pin connector one of the oldest & most
Wirings universal ports found in the back of the PC.
7. Video Port- 15-pin connector is where the monitor
2. KEYBOARD- is the typewriter component of the connects to the system unit
computer. Enables you to enter data into computer. 8. Audio Ports- used to connect speaker, microphones, &
Connector/Interface use: other audio devices
9. Game Port- a.k.a. joystick port, 15-pin connector can be
SERIAL (Recommended Standard 232)
used both Joystick & Musical Instrument Digital Interface
PS2 (Personal System/2)
(MIDI)
USB (Universal Serial Bus) 10.Modem Port- enable your PC to communicate with other
PC via a telephone line
3. MOUSE- enables you to interact with images on the 11.Network Interface- connects your PC to other PC in a
monitors screen by controlling an on-screen icon called Local Area Network (LAN).
cursor.
Type:
Trackball SYSTEM UNIT INTERNAL COMPONENTS
Optical-uses optical light sensor 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - also called the
Connector/Interface use: microprocessor, is the brain of the computer, the place
SERIAL (Recommended Standard 232) where all the work gets done.
PS2 (Personal System/2) a) Slot Processor
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Slot 1 refers to the physical and electrical
specification for the connector used by some of
4. MONITOR- PC primary output device Intel's microprocessors; Intel Celeron,
Type: Pentium II, Pentium III
LCD- Liquid Crystal Display
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 Slot A (Socket 462) refers to the physical
and electrical specification for a 242-lead
single-edge-connector used by early
versions of AMD's Athlon & Duron processor
b) Socket Processor
Socket 7-is a physical and electrical
specification for an x86-style CPU socket on a
personal computer motherboard; Pentium,
Pentium MMX, AMD K6, Cyrix 6x86 MX
Socket 370- (also known as the PGA370
socket) is a common format of CPU socket first
used by Intel for Pentium III and Celeron
processors to replace the older Slot 1 CPU
interface on personal computers. The "370"
refers to the number of holes in the socket for
CPU pins. Modern Socket 370 fittings are
usually found on Mini-ITX motherboards and
embedded systems.
Intel Processors:
Pentium - 1993(60-200 Mhz)
Pentium Pro 1995 (150-200 Mhz)
Pentium MMX 1997 (166-233 Mhz)
Pentium II 1997 (233-450 Mhz)
Pentium III 1999 (450-1.13 Ghz)
Pentium 4 2000 (1.3-4 Ghz)
2. Random Access Memory (RAM) CPUs short-term
memory. Computer memory is measured in megabytes
(MB) for most PCs, or gigabytes (GB) for high-end
systems.
5 TYPES OF RAM TECHNOLOGY
a. FPM RAM Fast Page Mode RAM (Pentium & Earlier)
b. EDO RAM Extended Data Out RAM ( Pentium II,
Celeron & Athlon)
c. SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory (All Pentium & Later)
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d. DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate SDRAM; 4 common
speed 200, 266, 333, 400 Mhz (Intel Celeron, Duron,
Athlon XP, P4)
e. RDRAM Rambus Dynamic RAM; speed 400-533 Mhz
(P4)
4 BASIC PACKAGES OF RAM (PHYSICAL FORM
FACTORS)
a. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Modules) came in 2
sizes: 30 pins or 72 pins both for FPM & EDO
b. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Modules)
DIIM Type Technology SPEED (Mhz)
168 pin SDRAM 60, 100,133
184 pin DDR SDRAM 200, 266, 333, 400
c. SO DIMM (Small Outline DIMMs) exclusively in
laptop computers
d. RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module)
3. Motherboard - is the central printed circuit board (PCB)
that covers most of the bottom of the system unit. It
provides area where all of the internal components of the
PC can connect.
4. Expansion Slots- enable you to expand the capabilities
of your system by adding extra components. E.g. sound
card, video card, LAN card
5. Hard Drive is your PCs primary storage device. A.k.a.
computer long-term memory.
6. CD-ROM Drives are designed to read CDs
7. Floppy Drives read floppy disks. The disks are known
simply as floppies.
8. Video Card a.k.a. a graphics adapter acts as the
interface between the computer and monitor
 9. Power Supply converts standard household AC current owning a computer. Imagine the satisfaction you could get by
into the DC current needed by the PC solving a problem yourself.

10.Sound Card provide the sound input and output for
your PC
11.Network Interface Card (NIC) - connects your PC to
other PC in a Local Area Network (LAN).
12.Modems - enable your PC to communicate with other PC
via a telephone line, Modems come in two flavors:
external and internal
Of course the fun could ran out quickly once you are frustrated
and have spent too much time on the same problem. If you feel
frustrated, it's time to leave it for a while and go back with
some new ideas or call someone who can help. Rule of thumb:
You shouldn't spend more than three hours on the same
problem at one time.
4. Take notes!
Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages.
You may need to use them later. For instance, when you see an
unusual blue screen with an error message, copy the entire
message onto a piece of paper. In many situations, that
message may point to the right direction in getting the problem
solved quickly.

COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING TECHNIQUES & 5. Take a look?

STRATEGIES It's OK to open a computer case and take a look inside. There is
1. Trial-and-error only 5V and 12V DC voltage supplied to the components
Personal computers are highly modular by design. The most outside the power supply. Those who have never seen the
powerful trouble-shooting technique is to isolate the problem to inside of a computer are often amazed by how simple it looks.
a specific component by trial-and-error. Swap compatible Award and Phoenix BIOS:
components and see if the system still works. Try different
peripherals on different machines and see if the same problem Indicator System Status
occurs. Make one change at a time.
1 short beep: Normal
2. "It's the cable, s-----." 2 short beeps CMOS error
More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling 1 long and 1 short beep RAM error
and connections. Ensure all cables are connected firmly. IDE and 1 long and 2 short beeps Video card error
floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. 1 long and 3 short beeps Keyboard error
Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as
video card and sound card are inserted correctly and didn't 1 long and 9 short beeps ROM error
"pop-up" during transportation. Long continuous beeps RAM not installed correctly
Bad power supply or over
3. Don't be frustrated! Short continuous beeps
heating
Don't be afraid of computer problems. It is often the best
opportunity to learn. Trouble-shooting is part of the fun of SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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 1. Be safe with electricity - A very important issue to
consider when building a computer, or any computer for
that matter, is electricity. Whilst working on your
computer, make sure all power cords are
disconnected. Never work on your computer with the
power supply plugged in.
2. Stay Static Free (Electro Static Discharge) - Static
electricity can easily cause damage to sensitive
components, especially RAM, CPUs and motherboards. To
prevent damage to your components while building a
computer, wear an antistatic wrist strap. In addition,
regularly ground yourself by touching the metal case
when all power cords are disconnected.
3. Use the Right Tools - Building a computer today can
almost be done with just your bare hands. Some
computer cases are designed so that you can install
everything without needing many tools. The most
common tools you will likely need for construction of your
PC are:
Phillips screwdriver
Flat nose screwdriver
Long-nose pliers
Antistatic wrist strap
Problem with power supply or CPU chips:
Make sure the power connector is connected correctly and fitted
firmly in the mother board socket, some mother boards require
two connectors from the power supply, refer to mother board
manual. If the problem persists try using a different power
supply. Check CPU fan, remove chip and clear dust, make sure it
is mounted properly.
Video card problem:
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Remove video card and inspect for cracks or bad connectors.
Make sure the video card mounted correctly in the slot, try
using a different video card.
Keyboard error:
Either the key board is not functioning or is not attached
correctly, try a different key board, if its has a PS/2 connector
then make sure its not plugged into the mouse connector.
RAM error:
Remove ram inspect for cracks, bad connectors or dust. Insert
the chip back into the slot and make sure its firmly seated
properly in the slot, if the mother board has more then one slot
then make sure the chip is in the first slot (i.e. closest to the
CPU). If the problem persists change ram. Download MS
memory diagnostic.
No beeps and no POST
Pull everything out of the machine except for the CPU and
power the PC up. The PC should now only consist of a power
supply, a motherboard and a CPU/HSF. This means your PC
should have no video card, RAM or IDE cables. You should have
no PCI cards and that includes modems and sound cards. Have
a power button and speaker hooked up to the board so you can
turn it on and listen for beep codes.
If you have the PC stripped down this much and you still do not
get any beep codes, then you may have an issue with either the
CPU, motherboard or power supply.
Problems after booting:
Pc Freezes:
Check CPU fan, case fan and power box fan, make sure all are
working and clean off dust. Check hard drive, CPU, power
supply for over heating. Some video cards may also heat up
and create excessive heat inside the case. Make sure that the 1. Fully shut down and unplug the computer before you
case is kept cool, by maintaining good air flow. make any attempts to disassemble the tower.

Scan hard drive for bad sectors. 2. Take off any metal objects on your arms or fingers such
as bracelets, rings or watches. Even if your unit is
Make sure all devices are functioning properly are unplugged, there may still be some remaining electric
charge.
plugged in. Unplug any faulty device.
3. Make sure your hands are completely dry to avoid
Unplug any new devices or software installed. damaging any mechanical parts as well as to avoid
electrocution.
Pc Restarts while in use:
4. Work in a cool area to avoid perspiration for the same
One problem could be bad RAM, replace RAM and restart reason as seen in the previous number.
machine. Open up resource hungry applications like Office,
Photoshop, many instances of internet explorer until all the ram 5. Before touching any part within the tower, put your
is used up. If system doesn't freeze or restart then return old hands against another metal surface (such as the
chip to manufacturer. computer casing) to remove static charge, which may
damage sensitive devices.
Check capacitors on motherboard make sure that they aren't
bulging, leaking, or burned. If they are - that's the problem. 6. Prepare a place to keep any screws you may remove. A
container or piece of paper with labels for each part
Scan for viruses. (casing, motherboard, CD drive, etc) is ideal to avoid
confusion between the similar-looking screws.
Voltage problem or overheated components:
7. Handle all parts with care. Place each piece you remove
If the computer is actually functioning and the computer beeps carefully down onto a stable surface.
continuously, then there is a problem with a voltage on the
power supply being incorrect or the CPU overheating. Go into 8. If a component does not come out easily, do not
the BIOS and check CPU temperature, fan speed and voltages forcefully remove it. Instead, check that you are
removing it correctly and that no wires or other parts are
in the way.

9. Be careful when holding the motherboard, its underside

actually quite pointy and able to hurt you.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Few warnings and reminders before you start 10.Never attempt to remove the power source, a box
disassembling your computer tower to keep both your unit and attached to the side or bottom of the unit to which all
yourself safe cables are connected.

Page 5 of 6
 11.When removing any cables, wires or ribbons, make sure
to grasp the wire at the base or head to keep it from
breaking.
12.Be careful not to drop any small parts (particularly
screws) into unreachable areas such as into the computer
fan or disk drive.
13.Take note that the three of the most damaging things to a
computer are moisture (sweat, drinking water), shock
(electric or from being dropped) and dust (any debris
from household dust to bits of food).
SYSTEM UNIT DISASSEMBLY
But before proceeding to the disassemble system unit, here are
some safety reminders and precautions that you should take
note of:
Page 6 of 6
1. Make sure that the computer is shut down and
unplugged.
2. Make sure that your hands are not wet. Make sure that
there are no static energy.
3. Remember that those on the motherboards surface are
not designs, but vital parts of the system unit.
Physical contact may damage it.
4. Prepare a screwdriver (preferably a Philips screwdriver).
5. Do not mess with the power supply unless you know what
you are doing.
6. The system unit may be functional so handle it with
care. We may be dismantling it, but we are not
destroying it.
Do the steps in order to avoid confusion and getting lost.