IT Essentials Lecture 2: Advanced Computer Hardware

Boot the Computer

POST (Power-On Self-Test)

• Performed by BIOS to check all internal components.
• Alerts for malfunctioning components via error or beep codes.
• BIOS access key must be pressed during POST.

TIP

Remove RAM to confirm POST functionality.
The computer should emit a beep code for missing RAM.

BIOS and CMOS

• BIOS: Firmware on a ROM chip, managing communication between OS and hardware, identifying drives, memory configuration, and expansion slots.
• CMOS: Stores BIOS settings and is battery-powered; if the battery fails, settings and time/date may reset.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

• Modern firmware with additional features and security enhancements.
• Supports 32-bit and 64-bit systems, larger boot drives, and Secure Boot (preventing rootkits).

BIOS and UEFI Security Features

• Security Measures:
  • Passwords: Control access levels.
  • Drive Encryption: Prevents unauthorized data access.
  • LoJack: Allows location tracking and file deletion.
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM): Stores encryption keys and certificates.
  • Secure Boot: Ensures only trusted OS boots.

Access Levels

Access Level	Description
Full Access	All settings accessible.
Limited Access	Restricted access (e.g., time and date only).
View-Only Access	All screens viewable, but no settings changeable.
No Access	No access to BIOS setup utility.

Update the Firmware

• Modern BIOS chips (EEPROM) can be upgraded by flashing.
• Follow the manufacturer's website instructions for BIOS updates.

Electrical Power

Procedures to Protect Equipment and Data

• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Buildup of electric charge can damage components; use grounded mats and antistatic wrist straps.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Interference in transmission media from sources like power lines; place sensitive devices away from EMI sources.
• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Affects wireless networks; change Wi-Fi channels or use the 5 GHz band to reduce RFI.

Wattage and Voltage

• Basic Units:
  • Voltage (V): Work required to move a charge.
  • Current (I): Electron flow rate, measured in amperes.
  • Resistance (R): Opposition to current flow.
  • Power (P): Work done per second, measured in watts.
• Ohm's Law: $V=I\times R$
• Power Calculation: $P=V\times I$

Power Supply Voltage Settings

• Dual-voltage supplies have a switch for 110V/115V or 220V/230V.
• Auto-detect voltage supplies do not need a manual switch.

Power Fluctuation Types

• Blackout: Complete loss of AC power.
• Brownout: Reduced voltage for an extended period.
• Noise: Interference from generators, lightning.
• Spike: Sudden short-term increase in voltage.
• Surge: High voltage above the normal flow.

Power Protection Devices

• Surge Protectors: Protect from surges and spikes.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides backup power during blackouts and brownouts.
• Standby Power Supply (SPS): Backup battery power with slower activation than UPS.

Advanced Computer Functionality

CPU Architectures

• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Executes a small set of instructions quickly.
• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Broad instruction set for fewer steps per operation.
• Cache Memory: High-speed memory close to the CPU for faster instruction execution.

Enhancing CPU Operation

• Hyper-Threading (Intel): Multiple threads execute simultaneously, simulating multiple CPUs.
• HyperTransport (AMD): High-speed CPU connection to the Northbridge.
• CPU Throttling: Reduces speed to save power and reduce heat.
• CPU Virtualization: Allows multiple OS to run on virtual machines as if on separate CPUs.

Multicore Processors

• Integrated Cores: Multiple processors on one chip, sharing resources.
• Integrated GPU: Handles graphics processing with less heat than a dedicated GPU.

CPU Cooling Mechanisms

• Case Fans: Increase airflow to remove heat.
• CPU Heat Sinks: Draw heat away from CPU; passive (no fan) or active (with fan).
• Graphics Card Cooling: Reduces heat from dedicated GPUs.
• Water Cooling: Efficiently dissipates heat from high-performance systems.

Video and Graphic Ports

• VGA
  • An analog port and typically the oldest graphics port still in use on some PCs.
• DVI
  • Supports uncompressed digital video transmission.
  • Variants include DVI-A (analog), DVI-D (digital), and DVI-I (integrated).
• HDMI
  • Originally developed for high-definition TVs; carries the same video information as DVI but also supports digital audio and control signals.
• DisplayPort
  • Designed to replace both DVI and VGA for computer monitors, supporting high-bandwidth video and audio signals.

USB Cables and Connectors

• USB Evolution
  • Standards include USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.2.
• USB Type-A
  • The typical rectangular connector on most computers, TVs, game consoles, and media players.
• Mini-USB
  • A rectangular connector with small indentations on each side, being replaced by micro-USB.
• Micro-USB
  • Commonly used in smartphones and tablets, characterized by two angled corners.
• USB Type-B
  • Square shape with beveled corners and an extra notch, used with printers and external hard drives.
• USB Type-C
  • A rectangular connector with four rounded corners, multipurpose, and the latest USB standard.
• Lightning
  • An 8-pin proprietary connector for Apple devices like iPhones and iPads, for both power and data.

SATA Cables and Connectors

• SATA Cable
  • Connects internal storage devices to the motherboard; requires a separate power cable.
  • SATA data and power cables are keyed to prevent incorrect installation.
• eSATA Cable
  • Connects external SATA drives with a keyed connector.
• eSATA Adapter
  • An expansion card often used to add eSATA ports.

Twisted Pair Cables and Connectors

• Twisted Pair Cabling
  • Common in Ethernet networks and older telephone systems.
  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
    • Uses color-coded copper wires and is the most common twisted pair cable.
  • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
    • Includes foil or braiding to reduce interference.
• RJ-45
  • The connector used to terminate UTP cables for Ethernet ports.
• RJ-11
  • A connector used in older telephone networks.

Coaxial Cables and Connectors

• Coax Cable Construction
  • Features an inner conductor, insulating material, and a foil shield for electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.
• RG-6
  • A heavy-gauge cable for high-bandwidth, high-frequency applications like internet and cable TV.
• RG-59
  • A thinner cable used for lower bandwidth applications, such as analog video and CCTV.
• BNC Connector
  • An older connector used for digital or analog audio/video.

SCSI and IDE Cables and Connectors

• Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)
  • A standard for connecting peripherals and storage devices in a daisy-chained format.
• External SCSI Cable
  • Used for older external devices like scanners and printers.
• Internal SCSI Cable
  • Typically used for internal hard drives with 50 pins in two rows.
• IDE Cable
  • Similar in appearance to SCSI cables, with three 40-pin connectors for connecting IDE drives to the motherboard.

Monitor Characteristics

• Screen Size
  • Measured diagonally, from top-left to bottom-right, in inches.
• Resolution
  • The number of horizontal and vertical pixels (e.g., 1920 $\times$ 1080).
• Native Resolution
  • The best resolution for a specific monitor, displayed in native mode.
• Connectivity
  • Older monitors use VGA or DVI; newer ones support HDMI and DisplayPort.

Monitor Terms

• Pixel
  • A tiny dot that displays red, green, and blue.
• Dot Pitch
  • The distance between pixels on the screen.
• Brightness
  • Measured in candelas per square meter ($\text{cd}/m^2$).
• Contrast Ratio
  • The difference in intensity between the brightest white and darkest black.
• Aspect Ratio
  • The horizontal-to-vertical measurement of the viewing area.
• Refresh Rate
  • The time it takes to refresh the screen image, measured in Hertz (Hz).
• Response Time
  • The time for a pixel to change color or brightness.
• Interlaced vs. Non-Interlaced
  • Interlaced displays create images in two passes, while non-interlaced create images line-by-line.

Display Standards

• CGA (320 $\times$ 200)
• VGA (640 $\times$ 480)
• SVGA (800 $\times$ 600)
• HD (1280 $\times$ 720) - 720p
• FHD (1920 $\times$ 1080) - 1080p
• QHD (2560 $\times$ 1440) - 2K
• UHD (3840 $\times$ 2160) - 4K

Using Multiple Monitors

Adding multiple monitors can enhance productivity by expanding the desktop or mirroring the display. Some computers support multiple monitors out-of-the-box. Connecting multiple PCs to one monitor, keyboard, and mouse requires a KVM switch.

Computer Configuration

Motherboard Upgrade

• Reasons for upgrade include changing user needs, new software requirements, and improved performance.
• A new motherboard may require changes to the CPU, RAM, and power supply.

Steps to Upgrade a Motherboard

1. Record power supply, case fan, LED, and button connections.
2. Disconnect cables and remove expansion cards.
3. Remove the old motherboard and install the new I/O shield.
4. Secure the new motherboard and reconnect all components.

CPU Upgrade

• Upgrading the CPU can improve processing speed; may require a new compatible heat sink and fan assembly.
• Apply thermal compound between the CPU and heat sink.

Storage Device Upgrade

• Consider adding a new hard drive or SSD to increase storage, speed, or enable a second OS.
• Steps include mounting the drive, connecting to the motherboard, and attaching a power cable.

Peripheral Upgrades

• Reasons for upgrading peripherals like keyboards and mice include improved ergonomics, language customization, or accessibility for users with disabilities.

Power Supply Upgrade

• Upgrading hardware may increase power needs, requiring a new power supply.
• Use online calculators to estimate required wattage.

Choosing the Right PC

Step 1: Identify Your Purpose

• Basic Tasks: Entry-level processor and budget-friendly PC.
• Gaming: Requires a powerful CPU, dedicated GPU, and sufficient RAM.
• Content Creation: High-performance CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU.
• Business Use: Reliable CPU with good security and productivity features.
• Portable Use: Focus on battery life, weight, and form factor for laptops.

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

• Entry-Level: $300 ~ $600.
• Mid-Range: $600 ~ $1,200.
• High-End: $1,200 and above.

Step 3: Consider Specifications

• Processor, RAM, storage (SSD preferred), graphics card, display, and ports.

Step 4: Read Reviews and Comparisons

• Check product reviews and warranties for reliability.

Step 5: Make Your Purchase

• Look for promotions, discounts, or bundles.

Step 6: Future-Proofing

• Choose PCs with accessible components for future upgrades.

Protecting the Environment

Safe Disposal Methods

• Proper disposal of hazardous computer components is essential to avoid fines and legal issues.
• Components like batteries, toner cartridges, chemical solvents, and CRT monitors require specific disposal methods.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Formerly known as MSDS, SDS contains material safety, hazardous ingredient information, and disposal instructions.
• OSHA requires SDS for hazardous materials in the U.S.