Student Workbook - ICAICT303A Connect Internal Hardware Components

ICAICT303A Connect internal hardware components (20)
Elements Performance Criteria

1. Identify, categorise and
distinguish between the
different types of internal
hardware components
1.1 Identify and categorise the different internal hardware
components
1.2 Explain the purpose and characteristics of the different
internal hardware component categories
1.3 Distinguish between the different types of devices within
each internal hardware component category
2. Determine components
reuired
2.1 Identify and clarify user internal hardware component
reuirements according to organisational guidelines
2.2 !rganise and record user component reuirements, pass on
to appropriate person for evaluation and vendor selection
3. !btain components 3.1 "ontact vendors to obtain technical specifications for the
proposed components
3.2 #ssess the options and provide recommendations to the
appropriate person for final analysis
3.3 !btain components to prepare for installation
$. Install components $.1 Develop plans, with prioritised tas%s and contingency
arrangements, for the installation of selected components with
minimum disruption to clients
$.2 &iaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the
plans
$.3 Install and configure components according to plan,
installation procedures and organisational requirements
$.$ 'est components for error(free performance, using available
technology
$.) Identify and resolve identified problems
$.* 'est and enhance system performance, using %nowledge of
the system, to meet organisational benchmar%s
$.+ Document the installation and configuration process
according to organisation guidelines
). Evaluate modified
system
).1 "ollect client or user feedbac% and analyse against client
reuirements
).2 "orrect identified shortcomings in the system and record
actions
Resources and References: wwwwi!ipediaor"
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Required skills
communication s%ills to,
consult with peers and supervisors, and internal and external clients
interpret technical computer installation manuals
interpret user manuals and help functions
literacy s%ills to,
organise resources for one(to(one instruction
plan, prioritise and organise wor%
write technical reports and maintain records
planning and organisational s%ills to address technical issues
problem(solving s%ills to anticipate and respond to a range of driver(related errors that
may arise
technical s%ills to,
comprehend how the operating system will communicate with the installed
component
install components
test components using available technology
test system performance.
Required knowledge
areas of the operating system relevant to configuration and testing
current industry(accepted hardware and software products
environmental considerations in e(waste disposal
organisational guidelines and organisational reuirements with regard to safety, recycling
and component installation
system-s diagnostic software and current functionality
vendor specifications and reuirements for component installation.
.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for
assessment and evidence
required to demonstrate
competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to,
identify and categorise the different types of internal hardware
components
modify system-s hardware to meet client reuirements
plan the modification and connect internal hardware components
according to vendor and technical specifications
install components across a variety of situations and account for
unexpected contingencies.
Context of and specific
resources for assessment
#ssessment must ensure access to,
personal computer and internal hardware components for installation
current industry standard performance testing software
documents detailing organisational guidelines and reuirements
technical manuals and tools
appropriate learning and assessment support when reuired
modified euipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment # range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical s%ills
and %nowledge. 'he following examples are appropriate for this unit,
verbal or written uestioning to assess candidate.s %nowledge of
system diagnostic software and system functionality
direct observation of candidate connecting internal hardware
components
evaluation of client reuirements and candidate.s final
recommendations
review of candidate.s written notes
Element 1 - dentify! categorise and distinguish "etween the different types of internal
hardware components
1.1 Identify and categorise the different internal hardware components
1.2 Explain the purpose and characteristics of the different internal hardware component
categories
1.3 Distinguish between the different types of devices within each internal hardware
component category
Categories of nternal #ardware components
Component Category of
#ardware
Component
Component $urpose and Characteristics
%dapter Cards
"ommunications
modem
'o communicate between a /" and the internet.
0peeds, wireless, encryption, protocols on
modems vary
http,11en.wi%ipedia.org1wi%i12odem
netork
inter!ace
card "#$C%
'o connect a device or host to a networ% either
wired or wireless.
http,11en.wi%ipedia.org1wi%i13etwor%4interface4c
ard
Input 1 !utput parallel 5sed to connect peripherals and older printers
transmitting data in parallel or multiple bits at a
time. It is considered a legacy or older
technology port.
http,11en.wi%ipedia.org1wi%i1/arallel4port
0mall
"omputer
0ystem
Interface
60"0I7
0"0I interfaces use a specific connection
standard to physically connect and transmit data
between peripheral devices such as 0"0I hard
drives and computers.
http,11en.wi%ipedia.org1wi%i10csi
0erial # communication port that transmits data 1 bit at
a time as opposed to parallel transmission which
is multiple bits at a time.
5niversal
system bus
508
508 was designed to standardi9e the connection
of computer peripherals 6including %eyboards,
pointing devices, digital cameras, printers,
portable media players, dis% drives and networ%
adapters7 to personal computers, both to
communicate and to supply electric power
2ultimedia "apture cards :ideo capture cards are a class of video capture
devices designed to plug directly into expansion
slots in personal computers and servers. 2odels
from many manufacturers are available; all
comply with one of the popular host bus
standards including /"I, newer /"I Express
6/"Ie7 or #</ bus interfaces
0ound cards # sound card 6also %nown as an audio card7 is
an internal computer expansion card that
facilitates the input and output of audio signals to
and from a computer under control of computer
programs.
': tuner cards # &' tuner card is a %ind of television tuner that
allows television signals to be received by a
computer. 2ost ': tuners also function as video
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capture cards, allowing them to record television
programs onto a hard dis% much li%e the digital
video recorder 6D:=7 does.
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page '
:ideo #</ 'he %ccelerated (raphics $ort 6often shortened
to %($7 is a high(speed point(to(point channel
for attaching a video card to a computer-s
motherboard, primarily to assist in the
acceleration of 3D computer graphics
/eripheral
"omponent
Interconnect
/"I
Conventional $C 6$C is an initialism formed
from $eripheral Component nterconnect,
>1?

part of the $C )ocal *us standard and often
shortened to @ust $C7 is a local computer bus for
attaching hardware devices in a computer.
/"Ie $C Express 6$eripheral Component
nterconnect Express7, officially abbreviated as
$Ce, is a high(speed serial computer expansion
bus standard designed to replace the older /"I,
/"I(A, and #</ bus standards
Cooling +ystem
components
"ooling system
components
"/5 and case
fans
5sed to cool the "/5 6central processing unit7
heatsin%. Effective cooling of a concentrated heat
source such as a large(scale integrated circuit
reuires a heatsin%, which may be cooled by a
fan; use of a fan alone will not prevent
overheating of the small chip.
# power supply 6/057 fan often plays a double
role, not only %eeping the /05 itself from
overheating, but also removing warm air from
inside the case. /05s with two fans are also
available, which typically have a fan on the
inside to supply case air into the /05 and a
second fan on the bac% to expel the heated air
Beat sin%s In computers, heat sin%s are used to cool central
processing units or graphics processors
&iuid cooling
systems
Cater cooling can be used to cool many
computer components, but especially the "/5.
Cater cooling usually uses a "/5 water bloc%, a
water pump, and a heat exchanger 6usually a
radiator with a fan attached7. Cater cooling can
allow uieter 6potentially fanless7 operation, or
improved processor speeds 6overcloc%ing7, or a
balance of both
'hermal
compound
'hermal adhesive or thermal grease fills the air
gap between the heat sin% and device to improve
its thermal performance.
C$,
components
and features
"/5 "omponents
and Deatures
32 bit vs *$ bit
'here are two different types of "/5s. 'here is a
32(bit "/5 and there is a *$(bit "/5. 'he main
difference between these two processors is the
structure. 'he older processor which is the 32(bit
processor has a structure that can process
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instructions less efficiently than a *$(bit
/rocessor can. #lso, a 32(bit processor can
handle less instruction at one time than a *$(bit
processor can. 'he more bits, the more that
processor can handle and, since *$(bits is larger
than 32(bits, that means that a *$(bit processor is
the better choice as it can handle more
instructions in one load. 2oreover, a 32(bit
processor can only handle $<8 of memory,
compared to a *$(bit processor which can handle
up to 1E2 <8 of memory or =#2. 3ow, the
amount of memory that a processor can handle
does not only depend on the processor, but it also
depends on the !perating 0ystem of the machine.
Dor example, a Cindows + 8asic !0 with a *$(
bit processor can only handle F<8 of memory.
"ompare that to Cindows + 5ltimate with a *$(
bit processor which can handle 1E2<8 of
memory.
Even though a 32(bit processor can handle up to
$<8 of memory, having that much memory on a
32(bit processor will not ma%e it perform uic%er
( the optimal amount of memory on a 32(bit
processor is 1.) ( 2.) <8s.
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Byper
threating
#yper-threading 6officially #yper-&hreading
&echnology or #& &echnology, abbreviated
#&& or #&7 is Intel-s proprietary simultaneous
multithreading 602'7 implementation used to
improve paralleli9ation of computations 6doing
multiple tas%s at once7 performed on /"
microprocessors
"/5 types
#2D, Intel
*he CP+ market is controlled ,y to
companies- $ntel and .dvanced /icro
0evices "usually shortened to ./0%. *here
are other CP+ manu!acturers like 1$.-
/C2*- 341332- 25$2.- #*C /odule- 2un
/icrosystems and others- ,ut those
companies have very limited users- their
processors have a very speci6c "including
military% application or too lo in
per!ormance.
2ulti(core
dual, uad,
triple
0ome microprocessors can contain multiple
"/5s on a single chip; those microprocessors are
called multi(core processors. /rocessors were
originally developed with only one core. # dual-
core processor has two cores 6e.g. #2D /henom
II A2, Intel "ore Duo7, a quad-core processor
contains four cores 6e.g. #2D /henom II A$,
Intel-s uad(core processors, see i3, i), and i+ at
Intel "ore7, a hexa-core processor contains six
cores 6e.g. #2D /henom II A*, Intel "ore i+
Extreme Edition EFGA7, an octo-core processor
or octa-core processor contains eight cores 6e.g.
Intel Aeon E+(2F2G, #2D DA(F3)G7, a deca-
core processor contains ten cores 6e.g. Intel
Aeon E+(2F)G7. # multi(core processor
implements multiprocessing in a single physical
pac%age
C$,
components
and features
"/5 "omponents
and Deatures
onchip cache
&1 , &2
# C$, cache is a cache used by the central
processing unit of a computer to reduce the
average time to access memory. 'he cache is a
smaller, faster memory which stores copies of the
data from the most freuently used main memory
locations. #nother issue is the fundamental
tradeoff between cache latency and hit rate.
&arger caches have better hit rates but longer
latency. 'o address this tradeoff, many computers
use multiple levels of cache, with small fast
caches bac%ed up by larger slower caches.
2ulti(level caches generally operate by chec%ing
the smallest level 1 6&17 cache first; if it hits, the
processor proceeds at high speed. If the smaller
cache misses, the next larger cache 6&27 is
chec%ed, and so on, before external memory is
chec%ed.
0peed 6 real vs
actual 7
# common measurement of processor
performance has been cloc% speed. Bowever,
cloc% speed can be misleading. Dor example, the
Intel "ore 2 Duo and #2D #thlon *$ A2
processors perform computing tas%s much more
uic%ly than the /entium D, even though the
/entium D runs at a much higher cloc% speed.
'o determine the actual performance of a
processor, you should use benchmar% tests such
as 0H0mar%, /"2ar%, and 3D2ar%.
-isplay device
components
"onnector types "omponent or
=<8
Component video is a video signal that has been
split into two or more component channels. In
popular use, it refers to a type of component
analog video 6"#:7 information that is
transmitted or stored as three separate signals.
"omponent video can be contrasted with
composite video 63'0", /#& or 0E"#27 in
which all the video information is combined into
a single line(level signal that is used in analog
television. &i%e composite, component(video
cables do not carry audio and are often paired
with audio cables.
Chen used without any other ualifications the
term component video usually refers to analog
H/
8
/
=
component video with sync on luma
'he various =<8 6red, green, blue7 analog
component video standards 6e.g., =<80,
=<8B:, =<s87 use no compression and impose
no real limit on color depth or resolution, but
reuire large bandwidth to carry the signal and
contain much redundant data since each channel
typically includes much of the same blac% and
white image. 2ost modern computers offer this
signal via a :<# port
D:I pin
compatibility
-igital 'isual nterface 6-'7 is a video display
interface developed by the Digital Display
Cor%ing <roup 6DDC<7. 'he digital interface is
used to connect a video source to a display
device, such as a computer monitor.
D:I was developed to create an industry standard
for the transfer of digital video content. 'he
interface is designed to transmit uncompressed
digital video and can be configured to support
multiple modes such as D:I(D 6digital only7,
D:I(# 6analog only7, or D:I(I 6digital and
analog7. Deaturing support for analog connections
as well, the D:I specification provides optional
compatibility with the :<# interface.
>1?>dead link?

'his compatibility along with other advantages
led to widespread acceptance in the /" industry
over other competing digital standards such as
/lug and Display 6/ID7 and Digital Dlat /anel
6DD/7.
>2?
'hough predominantly found in
computer devices, D:I is also present in some
consumer electronics such as television sets.
BD2i #-M 6#igh--efinition Multimedia nterface7
is a compact audio1video interface for
transferring uncompressed video data and
compressed1uncompressed digital audio data
from a BD2I(compliant device 6Jthe source
deviceJ7 to a compatible computer monitor, video
pro@ector, digital television, or digital audio
device. BD2I is a digital replacement for
existing analog video standards.
0(:ideo +eparate 'ideo 62 channel7, more commonly
%nown as +-'ideo and ./C, is an analog video
transmission 6no audio7 that carries standard
definition video typically at $FGi or )+*i
resolution. :ideo information is encoded on two
channels, luma 6luminance, intensity, JHJ7 and
chroma 6colour, J"J7. 'his separation is in
contrast with slightly lower uality composite
video 61 channel7 and higher uality component
video 63 channels7. It-s often referred to by K:"
6who introduced the DI3(connector pictured7 as
both an 0(:B0 connector and as Super Video.
:<# 'ideo (raphics %rray 6'(%7 refers specifically
to the display hardware first introduced with the
I82 /012 line of computers in 1EF+, but through
its widespread adoption has also come to mean
either an analog computer display standard, the
1)(pin D(subminiature :<# connector or the
*$GL$FG resolution itself. Chile this resolution
was superseded in the personal computer mar%et
in the 1EEGs, mobile devices have only caught up
in the last few years.
&"D technologies "ontrast ratio 'he contrast ratio is a property of a display
system, defined as the ratio of the luminance of
the brightest color 6white7 to that of the dar%est
color 6blac%7 that the system is capable of
producing. # high contrast ratio is a desired
aspect of any display. It has similarities with
dynamic range.
3ative
resolution
'he native resolution of a &"D, &"o0 or other
flat panel display refers to its single fixed
resolution. #s an &"D display consists of a fixed
raster, it cannot change resolution to match the
signal being displayed as a "=' monitor can,
meaning that optimal display uality can be
reached only when the signal input matches the
native resolution. #n image where the number of
pixels is the same as in the image source and
where the pixels are perfectly aligned to the
pixels in the source is said to be pixel perfect.
=esolution
A<#,
0A<#M,
5A<#,
CIA<#
'he graphics display resolution describes the
width and height dimensions of a display, such as
a computer monitor, in pixels. "ertain
combinations of width and height are
standardi9ed and typically given a name and an
initialism that is descriptive of its dimensions. #
higher display resolution in a display of the same
si9e means that displayed content appears
sharper.
/ro@ectors "=', &"D 'he cathode ray tu"e 6CR&7 is a vacuum tube
containing an electron gun 6a source of electrons
or electron emitter7 and a fluorescent screen used
to view images. It has a means to accelerate and
deflect the electron beam6s7 onto the fluorescent
screen to create the images. 'he image may
represent electrical waveforms 6oscilloscope7,
pictures 6television, computer monitor7, radar
targets and others. "='s have also been used as
memory devices, in which case the visible light
emitted from the fluoresecent material 6if any7 is
not intended to have significant meaning to a
visual observer 6though the visible pattern on the
tube face may cryptically represent the stored
data7.
# liquid-crystal display 6)C-7 is a flat panel
display, electronic visual display, or video
display that uses the light modulating properties
of liuid crystals. &iuid crystals do not emit
light directly.
0ettings Degauss -egaussing is the process of decreasing or
eliminating a remnant magnetic field. It is
possibly named after the <auss unit of
magnetism, which in turn is named after "arl
Driedrich <auss. Due to magnetic hysteresis it is
generally not possible to reduce a magnetic field
completely to 9ero, so degaussing typically
induces a very small J%nownJ field referred to as
"ias. Degaussing was originally applied to reduce
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ships- magnetic signatures during CCII.
Degaussing is also used to reduce magnetic fields
in "=' monitors and to destroy the data on
magnetic media.
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page 1'
2ulti(monitor Multi-monitor, also called multi-display and
multi-head, is the use of multiple physical
display devices, such as monitors, televisions,
and pro@ectors, in order to increase the area
available for computer programs running on a
single computer system. 'he use of two such
displays is called dual display, dual screen or
dual monitor. =esearch studies
>1?>2?>3?
show that,
depending on the type of wor%, multi(head may
increase the productivity by up to $G()GN.
=efresh rate
'he refresh rate 6most commonly the Jvertical
refresh rateJ, Jvertical scan rateJ for "='s7 is the
number of times in a second that a display
hardware draws the data. 'his is distinct from the
measure of frame rate in that the refresh rate
includes the repeated drawing of identical frames,
while frame rate measures how often a video
source can feed an entire frame of new data to a
display.
Dor example, most movie pro@ectors advance
from one frame to the next one 2$ times each
second. 8ut each frame is illuminated two or
three times before the next frame is pro@ected
using a shutter in front of its lamp. #s a result,
the movie pro@ector runs at 2$ frames per second,
but has a $F or +2 B9 refresh rate.
!n "=' displays, increasing the refresh rate
decreases flic%ering, thereby reducing eye strain.
Bowever, if a refresh rate is specified that is
beyond what is recommended for the display,
damage to the display can occur.
>1?
resolution 'he display resolution of a digital television,
computer monitor or display device is the number
of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be
displayed. It can be an ambiguous term especially
as the displayed resolution is controlled by
different factors in cathode ray tube 6"='7, Dlat
panel display which includes &iuid crystal
displays, or pro@ection displays using fixed
picture(element 6pixel7 arrays.
Memory
components
and features
2emory
"omponents and
Deatures
E"" vs non(
E""
-ou"le data rate synchronous dynamic
random-access memory 6--R +-R%M7 is a
class of memory integrated circuits used in
computers. DD= 0D=#2 6sometimes referred to
as --R1 +-R%M7 has been superseded by
DD=2 0D=#2 and DD=3 0D=#2, neither of
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which is either forward or bac%ward compatible
with DD= 0D=#2, meaning that DD=2 or
DD=3 memory modules will not wor% in DD=(
euipped motherboards, and vice versa.
"ompared to single data rate 60D=7 0D=#2, the
DD= 0D=#2 interface ma%es higher transfer
rates possible by more strict control of the timing
of the electrical data and cloc% signals.
Implementations often have to use schemes such
as phase(loc%ed loops and self(calibration to
reach the reuired timing accuracy.
>1?>2?
'he
interface uses double pumping 6transferring data
on both the rising and falling edges of the cloc%
signal7 to lower the cloc% freuency. !ne
advantage of %eeping the cloc% freuency down
is that it reduces the signal integrity reuirements
on the circuit board connecting the memory to the
controller. 'he name Jdouble data rateJ refers to
the fact that a DD= 0D=#2 with a certain cloc%
freuency achieves nearly twice the bandwidth of
a 0D= 0D=#2 running at the same cloc%
freuency, due to this double pumping.
Cith data being transferred *$ bits at a time,
DD= 0D=#2 gives a transfer rate of 6memory
bus cloc% rate7 L 2 6for dual rate7 L *$ 6number
of bits transferred7 1 F 6number of bits1byte7.
'hus, with a bus freuency of 1GG 2B9, DD=
0D=#2 gives a maximum transfer rate of 1*GG
281s.
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/arity vs non(
parity
R%M parity chec%ing is the storing of a
redundant parity bit representing the parity 6odd
or even7 of a small amount of computer data
6typically one byte7 stored in random access
memory, and the subseuent comparison of the
stored and the computed parity to detect whether
a data error has occurred.
'he parity bit was originally stored in additional
individual memory chips; with the introduction of
plug(in DI22, 0I22, etc. modules, they
became available in non(parity and parity 6with
an extra bit per byte, storing E bits for every F
bits of actual data7 versions.
0ingle channel
vs dual
channel
In the fields of digital electronics and computer
hardware, multi-channel memory architecture is a
technology that increases the transfer speed of data
between the DRAM memory and the chipset memory
controller by adding more channels of communication
between them. Theoretically this multiplies the data
rate by exactly the number of channels present. Dual-
channel memory employs two channels which
theoretically doubles the data transfer rate. The
techniue goes bac! as far as the "#$%s ha&ing been
used in I'M (ystem)*$% Model #" and in +D+ $$%%.
,"-
Modern higher-end chipsets li!e the Intel i.-#x series
and &arious /eon chipsets support triple-channel
memory. In March 0%"% AMDreleased (oc!et
1*2 and Magny-+ours 3pteron $"%%
series
,0-
processors which support uad-channel
memory. In 0%%$ Intel released chipsets that support
uad-channel memory for
their 41A.." platform
,*-
and later in 0%"" for
their 41A0%"" platform.
,2-
5istorically, microcomputer
chipsets with e&en more channels had been
designed. 6or example, the chipset in
the Alpha(tation $%% 7"##89 supported eight-channel
memory, but the bac!plane of the machine limited
operation to four channels.
0ingle sided vs
double sided
In computing, Double-sided RAM is a type
of random-access memory module which has its chips
di&ided into two sides 7called ranks9, only one of
which can be addressed at a time by the computer.
Initially, these were created by essentially attaching
two single-sided (IMM cards to the same :+', more
modern memory modules use the more defined
concept of ranks which can also be more than two.
0peed /"1GG,
/"133,
/"2+GG,
/"32GG,
DD=3(1*GG,
DD=2(**+
PC100 is a standard for internal remo&able
computer random access memory, defined by
the ;<D<+
:+"** refers to (ynchronous DRAM operating at a
cloc! freuency of "** M5=, on a $2-bit-wide bus, at
a &oltage of *.* >
(DRAM is widely used in computers? from the original
(DRAM, further generations of DDR 7or DDR19 and
then DDR0 and DDR* ha&e entered the mass mar!et,
with DDR2 currently being designed and anticipated
to be a&ailable in 0%"*.
'ypes D=#2,
0=#2,
0D=#2,
DD= or DD=2
or DD=3,
=#2850
Dynamic random-access memory 7DRAM9 is a type
of random-access memory that stores each bit of data
in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit.
The capacitor can be either charged or discharged?
these two states are ta!en to represent the two &alues
of a bit, con&entionally called % and ". (ince
capacitors lea! charge, the information e&entually
fades unless the capacitor charge
is refreshed periodically. 'ecause of this refresh
reuirement, it is a dynamic memory as opposed
to (RAM and other static memory.
Static random-access memory 7SRAM9 is a type
of semiconductor memory that usesbistable latching
circuitry to store each bit. The term static differentiates
it from dynamicRAM 7DRAM9 which must be
periodically refreshed. (RAM exhibits data
remanence,
,"-
but it is still volatile in the con&entional
sense that data is e&entually lost when the memory is
not powered.
Double data rate synchronous dynamic random-
access memory 7DDR SDRAM9 is a class of
memory integrated circuits used in computers. DDR
(DRAM 7sometimes referred to as DDR1 SDRAM9
has been superseded by DDR0 (DRAM and DDR*
(DRAM, neither of which is
either forward or bac!ward compatible with DDR
(DRAM, meaning that DDR0 or DDR* memory
modules will not wor! in DDR-
euipped motherboards, and &ice &ersa.
+ompared to single data rate 7(DR9 (DRAM, the
DDR (DRAM interface ma!es higher transfer rates
possible by more strict control of the timing of the
electrical data and cloc! signals.
Direct Rambus DRAM or DRDRAM 7sometimes @ust
called Rambus DRAM or RDRAM9 is a type of
synchronous dynamic RAM. RDRAM was de&eloped
by Rambus inc., in the mid-"##%s as a replacement
for then-pre&alent DIMM (DRAM memory
architecture.
RDRAM was initially expected to become the
standard in :+ memory, especially after Intel agreed
to license the Rambus technology for use with its
future chipsets. 6urther, RDRAM was expected to
become a standard for >RAM. 5owe&er, RDRAM got
embroiled in astandards war with an alternati&e
technology - DDR (DRAM, uic!ly losing out on
grounds of price, and, later on, performance. 'y the
early 0%%%s, RDRAM was no longer supported by any
mainstream computing architecture.
Mother"oard
components
2otherboard
components
8asic
input1output
system 8I!0,
complementar
y metal oxide
semiconductor
"2!0,
Dirmware.
In I'M :+ compatible computers, the Basic
Input/utput System !BIS", also !nown as
the system BIS or RM BIS a firmware interface
.
The name originated from the 'asic Input 3utput
(ystem used in the +:)M operating system 7released
in "#.$9. The 'I3( software is built into the :+, and
is the first software run by a :+ when powered on.
The fundamental purposes of the 'I3( are to initiali=e
and test the system hardware components, and to
load an operating system or other programs from a
mass memory de&ice. The 'I3( pro&ides a
consistent way for application programs and operating
systems to interact with the !eyboard, display, and
other input)output de&ices. >ariations in the system
hardware are hidden by the 'I3( from programs that
use 'I3( ser&ices instead of directly accessing the
hardware.
"2!0 battery,
/!0'
Po#er-n Sel$-%est 7PS%9 refers to routines which
run immediately after many digital electronic de&ices
are powered on. :erhaps the most widely !nown
usage pertains to computing de&ices 7personal
computers, :DAs, networ!ing de&ices such as
routers, switches, intrusion detection systems and
other monitoring de&ices9. 3ther de&ices include
!itchen appliances, a&ionics, medical euipment,
laboratory test euipmentAall embedded de&ices.
The routines are part of a de&iceBs pre-boot
se&uence. 3nce :3(T completes
successfully, bootstrap loader code is in&o!ed.
8us
architecture
In computer architecture, a bus is a subsystem that
transfers data between components inside
a computer, or between computers.
6unctions of buses are
Data sharin' - All types of buses found on a
computer must be able to transfer data between
the computer peripherals connected to it.
The data is transferred in in either serial or parallel,
which allows the exchange of ", 0, 2 or e&en C
bytes of data at a time. 7A byte is a group of C bits9.
'uses are classified depending on how many bits
they can mo&e at the same time, which means that
we ha&e C-bit, "$-bit, *0-bit or e&en $2-bit buses.
() Addressin' - A bus has address lines, which
match those of the processor. This allows data to
be sent to or from specific memory locations.
*) Po#er - A bus supplies power to &arious
peripherals that are connected to it.
+) %imin' - The bus pro&ides a system
cloc, signal to synchroni=e the peripherals
attached to it with the rest of the system.
The expansion bus facilitates the easy connection
of additional components and de&ices on a
computer for example the addition of a T> card or
sound card.
Bus %erminolo'ies
+omputers can be &iewed to be ha&ing @ust two
types of busesD
1) System bus-- The bus that connects the +:E to
main memory on the motherboard. The system bus
is also called the front-side bus, memory bus, local
bus, or host bus.
() A number o$ I/ Buses.7Acronym for
input)output9, connecting &arious peripheral de&ices
to the +:E -these are connected to the system bus
&ia a FbridgeG implemented in the processors
chipset. 3ther names for the I)3 bus include
Hexpansion busI, Iexternal busJ or Hhost busJ.
/0pansion Bus %ypes
These are some of the common expansion bus
types that ha&e e&er been used in computersD
ISA - Industry (tandard Architecture
/ISA - <xtended Industry (tandard
Architecture
MCA - Micro +hannel Architecture
1/SA - >ideo <lectronics (tandards
Association
PCI - :eripheral +omponent Interconnect
PCMCIA - :ersonal +omputer Memory
+ard Industry Association 7Also called :+
bus9
A2P - Accelerated 1raphics :ort
SCSI - (mall +omputer (ystems Interface.
Mother"oard
components
2otherboard
components
8us slots
#</, #2=,
"3=, /"I,
/"Ie,
/"2"I#
The Accelerated 2raphics Port 7often shortened
to A2P9 is a high-speed point-to-point channel for
attaching a &ideo card to a computerBs motherboard,
primarily to assist in the acceleration of *D computer
graphics
Communications and 3et#or,in' Riser 7C3R9 is
a slot found on certain :+ motherboards and used for
speciali=ed networ!ing, audio, and telephony euipment.
It was most widely used in the year of "##$ and soon
after that with the further inno&ations it lost its existence
as AMR come in existence after "##.. A motherboard
manufacturer can choose to pro&ide audio, networ!ing,
or modem functionality in any combination on a +KR
card. +KR slots were once commonly found on :entium
2-class motherboards, but ha&e since been phased out
in fa&or of on-board or embedded components.
The audio/modem riser, also !nown as an AMR slot, is
a riser expansion slot found on the motherboards of
some :entium III, :entium 2, Duron, and Athlon personal
computers. It was designed by Intel to interface with
chipsets and pro&ide analog functionality, such as sound
cards and modems, on an expansion card.
(hort
for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association,
and pronounced as separate letters, :+M+IA is an
organi=ation consisting of some 8%% companies that has
de&eloped a standard for small, credit card-si=ed de&ices,
called PC Cards. 3riginally designed for adding memory to
portable computers, the :+M+IA standard has been expanded
se&eral times and is now suitable for many types of de&ices.
There are in fact three types of :+M+IA cards. All three ha&e
the same rectangular si=e 7C8.$ by 82 millimeters9, but different
widths
"hipsets # chipset is a set of electronic components in an
integrated circuit that manage the data flow between
the processor, memory and peripherals. "hipsets are
usually designed to wor% with a specific family of
microprocessors. 8ecause it controls
communications between the processor and external
devices, the chipset plays a crucial role in
determining system performance.
8ased on Intel /entium(class microprocessors, the
term chipset often refers to a specific pair of chips
on the motherboard, the northbridge and the
southbridge. 'he northbridge lin%s the "/5 to very
high(speed devices, especially main memory and
graphics controllers, and the southbridge connects to
lower(speed peripheral buses 6such as /"I or I0#7.
In many modern chipsets, the southbridge contains
some on(chip integrated peripherals, such as
Ethernet, 508, and audio devices.
'he manufacturer of a chipset often is independent
from the manufacturer of the motherboard. "urrent
manufacturers of chipsets for xF* motherboards
include #2D, 8roadcom, Intel, 3:IDI#, 0i0 and
:I# 'echnologies. #pple computers and 5nix
wor%stations have traditionally used custom(
designed chipsets. 0ome server manufacturers also
develop custom chipsets for their products.
=#ID level G,
1, )
R%- 6redundant array of independent disks,
originally redundant array of inexpensive disks7
is a storage technology that combines multiple dis%
drive components into a logical unit. Data is
distributed across the drives in one of several ways
called J=#ID levelsJ, depending on the level of
redundancy and performance reuired.
R%- 0 6bloc%(level striping without parity or
mirroring7 has no 6or 9ero7 redundancy. It provides
improved performance and additional storage but no
fault tolerance. #ny drive failure destroys the array,
and the li%elihood of failure increases with more
drives in the array.
>)?
In R%- 1 6mirroring without parity or striping7,
data is written identically to two drives, thereby
producing a Jmirrored setJ; the read reuest is
serviced by either of the two drives containing the
reuested data, whichever one involves least see%
time plus rotational latency. 0imilarly, a write
reuest updates the stripes of both drives. 'he write
performance depends on the slower of the two
writes 6i.e. the one that involves larger see% time and
rotational latency7. #t least two drives are reuired
to constitute such an array. Chile more constituent
drives may be employed, many implementations
deal with a maximum of only two. 'he array
continues to operate as long as at least one drive is
functioning.
>)?
R%- 1 6bloc%(level striping with distributed
parity7 distributes parity along with the data and
reuires all drives but one to be present to operate;
the array is not destroyed by a single drive failure.
5pon drive failure, any subseuent reads can be
calculated from the distributed parity such that the
drive failure is mas%ed from the end user. =#ID )
reuires at least three dis%s.
>)?
Dorm factor
#'A, 8'A,
micro #'A,
3&A
%&2 6%dvanced &echnology e2tended7 is a
motherboard form factor specification developed by
Intel in 1EE) to improve on previous de facto
standards li%e the #' form factor. It was the first
ma@or change in des%top computer enclosure,
motherboard, and power supply design in many
years, improving standardi9ation and
interchangeability of parts. 'he specification defines
the %ey mechanical dimensions, mounting point, I1!
panel, power and connector interfaces between a
computer case, a motherboard, and a power supply
*&2 6for *alanced &echnology e2tended7 is a
form factor for motherboards, originally intended to
be the replacement for the aging #'A motherboard
form factor in late 2GG$ and early 2GG). Bowever,
future development of 8'A retail products by Intel
was canceled in 0eptember 2GG*.
>1?
It was designed to alleviate some of the issues that
arose from using newer technologies 6which often
demand more power and create more heat7 on
motherboards compliant with the circa(1EE* #'A
specification
micro%&2 6sometimes referred to as 3%&2,
m%&2
>1?
or u%&2
>2?>3?
7 is a standard for
motherboards that was introduced in December
1EE+.
>$?
'he maximum si9e of a micro#'A
motherboard is 2$$ mm L 2$$ mm 6E.* in L E.* in7,
but some micro#'A boards can be as small as
1+1.$) mm L 1+1.$) mm 6*.+) in L *.+) in7.
>)?
'he
standard #'A si9e is 2)N longer, at 3G) mm L
2$$ mm 612 in L E.* in7.
"urrently available
>when??
micro#'A motherboards
support "/5s from :I#, Intel or #2D.
4)2 63ew &ow /rofile Extended7 was a form
factor proposed by Intel and developed @ointly with
I82, DE", and other vendors for low profile, low
cost, mass(mar%eted retail /"s. =elease 1.2 was
finali9ed in 2arch 1EE+ and release 1.F was
finali9ed in #pril 1EEE. 3&A was similar in overall
design to &/A, including a riser card and a low(
profile slimline case. It was moderni9ed and updated
to allow support for the latest technologies while
%eeping costs down and fixing the main problems
with &/A.
I1! interfaces
IEEE 13E$ or
firewire,
modem, 3I",
parallel, /012,
serial, sound,
508 1.1 and
2.G, video
'he EEE 1567 interface is a serial bus interface
standard for high(speed communications and
isochronous real(time data transfer. It was
developed in the late 1EFGs and early 1EEGs by
#pple, who called it 8ire9ire. 'he 13E$ interface
is comparable to 508, and often those two
technologies are considered together, though 508
has more mar%et share
'he $ersonal +ystem/: or $+/: was I82-s third
generation of personal computers released in 1EF+.
'he /012 line was created by I82 in an attempt to
recapture control of the /" mar%et by introducing
an advanced yet proprietary architecture. I82-s
considerable mar%et presence plus the reliability of
the /012 ensured that the systems would sell in
relatively large numbers, especially to large
businesses. Bowever the other ma@or manufacturers
bal%ed at I82-s licensing terms to develop and sell
compatible hardware, particularly as the demanded
royalties were on a per machine basis.
/012 systems introduced a new specification for the
%eyboard and mouse interfaces, which are still in
use today and are thus called J/012J interfaces. 'he
/012 %eyboard interface was electronically identical
to the long(established #' interface, but the cable
connector was changed from the )(pin DI3
connector to the smaller *(pin mini(DI3 interface.
'he same connector and a similar synchronous
serial interface was used for the /012 mouse port
2emory slots
DI22,
=I22,
0I22,
0!DI22
# -MM or dual in-line memory module,
comprises a series of dynamic random(access
memory integrated circuits. 'hese modules are
mounted on a printed circuit board and designed for
use in personal computers, wor%stations and servers.
=ambus In(line 2emory 2odule, a pac%aging for
=D=#2. -irect Ram"us -R%M or -R-R%M
6sometimes @ust called Ram"us -R%M or
R-R%M7 is a type of synchronous dynamic =#2.
=D=#2 was developed by =ambus inc., in the
mid(1EEGs as a replacement for then(prevalent
DI22 0D=#2 memory architecture.
# +MM, or single in-line memory module, is a
type of memory module containing random access
memory used in computers from the early 1EFGs to
the late 1EEGs. It differs from a dual in(line memory
module 6DI227, the most predominant form of
memory module today, in that the contacts on a
0I22 are redundant on both sides of the module.
#n +O--MM, or small outline dual in-line
memory module, is a type of computer memory
built using integrated circuits.
0!(DI22s 6also written 0!DI22s7 are a smaller
alternative to a DI22, being roughly half the si9e
of regular DI22s. 0!(DI22s are often used in
systems which have space restrictions such as
noteboo%s, small footprint /"s 6such as those with a
2ini(I'A motherboard7, high(end upgradable office
printers, and networ%ing hardware li%e routers.
/arallel
advanced
technology
attachment
/#'# , EIDE,
IDE
$arallel %&% 6$%&%7, originally %& %ttachment,
is an interface standard for the connection of storage
devices such as hard dis%s, floppy drives, and
optical disc drives in computers. 'he standard is
maintained by A31I3"I'0 committee.
>1?
It uses the
underlying %& %ttachment 6%&%7 and %&
%ttachment $acket nterface 6#'#/I7 standards.
'he /arallel #'# standard is the result of a long
history of incremental technical development, which
began with the original #' #ttachment interface,
developed for use in early /" #' euipment. 'he
#'# interface itself evolved in several stages from
Cestern Digital-s original ntegrated -rive
Electronics 6-E7 interface. #s a result, many near(
synonyms for #'#1#'#/I and its previous
incarnations are still in common informal use. #fter
the introduction of 0erial #'# in 2GG3, the original
#'# was renamed Parallel ATA, /#'# for short.
/arallel #'# cables have a maximum allowable
length of only 1F in 6$)+ mm7.
>2?>3?
8ecause of this
limit, the technology normally appears as an internal
computer storage interface. Dor many years #'#
provided the most common and the least expensive
interface for this application. It has largely been
replaced by 0erial #'# 60#'#7 in newer systems.
'he first version of what is now called the
#'#1#'#/I interface was developed by Cestern
Digital under the name Integrated Drive lectronics
6IDE7.
In 1EE$, about the same time that the #'#(1
standard was adopted, Cestern Digital introduced
drives under a newer name, Enhanced -E 6EIDE7
.
/rocessor
soc%ets
# C$, socket or "/5 slot is a mechanical
component6s7 that provides mechanical and
electrical connections between a microprocessor and
a printed circuit board 6/"87. 'his allows the "/5
to be replaced without soldering.
"ommon soc%ets have retention clips that apply a
constant force, which must be overcome when a
device is inserted. Dor chips with a large number of
pins, either 9ero insertion force 6OID7 soc%ets or
land grid array 6&<#7 soc%ets are used instead.
'hese designs apply a compression force once either
a handle 6for OID type7 or a surface plate 6&<#
type7 is put into place. 'his provides superior
mechanical retention while avoiding the ris% of
bending pins when inserting the chip into the soc%et.
"/5 soc%ets are used in des%top and server
computers. #s they allow easy swapping of
components, they are also used for prototyping new
circuits. &aptops typically use surface mount "/5s,
which need less space than a soc%eted part.
=iser card or
daughterboard
# riser card is a printed circuit board that pic%s up
a multitude of signal lines 6often bused7 via a single
connector 6usually an edge connector7 on a
mainboard and distributes them via dedicated
connectors on the card.
=iser cards are often used to allow adding expansion
cards to a system enclosed in a low(profile case
where the height of the case doesn-t allow for a
perpendicular placement of the full(height
expansion card.
# daughter"oard, daughtercard, me;;anine
"oard or piggy"ack "oard is a circuit board meant
to be an extension or JdaughterJ of a motherboard
6or -mainboard-7, or occasionally of another card.
0erial
advanced
technology
attachment
0#'#
+erial %&% 6+%&%7 is a computer bus interface that
connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices
such as hard dis% drives and optical drives. 0erial
#'# replaces the older #' #ttachment standard
6#'#; later referred to as /arallel #'# or /#'#7,
offering several advantages over the older interface,
reduced cable si9e and cost 6seven conductors
instead of $G7, native hot swapping, faster data
transfer through higher signalling rates, and more
efficient transfer through an 6optional7 I1! ueuing
protocol.
e0#'# 0tandardi9ed in 2GG$, e0#'# 6e standing for
external7 provides a variant of 0#'# meant for
external connectivity. It uses a more robust
connector, longer shielded cables, and stricter 6but
bac%ward(compatible7 electrical standards
$ower supply
components
/ower supply
components
#" adapter 'he %C adapter, %C/-C adapter or %C/-C
converter
>1?
is a type of external power supply,
often enclosed in a case similar to an #" plug.
!ther names include plug pack, plug-in adapter,
adapter "lock, domestic mains adapter, line
power adapter, wall wart, or power adapter. #"
adapters are used with electrical devices that reuire
power but do not contain internal components to
derive the reuired voltage and power from mains
power. 'he internal circuitry of an external power
supply is very similar to the design that would be
used for a built(in or internal supply.
#'A
proprietary
2ost modern des%top personal computer power
supplies conform to the #'A specification, which
includes form factor and voltage tolerances. #'A
power supplies are turned on and off by a signal
from the motherboard. 'hey also provide a signal to
the motherboard to indicate when the D" voltages
are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely
power up and boot. 'he most recent #'A /05
standard is version 2.31 of mid(2GGF.
'he #'A specification reuires the power supply to
produce three main outputs, M3.3 :, M) : and
M12 :. &ow(power P12 : and ) :
08
6standby7
supplies are also reuired. # P) : output was
originally reuired because it was supplied on the
I0# bus, but it became obsolete with the removal of
the I0# bus in modern /"s and has been removed in
later versions of the #'A standard.
!riginally, the motherboard was powered by one
2G(pin connector. #n #'A power supply provides a
number of peripheral power connectors, and 6in
modern systems7 two connectors for the
motherboard, a $(pin auxiliary connector providing
additional power to the "/5, and a main 2$(pin
power supply connector, an extension of the original
2G(pin version.
/ins 62G, 2$ 7
!riginally, the #'A motherboard was powered by
one 2G(pin connector. #n #'A power supply
provides a number of peripheral power connectors,
and 6in modern systems7 two connectors for the
motherboard, a $(pin auxiliary connector providing
additional power to the "/5, and a main 2$(pin
power supply connector, an extension of the original
2G(pin version.
&ong ago, they had 2G pin /05 connectors and
everything was powered from the motherboard.
"omponents became more power hungry.
/05 connectors went to 2$ pins. 'he four extra pins
were one each 3.3, ), and 12 volts and a ground.
"/5-s got their own 12 volt connector and ) and 12
volt power through the main power plug dropped.
:oltage
selector
switch
'his :oltage selector is 0'=I"'&H for the power
input. 8y ta%ing your computer to a different
location, your power input may need to be ad@usted
to avoid damage to your /05.
Dor example, your computer is used to ta%ing in a
steady voltage between 1GG and 11). 6 :oltage is
11G, but is never steady. It fluctuates. 7 0o what
happens when you suddenly plug your box into a
22G outletQ Hour /05 begins ta%ing in more power
than it reuires, and will either,
17 Dispurse it to your components 6 2otherboard,
drives, etc 7 and burn them up. or
27 8urn out the /05 alltogether.
8y setting it on the bac%, your allowing you /05 to
handle the extra voltage properly
:oltage,
wattage,
capacity
'oltage, electrical potential difference, or an
electric tension 6denoted R: and measured in units
of electric potential, volts, or @oules per coulomb7, is
the electric potential difference between two points
S or the difference in electric potential energy of a
unit test charge transported between two points.
'otal power reuirements for a personal computer
may range from 2)G watts to more than 1GGG watts
for a high(performance computer with multiple
graphics cards. /ersonal computers rarely reuire
more than 3GGT)GG watts.
>F?
/ower supplies are
designed around $GN greater than the calculated
s!stem power consumption. 'his protects against
system performance degradation, and against power
supply overloading. /ower supplies label their total
power output, and label how this is determined by
the amperage limits for each of the voltages
supplied. 0ome power supplies have no(overload
protection.
'he system power consumption is a sum of the
power ratings for all of the components of the
computer system that draw on the power supply. Dor
certain graphics cards, the /05-s 12 : rating is
crucial. If the total 12 : rating on the power supply
is higher than the suggested rating of the card, then
that power supply may fully serve the card if any
other 12 : system components are ta%en into
account. 'he manufacturers of these computer
system components, especially graphics cards, tend
to over(rate their power reuirements, to minimi9e
support issues due to too low of a power supply.
>citation needed?
#lthough an overly large power supply will have an
extra margin of safety against overloading, such a
larger unit is often less efficient at lower loads, and
therefore wastes more electricity than a more
appropriately si9ed unit. Dor instance, an FG /&50
)2G watt supply is +GN less efficient at the *G watts
that is the typical idle power for a des%top computer.
>1G?
# power supply that is self(certified by its
manufacturer will claim output ratings that may be
double or more than what is actually provided.
>11?>12?

'o further complicate this possibility, when there are
two rails that share power through down(regulating,
it also happens that either the 12 : rail or the ) :
rail overloads at well below the total rating of the
power supply. 2any power supplies create their 3.3
: output by down(regulating their ) : rail, or create
) : output by downloading their 12 : rails. 'he two
rails involved are labeled on the power supply with
a combined amperage limit. Dor example the ) :
and 3.3 : rails are rated with a combined total
amperage limit. Dor a description of the potential
problem, a 3.3 : rail may have a 1G # rating by
itself 633 C7, and the ) : rail may have a 2G #
rating 61GG C7 by itself, but the two together may
only be able to output 11G C. In this case, loading
the 3.3 : rail to maximum 633 C7, would leave the
) : rail only be able to output ++ C.
+torage
devices and
"ackup media
components
0torage
device and
bac%up media
components
Dloppy dis%
drive DDD
&egacy small capacity storage. 3ot found except on
very old computers. In 3.) and ).2) inch diameters
holding under 2 28 of data.
# floppy disk, or diskette, is a dis% storage medium
composed of a dis% of thin and flexible magnetic
storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic
carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles.
'hey are read and written by a floppy disk drive
6DDD7.
Dloppy dis%s, initially as F(inch 62GG mm7 media
and later in ).2)(inch 6133 mm7 and 3.)(inch
6EG mm7 si9es, were a ubiuitous form of data
storage and exchange from the mid(1E+Gs well into
the first decade of the 21st century.
>1?
8y 2G1G, computer motherboards were rarely
manufactured with floppy drive support; 3
1
U
2
J
floppies could be used as an external 508 drive, but
)
1
U
$
J, F J, and non(standard drives could only be
handled by old euipment.
Bard dis%
drive BDD,
solid state vs
magnetic
# solid-state drive 6++-7 6also %nown as a solid-
state disk
>1?>2?>3?
or electronic disk,
>$?
though it
contains no actual Jdis%J of any %ind7 is a data
storage device using integrated circuit assemblies as
memory to store data persistently. 00D technology
uses electronic interfaces compatible with
traditional bloc% input1output 6I1!7 hard dis% drives.
00Ds have no moving mechanical components,
which distinguish them from traditional
electromechanical magnetic dis%s such as hard dis%
drives 6BDDs7 or floppy dis%s, which contain
spinning dis%s and movable read1write heads.
>)?

"ompared with electromechanical dis%s, 00Ds are
typically less susceptible to physical shoc%, much
uieter, have lower access time, and less latency.
>*?

Bowever, while the price of 00Ds has continued to
decline in 2G12,
>+?
00Ds are still about + to F times
more expensive per unit of storage than BDDs.
2any 00Ds use I1! interfaces developed for hard
dis% drives, thus permitting simple replacement in
common applications.
>F?
# magnetic hard disk drive 6#--7
>note 2?
is a data
storage device used for storing and retrieving digital
information using rapidly rotating discs 6platters7
coated with magnetic material. #n BDD retains its
data even when powered off. Data is read in a
random(access manner, meaning individual bloc%s
of data can be stored or retrieved in any order rather
than @ust seuentially. #n BDD consists of one or
more rigid 6JhardJ7 rapidly rotating discs 6platters7
with magnetic heads arranged on a moving actuator
arm to read and write data to the surfaces.
!ptical drives
such as "D,
D:D, =C or
blu(ray
In computing, an optical disc drive 6O--7 is a dis%
drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves
within or near the visible light spectrum as part of
the process of reading or writing data to or from
optical discs. 0ome drives can only read from discs,
but recent drives are commonly both readers and
recorders, also called burners or writers. "ompact
discs, D:Ds, and 8lu(ray discs are common types
of optical media which can be read and recorded by
such drives. !ptical drive is the generic name;
drives are usually described as J"DJ JD:DJ, or
J8lu(rayJ, followed by JdriveJ, JwriterJ, etc.
=emovable
storage,
external "D(
=C and BDD
Bot
swappable
devices and
non(hot
swappable
devices
0olid state ,
flash, 0D,
508, thumb
drive
'ape drive
#ot swapping and #ot plugging are terms used to
describe the functions of replacing computer system
components without shutting down the system.
2ore specifically, hot swapping describes replacing
components without significant interruption to the
system, while hot plugging describes the addition of
components that would expand the system without
significant interruption to the operation of the
system.
>1?
!nce the appropriate software is installed
on the computer, a user can plug and unplug the
component without rebooting. # well(%nown
example of this functionality is the 5niversal 0erial
8us 65087 that allows users to add or remove
peripheral components such as a mouse, %eyboard,
or printer.
External devices are connected via a 508 interface.
2ost are also powered over 508 removing the need
for external power.
Adapter Cards
modem
netork
inter!ace
card "#$C%
parallel
0mall
"omputer
0ystem
Interface
60"0I7
0erial

5niversal
system bus
508

"apture cards
0ound cards
': tuner cards
#</

/eripheral
"omponent
Interconnect
/"I

/"Ie

Coolin" #$stem components
"/5 and case fans

"/5 Dan
Beat sin%s
&iuid cooling systems
'hermal compound
CP% components and features
32 bit vs *$ bit
Byper threating
"/5 types #2D, Intel
2ulti(core dual, uad,
triple
onchip cache &1 , &2
Choosin' the Best Processor $or the 4ob
If you are buying or building a new system, you ha&e free rein in the choice of a processor to build the
system around. This section describes important considerations.
Per$ormance
If you need a system that can handle high-resolution graphics and &ideo, and can perform hea&y-duty
number crunching, get the fastest dual-core or multi-core processor you can afford. 5owe&er, if your
reuirements are less extreme, you can sa&e money for your clients by opting for a processor from the
same family with slower cloc! speed or less cache memory.
%hermal Issues
Many processor models are a&ailable in two or more &ersions that differ in their thermal reuirements? that
is, the type of acti&e heat sin! necessary to cool them and the amount of power 7in watts9 needed to
operate them. This figure is often referred to as Max TD: 7maximum thermal design power9. In a mid-tower
or full tower system, these considerations might be less important than in a micro-tower or small form factor
system, or a system that might need to run as uietly as possible.
*(-bit 1ersus 5+-bit !05+" Compatibility
Enless you are trying to build the least-expensi&e system possible, you will find it difficult to find *0-bit only
processors today. 5owe&er, if you are repurposing existing systems, you might need to determine which
systems include processors with support for $2-bit operation, and which support only *0-bit operation.
ther Processor 6eatures
:rocessor features such as K/ 7no execute, which pro&ides hardware-based protection against some
types of &iruses and malware9 and hardware-based &irtuali=ation 7which enables a single processor to be
split into multiple &irtual machines with little or no slowdown9 are also important to consider in business
en&ironments. +hec! the specification sheets pro&ided by processor &endors to determine the exact
features supported by a particular processor.
%IP
To help determine detailed information for current and late-model installed Intel processors 7:entium 2,
+elerons based on the :entium 2 and newer9, use the Intel :rocessor Identification Etility a&ailable from
the Intel website 7www.intel.com9.
6or older Intel processors, use the Intel :rocessor 6reuency ID Etility, also a&ailable from the Intel
website.
To help determine detailed information for installed AMD and Intel processors, download and install +:E-L
from the +:EID website 7www.cpuid.com9.
&ispla$ de'ice components
"omponent or
=<8

Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page &0
D:I pin
compatibility
BD2i

0(:ideo
:<#
"ontrast ratio
3ative resolution
=esolution A<#,
0A<#M, 5A<#,
CIA<#
"=', &"D

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Degauss
2ulti(monitor
=efresh rate
resolution
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page &'
Memory components and features
E"" vs non(
E""
0ingle channel
vs dual channel
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page &(
0ingle sided vs
double sided
0peed /"1GG,
/"133, /"2+GG,
/"32GG, DD=3(
1*GG, DD=2(
**+
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page &)
'ypes D=#2,
0=#2,
0D=#2, DD=
or DD=2 or
DD=3,
=#2850
8asic
input1output
system 8I!0,
complementary
metal oxide
semiconductor
"2!0,
Dirmware.

Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page '0
"2!0 battery,
/!0'

8us architecture

Mother"oard components
8us slots #</, #2=, "3=,
/"I, /"Ie, /"2"I#

"hipsets
=#ID level G, 1, )
8loc% level
striping without
parity or
mirroring. 3o
fault tolerance
2irroring without
parity or striping.
"an tolerate
failure of all
drives except 1.
8loc% level
striping with
distributed parity.
"an tolerate
failure of 1 drive.
Dorm factor #'A, 8'A,
micro #'A, 3&A
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page '&
I1! interfaces IEEE 13E$ or
firewire, modem, 3I",
parallel, /012, serial, sound,
508 1.1 and 2.G, video

Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ''
2emory slots DI22,
=I22, 0I22, 0!DI22
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page '(

Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ')
/arallel advanced
technology attachment
/#'# , EIDE, IDE
/rocessor soc%ets

=iser card or daughterboard
0erial advanced technology
attachment 0#'#
e0#'#
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page (0
$ower supply components
#" adapter
#'A proprietary
/ins 62G, 2$ 7
:oltage selector switch
+torage devices and "ackup media components
Dloppy dis% drive DDD
Bard dis% drive BDD, solid state vs
magnetic
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page (&
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ('
!ptical drives such as "D, D:D,
=C or blu(ray
=emovable storage, external "D(
=C and BDD
Bot swappable devices and non(hot
swappable devices
0olid state , flash, 0D, 508, thumb
drive
'ape drive
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ((
.ctivity 1.1
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ()
8ou ill ,e re9uired to list all the internal hardare components in an assessor prepared or
allocated personal computer a!ter opening the case and categorise them in the ta,le ,elo:
Component Category of #ardware
Component
%dapter Cards
Cooling +ystem components
C$, components and features
-isplay device components
Memory components and
features
+torage devices and "ackup
media components
#ctivity 1.2
8ou ill ,e re9uired to list all the internal hardare components in an assessor prepared or
allocated laptop computer a!ter opening the case and categorise them in the ta,le ,elo:
Component Category of #ardware
Component
%dapter Cards
Cooling +ystem components
C$, components and features
-isplay device components
Memory components and
features
+torage devices and "ackup
media components
Element : - -etermine components required
2.1 Identify and clarify user internal hardware component reuirements according to
organisational guidelines
Organisational guidelines
Knoledge o! hardare- characteristics and capa,ilities as ell as compati,ility
ith other hardare is one thing- organisational guidelines and ho these impact
on hardare choices is 9uite another.
*he line o! authority re!ers to the people and the authority that each has to
complete or implement an organisational guideline or policy. *his ould
ordinarily mean the technician- his or her supervisor- the technical support team
leader- the organisation;s ,usiness manager and accounts person. <hen user
hardare re9uirements are esta,lished it is necessary to consult the correct
people according to organisational guidelines to ,egin the process o! ac9uiring
ne or replacement hardare and document the process or 6nal outcome.
#o matter ho ,ig or small an organisation is someone ill have the poer to
sign o= on a hardare re9uest i! it is not covered ,y arranty. *his ill also
depend on ,udget and 6nance considerations although the pro,lem has to ,e
6>ed one ay or another and it is not conceiva,le to have an employee una,le
to ork due to hardare pro,lems that are not ,eing addressed due to 6nancial
reasons. <hat that means is that an organisation ould typically repair the
pro,lem using credit or ,orroed money to keep the employee productive.
<here there may ,e a concern is to ensure the ,est price- 9uality and service is
,eing sought and this may involve getting a num,er o! 9uotes !rom a num,er o!
suppliers.
?or the purposes o! this unit- you can assume your role is to ork ith one
supervisor- assessor or teacher !or sign o= and not have to concern yoursel! ith
ho organisations ork around cash @o pro,lems.
*o !orms that are use!ul !or organisational record keeping include a Aardare
5egister and a Aardare Bo, 5e9uest ?orm. *hese !ormalise communication
ithin an organisation and allo !or record keeping to ensure data is up to date
and also a,le to ,e retrieved in the !uture.
<ith all change- it is alays important to communicate the ,ene6ts that come
ith the change rather than dictate the change. ?or e>ample- replacing a hard
drive ith a larger one once the original !ails ill help to ,oth continue operating
and give larger capacity and possi,ly ,etter speed and hence the re9uest !or the
replacement ill add value and not Cust present a cost to the organisation.
+sers as ell as supervisors or accounts people have to ,e consulted. $t is not
much use to Cust impose or dictate a change a user ill not have any say in. $t
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page )0
is necessary to communicate and e>plain the ,ene6ts to everyone hen
proceeding ith change- ith any change.
Drganisational guidelines may also involve hardare compati,ility and ,asic
similarity ,eteen orkstations so that the capacity o! each machine is
maintained.
7ard#are Re'ister
+hassis type MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 4ocation MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Internal
5ardware
+omponent
+ategory :urpose +haracteristics <xamples of
different types of
hardware de&ice in
this category
(ardware )o* re+uest ,orm
%*C %dvanced College< & #ardware =o" 8orm
I' 0upport Dorm, Date,
/repared by,
3ame, !ffice,
"ontact Details, Department,
Euipment 3ame 'echnical 0pecifications 0upplier
Bardware tas%s for 6person or location7,
Date Bardware "hange Details 'echnician
#pproved by,
Date,
I' 0ervices at itservicesVabc.net.au. Dor any enuiries feel free to ring E+F*3$)*
2.2 !rganise and record user component reuirements, pass on to appropriate person for
evaluation and vendor selection
Record user component requirements
0uring the investigation o! options !or the solution it is necessary to consider
alternate choices and these may come up in discussions ith the client and your
supervisor. *hese are then evaluated and appropriate vendors or suppliers
contacted.
*o record and organise this in!ormation it is not necessary to rite a very
detailed- highly structured and !ormal report. . summary o! the key points ill ,e
suEcient such as those in the previous !orm (ardware )o* Re+uest ,orm $n
the hardare change details some in!ormation regarding other options may ,e
mentioned and hy these are not recommended.
Dnce the hardare re9uest !orm is completed and discussed ith the supervisor-
vendors can ,e contacted to 6nd and order the hardare component.
Element 5 < O"tain components
3.1 "ontact vendors to obtain technical specifications for the proposed components
3.2 #ssess the options and provide recommendations to the appropriate person for final
analysis
3.3 !btain components to prepare for installation
:endors or suppliers can be contacted in a number of ways but the most common method
these days is on the Ceb. Chilst larger vendors have a retail presence 6 a traditional shop to
wal% into and to be served by a sales assistant7 due to pricing pressures many other vendors
prefer to %eep costs down and this can be achieved through on line stores that operate 2$1+
without the high costs of labour and a retail physical presence. 0ome vendors combine the
two approaches.
# number of online vendors can be contacted including 20H, scorpion technology, "omputer
/arts &and amongst others. Dor the following activity investigate 3 suppliers and compare
prices for $ items of comparable hardware.
.ctivity 3.1
?or the !olloing activity investigate 3 suppliers and compare prices-
capacities and technical speci6cations !or 4 items o! compara,le hardare.
Aardare $tem 2upplier 1 2upplier 2 2upplier 3
2.*. 3.&F drive
PC$e Graphics
Card
CP+ H $ntel 2ocket
2011 i( processor
0053 5./
Chen the hardware component is selected there may be additional options that may become
available that were not considered. Dor examples,

with large hard dis% drives multiple virtual or logical drives can be created such as
Drive ", D, E, D; with one physical drive
with wireless networ% cards multiple channels or multiple freuencies such as
FG2.11n
=eplacement or upgraded "/5s may have multiple cores that can be used
!nce the hardware is selected it needs to be ordered following appropriate ordering processes
such as filling in an order form and faxing or ordering online.
Chen the ordered hardware arrives it is necessary to ta%e delivery and organise the
installation. /roper handling of the hardware is essential between ta%ing delivery, storing and
then commencing the installation. 0ecurity and safety are necessary to ensure there is no
damage to the hardware prior to installation.
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page )&
Element 7 < nstall components
$.1 Develop plans, with prioritised tas%s and contingency arrangements, for the installation of
selected components with minimum disruption to clients
$.2 &iaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans
$.3 Install and configure components according to plan, installation procedures and
organisational requirements
$.$ 'est components for error(free performance, using available technology
$.* 'est and enhance system performance, using %nowledge of the system, to meet
organisational benchmar%s
$.+ Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines
$lanning the installation
!nce approval is granted for installation of hardware components a number of planning tas%s
need to be considered and organised. 'ime is precious for both the technician and the client
who will be without their computer during the installation and the technician will have other
pressures on himself during any wor%ing day.
#t the heart of organising and planning an installation is the people who are involved. It is
absolutely essential to forewarn and to ma%e a time with a client that is convenient for the
installation to ta%e place. 'urning up unannounced to install hardware when a client is busy
and rushing to get wor% finished, is a sure way of both causing conflict and losing
professional respect.
#n installation plan involves the following considerations,
Bas all the data been bac%ed up. 3ever commence wor% on a computer without bac%ing
up all the data
Is the installation to be completed in phases or in one direct single eventQ
Chat contingency plan will you have if the installation does not wor% as expectedQ 'his
means can you put the old wor%ing hardware bac%Q "an you use a replacement
wor%station to %eep the client wor%ingQ
Bow long will the client be without a wor%ing computerQ
Bow long will you need to test the new installationQ
Chat are the priority tas%s that have be completed firstQ
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$reparing a timeline
Chen preparing a pro@ect plan each step is bro%en down into tasks. # tas%s has a start and
end time. It has a duration or length of time it needs to run for. It also has resources allocated
to it such as people and any euipment. 0ome tas%s need to occur before other tas%s can
commence. Dor example, it is necessary to bac%up data before dismantling the computer.
# useful tool for this timeline plan is a table as follows,
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page )(
'as% /redecesso
r
Duration 0tart Dinish =esources
1 0ecure approval
for @ob
3one 1)
minutes
2on
1$
#pril
2on 1$
#pril
3one
2 #rrange
appointment
with client
1 1G
minutes
2on
1$
#pril
2on 1$
#pril
3one
3 8oo% in time on
technical
support system
2 )
minutes
2on
1$
#pril
2on 1$
#pril
3one
$ 8ac%up data 3 3G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
8ac%up drive or networ%
connection and storage
) Install new hard
drive
$ 1)
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3ew hard drive, tools.
* /artition and
format new
hard drive
) 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
+ Dinalise
installation and
relocate
computer to
original place
* 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
F "ommunicate
changes to
client
+ 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
E =euest client
to test the new
installation
F 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
1
G
0ee% feedbac%
from client
E 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
11 "orrect any
problems raised
in feedbac%
1G 1G
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
1
2
!btain signoff
from client
11 )
minutes
Ced
1*
#pril
Ced 1*
#pril
3one
Copyright Kevork Krozian 2013 kevork@edulists.com.au Page ))
'otal time without wor%ing computer for client W *) minutes
#s covered in Element 2.1 all organisations have a structure for approval of new hardware
purchases.
'he line of authority refers to the people and the authority that each has to complete or
implement an organisational guideline or policy. 'his would ordinarily mean the technician,
his or her supervisor, the technical support team leader, the organisation.s business manager
and accounts person. Chen user hardware reuirements are established it is necessary to
consult the correct people according to organisational guidelines to begin the process of
acuiring new or replacement hardware and document the process or final outcome.
3o matter how big or small an organisation is someone will have the power to sign off on a
hardware reuest if it is not covered by warranty. 'his will also depend on budget and
finance considerations although the problem has to be fixed one way or another and it is not
conceivable to have an employee unable to wor% due to hardware problems that are not being
addressed due to financial reasons. Chat that means is that an organisation would typically
repair the problem using credit or borrowed money to %eep the employee productive. Chere
there may be a concern is to ensure the best price, uality and service is being sought and this
may involve getting a number of uotes from a number of suppliers.
Dor the purposes of this unit, you can assume your role is to wor% with one supervisor,
assessor or teacher for sign off and not have to concern yourself with how organisations wor%
around cash flow problems.
'wo forms that are useful for organisational record %eeping include a Bardware =egister and
a Bardware Kob =euest Dorm. 'hese are found in Element 2.1 above.
#fter all the preparation, acuiring the hardware, obtaining approval and planning the
installation it is time to install and configure the hardware.
In order to carry out the installation reuired tools need to be prepared and the tas% needs to
be carried out according to occupational health and safety as well as organisational
reuirements such as
Bow and what the organisation wants in regard to the wor% environment. 'his can
refer to how the tas% is carried out eg. is the computer removed and ta%en to the
technician.s room for repair or is it repaired where it is normal locate Q Bow will
others in the area %eep wor%ing if there is disruption Q Is there enough des% space
for dismantling and carrying out the repairQ
/reventative maintenance and diagnostic policy. 'his can refer to carrying out
diagnostics and preventative maintenance in addition to the immediate hardware
installation.
/roblem solution processes. 'his can refer to a flowchart or step by step
diagnostic guide to a full service operation for the computer in addition to
installing the hardware. Eg. does the case need cleaning Q does the hard drive
indicate the need to delete temporary files Q Chat is the "/5 utilisationQ
=oles and technical responsibilities in the I' department. 'his refers to who
completes and is responsible for what tas%. Cho is responsible for supervision and
follow up. Cho chec%s off the documentation and signs off for completion.
:endor and product service level agreement. 'his refers to the level of support the
vendors provide. Dor example, a hard drive failure or "/5 failure may fall within
a warranty service agreement. #s such, a technician may do enough to chec% the
problem and then call in the vendor to honour a warranty claim such as a hard dis%
failure or "/5 replacement.
&ools
# technician will need to have all reuired tools ready. # list of tools can include the
following,
Compressed air and a vaccuum cleaner
Cleaning cloth pre!era,ly lint !ree
Cleaning li9uid and ater as re9uired ,y the manu!acturer " search !or
4C0 and computer case cleaning li9uid re9uirements online %
*ools such as scredrivers- pliers- teezers
.ntiHstatic rist strap and antiHstatic mat
. torch i! necessary
2o!tare tools and utilities as covered in this ork,ook
.ctivity 4.1
. num,er o! hardare installation tasks ill ,e re9uired in this section. 8our assessor ill
provide the computers as !ollos:
1. . laptop computer
2. . standards desktop computer
3. . modular desktop computer
?or each o! the computers you are to carry out a num,er o! tasks:
.. 0ismantle each computer to the stage at hich you can identi!y the components.
I. Create a ta,le o! the parts in the computer along the !olloing headings:
Component Category of
#ardware
Component
Component $urpose and
Characteristics
%dapter Cards
"ommunications
netork
inter!ace
card "#$C%
'o communicate with the
networ%. Ethernet
3etwor% card 1<b1s.
C$,
"/5
CP+ *o process data and
instructions
"ore 2 Duo 1.F3 <B9, 1
28 &2 cache, )12 X8 &1
C. 8ou ill complete an instructor allocated task such as:
a. 5eplace or upgrade a CP+
,. 5eplace- upgrade or add 5./
c. 5eplace or upgrade a video card
d. 5eplace or add a hard disk drive
e. 5eplace or upgrade a mother,oard
!. 5eplace or upgrade a poer supply
g. 5eplace or upgrade 010 drive
h. 5eplace or upgrade #etork Cards
i. 5eplace - upgrade or install any other adapter card
?or each task there needs to ,e the installation o! any re9uired drivers and
correct !unctioning.
Dnce installation is completed testing o! the hardare has to take place. ?or
each piece o! hardare an appropriate test needs to take place. Dn the hole-
correct operation as !ound earlier ith a !unctioning machine is ade9uate. $n
addition- testing so!tare can ,e used to ensure !urther !eatures o! the hardare
are !unctioning ade9uately.
*he !olloing represents some testing tools and procedures !or each piece o!
hardare
#ardware &esting tools! procedures
CP+ Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
5./ Airen;s ,oot C0- /y Computer properties to con6rm
registering the total amount o! 5./- mem*est)'
video card Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
hard disk drive Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
mother,oard Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
poer supply Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
010 drive Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
#etork Cards Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager- ping- tracert-
,rose the internet- ipcon6g
2ound card Airen;s ,oot C0- <indos 0evice /anager
Chere problems occur such as device driver not loading correctly or =#2 not seated
correctly or a hard drive not recognised, a systematic approach needs to be ta%en to
troubleshoot the problem.
'he general process for troubleshooting involves the following steps and %ey principles,
1. Only test one idea at a time. Eg. Do not try to test =#2 and the 3etwor% "ard at the
same time or do not try to change the networ% card driver and change the cable at the
same time. 8egin with pinging the loopbac% address 12+.G.G.1. 'hen ping the
gateway. 'hen try to browse to a web page. #re proxy server settings needed Q #re
they set correctly Q If you can ping the loopbac% 12+.G.G.1 but no further perhaps the
cable is not connected correctly or is faulty.
2. Identify the possible cause. Chat information can you be sure aboutQ If 2 memory
modules are installed but not both registering, did you add a new one that may be not
compatible with the motherboard Q
3. Minimize the problem scope. "an the problem be simplified by turning off
applications that are not critical or unplugging all other hardware Q
$. Resolve one problem and start again. !nce a hard dis% drive is visible in 8I!0 , test
again in Cindows to see if it appears to then proceed with formatting.
!nce the hardware is installed and functioning correctly can its performance be enhanced to
meet a minimum performance reuirement in an organisationQ
8enchmar%ing is a set of criteria or standards that can be used to chec% if hardware is
performing at the minimum level.
2any of the software tests can benchmar% hardware performance to meet the organisational
benchmar%s. Examples include speed tests for access to =#2, transfer of data to and from
the hard drive, sound card performance in terms of benchmar%ing software, stress testing of
memory access.
Enhancement of system performance can be achieved by a number of techniues such as
reducing the number of applications running at startup, deleting unnecessary data, temp files
and applications, defragmenting the hard drive, removing unnecessary networ% protocols,
scheduling tas%s for outside regular business hours.
8enchmar%s can also refer to the age of euipment. Dor example, it may be organisational
policy to not have hardware more than $ year old being used.
# number of free utilities exist to chec% for hardware performance in addition to the ones
mentioned in /erformance "riterion $.$
So$t#are 6eatures
(uper:i
(uper:i is focused on your processorGs speed, not the speed of other components, so it
only useful when @udging changes to your computerGs processors. 6or example,
o&ercloc!ers consider (uper:i to be one of the best free benchmar!s around because it
pro&ides a processor-focused test which can help them @udge how much extra
performance their o&ercloc!ing has gained them
*DMar! %$ )
:+Mar! %8
The latest &ersions of *DMar! and :+Mar! arenGt free, but older &ersions with limited
options can be used an unlimited number of times without charge. Nhile these
benchmar!s are o&er four years old, they are still among the best free benchmar!s
a&ailable. 6uturemar!Gs benchmar!s are &ery demanding, and there are many modern
computers which will achie&e &ery low scores when running these benchmar!s.
*DMar! focuses on gamers, has it only tests the power of your &ideo card. :+Mar! is for
more general use and tests numerous computer components.
Ko&abench
Ko&abench is a free benchmar! testing software suite. Enli!e many benchmar! suites,
Ko&abench isnGt a trial &ersion or an older &ersion released for free. The free &ersion is the
only &ersion a&ailable, and it gauges multiple aspects of your computerGs performance.
The Ko&abench benchmar! tests processing speed, 0D graphics performance and hard
dri&e read)write performance, ma!ing this a &ery well-rounded benchmar!. It is particularly
well suited for computers which are meant for a home office, as the hard dri&e read)write
speed benchmar! can help you find out if your producti&ity is being hurt by a hard dri&e
which ta!es a long time to spin up and transfer data. Ko&abench also has a basic
multimedia and graphics benchmar!. It is less intensi&e than a dedicated graphics
benchmar!, li!e *DMar!%$, but can gi&e you a general idea of your computerGs graphics
performance
(i(oft (andra
(andra stands for (ystem Analy=er, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant. It is a fully-
featured benchmar! suite which is aimed at users who are &ery well informed about the
inner wor!ings of their computers and for businesses which need to perform a detailed
analysis on multiple computers. (i(oft (andra !indly offers a free &ersion of the software.
The benchmar! tests a&ailable in (i(oft (andra are @aw-dropping. Nant to test your
computerGs memory bandwidthO Ko problem. Nant to benchmar! networ! performanceO
(ure. Nant to benchmar! your computerGs power efficiencyO Pes, (i(oft (andra does that
as well. +hances are that youGll come across one or two benchmar!s in (i(oft (andra
which benchmar! hardware you didnGt e&en !now existed.
Another useful feature of (i(oft (andra is the inclusion of references. 4etGs say, for
example, that you decide to benchmar! your processor. (i(oft (andra will benchmar!
your processor and then compare your performance to fi&e other similar processors to
gi&e you a better idea of how an upgrade may or may not help you. This is something that
only (i(oft (andra offers, and it is incredibly useful
6RA:(
3ne of the most popular free gaming benchmar!s in existence, 6RA:( is different from all
of the other free benchmar! testing software on this list because it is the only non-
synthetic benchmar!. Rather than putting your computer through a series of tests which
are designed to @udge its o&erall performance, 6RA:( records how your computer actually
performs.
6RA:( does this by capturing information about how many frames per second your
computer is producing while in games. A higher number of frames per second is always
preferable and results in smoother gameplay. 6RA:( will wor! with any game, from Norld
of Narcraft to +all of Duty 2, and it is capable of both displaying your current frame rates
in real-time on your screen and recording the frame rate data to a log file.
6RA:(Gs benchmar!ing functionality is completely free. 6RA:( does ha&e a paid &ersion,
but the features unloc!ed in the paid &ersion of 6RA:( ha&e nothing to do with
benchmar!ing your computer.
.ctivity 4.2

0onload one o! the ,enchmarking so!tare programs !rom the list
given and test an aspect o! the per!ormance o! your hardare ith your
instructor;s direction and advice.
Documentation is an area that is often neglected or poorly addressed. Bowever without
adeuate documentation an environment for confusion, frustration and a minefield of
inconsistency is created as there is no trac%ing of changes and the current status of computer
hardware in an organisation.
"onfiguration and installation documentation will involve completing the hardware reuest
@ob sheet and filing or uploading the data to ensure easy access for future reference such as
warranty or follow up service calls.

'he forms used earlier in /erformance "riterion 2.1 need to be updated to complete the
documentation of the hardware installation.
7ard#are Re'ister
+hassis type MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 4ocation MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Internal
5ardware
+omponent
+ategory :urpose +haracteristics <xamples of
different types of
hardware de&ice in
this category
(ardware )o* re+uest ,orm
%*C %dvanced College< & #ardware =o" 8orm
I' 0upport Dorm, Date,
/repared by,
3ame, !ffice,
"ontact Details, Department,
Euipment 3ame 'echnical 0pecifications 0upplier
Bardware tas%s for 6person or location7,
Date Bardware "hange Details 'echnician
#pproved by,
Date,
I' 0ervices at itservicesVabc.net.au. Dor any enuiries feel free to ring E+F*3$)*
Element 1 < Evaluate modified system
).1 "ollect client or user feedbac% and analyse against client reuirements
).2 "orrect identified shortcomings in the system and record actions
Evaluation
#n absolutely essential part of all wor% in any endeavour including in the Information
'echnology field is to see% and evaluate client feedbac%. Cithout this valuable data an
employee, a business, an organisation is really operating blindly as there is no way to chec% if
they are on the right trac%.
Deedbac% can be in many forms such as verbal, online, anonymous, closed as in limited
answers or open as in the freedom to elaborate when answering the uestions.
# %ey uestion that is sometimes overloo%ed is to chec% if the client has actually used and
tested the system fully before @udgment is passed on their satisfaction level. If a client has not
used and tested the upgrade or repair there is little point in proceeding with the feedbac%. 'his
is critical as it validates your feedbac% by chec%ing that the client has carried out some
chec%ing and testing of the wor%.
>uestions T open and closed
Deedbac% can be gathered by filling a form, a uestionnaire, face(to(face, over the phone or
via email. #lthough over the phone or face(to(face may not seem efficient it is beneficial to
encourage the user to have a conversation. "onversations always provide the opportunity to
find additional information.
Yuestions can be either closed or open. "losed uestions have an answer from a limited set
of options, whilst open uestions allow for elaboration and are not limited in the answers
possible. !pen uestions use why, how, describe, elaborate and similar words. "losed
uestions use what, who, where and similar words. Examples of each are as follows,
>uestion &ype Example answers?
Chat was reuired Q "losed Extra storage, faster processor.
Chy was it reuired Q !pen 'o allow more data to be stored. 'o
process faster.
Chen was it needed Q "losed 8y last 2onday. 8y Debruary E.
Cas the wor% completed on time Q "losed Hes or 3o
Bave you used the replacement or
upgraded hardware Q
"losed Hes or 3o
Bas the wor% been completed Q "losed Hes or 3o
Bave your been happy with the
completed wor%Q
"losed Hes or 3o
#re there any problems with the
completed wor% Q
"losed Hes or 3o.
Do you need any training to support you
with the upgraded or replacement
hardware Q
"losed Hes or 3o
Chat improvements you can suggest in
delivering our serviceQ
!pen Details can be given
Could you use our service again Q "losed Hes or 3o
Could you tell your friends about our
service Q
"losed Hes or 3o
Could you recommend our service to
your friends Q
"losed Hes or 3o
If you feel you would recommend our
service to your friends on a scale of 1 to
1G where 1G is the highest
recommendation, at what score would
you rate our service to your friends Q
"losed
!nly one of 1G possible answers from
1 to 1G.
If you did not score above F on the
previous uestion what can you suggest
for us to improve our service to raise our
score Q
!pen #ny number of suggestions
If you do go with a conversation such as face to face or over the phone you need to be
prepared to listen carefully and record answers. !ne of the techniues in this type of
interview is %nows as active listening. #ctive listening is a powerful communication
techniue that
# good way to remember the %ey features of active listening in an interview is the letters of
the word Z&I0'E3[.
If you chose to use email or an online form to gather details, word your uestionnaire to
promote detail, i.e. not tic% box or one word answers.
'here is a third option which is to use a combination of both, i.e. provide the client with the
initial uestionnaire, then organise an interview which can be used to clarify their answers
and add any missing detail.
Chen conversing with the client structure your uestions in basic terms and avoid technical
terminology and @argon not used in everyday language.
.ctivity &.1
?or a hardare addition o! a second hard drive !or a client rite don some o!
the 9uestions that can ,e asked as !eed,ack and indicate i! they are open or
closed 9uestions.
-uestion .pen or Closed
Responding to 8eed"ack
'here are two critical considerations with client satisfaction feedbac%.
1. <athering uality feedbac%
2. #cting on the feedbac%
'here is not much point is as%ing for feedbac% that is inaccurate, biased, incomplete or
deficient. 5nless honest, complete, high uality feedbac% is gathered there is no point going
through the exercise and wasting the client.s or the technician.s time.
# business consideration is the old saying that Zcustomers vote with their feet[. Chat this
means is that the only true indication of customer satisfaction is if they %eep coming bac% to
as% for your service. Cithin an organisation this may not be an option as employees have to
as% for help from the technical team but they can let their complaints, frustrations and
concerns be %nown in other ways by complaining behind the bac%s of the technical team.
In business, a customer can choose from a number of suppliers or vendors or technical
providers. 'herefore, the ris% that customers may not come bac% can mean the end of the
business for that particular organisation. Bence, we return to the two critical considerations as
stated above.
!nce uality feedbac% is gathered the next tas% is to respond to the feedbac%. # client can
express concern or ma%e suggestions about a number of areas such as,
ssue Resolution
'urning up on time # serious issue. /roductivity is lost if a client is waiting an
unreasonable amount of time. If there is an emergency or a
previous @ob has created unforeseen problems ma%e another
appointment rather than have the client wait and then
complain.
"ompleting the wor% in the
allocated time
3ot much can be done if other problems are created as a
result of commencing the @ob. Eg. the networ% is
inaccessible or the first hard drive is so full that it is too
slow or there is a loss of power.
'he best response is to explain the problem clearly so the
client understands what is within your control and what is
outside your control
8eing unfriendly, arrogant or
displaying poor body language
"ommunication in the wor%place is another unit of
competency that covers non(verbal communication such as
smiling, turning towards the client, paying attention and
loo%ing at the client in a non(threatening way without
tal%ing Zdown[ to the client.
"hanging settings or
configuration without
explaining the change
!ne of the most common complaints from clients is that the
computer wor%ed fine until the technician touched it or
added something. Chile the events can be often unrelated a
lin% is made in the client.s mind. 'herefore, if any change is
made to the configuration such as icon si9e, printing
options, log on options these need to be clearly explained
and @ustified so that the client %nows why this occurred.
3ot clearly explaining how to
use the modified system
# technician may have the best price, uality and technical
expertise but by not involving the client closely with the
change and the modified system all that good wor% is lost
and the technician may lose repeat business.
# technician needs to explain clearly, slowly and
courteously without tal%ing down to the client how to use
the modified system
3ot clearly demonstrating
how to use the modified
system
It is one thing explaining, but another demonstrating. It is
essential to show the client the changes and the modified
system and not @ust explain.
3ot spending time with how to
use the modified system
It is one thing explaining and demonstrating. Bowever, if
there are 1) steps to a demonstration it is hard for a client to
remember how to reproduce these. # technician may spend
1) more minutes with a client allowing him or her to try the
modified system but this is an investment and service that
will repay itself to the technician many times over.
3ot as%ing the client if they
understand each step or each
instruction
It is one thing explaining and demonstrating. Bowever, if a
client does not understand the steps or is not given a chance
once again for feedbac%, then the result will be frustration
and complaints. It cannot be overstressed that a client needs
to have every opportunity to give feedbac% and to approve
each step before the next step is explained or demonstrated.
Assessment J upon completion o! the 4earning .ctivities you can prepare
!or the assessment task to ,e organised ,y your assessor.

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ICAICT303A Connect internal hardware components (20)

Elements Performance Criteria

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