Objectives

1. Knowledge of Computer Hardware

2. Identify computer hardware Issues/ Problems
3. determine faulty Computer hardware
4. Know Basic computer troubleshooting
5. Knowledge of Operating System and device Drivers
6. Identify hardware Peripherals
7. Basic knowledge of safeguarding hardware
8. Apply the knowledge to repair/maintain a computer.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a
computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are following:
1. Input devices: keyboard, mouse etc.
2. Output devices: printer, monitor, speaker etc.
3. Secondary storage devices: Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
4. Internal components: CPU, motherboard, RAM etc.

Case/ System Unit. The Power Supply or SMPS (Switched Mode

computer case (Also called a Power Supply). Converts AC voltage
tower) is the box that encloses from the wall outlet to DC voltage the
many of the parts/components computer can use. It supplies DC
of the computer. voltages for internal computer
components and has a fan to keep the
computer cool.
 NIC (Network Interface Card) used to describe tools that
Fan. The processor is the allow your computer to connect and communicate with
f a computer system while the various input and output devices.
vent overheating of the
nic components.
 RAM (Random Access Memory) short term
therboard is a large memory that is used to store documents while
sed to connect the they are being processed. The amount of RAM in
other electronic parts, a computer determines the speed of a computer.
n place on the RAM attaches to the motherboard via some
specific slots.

Computer Hard disk are of two types, IDE (Integrated

drive electronics) - Has a ribbon like cable with either a 40-
pin or 80-pinconnector. The IDE data transfer interface
runs in parallel.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment) has a narrower cable with a split data
and power
Connections. It has a 7-pin cable and a much faster data
transfer rate. Most motherboards now support SATA
Well know hard disk manufactures are Seagate, Western
Digital etc.

Drives.
A computer’s drives are the
devices used for long term storage
of information. e.g. Hard Disk,
Flash Disk etc.
Hard drive - Or hard disk, is a
common storage device for
maintaining files inside the
computer, usually mounted below
or beside the floppy drive. Peripheral hardware. Are the computer components
CD drive – Holds disks (CDs) that
that have data, music, or software Are not found within the computer case, It is defined as
applications. any auxiliary device that connects to and works with the
DVD (Digital Versatile Computer in some way. E.g. mouse, microphone
Disk) drive - Popular and keyboard, monitor, printer
alternative to a CD drive that
supports CDs as well as music and
video DVDs.
 PORTS
Ports Is a connector on the motherboard or on a separate adapter that allows a
device to connect to a computer; these may include keyboard, mouse, serial,
parallel, network, sound, or video ports. Ports vary with the type of equipment
that connects to the ports. Ports have gradually changed over (me as computers
have changed to become faster and easier to work with.
Examples of ports

Male ports – Have pins that Female ports- Have holes

protrude out from the in the connector to accept the
connector and require a cable male cable’s pins.
with a female connector.

D-shell connector – A connector with more pins or holes on the top row than
on the bottom so that a connected cable can only be attached in one direction and
not accidentally connected the Wrong way; generally represented with the letters
DB and the number of pins such as, DB-9, DB-15, or DB-25.

DIN connector – Round with small holes and normally keyed; the keyboard
and mouse are usually this type of connector with either 5 or 6 pins.

Serial Port. D- Parallel Port. (D-

PS/2. DIN Connectors Most
Shell Connector Shell Connector) This
desktop computers have two of
uses pin connectors, long and slender port is also
these round ports for six pin
Also known as a (COM no longer commonly used,
connectors, one for the mouse and
port) can be a 9-pin The most common parallel
one for the keyboard.
Female D-shell port has holes for 25 pins,
connector Data Used for scanners and
travels at 115 kilobits
USB: - A 4-wire connector HDMI (High Definition Multimedia GAME PORT:- D-Shell
type of port Different models Interface) provides an interface Connector. A 15 port pin used to
(USB 1.0, USB 2.0 and USB between any audio/video source, connect games.
3.0), Connect all kinds of e.g. DVD player, or A/V receiver
external USB devices e.g. and an audio and/or video
external hard disk, printer, monitor, such as a digital
Scanner, mouse, keyboard television (DTV),
etc. Most of the computers HDMI supports standard,
provide two USB or three USB enhanced, or high-definition
ports as minimum Data video, plus multi- channel digital
travels at 12 megabits per audio on a single cable.
Seconds
q USB compliant devices can

VGA: - A three row, 15-pin Modem Port: - Connects a PC's IEEE 1394 ports – A
female D-shell connector for modem to the telephone network. serial technology developed
Newer VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, by Apple Computer sometimes
or UXGA monitors Connects called the FireWire port. A 6-
monitor to a computer's video wire cable/port (4 for data, 2
card. Similar to serial port for power) speeds of 100, 200,
connector but serial port 400, 800, and 1200 Mbps.
connector has pins, it has
holes.
Computer Software
Software: - is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well defined
function. A Program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular
problem.

Types of software’s
There three types of namely:-
1. System Software The system software is collection of programs designed
to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the
computer itself. System software are generally prepared by computer
manufactures. System software serves as the interface between hardware and the
end users. E.g. Operating System Compilers, Interpreter, and Assemblers etc.

2. Application Software: - Application software products are designed to

satisfy a particular need of a particular environment. Application software may
consist of a single program, such as a Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing
simple text. It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software
package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet package.
e.g. Payroll Software, Student Record Software , Inventory Management Software,
Microsoft Office Suite Software, Adobe Premiere suites etc.

3. Utility Software: - Allow a computer to perform tasks that are not part of
the operating system, but are still practical and useful. For example, utility software
might instruct a computer on how to copy (burn) information to a CD ROM disk, or it
might be an antivirus program.

System
Software E.g. Operating System System software E.g. Utility software

Application Software

Relationship between Hardware / Software

  Hardware and software are mutually dependent on each
other. Both of them must work together to make a
computer produce a useful output.

 Software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware.

 Hardware without set of programs to operate upon

cannot be utilized and is useless.

 To get a particular job done on the computer, relevant

software should be loaded into the hardware. I.e. a device
driver is needed.

 Hardware is a one-time expense. Computer Hardware Repairs and

24 Maintenance.

A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is

attached to your computer. There are device drivers for printers, displays,
CD-ROM readers, diskette drives etc. When you buy an operating system, Many
device drivers are built into the product.

Software development is very expensive and is a continuing

expense.

Different software applications can be loaded on hardware to

run different jobs.

Software acts as an interface between the user and the

hardware.

If Hardware is the 'heart' of a computer system, then Software is

its 'soul'. Both are complimentary to each other.

Identifying Computer Problems/Issues

Hardware or Software Problem?

 Were there any loud noises or smoke when the problem first appeared? Then
it is probably a hardware problem, with the most likely culprit being the
SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) unit.
 Is the computer entirely dead? Or the screen blank? Or the screen showing a
poor/incomplete picture? These faults are probably also due to hardware
problems.
 Does the computer produce a series of beeps? This is a code that can be used
to distinguish some hardware problems.
  Does the system give any error codes or descriptions while booting? These
can be due to hardware or software problems. Take careful note of all
information given in the error code.

 Does the computer produce error information after it has booted or

only when you open specific programs? These error codes are probably due
to software problems.

 Have any recent changes been made to hardware or software

(including BIOS settings)? If so, these are likely culprits.

Computer Maintenance
 Check harmful materials e.g. dust, virus, outdated software, faulty
electrical Power/ gadget e.g. cables, sockets, extensions etc.

 Check any malfunctions of peripherals.

 Proper maintenance helps to keep the computer running smoothly for

Years

Computer maintenance: Improving slow

performance

Dust Control.
 Dust is very harmful for computer parts.
 Excess dust can cause mechanical failures, particularly on computer
components with moving parts.
 Computers should be dusted regularly by using compressed air machines.
A
Disk Defragmenter.
Used to organize files on the hard drive and optimize free space, i m p r o v i ng t he
speed and performance of the computer. Some applications may fail outright if the
disk becomes too fragmented.

Scan Disk/ Check Now:

For hard disk faults, use scan disk/Check now to scan the hard disk for faults
and even repair them if possible. This option will check the Hard disk for errors.
Excess and Unused Files:-

As a hard disk becomes full, the computer’s performance is reduced. It takes

more (me to find and access needed files. Defragmented on is not as successful due
to a lack of free space to temporarily move files to while they are being rearranged.
Therefore, it is wise for a computer user not to keep files that are no longer needed.
Files that have been stored in a user’s documents folder that are no longer needed
(such as extra photos or older versions of documents) should be deleted.

Disk Cleanup:
The Disk Cleanup Utility can determine which files on your hard drive may no
longer be needed and delete those files. In addition to freeing up potentially
significant amounts of hard drive space. Using this utility regularly can improve
system performance.

A typical example of a fully loaded Local Hard Disk drive

Deleting Browsing History.

The browser stores the recent history of the web pages that the user has
viewed, this makes it easier to find and load these web pages again. The browser
also stores other small bits of information such as data entered into forms and
usernames or passwords if a user has asked a web page to “remember me”
(although this is not a good idea for shared computers). This stored information can
be easily deleted.

Startup folder
Some programs will automatically put a shortcut in the Startup folder, forcing
the program to automatically launch when you turn the computer on or log in.
Sometimes this is desirable, sometimes not. Either way, this practice may slow your
Computer down to various degrees, and with the program running all the (me, may
slow down the performance of your computer.
Delete some of the programs in the Startup folder

Software Inventory
Once the hard disk becomes full, a computer’s performance is reduced. To avoid
installing software that are not necessary, system inventory will require you
knowing what software is needed/wanted on your computer.

Note:
Please use caution when uninstalling software. In order to reinstall, you will need
the original software installation files.

Protect your PC from cyber-threats or Malware

The cyber-world is full of threats such as viruses, spyware, Trojans, Worms and etc.
These cyber-threats can cause huge dilemmas to your computer. These undesirable
programs, which are usually added without a user’s knowledge, can significantly
slow down the performance of a computer.

The best ways to prevent virus infections are: Keeping an(virus

software up to date and running scans on a regular basis Strict policies should be
put in place to prevent virus infection e.g. prohibiting the use of flash drives, or
require Flash disk to be scanned before use. Other policy to consider is the
prohibition of downloading, since unsuspecting users can accidentally download
malware. A firewall may also be used to blocks dangerous downloads.

UPDATING SOFTWARE:- It is important for a computer user to find and

install software updates in order to have well performing computers. Updating
software can be done in a variety of ways, Automatic Updates,
Automatic Alerts for Updates, Manual Updating, and Offline
Updating.

overheating
Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance. In order
to cool down an overheated computer processor, avoid operating the computer if
the case is in an enclosed space. (Such as a drawer or cupboard). Also cool the room
with fans or air-conditioning. Also verify that all of the fans in the computer case are
functioning properly.

Note: Modern computers have safeguards that shut down the system if a
component is overheating.

Insufficient RAM
Computer need sufficient RAM to perform the desired functions once the memory is
not sufficient. The performance will be slow. This problem is most likely if the
computer is rather old and has had a newer (and more memory demanding)
operating system installed.

Computer maintenance: Improving slow performance

Endurance:
Lastly, one important hint to also keep in mind when you are using a computer is to
be patient. Sometimes the computer has to “think” to (process)
Note: Avoid opening too many programs at a (me. It will reduce the performance
of the computer.
 HARDWARE REPAIRS
 Repair means to rectify, to fix the problem either in the hardware or software.
It may also include replacement of a component that is faulty.

 It is an essential part of troubleshooting.

 In finding or analyzing the faults, it can be decided which hardware or

software can be repaired.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REPAIRING COMPUTERS

For repairing or trouble-shooting a computer use the following guidelines:

 Gather together your toolkit: e.g. air blowing machine, screw
drivers, software, back up disk etc.

 Check for power FIRST, before doing anything else: - 10 -

15 percent of all computer Issues/Problems emanate from power surge.
Check this BEFORE doing anything else. Check to be sure if the computer is
plugged in to an AC outlet properly.

 Check your external connections to the computer: -

Specifically, check the mouse, keyboard, monitor, modem and/or printer
cables, making sure that all are secure and in the right sockets.

 Perform the Power on Self-Test (POST):- POST is a set of

procedures that a computer runs through each time it is turned on. It ensures
that all of the system's hardware is working properly before trying to load the
operating system. If the computer does not pass POST, it will not boot.

Tip: Make sure the computer turns on. If nothing happens (no lights, no sound, no
fans, etc.) the computer has a power related issue.

 If the computer is still malfunctioning, go ahead then

and open the case:- Check to see that all of the cards are fully pressed
down into the bus connections, that any socketed chips are fully pressed into
their sockets, and that all cable connections are fully a]ached. Make sure that
the drive cables are attached correctly.

 Clean any dust or foreign material out of the case while

it is open: Dust can cause overheating problems and electrical shorts.
Sometimes, insects will nest inside the case as well. All of this needs to be
cleaned out before you close up the case. Take precautions to avoid inhaling
excess dust, and consider using protective eyewear if necessary.
  Try to boot the computer to the hard drive, or to a
bootable CD/DVD disk if necessary: - Sometimes the hard disk
will become corrupted by a user, or by a virus.

 Check the CMOS setup program, and correct any

configuration
Problems: - If the information in CMOS RAM about your PC's configuration has
been changed, or if the battery has died, your computer will not boot correctly, or it
will not recognize certain components.

 Look for unwanted changes: - Someone may have turned the

brightness down on a monitor, or the LAN staff may have changed your PC's
configuration without your knowledge (or approval), or an installation
program may have corrupted your software. Look for recent changes in your
system's operation. You may need to run an uninstaller program to remedy
software-related problems.

 Isolate the problem to one piece of hardware, or one

software package.

 When all these fail, then consult a professional.

Computer issues/Problems and the tips to troubleshoot and fix/

repairs.

1. The computer is unable to start up – If the computer does not turn

on when you press the power button, the following suggestions may help you to
determine why the computer will not start up.

 First of all, check if the computer is plugged into an AC outlet properly.

 Plug another electrical device into the outlet to be sure that the outlet is
providing adequate power. A surge protector can be used in this case,
because voltage surges can be very damaging to computers and other
electrical components. Then put on the system to perform a POST.

 Acer the POST and it is confirms that, the computer is producing all of the
usual startup sounds and lights, but the monitor is not displaying any
information, perhaps there is a problem with the monitor. Make sure that it is
connected to a power source, and also that the VGA cable is connected to the
computer.
2. The computer screen is blank:- If the screen is blank, the computer
may not be set to display the image on the computer screen.

 First, check if the monitor is plugged in to a power outlet and is connected to

the computer securely and make sure the monitor power button is on.

 If the power light is not on, it means that the outlet is not delivering power to
the monitor. Fixing the power outlet in such cases should help solve the issue.

3. The Blue screen-These errors are often caused by

 Poorly functioning device drivers,
 Hardware problems (such as memory, power supplies or system overheating),
 Problems with the system software.
 The option of System recovery and backup service will restore your
 PC to an earlier point of stage. You can perform this action whilst you get a
Blue screen error or sudden system crashes.

NOTE: Backup service is an assurance that your data is safe.

4. Trouble with video card – If the power light of the computer and
monitor is on and nothing comes up on the screen when you start your computer
then there must be something wrong with video card. Change its video or the
graphics card with a new one.

5. OS or some Software is functioning abnormally – If the Operating System (OS) or

some other software is unresponsive or responds abnormally, Immediate
Solution: Restart your computer and run a virus scan.
Note: You should have a reliable antivirus software installed on the computer to
fix this issue.

6. Windows do not boot properly – If windows do not boot properly then

you should reinstall windows with the windows recovery disk. Most of the times,
this should help you get rid of the problem.

7. The computer is on but not responding – the computer is on

but not responding to software or keyboard commands, and then it must be frozen
or halted.
Immediate solution:
 Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds,
 It will be turn off.
 Now restart your computer. This should fix the problem.
7. An external device is not working – If an external device does not
function as expected. Immediate solution:
 turn it on according to Manufacturers instruction;
 be sure that all device connections are secure and receiving electrical power
 Be sure the device is compatible with the operating system.
 And that the correct drivers are installed and updated.

Most common Basic computer Hardware

Repairs
 Replacing a Power Supply: - the power supply failure is a
common problem in our country. This is due to an uneven or “poor” voltage
and power surges.

• Replacing a Hard Drive or formatting and installing Fresh

OPERATING SYSTEM.

• Replacing RAM. RAM can fail or can loose from its housing and need to be
reseated. If a computer needs new or additional RAM, it is important to make sure
that the RAM used is compatible with the computer system. RAM is very easily
damaged by electrostatic charges, so it is very important for the user to be
grounded before picking up RAM. Also RAM should only be handled by the edges.

Peripheral Hardware and Maintenance

Peripheral hardware will also last longer if it is well maintained. Peripheral hardware
such as printers, scanners will last longer if proper care about heat, dust and power
surge control is taking to consideration.

Troubleshooting and fixing Printer

problems
 Let’s assume that your printer’s drivers are up-to-date, and that it has enough
paper and ink or toner to print.
 Try turning the printer off and on.
 Unplug the printer and plug it back in.
 Check your printer’s print queue by looking for the printer icon in the system
tray and double-clicking it.
 The print queue shows you the status of each job as well as the general status
of your printer.
 Make sure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ is not selected.
 Ensure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t checked.
 Sometimes, printing while your printer is turned off can cause Windows to set
your printer to work offline, and that can stall jobs sent later.
 VIRUS
Malicious software is any software used to disrupt computer or mobile
operations, gather sensitive information, gain access to private computer systems,
or display unwanted advertising. This malicious software finds its way
into:
• Boot sector
• File Allocation Table
• Partition table
• .Com and .Exe. Files.

Deadly Effect of Virus

 Delete files
 Change files,
 Steal important information,
 load unwanted applications
 Send documents via electronic mail (e-mail),
 Cripple a machine’s Operating system (OS), the basic software that runs the
computer.
Virus warning signs
 The computer’s performance slows down considerably.
 Programs don’t function as they should. They either don’t
start, or if they start, they stop or do not give the desired
output.
 Computer fails to boot.
 Files and folders keep disappearing without anybody deleting
them.
 The computer crashes or freezes indiscriminately such as
program not responding errors.
 The computer keeps showing out of memory space messages
or strange dialog boxes.
 Programs and windows popping up randomly.
 Disk cannot be accessed
 New icons and programs get installed automatically.
 Printing doesn't work correctly
 Windows shuts down or restarts unexpectedly.
 A partition in the system disappears automatically.
  File size changes for no apparent reason
 An increase in the number of files on the system when nothing
has been added.

A Good Virus Protection Program should:

 Scan for viruses: Should be able to check your drives for viruses, as
well as the RAM of your computer, and detect the presence of a virus.

 Clean up the virus: must be able to get rid of the virus it finds on your
computer; otherwise, it is useless.

 Protect your System from viruses: Must have the ability to load
a piece of the program into memory at boot-up (me, to protect you from
getting a virus in the first place.

 Provide Automatic updates:- Must regularly and automatically

check back with the manufacturer for information on new viruses,

Best Practices of Dos and Don’ts

 Always ensure that the power has been turned off before installing or
troubleshooting any hardware part of the computer.
 Before opening a computer case, always unplug the power cord from your
computer.
 Acer unplugging the power cord from your case, Hold the power button
in for at least 5 seconds. This will drain any residual electricity from the power
supply
 Always ground yourself to the case frame while touching any inside
components. This can be done by touching the case frame with your bare
hand, or using a clamp-on grounding device made specifically for this purpose
 Keep all liquids away.
 Avoid installing components when the computer is in operation.
 When installing any, peripheral or device, always read the installation
instructions that come with the device. Never apply force to try and connect
any plug/device.
 When fitting/handling processor on motherboard always wear gloves
 Always choose to shut down your computer by clicking shutdown option.
Avoid switching of the power directly from the main switch.
 If electrical power is lost, switch off all computer devices from the mains to
avoid any problems due to power surge.
 Always “eject “USB devices from the operating system before disconnecting
them.
 Upgrade the antivirus regularly.
  Always use UPS (uninterruptible Power supply)-This will keep your computer
from crashing during power outages, and will protect your computer from low
and high voltage occurrences.
 Uninstall software by “Add / Remove Program” function in Control Panel
 uninstall function of applications
 Back up data, if possible, before making changes.
 Check to ensure that speakers is not muted through the Control Panel
Maintaining the Battery for your Laptop: -
Most laptop batteries will last at least four hours when fully charged. If not
maintained, however, the battery will require charging more frequently. For
maximum performance. Use the battery as your power source until the low battery
warning emerges.
 Using your laptop with the AC adapter plugged into an electrical outlet will
overcharge the
 Battery. Overcharging decreases the life of the battery. Eventually the battery
will be unable to hold a charge and will require a replacement.

Condition the battery for maximum

performance
 1. Discharge the battery – use the battery until the low battery warning
emerges.
 2. Charge the battery – use the AC adapter until the battery is fully charged.
 3. Then immediately disconnect the AC adapter from the notebook. The
procedure above.
 Insures both maximum performance and long life for the battery.
HARRY PASS POLYTECHNIC
P.M.B 203, MKAR – GBOKO, BENUE STATE.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

 LECTURE NOTES
COURSE CODE: EEC117

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE 1

PREPARED BY

ENGR. SAMUEL FABUSIWA.