MATERIAL
Sector: ELECTRONICS
SYSTEM
SUMMARY OF COMPETENCY – BASED LEARNING MATERIALS
You need to complete this module before you can perform the module on Set – up
Computer Networks.
MODULE CONTENT
MODULE DESCRIPTOR:
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to set – up and
configure computer system Desktop Computers and Laptops. It consists of competencies to
assembling computer hardware, preparing installers, Installing operating system and drivers
for peripherals/ devices, Installing application software and Conducting test and
documentation.
COMPETENCY SUMMARY
Learning Outcomes:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Unit assembly is planned and prepared to ensure OH&S policies and procedures are
followed in accordance with systems requirements.
2. Materials necessary to complete the work are identified and obtained in accordance
with established procedures and checked against systems requirements
3. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the installation work are
obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation
and safety
CONTENTS:
1. Follow the OH & S policies and procedures to ensure operation safety requirements
2. Plan and prepare unit assembly
3. Identify and obtain the materials, tools and equipment in accordance with job
requirements
4. Assemble computer hardware in accordance with job and system requirements
1. Unit assembly is planned and prepared to ensure OH&S policies and procedures are
followed in accordance with systems requirements.
2. Materials necessary to complete the work are identified and obtained in accordance
with established procedures and checked against systems requirements
3. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the installation work are
obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation
and safety
4. Computer hardware is assembled in accordance with established procedures and
systems requirements
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
1. Hands-on
2. Direct observation
3. Practical demonstration
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
Quezon
Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
Southern Phils. Install and Developed by: Issued by: Page
Training Center Configure
Revision No.: 6 of 56
Computer System John Paul Romano
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
Quezon
Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
Southern Phils. Install and Developed by: Issued by: Page
Training Center Configure
Revision No.: 7 of 56
Computer System John Paul Romano
Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome 1
2. Answer self-check 1.1-1 Compare your answer to the answer key 1.1-1.
If you got 100% correct answer in this self-
check, you can now move to the next
information sheet. If not review the information
sheet and go over the self-check again.
3. Read information sheet 1.1-2 If you have some problem on the content of the
”Plan and prepare unit information sheet don’t hesitate to approach
assembly” your facilitator.
If you feel that you are now knowledgeable on
the content of the information sheet, you can
now answer self-check provided in the module.
4. Answer self-check 1.1-2 Compare your answer to the answer key 1.1-2.
If you got 100% correct answer in this self-
check, you can now move to the next
information sheet. If not review the information
sheet and go over the self-check again.
5. Read information sheet 1.1-3 If you have some problem on the content of the
“Identify materials, tools information sheet don’t hesitate to approach
and equipment” your facilitator.
If you feel that you are now knowledgeable on
the content of the information sheet, you can
now answer self-check provided in the module.
6. Answer self-check 1.1-3 Compare your answer to the answer key 1.1-3.
7. Read information sheet If you have some problem on the content of the
1.1-4 “Assembling information sheet don’t hesitate to approach
Computer” your facilitator.
If you feel that you are now knowledgeable on
the content of the information sheet, you can
now answer self check provided in the module.
8. Answer self-check 1.1-4 Compare your answer to the answer key 1.1-4.
If you got 100% correct answer in this self-
Perform Task sheet 1.1.-4
check, you can now move to the next Learning
Outcome. If not review the information sheet
and go over the self-check again.
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify and apply OHS
policies and procedures in Computer Hardware Servicing.
Occupational health and safety is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the
safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work. The goal of all occupational health and
safety programs is to foster a safe work environment. As a secondary effect, it may also
protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities,
and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment. It may
involve interactions among many subject areas, including occupational medicine, occupational
(or industrial) hygiene, public health, safety engineering, chemistry, health physics.
Safety practices should be learned early and always adhered to when working with any
electrical device, including personal computers and peripherals. This is for the protection of
not only the people working with them, but also for the devices themselves. The basis for this
process begins with your Occupational Health and Safety Policies.
Personal Safety While Working Along With PC’s
While working inside your computer, do not attempt to service the computer except as
explained in this guide and elsewhere in product documentation. Always follow the instructions
closely.
Computer equipment can be dangerous, and you or others can be injured or even killed
if you don’t follow proper safety guidelines when working along PC’s. The following are some
precautionary measures to take before working with any computer equipment:
Before you start to work on the computer, perform the following steps in the sequence
indicated:
2. Touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis, such as the metal around
the card-slot openings at the back of your computer, before touching anything inside
your computer.
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
Quezon
Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
Southern Phils. Install and Developed by: Issued by: Page
Training Center Configure
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Computer System John Paul Romano
3. Disconnect the computer and peripherals from their electrical outlets. Doing so reduces the potential
for personal injury or shock. Also disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the
computer.
NOTE: Before disconnecting a peripheral from the system or removing a component from
the system board, verify that the standby power light-emitting diode (LED) on the system
board has turned off.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to
dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
In addition, it is recommended that you periodically review the safety instructions in your
System Information Guide.
Directions:
Identify at least 10 Occupation health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures in CHS.
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
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Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
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Training Center Configure
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Computer System John Paul Romano
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
2. Touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis, such as the metal
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
Quezon
Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
Southern Phils. Install and Developed by: Issued by: Page
Training Center Configure
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Computer System John Paul Romano
around the card-slot openings at the back of your computer, before touching
anything inside your computer
3. Turn off the computer and all peripherals
4. Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to help reduce the chance of
being shocked or seriously injured in an electrical accident.
5. Do not work on components that are plugged into their power source.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Prepare the required documents or forms before you do a well planned installation
2. Identify the qualifications to be a certified hardware professional so that you could be
allowed and authorized to do a well planned installation
Are you the person everyone calls when they have a computer problem? Have you
considered getting paid for fixing near-fatal errors and turning your PC prowess into a
business? According a recent report, sales of computer services are expected to exceed $47
billion this year in the U.S. alone, with PC repair leading the way. But there are some
requirements that you need to know before joining the bandwagon of Computer Hardware
Servicing trade, like document/forms (e.g. Job Orders, Request Forms, and Report Sheets)
and qualifications for personnel in repairing computers.
A. Job Order
A Job order (known as works order outside of the United States because the work is
produced in a manufacturing area known as the works) or job order (sometimes job
ticket or work ticket, as it often has some type of ticket attached) is an order received by an
organization from a customer or client, or an order created internally within the organization. A
work order may be for products or services.
A work order may be a maintenance or repair request from students, faculty or staff in a
university.
Orders received from outside an organization are often dispatched (reviewed and
scheduled) before being executed. Work orders may be for preventive maintenance
Contractors may use a single job work order and invoice form that contains the
customer information, describes the work performed, lists charges for material and labor, and
can be given to the customer as an invoice.
3. the types of labor required, rate (per hour or per unit) and amount
4. the machine utilization for each machine during the routing process, its rate and amount
In a service environment, a job order can be the equivalent to a work or service order
where the job order records the location, date and time the service is carried out and the
nature of service that was carried out. The type of personnel (e.g. job position) may also be
listed on the job order. A rate (e.g. $/hr, $/week) and also the total amount of hours worked and
total value is also shown.
Observation/s:
Ronaldo Supetran
Sign:
Certifications
PC technicians must be able to squat, bend and reach to access the computer
equipment requiring repair. They should be physically able to lift at least 50 pounds of
computer components. Employers look for technicians who can stand for long periods of time
and have the ability to perceive a variety of colors. Employers want technicians who think
analytically, are organized and pay attention to detail. They should feel comfortable working
under tight deadlines, and companies may expect them to work overtime or on weekends.
Applicants should know how to use a variety of standard office software, and some jobs
also require knowledge of networking. Companies prefer candidates with previous PC repair
experience, and they may look for candidates with experience repairing specific brands of
computers. Technicians need strong oral communication skills and should be able to explain
their findings to customers using common terms.
A. IDENTIFICATION
Direction: the Precautions and Procedures write TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if the statement is wrong.
IDENTIFICATION
1. FALSE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Multi-tester or Multi-meter
Pliers (Assorted)
Screwdriver
A soldering gun is
a tool for soldering metals using tin-
based solder to achieve a highly
conductive contact
Desoldering Tool
Allen Wrench
Flashlight
Mirror
Tweezers
Gloves
Printer
Computer
A computer is
a programmable machine designed to
automatically carry out a sequence of
arithmetic or logical operations
Crimping Tool
LAN Tester
UTP Unshielded
Twisted Pair Cat 5
Cable
RJ 45 Connector
A plastic connector
used for UTP Cable to
connect computers in
a network
Ethernet Switch
A network
switch or switching
hub is a computer
networking device that
connects network
segments or network
devices
A. IDENTIFICATION.
Direction: Identify the Precautions and Procedures write TRUE if the statement is
correct and FALSE if the statement is wrong.
________3. Fliers are hand tool used to hold objects firmly for beding or physical
Compression
________4. A screw is a tool for driving screws and often rotating other machine
elements with the mating drive system
________5. A Soldering Gun is a tool for soldering metals using tin-based solder
to achieve a highly conductive contact
B. MATCHING TYPE
Direction: Select your answer on the choices below that will correspond on the
statement. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided.
______ 4. Intended for picking up objects too small for human hands
A. IDENTIFICATION
1. FALSE
2. FALSE
3. FALSE
4. FALSE
5. TRUE
B. MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. G
2. J
3. F
4. I
5. H
ASSEMBLING COMPUTER
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Classify of the hardware and software components of a computer with its corresponding
functions.
2. Determine the various computer components and peripherals
Putting together a complete computer system, however, is more involved than just
connecting computer devices. In an effective and efficient system, components are selected
and organized with an understanding of the inherent tradeoffs between overall system
performance and cost, control, and complexity.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Today, almost everyone in our information society has a basic understanding of what a
computer is and what it can do. A contemporary computer system consists of a central
processing unit, primary storage, secondary storage, input devices, output devices, and
Computer System Date Developed: Document No.:
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Colleges of Servicing NC II September 2015
Southern Phils. Install and Developed by: Issued by: Page
Training Center Configure
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Computer System John Paul Romano
communications devices that work together with software to perform calculations, organize
data, and communicate with other computers.
Computer system hardware components include devices that perform the functions of input,
processing, data storage; output and communication. The devices responsible for these five
areas are as follows:
commands in a form that the computer can use; they send the data or commands to the
processing unit. Commonly-used input devices include keyboard, mouse, microphone,
scanner, digital camera, and PC camera.
Output devices. Output devices show people the processed data--information --in
understandable and useful form. Four commonly used output devices are a printer, a
monitor, speakers, and a portable media player. Input/output devices are playing an
increasingly significant role in our lives. The number and variety of input/output devices
are expanding.
Processing devices. Processing devices are the computer electronic circuitry housed
in the system unit. The circuitry in the system unit is part of a circuit board called the
motherboard. Two major components on the motherboard are the processor and
memory. The processor, formally known as the central processing unit (CPU), has
electronic circuitry that manipulates input data into the information people want.
Computer instructions are actually are executed in the central processing unit. Memory
is a series of electronic elements that temporarily holds data and program instructions
while they are being processed by the CPU. Both the processor and memory consist of
chips. A chip is an electronic device that contains many microscopic pathways designed
to carry electrical current.
Storage devices. Storage usually means secondary storage that can store data and
programs outside the computer itself. Storage devices hold data, information, and
programs permanently. These devices supplement memory (also called primary
storage) that can hold data and programs only temporarily. Common storage devices
include a hard disk, USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and memory cards. A drive is a
device that reads from and writes onto a storage medium. A storage medium is the
physical material on which data, information, and program are stored. Some portable
devices, such as digital cameras, use memory cards as the storage media.
The Motherboard
The system unit is a box-like case that houses the processor, memory and other electronic
components of the computer that are used to process data. All other computer system devices,
such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, are linked either directly or indirectly into the
system unit.
To conserve on space, all-in-one computer houses the system unit in the same physical
case as the monitor. On notebook computers, the keyboard and pointing device often occupy
the area on the top of the system unit. The display attaches to the system unit by a hinge. The
system unit on a handheld computer usually consumes the entire device. On these devices,
the display is part of the system unit too.
When the cover of a system unit is removed, the motherboard, also called system
board, can be seen inside the housing. The motherboard, a single circuit board, provides the path
through which the processor communicates with memory components, other components, and peripheral
devices. In a typical personal computer, the components attached to the motherboard include processor,
memory chips, support electronic circuitry, and expansion boards. It is the processor that is the most
important component of the motherboard.
A computer chip is a small piece of semi conducting material, usually silicon, on which
one or more integrated circuits are etched. The various chips have standard-sized pin
connectors that allow them to be attached to the motherboard and, there, to a common
electrical path, called bus, that enables data flow between the various system components.
The central processing unit (CPU), also called processor, interprets and carries out
the basic instructions that operate a computer. The CPU significantly impacts overall
computing power and manages most of a computer's operations. On larger computers, such
as mainframes and supercomputers, the various functions performed by the processor extend
over many separate chips and often multiple circuit boards. On a personal computer, all
functions of the processor usually are on a single chip.
Most processor chip manufacturers now offer multi-core processors. A multi-core processor is
a single-chip with two or more separate processors. Two common multi-core processors used
today are dual-core and quad-core. A dual-core processor is a chip that contains tow separate
processors. Similarly, a quad-core processor is a chip with four-separate processors. Each
processor on a multi-core chip generally runs at a slower clock speed than a single-core
processor, but multi-core ships typically increase overall performance.
The major feature of memory is that it rapidly provides the instructions and data to the
CPU. Memory stores three basic categories of items: (1) the operating system and other
system software that control or maintain the computer and its devices; (2) application
programs that carry our a specific task such as word processing; and (3) the data being
processed by the application programs and resulting information.
This role of memory to store both data and programs is known as the stored program
concept.
Programs and data are placed in memory before processing, between processing
steps, and after processing has ended, prior to being returned to secondary storage or
released as output. Recall that a character is stored in the computer as a group of 0s and 1s,
called a byte. Thus, a byte is the basic storage unit in memory. Like the CPU, memory
components contain thousands of circuits imprinted on a silicon chip. Each circuit is either
conducting electrical current (on) or not (off). By representing data as a combination of on or
off circuit states, the data is stored in memory. When application program instructions and data
are transferred into memory from storage devices, each of bytes is placed in a precise location
in memory, called an address. This address is simply a unique number identifying the location
of the byte in memory. To access data or instructions in memory, the computer references the
addresses that contain bytes of data. The size of memory is measured by the number of bytes
available for use (Figure 4-17). A kilobyte of memory is equal to exactly 1,024 bytes. To make
storage definitions easier to identify, computer users often round a kilobyte down to 1,000
bytes. A megabyte (MB) is equal to approximately 1 million bytes. A gigabyte (GB) equals
approximately 1 billion bytes. A terabyte (TB) is equal to approximately 1 trillion bytes.
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The system unit contains two types of memory: volatile and nonvolatile. The contents of
volatile memory are lost when the computer power is turned off. In nonvolatile memory, the
combination of circuit states is fixed, and therefore the contents of nonvolatile memory are not
lost when power is removed from the computer. RAM is the most common type of volatile
memory. Examples of nonvolatile memory include ROM, flash memory and CMOS. The
following sub-sections discuss these types of memory.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the memory chips that are mounted directly on the
motherboard or mounted on peripheral cards that plug into the motherboard. The RAM chips
consist of millions of switches that are sensitive to changes in electric current. When the
computer is powered on, certain operating system files are loaded from a storage device such
as a hard disk into RAM. These files remain in RAM as long as the computer is running. As
additional programs and data are requested, they are read from storage into RAM. The
processor acts upon the data while it is in RAM. During the running time, the contents of RAM
may change as the program is executed.
RAM comes in many different varieties. Three basic types of RAM are dynamic RAM,
static RAM, and magnetoresistive RAM. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) must be refreshed (or
recharged) constantly by the CPU or it loses its contents. Many variations of DRAM chips
exist, most of which are faster than the basic DRAM. One type of DRAM is Synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), which is much faster than DRAM because it is synchronized to the system
clock. Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM chips are eve faster than SDRAM chips because
they transfer data twice for each clock cycle, instead of just once, and DDR2 and DDR3 are
even faster than DDR. Dual channel SDRAM is faster than single channel SDRAM because it
delivers twice the amount of data to the processor. Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) is yet another
type of DRAM that is much faster than SDRAM because it uses pipelining techniques. Most
personal computers today use some form of SDRAM chips or RDRAM chips.
Static RAM (SRAM) is faster and more reliable than any form of DRAM. The term static
refers to the fact that it does not have to be re-energized as often as DRAM. SRAM is much
more expensive than DRAM, thus it is usually used for special purpose, such as used in
cache.
A newer type of RAM, called magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), stores data using
magnetic charges instead of electrical charges. Manufacturers claim that MRAM has greater
storage capacity, consumes less power, and has faster access times than electronic RAM.
Also, MRAM retains its contents after power is removed from the computer, which could
prevent loss of data for users. As the cost of MRAM declines, experts predict MRAM could
replace both DRAM and SRAM.
A software package usually indicates the minimum amount of RAM it requires. If you
want the application to perform optimally, typically you need more than the minimum
specifications on the software package. The necessary amount of RAM varies according to the
type of work you do and the type of software applications you are using. The amount of RAM
on your computer determines how many programs and how much data a computer can handle
at one time and thus affects overall performance. Generally, home users running Windows
Vista and using basic application software such as word processing should have at least 1GB
of RAM. Most business users who work with accounting, financial, or spreadsheet programs,
and programs requiring multimedia capabilities should have 1 to 4 GB of RAM. Users creating
professional Web sites or using graphics-intensive applications will want 4GB or more of RAM.
The amount of RAM in computers purchased today ranges from 1GB to 64GB. In an
advertisement, manufacturers specify the maximum amount of RAM a computer can hold, for
example, 1GB expandable to 2GB.
ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) refers to memory chips storing permanent data and
instructions. That is, the items stored in ROM chips cannot be modified--hence, the name
read-only. ROM is usually nonvolatile. In ROM, the combination of circuit states is fixed, and
therefore its contents are not lost if the power is removed. The data, instructions, or information
stored on ROM chips often are recorded when the chip is manufactured. ROM chips that
contain permanently written data, instructions, or information are called firmware. Firmware
can be read and used, but cannot be changed by user. For example, ROM contains the
programs that direct the computer to load the operating system and other files when the
Programmable read-only memory (PROM) is a blank ROM chip on which you can
permanently place data and programs. Once the data and instructions are programmed into
PROM chip, the chip functions like a regular ROM and cannot be erased or changed. A
variation of the PROM chip, called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM) chip, allows a programmer to erase the microcode with an electric signal.
EEPROM chips are where the CPU's data and instructions change, but only infrequently, such
as an industrial robot used in an automobile manufacturer.
Flash Memory
Another type of nonvolatile memory is called flash memory. Flash memory is a chip
that keeps its memory when the power is shut off. Similar to a EEPROM chip, flash memory
can be erased electronically and reprogrammed. Most computers use flash memory to hold
their startup instructions because it allows the computer easily to update its contents. For
example, when the computer changes from standard time to day-light savings time, the
contents of a flash memory chip (and the real-time clock chip) change to reflect the new time.
Flash memory chips also store data and programs on many mobile computers and devices,
such as smart telephones, digital cameras, pagers, PDAs, automotive devices, portable media
players, digital voice recorders, and printers. When you enter names and addresses in a
smart phone or PDA, a flash memory chip stores the data. Some portable media players such
as MP3 players store music on flash memory chips; others store music on tiny hard disks or
flash memory cards. The logic capabilities of these devices can be upgraded by simply
downloading new software from the Internet or a vendor-supplied disk to flash memory.
CMOS
Some RAM chips, flash memory chips, and other types of memory chips use
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology because it provides high
speeds and consumes little power. CMOS technology uses battery power to retain information
even when the power to the computer is off. Battery-backed CMOS memory chips, for
example, can keep the calendar, date, and time current even when the computer is off. The
flash memory chips that store a computer's startup information often use CMOS technology.
It also allows us to speak commands and enter words to our PCs via speech
recognition. The typical sound card will have receptacles for a microphone, a headset, an
audio output, and a joystick. A video card, also called video adapter or graphics card,
converts computer output into a video signal that is sent through a cable to the monitor, which
displays an image on the screen.
There are four widely used types of removable flash memory devices: flash memory
cards, USB flash drives, PC cards, and ExpressCard modules. Unlike adapter cards that
require you to open the system unit and install the card on the motherboard, you can change a
removable flash memory device without having to open the system unit or restart the
computer. This feature, called hot plugging, allows you to insert and remove the removable
flash memory and other devices while the computer is running.
A flash memory card is a removable flash memory device, which you inset and remove
from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer. Many mobile and consumer
devices, such as smart phones, digital cameras, portable media players, and PDAs use these
memory cards. Some printers and computers have built-in card readers/writers or slots that
read flash memory cards. In addition, you can purchase an external card reader/writer that
attaches to any computer. Flash memory cards are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and
capacities.
A USB flash drive is a flash memory storage device that plugs in a USB port on a
computer or portable device. A special type of USB flash drive, called a U3 smart drive,
includes preinstalled software accessed through a Window-type interface.
Buses
Buses allow the various devices inside and attached to the system unit to
communicate with each other
transmitted in a single step, transferring all 64 bits at once. The wider the bus, the fewer
number of transfer steps required and the faster the transfer of data. Most personal computers
today use a 64-bit bus.
Every bus also has a clock speed. Just like the processor, the clock speed for a bus is
measured in megahertz. The higher the bus clock speed, the faster the transmission of data,
which results in applications running faster. Most of today's processors have a bus clock speed
of 400, 533, 667, 800, 1066, or 1333 MHz.
Two basic types of buses are found in a computer: a system bus and an expansion bus. A
system bus is part of the motherboard and connects the CPU to main memory. An expansion
bus allows the CPU to communicate with peripheral devices. Data transmitted to the CPU
travels from the expansion bus and the system bus. When computer professionals use the
term bus by itself, they usually are referring to the system bus. Since the types of expansion
buses on a motherboard determine the types of expansion cards you can add, you should
understand the expansion buses commonly found in today's personal computers:
An old and slowest expansion bus is the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus. A
mouse, modem card, sound card, and low-speed network card are examples of devices
that connect to the ISA bus directly or through an ISA bus expansion slot.
The PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus is a high-speed expansion bus
that connects higher speed devices. Types of cards inserted into a PCI bus expansion
slot include video cards, sound cards, SCSI cards, and high-speed network cards. The
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PCI bus transfers data about four times faster than the ISA bus. Most current personal
computers have a PCI bus.
The PCI Express (PCIe) bus is an expansion bus that expands on and doubles the
speed of the original PCI bus. Nearly all video cards today use the PCI Express bus, as
well as many hard disks and network cards. Experts predict the PCI Express bus
eventually will replace the PCI bus completely.
The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) is actually a bus designed by Intel to improve
the speed with which 3-D graphics and video are transmitted. When an AGP video card
is inserted in an AGP bus slot, the AGP bus provides a faster, dedicated interface
between the video card and memory. Newer processors support AGP technology.
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) and FireWire bus are buses that eliminate the need
to install expansion cards into expansion slots. In a computer equipped with a USB,
USB devices are connected to each other outside the system unit and then a single
cable attaches to the USB port. The USB port then connects to USB, which connects to
the PCI bus on the motherboard. The USB hot plug feature allows peripheral devices to
be connected to or removed from the USB port while the PC is running. The FireWire
bus works in a similar fashion. With these buses, expansion slots are available for
devices not compatible with USB or FireWire.
The expansion bus for a PC Card is the PC Card bus. With a PC Card inserted into a PC
Card slot, data travels on the PC Card bus to the PCI bus.
A port is the point at which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit
so that the peripheral can send data to or receive information from the computer. An peripheral
device, such as a keyboard, monitor, printer, mouse, digital camera, and microphone, often
attaches by a cable to a port on the system unit. Most of the time, ports are located on the
back of the system unit, but they also can be placed on the front .
A connector joins a cable to a port. A connector at one end of a cable attaches to a port
on the system unit, and a connector at the other end of the cable attaches to a port on the
peripheral. Most connectors are available in one of two genders: male and female. Male
connectors have one or more exposed pins. Female connectors have matching holes to
accept the pints on a male connector. Manufacturers often identify the cables by their
connector types to assist you with purchasing a cable to connect a computer to a peripheral.
Figure show the different types of connectors you may find on a system unit. Notice that some
are color-coded to help you match the connector to the correct port. Some system units
include these connectors when you buy the computer. You add other connectors by inserting
The motherboard is designed with several port options, including at least one serial port
and parallel port each, several USB ports, and a FireWire port.
A serial port is a type of interface that connects a device to the system unit by
transmitting data one bit at a time. It usually used to connect devices that do not
required fast data transmission rates, such as a mouse or keyboard. The COM port
(short for communications port) on the system unit is one type of serial port. Some
modems, which connect the system unit to a telephone line, use a serial port because
the telephone line expects the data in a serial form. Serial ports conform to either the
RS-232 or RS-422 standard with 9-pin or 25-pin. One of the 9 or 25 lines carries the
serial signal to the peripheral device, and another line carries the signal from the device.
The other lines carry control signals.
Parallel ports allow the parallel transmission of data; that is, several bits are
transmitted simultaneously. Figure also shows how 8-bit bytes travel in parallel over 8
separate lines. Extra lines carry control signals. Parallel ports use the same 25-pin RS-
232C connector or the 36-pin Centronics connector. These ports provide the interface
for such devices as high-speed printers, external magnetic tape or disk backup units,
and other computers. Two newer types of parallel ports, the EPP (Enhanced Parallel
Port) and the ECP (Extended Capabilities Port), use the same connectors as the
Centronics port, but are more than 10 times faster.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are used in high-speed device interfaces. Up to 127
peripheral devices can be daisy-chained to a single USB port. USB ports are ideal for
digital cameras, scanners, games controllers, MP3 music player, CD & DVD, removable
hard disk, PDA, smart phone, and high-speed modems. Many system units have six to
eight USB ports. Some newer peripheral devices may attach only to a USB port. Others
attach to either a serial or parallel port, as well as a USB port. When connecting a
device to a USB port, you do not need to install a card in the computer. Simply plug one
end of the cable into the USB port and the other end into the device. To attach multiple
peripherals using a single USB port, you can use a USB hub. A USB hub is a device
that plugs in a USB port on the system unit and contains multiple USB ports in which
you plug cables from USB devices. Some USB hubs are wireless. The latest version of
USB, called USB 2.0, is a more advanced and faster USB, with speeds 40 times higher
than that of its predecessor.
There are five special-purpose ports available: MIDI, eSATA, SCSI, IrDA, and Bluetooth.
These ports are not included in typical computers. For a computer to have these ports, you
often must customize the computer purchase order. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital
Interface) ports connect the system unit to a musical instrument, such as an electronic
keyboard. The electronic music industry has adopted MIDI as a standard to define how
devices, such as sound cards and synthesizers, represent sounds electronically. A synthesizer,
which can be a peripheral or a chip, creates sound from digital instructions. A system unit with
a MIDI port has the capability of recording sounds that have been created by a synthesizer and
the processing the sounds to create new sounds. Nearly every sound card supports the MIDI
standard, so you can play and manipulate on one computer sounds that originally were
created on another computer.
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) ports are special high-speed parallel port
and provide a parallel interface that enables faster data transmission than serial and parallel
ports. Also up to 15 SCSI peripheral devices can be daisy-chained to a single SCSI port; that
is, they are connected along a single cable. The first SCSI device connects to the computer,
Many personal computers plug in standard wall outlets, which supply an alternating
current (AC) of 115 to 120 volts. This type of power is unsuitable for use with a computer,
which requires a direct current (DC) ranging from 5 to 12 volts. The power supply is the
component of the system unit that converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power. Different
motherboards and computers require different wattages on the power supply. If a power supply
is not providing the necessary power, the computer will not function properly.
Built into the power supply is a fan that keeps the power supply cool. Many newer
computers have additional fans near certain components in the system unit such as the
processor, hard disk, and ports. Processor chips generate quite a bit of heat, which could
cause the chip to burn up. Although the computer’s main fan generates airflow, many of
today’s processors require additional cooling. A heat sink is a small ceramic or metal
component with fins on its surface that absorbs and disperses heat produced by electrical
components such as a processor. Because a heat sink consumes extra space, smaller device
called a heat pipe cools processors in notebook computers.
Equipment:
1. Computer
2. PPE
Steps/Procedure:
Criteria Yes No