ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING- Fundamentals of Computer Troubleshooting (CMIT 202)

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Fundamentals of Computer Troubleshooting (CMIT 202) Hardware - ANS-The physical components that compose a computer system or network. Includes: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer; connectors, cables; hard disk drives; circuit boards Software - ANS-Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip. Includes: Operating systems; program applications; hardware drivers --special programs that tell the OS how to use the hardware. Input - ANS-The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware Processing - ANS-The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions. Includes: CPU, RAM Storage devices - ANS-Devices that contain non-volatile memory for saving or maintaining data. Include: Hard disk drives, Solid-state drives, Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray), Flask drives Output - ANS-The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data. Networking and communications - ANS-The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to transfer data. Networking components include: CONNECTING MEDIA= copper cables, radio signals; CONNECTION DEVICES= routers, switches Firmware - ANS-a special type of software that is embedded in the read-only memory of a hardware component. ABIOS chip is an example of this Componentization (in context of Modular Design) - ANS-A functional PC is a combination of several constituent parts. Each part is considered a field-replaceable unit (FRU), meaning it can be quickly replaced when faulty or easily upgraded when needed. This principle keeps maintenance costs low and reduces downtime. Standardization (in context of Modular Design) - ANS-Specifications that allow components from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the computer regardless of manufacturer. VGA Port (Video Graphics Array) - ANS-Also called a DB-15 port, this 15-pin port is used to connect external display devices such as projectors and some monitors. This port: transmits analog video signal, has three rows of five pins, uses a DE-15 connector. All older monitors use this type of port. DVI (Digital Video Interface) port - ANS-This port is used to connect display devices. This port: carries either an analog signal, a digital signal, or both; supports one of two cable and connector types, single link or dual-link. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and DisplayPort - ANS-These ports are used to send high-quality digital video and audio signals. The following devices use these ports: LCD monitors and HDTVs *HDMI (symmetrical notches) has a smaller form factor connector called an HDMI-mini connector. This connector is half the size of a standard HDMI connector and is used to connect smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras to external displays. Thunderbolt port - ANS-This port combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single interface. It can also provide DC power. These ports are mainly used for external displays. S-Video (miniDin-4) port - ANS-A.K.A. the separated video (s-video) port is used for connecting external displays. It has slightly better pirate quality than an RCA video port. USB port - ANS-This port is one of the most common computer ports. These ports are used to connect a variety of devices: > mouse and keyboard devices > external storage devices > digital cameras > scanners > printers > microphones > Webcams Audio Jack Port - ANS-This port is used to send or receive analog signals. They use 3.5mm TRS connectors to connect audio devices such as: > speakers, headphones, microphones, audio output devices They use a common color code to denote the port type: > Green: line out > Pink: mic in > Blue: line in > Orange: subwoofer > Black: rear speakers Coaxial S/PDIF and Fiber S/PDIF Ports - ANS-This port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end audio devices such as home theatre systems or Dolby-Digital surround sound systems. > Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals > Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals RJ45 Ports (Ethernet Ports) - ANS-These ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers and networking devices. These ports have eight connector pins. RJ11 ports (Phone jacks) *Remember, RJ45's (ethernet cable) have 8 pins, RJ11's have 4 pins! - ANS-These ports are used by telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins. FireWire port - ANS-aka i.LINK port or IEEE1394 port is also a high-speed serial bus, but USB is used more often. It is commonly used for data storage devices. PS/2 (mini-DIN-6) port - ANS-This legacy port, also called mini-Din-6, is used to connect older PS/2 keyboard or mouse devices. These ports are color-coded. Purple denotes the keyboard port, and green denotes the mouse port. Serial DB-9 connector, connects to a 9-pin serial port - ANS-This legacy port is also used to connect serial devices, such as a barcode scanner, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. These ports are also used to configure and manage some networking devices. **RS-232 is a standard for serial communication transmission of data. It defines the signals connecting computer equipment like a computer and a modem. The RS-232 standard was commonly used in computer serial ports. USB has replaced RS-232 for most of its peripheral interface roles. Many computers no longer come equipped with RS-232 ports. Parallel (DB-25) port - ANS-This legacy port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as printers, hard drives, and gamepads. **This port was superseded by the USB and RJ45 ports. DB-15 port - ANS-This legacy port is used by legacy gamepads, joysticks, and MIDI devices **These ports are typically found on older sound cards HDMI to DVI adapter - ANS-Used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port VGA to DVI adapter - ANS-Used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port VGA to HDMI Adapter - ANS-Used to connect a VGA cable to an HDMI port... Continues...