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Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Also known as hard drive, is a magnetic storage device that is installed inside
the computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage for data. In a Windows computer, the hard
drive is usually configured as the C: drive and contains the operating system and applications.
7. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to optically access data stored on a DVD. A laser moves back
and forth near the disk surface and accesses data at a very fast rate.
8. A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, tower, system unit, or cabinet, is the enclosure
that contains most of the processing components of a personal computer (usually excluding the display,
keyboard, and mouse)
• Output components An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts
information into human-readable form. It can be text, graphics, tactile, audio, and video. Some of the
output devices are Visual Display Units i.e. a Monitor, Printer, Graphic Output devices, Plotters, Speakers
etc. 1. A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in pictorial form. A monitor
usually comprises the visual display, circuitry, casing, and power supply.
2. A printer is a peripheral device which makes a persistent representation of graphics or text, usually on
paper. While most output is human-readable, bar code printers are an example of an expanded use for
printers.
3. A loudspeaker is an electroacoustic transducer; a device which converts an electrical audio signal into
a corresponding sound.
4. A projector or image projector is an optical device that projects an image onto a surface, commonly a
projection screen. Most projectors create an image by shining a light through a small transparent lens,
but some newer types of projectors can project the image directly, by using lasers
Troubleshooting:
Preventive Maintenance:
Computer Components:
Assembly Process:
• Install: To place a component into its designated location.
• Connect: To attach cables or wires to components.
• Secure: To fasten components in place.
• Align: To position components correctly.
• ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): A type of power connector.
• SATA (Serial ATA): A type of data and power connector.
• BIOS Configuration: Setting up the BIOS to control the computer's boot
process.
Computer Assembly:
Troubleshooting:
Preventive Maintenance:
Advantages of UEFI:
• Supports larger hard drives: UEFI can handle hard drives larger than 2 TB, while
BIOS is limited to 2.2 terabytes.
• Faster boot times: UEFI can boot computers faster than BIOS, especially with
large hard drives.
• Improved security: UEFI offers features like Safe Boot and Secure Boot to
protect against malware and unauthorized access.
• More user-friendly interface: UEFI provides a more intuitive graphical user
interface, making it easier to navigate.
Advantages of BIOS:
• Simplicity: BIOS is simpler to use and configure, especially for users who don't
need advanced features.
• Compatibility: BIOS is still widely supported, especially on older computers and
devices.
• "Middleman": UEFI acts as a bridge between the firmware and the operating
system.
• "Non-volatile": BIOS settings are saved even after the computer is turned off.
• "Stable initialization": UEFI ensures a smooth and secure startup process,
preventing malware interference.
• "Remote troubleshooting": UEFI allows for remote access and troubleshooting
of the system.
• "Graphical user interface": UEFI provides a more user-friendly visual interface.
• "Legacy BIOS": The older BIOS standard.
• "Breaking free of size limits": UEFI's use of GPT allows for larger hard drives.
• "Secure Boot": A UEFI security feature that ensures only authorized drivers and
services can load at startup.
• "Free Boot": A UEFI feature that allows for booting from unencrypted or
unauthorized applications.
• "Data processors": UEFI supports both 32-bit and 64-bit modes, while BIOS is
limited to 16-bit mode.
• Bootable Software: Software that can be used to create bootable media, such as
USB drives or CDs, which can then be used to install operating systems, run
diagnostic tools, or boot a computer from a specific environment.
• Bootable USB Drive: A USB flash drive that contains bootable software, allowing
you to install operating systems, run utilities, or boot a computer from it.
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): A firmware that controls the computer's
startup process, manages basic hardware, and stores data about the hard drive
(using MBR).
• MBR (Master Boot Record): A partition table used by BIOS to store information
about the hard drive, limiting it to 2.2 terabytes and 4 primary partitions.
• UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): A more modern firmware
interface that replaces BIOS, offering advantages like faster boot times, support
for larger drives, better security, and a more user-friendly interface.
• GPT (GUID Partition Table): A partition table used by UEFI, which supports
larger drives (over 2.2 terabytes) and more partitions.
• Rufus: A free and open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives. It's known
for its speed and ease of use.
• Windows USB/DVD Tool: An official Microsoft tool for creating bootable USB
drives for Windows installations.
• Universal USB Installer: A tool for creating bootable USB drives for various
operating systems, including Linux and Windows.
• RMPrepUSB: A versatile bootable media builder that supports multiple
operating systems and features.
• Etcher: A tool designed to simplify the process of creating bootable USB drives
for various operating systems.
• YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer): A tool for creating multiboot USB
drives, allowing you to install multiple operating systems, firmware, or utilities on
a single drive.
• WinSetUpFromUSB: A bootable media builder that primarily focuses on creating
bootable Windows drives but also supports Linux distributions.
• DiskMaker X: A Mac-specific tool for creating bootable USB drives from OS
X/macOS installation systems.
• UNetBootin: A free tool for creating bootable Live USB drives, primarily for
Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions.
• EaseUS: An all-in-one tool that integrates USB and ISO bootable images, making
it easy to create portable versions of Windows.
Troubleshooting:
Bootable Software:
• Bootable Software: Software that can be used to create bootable media, such as
USB drives or CDs, which can then be used to install operating systems, run
diagnostic tools, or boot a computer from a specific environment.
• Bootable USB Drive: A USB flash drive that contains bootable software, allowing
you to install operating systems, run utilities, or boot a computer from it.
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): A firmware that controls the computer's
startup process, manages basic hardware, and stores data about the hard drive
(using MBR).
• MBR (Master Boot Record): A partition table used by BIOS to store information
about the hard drive, limiting it to 2.2 terabytes and 4 primary partitions.
• UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): A more modern firmware
interface that replaces BIOS, offering advantages like faster boot times, support
for larger drives, better security, and a more user-friendly interface.
• GPT (GUID Partition Table): A partition table used by UEFI, which supports
larger drives (over 2.2 terabytes) and more partitions.
• "Can you show me the problem?" A direct and effective way to have the user
demonstrate the issue.
• "How often does this happen?" Helps determine if the problem is a one-time
occurrence or a recurring issue.
• "Has any new hardware or software been installed recently?" Identifies
potential conflicts caused by new installations.
• "Has the computer recently been moved?" Indicates the possibility of loose
connections or hardware issues.
• "Has someone who normally doesn’t use the computer recently used
it?" Checks for potential user error or accidental changes.
• "Have any other changes been made to the computer recently?" Helps
identify potential causes of the problem.
• "Be careful of how you ask questions as to not appear
accusatory." Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a neutral and non-
confrontational tone.
• "You can’t assume that the user did something to mess up the
computer." Reminds the technician to avoid blaming the user.
• "Then again, you also can’t assume that they don’t know anything about
why it’s not working." Encourages the technician to consider the user's
knowledge level.
• "Use questioning techniques that are neutral in nature." Promotes a non-
judgmental approach to questioning.
• "Frame the question in a way that makes it sound like the computer did
something wrong, and not the person." Suggests phrasing questions to avoid
blaming the user.
• "While it’s sometimes frustrating dealing with end users and computer
problems..." Acknowledges the challenges of troubleshooting user issues.
• "Even more frustrating is when no one was around to see what
happened." Highlights the difficulty of troubleshooting without witness
accounts.
• "Let’s say that you get to a computer and the power light is on and you can
hear the hard drive spinning, but there is no video..." Provides a real-world
scenario to illustrate the process of gathering information.
• "The whole key to this step is to identify, as specifically as possible, what the
problem is." Emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the problem.
• "If a computer seems to have multiple problems that appear to be
unrelated, identify what they are one at a time and fix them one at a
time." Recommends addressing problems individually for easier troubleshooting.
• "So now instead of having users to ask questions of, you need to use your
own investigative services to determine what’s wrong." Encourages
independent investigation when user information is limited.
• "The key is to find out everything you can that might be related to the
problem." Emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive information.
• "Document exactly what works and what doesn’t, and if you can,
why." Stresses the importance of detailed documentation.
• "If the power is out in the house, like in the story I related earlier, then
there’s no sense in trying the power plug in another outlet." Provides a real-
world example of identifying a potential cause.
• "This step is important because it determines what part of the computer
you should focus your troubleshooting skills on." Highlights the importance
of identifying whether the problem is hardware or software related.
• "This step relies on personal experience more than any of the other steps
do." Acknowledges the role of experience in troubleshooting.
• "Sometimes you can figure out what’s not working, but you have no idea
why or what you can do to fix it." Acknowledges the need for external
resources.
• "Don’t be afraid to use them!" Encourages the use of manuals and online
resources.
• "If you’re lucky enough to have experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly
co-workers, be open to asking for help if you get stuck on a
problem." Promotes collaboration and seeking assistance.
• "Check the Simple Stuff First." Emphasizes the importance of starting with
basic checks.
• "Is It Plugged In?" A common, often overlooked, troubleshooting step.
• "Is It Turned On?" Another basic but essential check.
• "Is the system ready?" Ensures the computer is ready to accept commands.
• "Reseat Chips and Cables." Make sure connections are secure.
• "Always be sure you’re grounded before operating inside the
case!" Emphasizes safety precautions.
• "User error is common but preventable." Acknowledges the prevalence of user
error but emphasizes the importance of preventing it.
• "It’s amazing how often a simple computer restart can solve a
problem." Highlights the effectiveness of restarting.
• "Establishing a Plan of Action." Outlines the next steps to take after
troubleshooting.
• "Verify Functionality." Ensures that the solution has resolved the problem.
• "Preventive Measures." Steps taken to prevent problems from occurring.
• "Document the Work." Record your troubleshooting process for future
reference.
Important Phrases:
• "Press any key to boot from USB/DVD": A prompt to initiate booting from the
installation media.
• "Select your language and region": Initial setup options for Windows
installation.
• "Install Now": The option to begin the installation process.
• "Repair your computer": An option to troubleshoot existing installations.
• "I accept the license terms": Agreement required to proceed with the
installation.
• "Custom (advanced)": An option for a clean installation of Windows 10.
• "Choose the partition where you want to install Windows": A prompt to
select the installation location.