Chapter 3

Introduction to Computer Hardware/Software., computer systems are made up of hardware and

software. The physical touchable part of the computer is called the hardware. This is the part that
we can touch and feel. The hardware parts of a computer include the keyboard, monitor, mouse
and printer, usually called the peripherals. Other hardware parts include scanner, light-pen,
Random Access Memory (RAM) sticks or modules, processor etc. The software is a set of
instructions that control the computer’s functionality. It cannot be seen or touched. We have two
types, system software and application software. System software is further broken down into
Operating Systems and Compiler Softwares. Operating systems are sets of instructions that
enable interaction between the computer and the hardware. They act as an interface between the
user and the computer. Application softwares are instructions which service a specific need such
as Microsoft Excel, which is used for spreadsheets etc.

Tools and Materials Used in Maintenance In performing maintenance operations on computer

systems and components, some sets of tools are required to make the job easier. Some
recommended tools are screwdrivers (precision screwdrivers preferably), pliers, parts bag,
flashlight, Compact Disk (CD) and portable hard disk or flash drive, and multimeter.
Screwdrivers are usually used to remove screws so as to dissemble computer component parts or
insert screws so as to assemble component parts. They are several types based on the shape of
the head. Commonly used ones are star head screw drivers and flat screw drivers. For

laptop computers, precision screw drivers are needed. These screw drivers are adapted for
special and smaller screws. Pliers are used as alternatives to the fingers where the fingers may be
too large, especially on the motherboard where most of the components are small. Commonly
used for this purpose are the needle nose pliers. Flashlights are small lighting devices which are
used when working in the dark or in places that are darkened, for instance, one may need a light
within the system unit to see the components more clearly. Compact Disks (CDs) are storage
devices which are used to keep information. You have the recordable CD, which is typically
used once, and the re-writeable CD, which can be used and re-used. CDs are necessary for
installation of software during maintenance activities, where necessary. Portable hard disk drives
or flash drives are needed during maintenance operations to move files from one place to another
if necessary. A CD can also be used in this case, but flash drives and portable hard disks are
needed when the file or files to be moved around are not too large, because it may be waste of
the CD. These portable hard disks or flash drives may also contain utility diagnostic softwares to
be used for diagnostics of the system to be maintained. Portable hard disks are also called
External Hard disks. A multimeter may also be required for checking of power supplies
especially on desktop systems.

2.2 Basic Components and Their Functions They are several component parts of a computer, we
have the outer parts of the computer like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, system unit and we have
the inner part of the computer which contains the motherboard, the processor, the RAM sticks or
modules, the cables, the hard disks or secondary storage and many other components. Let us look
at them in detail. Monitor: This is the visual part of the computer that looks like a television. It is
called an output device because it enables the user to view an output of whatever operation he or
she is performing. It is also called the visual display unit (VDU). Common problems we find
with it include, slacking of the video connector (VGA connector). Keyboard/Mouse: The
keyboard is an input device and is typically used for inputting data into the computer. The mouse
is also an input device used as an alternative to the keyboard. The common problem with the
keyboard and the mouse is breaking of the pins in the PS/2 connectors on their connector cables
due to frequent plugging and unplugging. System Unit/Chassis or Case: The system unit
basically holds the core components of the computer. It has a casing or container. This container
is designed such that some of the features of the core components within the casing can be used.
Within the system unit, we can find the motherboard.

Chassis or case

Motherboard: This is the most important component on a computer system. It is also called the
main board. Every internal component in a computer connects to the motherboard and its
features largely determine what the computer is capable of plus its overall performance.
Motherboards are classified based on form factors (form factor refers to the physical dimensions,
sizes and shape as well as certain connector, screw hole, and other positions that dictate into
which type of case the motherboard will fit).

Motherboard sample

Processor: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor could be thought of as the engine of
the computer. It is identified by mainly two features, its speed and its width. The speed is a
simple concept graded in Megahertz (MHz). The faster the speed of the processor, the better the
performance (speed) of the computer.

Processor examples

Processor examples continued

Memory (RAM): The system memory is often called Random Access Memory (RAM). This is
the primary working memory. It holds all the programs and the data that the processor is using at
a given time.

RAM (memory) modules

Power Supply: The power supply feeds electrical power to the internal components in the
computer.

Video Card: This is the component on the motherboard that controls the information that we see
on the monitor. Sound Card: A sound card is the component on the motherboard that enables the
PC to generate complex sounds.

Sound/audio device

Hard Drive: The hard disk is the primary high-capacity storage media for the system. All you
data is stored on hard disks. Network Card/Modem: This is a component that is usually
integrated on the motherboard to provide an interface for network connectivity.

Network Card

2.3 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting is simply the process of finding out why a particular device
or component is malfunctioning, and fixing or repairing that problem. There are various ways of
troubleshooting depending on the type of component to be repaired or fixed or the type of
problem experienced.

Some basic troubleshooting tips I learnt during my attachment are given in the table below.

Table 1. Troubleshooting Tips Problem Identification Operating system will not boot.

Possible Cause Poor heat dissipation, improper voltage settings, loose connection of hard disk or
faulty hard disk cable

Error: Operating system not found

Corrupt operating system, bad hard disk

System appears to work but no video is displayed

Monitor turned off or has failed

No sound

No audio adapter present, incorrect connection of speakers or no power to speakers, no audio

drivers present

Power supply failures like Faulty power supply which may be spontaneous rebooting during due
to bad power cord, or loose normal operations, hard disk and connection, fan refusing to spin,
over heating due to fan failure, electric shocks felt on the system cases or connectors, smoke

Solution Check the capacity of the heat sink and replace it if necessary, Check the hard disk
cables for tight connectivity and interchange them to ensure proper functionality. Verify that the
hard disk is working correctly, re-install the operating system if necessary. Test the monitor and
the power source and replace with known good source to confirm if necessary Make sure the
audio adapter is present and well connected on the mother board, Ensure that the speakers are
tightly connected and are linked to a working power source, ensure that sound drivers for the
sound device are installed and working correctly. Check the AC input, make sure the cord is
firmly seated in the wall socket, and in the power supply socket, or try a different cord, also,
check the DC connectors, make sure the motherboard and disk drive power connectors are firmly
seated and making good contact, check for loose screws.