student workbook - icaict303a connect internal hardware components (20)
TRANSCRIPT
ICAICT303A Connect internal hardware components (20)Elements Performance Criteria
1. Identify, categorise and distinguish between the different types of internal hardware components
1.1 Identify and categorise the different internal hardware components1.2 Explain the purpose and characteristics of the different internal hardware component categories1.3 Distinguish between the different types of devices within each internal hardware component category
2. Determine components required
2.1 Identify and clarify user internal hardware component requirements according to organisational guidelines2.2 Organise and record user component requirements, pass on to appropriate person for evaluation and vendor selection
3. Obtain components 3.1 Contact vendors to obtain technical specifications for the proposed components3.2 Assess the options and provide recommendations to the appropriate person for final analysis3.3 Obtain components to prepare for installation
4. Install components 4.1 Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for the installation of selected components with minimum disruption to clients4.2 Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans4.3 Install and configure components according to plan, installation procedures and organisational requirements4.4 Test components for error-free performance, using available technology4.5 Identify and resolve identified problems4.6 Test and enhance system performance, using knowledge of the system, to meet organisational benchmarks4.7 Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines
5. Evaluate modified system
5.1 Collect client or user feedback and analyse against client requirements5.2 Correct identified shortcomings in the system and record actions
Resources and References: www.wikipedia.org
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Required skills
communication skills to:
consult with peers and supervisors, and internal and external clients interpret technical computer installation manuals interpret user manuals and help functions
literacy skills to:
organise resources for one-to-one instruction plan, prioritise and organise work write technical reports and maintain records
planning and organisational skills to address technical issues problem-solving skills to anticipate and respond to a range of driver-related errors that
may arise technical skills to:
comprehend how the operating system will communicate with the installed component
install components test components using available technology test system performance.
Required knowledge
areas of the operating system relevant to configuration and testing current industry-accepted hardware and software products environmental considerations in e-waste disposal organisational guidelines and organisational requirements with regard to safety, recycling
and component installation system's diagnostic software and current functionality vendor specifications and requirements for component installation.
.
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Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
identify and categorise the different types of internal hardware components
modify system's hardware to meet client requirements plan the modification and connect internal hardware components
according to vendor and technical specifications install components across a variety of situations and account for
unexpected contingencies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
personal computer and internal hardware components for installation current industry standard performance testing software documents detailing organisational guidelines and requirements technical manuals and tools appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of system diagnostic software and system functionality
direct observation of candidate connecting internal hardware components
evaluation of client requirements and candidate’s final recommendations
review of candidate’s written notes
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Element 1 - Identify, categorise and distinguish between the different types of internal hardware components
1.1 Identify and categorise the different internal hardware components1.2 Explain the purpose and characteristics of the different internal hardware component categories1.3 Distinguish between the different types of devices within each internal hardware component category
Categories of Internal Hardware components
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Component Category of Hardware Component
Component Purpose and Characteristics
Adapter Cards Communications modem To communicate between a PC and the internet. Speeds, wireless, encryption, protocols on modems vary http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modem
network interface card (NIC)
To connect a device or host to a network either wired or wireless.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_interface_card
Input / Output parallel Used to connect peripherals and older printers transmitting data in parallel or multiple bits at a time. It is considered a legacy or older technology port. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_port
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
SCSI interfaces use a specific connection standard to physically connect and transmit data between peripheral devices such as SCSI hard drives and computers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scsi
Serial A communication port that transmits data 1 bit at a time as opposed to parallel transmission which is multiple bits at a time.
Universal system bus USB
USB was designed to standardize the connection of computer peripherals (including keyboards, pointing devices, digital cameras, printers, portable media players, disk drives and network adapters) to personal computers, both to communicate and to supply electric power
Multimedia Capture cards Video capture cards are a class of video capture devices designed to plug directly into expansion slots in personal computers and servers. Models from many manufacturers are available; all comply with one of the popular host bus standards including PCI, newer PCI Express (PCIe) or AGP bus interfaces
Sound cards A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.
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TV tuner cards A TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner that allows television signals to be received by a computer. Most TV tuners also function as video capture cards, allowing them to record television programs onto a hard disk much like the digital video recorder (DVR) does.
Video AGP The Accelerated Graphics Port (often shortened to AGP) is a high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a video card to a computer's motherboard, primarily to assist in the acceleration of 3D computer graphics
Peripheral Component Interconnect PCI
Conventional PCI (PCI is an initialism formed from Peripheral Component Interconnect,[1] part of the PCI Local Bus standard and often shortened to just PCI) is a local computer bus for attaching hardware devices in a computer.
PCIe PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), officially abbreviated as PCIe, is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard designed to replace the older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP bus standards
Cooling System components
Cooling system components
CPU and case fans
Used to cool the CPU (central processing unit) heatsink. Effective cooling of a concentrated heat source such as a large-scale integrated circuit requires a heatsink, which may be cooled by a fan; use of a fan alone will not prevent overheating of the small chip.A power supply (PSU) fan often plays a double role, not only keeping the PSU itself from overheating, but also removing warm air from inside the case. PSUs with two fans are also available, which typically have a fan on the inside to supply case air into the PSU and a second fan on the back to expel the heated air
Heat sinks In computers, heat sinks are used to cool central processing units or graphics processors
Liquid cooling systems
Water cooling can be used to cool many computer components, but especially the CPU. Water cooling usually uses a CPU water block, a water pump, and a heat exchanger (usually a radiator with a fan attached). Water cooling can allow quieter (potentially fanless) operation, or improved processor speeds (overclocking), or a balance of both
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Thermal compound
Thermal adhesive or thermal grease fills the air gap between the heat sink and device to improve its thermal performance.
CPU components and features
CPU Components and Features
32 bit vs 64 bit There are two different types of CPUs. There is a 32-bit CPU and there is a 64-bit CPU. The main difference between these two processors is the structure. The older processor which is the 32-bit processor has a structure that can process instructions less efficiently than a 64-bit Processor can. Also, a 32-bit processor can handle less instruction at one time than a 64-bit processor can. The more bits, the more that processor can handle and, since 64-bits is larger than 32-bits, that means that a 64-bit processor is the better choice as it can handle more instructions in one load. Moreover, a 32-bit processor can only handle 4GB of memory, compared to a 64-bit processor which can handle up to 192 GB of memory or RAM. Now, the amount of memory that a processor can handle does not only depend on the processor, but it also depends on the Operating System of the machine. For example, a Windows 7 Basic OS with a 64-bit processor can only handle 8GB of memory. Compare that to Windows 7 Ultimate with a 64-bit processor which can handle 192GB of memory.
Even though a 32-bit processor can handle up to 4GB of memory, having that much memory on a 32-bit processor will not make it perform quicker - the optimal amount of memory on a 32-bit processor is 1.5 - 2.5 GBs.
Hyper threating
Hyper-threading (officially Hyper-Threading Technology or HT Technology, abbreviated HTT or HT) is Intel's proprietary simultaneous multithreading (SMT) implementation used to improve parallelization of computations (doing multiple tasks at once) performed on PC microprocessors
CPU types AMD, Intel
The CPU market is controlled by two companies, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (usually shortened to AMD). There are other CPU manufacturers like VIA, MCST, ELVEES, SRISA, NTC Module, Sun Microsystems and others, but those companies have very limited users, their processors have a very specific (including military) application or too low in
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Multi-core dual, quad, triple
Some microprocessors can contain multiple CPUs on a single chip; those microprocessors are called multi-core processors. Processors were originally developed with only one core. A dual-core processor has two cores (e.g. AMD Phenom II X2, Intel Core Duo), a quad-core processor contains four cores (e.g. AMD Phenom II X4, Intel's quad-core processors, see i3, i5, and i7 at Intel Core), a hexa-core processor contains six cores (e.g. AMD Phenom II X6, Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 980X), an octo-core processor or octa-core processor contains eight cores (e.g. Intel Xeon E7-2820, AMD FX-8350), a deca-core processor contains ten cores (e.g. Intel Xeon E7-2850). A multi-core processor implements multiprocessing in a single physical package
CPU components and features
CPU Components and Features
onchip cache L1 , L2
A CPU cache is a cache used by the central processing unit of a computer to reduce the average time to access memory. The cache is a smaller, faster memory which stores copies of the data from the most frequently used main memory locations. Another issue is the fundamental tradeoff between cache latency and hit rate. Larger caches have better hit rates but longer latency. To address this tradeoff, many computers use multiple levels of cache, with small fast caches backed up by larger slower caches.
Multi-level caches generally operate by checking the smallest level 1 (L1) cache first; if it hits, the processor proceeds at high speed. If the smaller cache misses, the next larger cache (L2) is checked, and so on, before external memory is checked.
Speed ( real vs actual )
A common measurement of processor performance has been clock speed. However, clock speed can be misleading. For example, the Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors perform computing tasks much more quickly than the Pentium D, even though the Pentium D runs at a much higher clock speed.To determine the actual performance of a processor, you should use benchmark tests such as SYSmark, PCMark, and 3DMark.
Display device components
Connector types Component or RGB
Component video is a video signal that has been split into two or more component channels. In popular use, it refers to a type of component analog video (CAV) information that is
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transmitted or stored as three separate signals. Component video can be contrasted with composite video (NTSC, PAL or SECAM) in which all the video information is combined into a single line-level signal that is used in analog television. Like composite, component-video cables do not carry audio and are often paired with audio cables.
When used without any other qualifications the term component video usually refers to analog YPBPR component video with sync on luma
The various RGB (red, green, blue) analog component video standards (e.g., RGBS, RGBHV, RGsB) use no compression and impose no real limit on color depth or resolution, but require large bandwidth to carry the signal and contain much redundant data since each channel typically includes much of the same black and white image. Most modern computers offer this signal via a VGA port
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DVI pin compatibility
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video display interface developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). The digital interface is used to connect a video source to a display device, such as a computer monitor.
DVI was developed to create an industry standard for the transfer of digital video content. The interface is designed to transmit uncompressed digital video and can be configured to support multiple modes such as DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A (analog only), or DVI-I (digital and analog). Featuring support for analog connections as well, the DVI specification provides optional compatibility with the VGA interface.[1][dead link] This compatibility along with other advantages led to widespread acceptance in the PC industry over other competing digital standards such as Plug and Display (P&D) and Digital Flat Panel (DFP).[2] Though predominantly found in computer devices, DVI is also present in some consumer electronics such as television sets.
HDMi HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a compact audio/video interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed/uncompressed digital audio data from a HDMI-compliant device ("the source device") to a compatible computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device. HDMI is a digital replacement for existing analog video standards.
S-Video Separate Video (2 channel), more commonly known as S-Video and Y/C, is an analog video transmission (no audio) that carries standard definition video typically at 480i or 576i resolution. Video information is encoded on two channels: luma (luminance, intensity, "Y") and chroma (colour, "C"). This separation is in contrast with slightly lower quality composite video (1 channel) and higher quality component video (3 channels). It's often referred to by JVC (who introduced the DIN-connector pictured) as both an S-VHS connector and as Super Video.
VGA Video Graphics Array (VGA) refers specifically to the display hardware first introduced with the IBM PS/2 line of computers in 1987, but through its widespread adoption has also come to mean either an analog computer
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display standard, the 15-pin D-subminiature VGA connector or the 640×480 resolution itself. While this resolution was superseded in the personal computer market in the 1990s, mobile devices have only caught up in the last few years.
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LCD technologies Contrast ratio The contrast ratio is a property of a display system, defined as the ratio of the luminance of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the system is capable of producing. A high contrast ratio is a desired aspect of any display. It has similarities with dynamic range.
Native resolution
The native resolution of a LCD, LCoS or other flat panel display refers to its single fixed resolution. As an LCD display consists of a fixed raster, it cannot change resolution to match the signal being displayed as a CRT monitor can, meaning that optimal display quality can be reached only when the signal input matches the native resolution. An image where the number of pixels is the same as in the image source and where the pixels are perfectly aligned to the pixels in the source is said to be pixel perfect.
Resolution XGA, SXGA+, UXGA, WIXGA
The graphics display resolution describes the width and height dimensions of a display, such as a computer monitor, in pixels. Certain combinations of width and height are standardized and typically given a name and an initialism that is descriptive of its dimensions. A higher display resolution in a display of the same size means that displayed content appears sharper.
Projectors CRT, LCD The cathode ray tube (CRT) is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun (a source of electrons or electron emitter) and a fluorescent screen used to view images. It has a means to accelerate and deflect the electron beam(s) onto the fluorescent screen to create the images. The image may represent electrical waveforms (oscilloscope), pictures (television, computer monitor), radar targets and others. CRTs have also been used as
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memory devices, in which case the visible light emitted from the fluoresecent material (if any) is not intended to have significant meaning to a visual observer (though the visible pattern on the tube face may cryptically represent the stored data).A liquid-crystal display (LCD) is a flat panel display, electronic visual display, or video display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals. Liquid crystals do not emit light directly.
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Settings Degauss Degaussing is the process of decreasing or eliminating a remnant magnetic field. It is possibly named after the Gauss unit of magnetism, which in turn is named after Carl Friedrich Gauss. Due to magnetic hysteresis it is generally not possible to reduce a magnetic field completely to zero, so degaussing typically induces a very small "known" field referred to as bias. Degaussing was originally applied to reduce ships' magnetic signatures during WWII. Degaussing is also used to reduce magnetic fields in CRT monitors and to destroy the data on magnetic media.
Multi-monitor Multi-monitor, also called multi-display and multi-head, is the use of multiple physical display devices, such as monitors, televisions, and projectors, in order to increase the area available for computer programs running on a single computer system. The use of two such displays is called dual display, dual screen or dual monitor. Research studies[1][2][3] show that, depending on the type of work, multi-head may increase the productivity by up to 40-50%.
Refresh rate The refresh rate (most commonly the "vertical refresh rate", "vertical scan rate" for CRTs) is the number of times in a second that a display hardware draws the data. This is distinct from the measure of frame rate in that the refresh rate includes the repeated drawing of identical frames, while frame rate measures how often a video source can feed an entire frame of new data to a display.
For example, most movie projectors advance from one frame to the next one 24 times each second. But each frame is illuminated two or three times before the next frame is projected using a shutter in front of its lamp. As a result, the movie projector runs at 24 frames per second, but has a 48 or 72 Hz refresh rate.
On CRT displays, increasing the refresh rate decreases flickering, thereby reducing eye strain. However, if a refresh rate is specified that is beyond what is recommended for the display, damage to the display can occur.[1]
resolution The display resolution of a digital television, computer monitor or display device is the number
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of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. It can be an ambiguous term especially as the displayed resolution is controlled by different factors in cathode ray tube (CRT), Flat panel display which includes Liquid crystal displays, or projection displays using fixed picture-element (pixel) arrays.
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Memory components and features
Memory Components and Features
ECC vs non-ECC
Double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM) is a class of memory integrated circuits used in computers. DDR SDRAM (sometimes referred to as DDR1 SDRAM) has been superseded by DDR2 SDRAM and DDR3 SDRAM, neither of which is either forward or backward compatible with DDR SDRAM, meaning that DDR2 or DDR3 memory modules will not work in DDR-equipped motherboards, and vice versa.
Compared to single data rate (SDR) SDRAM, the DDR SDRAM interface makes higher transfer rates possible by more strict control of the timing of the electrical data and clock signals. Implementations often have to use schemes such as phase-locked loops and self-calibration to reach the required timing accuracy.[1][2] The interface uses double pumping (transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal) to lower the clock frequency. One advantage of keeping the clock frequency down is that it reduces the signal integrity requirements on the circuit board connecting the memory to the controller. The name "double data rate" refers to the fact that a DDR SDRAM with a certain clock frequency achieves nearly twice the bandwidth of a SDR SDRAM running at the same clock frequency, due to this double pumping.
With data being transferred 64 bits at a time, DDR SDRAM gives a transfer rate of (memory bus clock rate) × 2 (for dual rate) × 64 (number of bits transferred) / 8 (number of bits/byte). Thus, with a bus frequency of 100 MHz, DDR SDRAM gives a maximum transfer rate of 1600 MB/s.
Parity vs non-parity
RAM parity checking is the storing of a redundant parity bit representing the parity (odd or even) of a small amount of computer data (typically one byte) stored in random access memory, and the subsequent comparison of the stored and the computed parity to detect whether a data error has occurred.
The parity bit was originally stored in additional individual memory chips; with the introduction of plug-in DIMM, SIMM, etc. modules, they became available in non-parity and parity (with
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an extra bit per byte, storing 9 bits for every 8 bits of actual data) versions.
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Single channel vs dual channel
In the fields of digital electronics and computer
hardware, multi-channel memory architecture is a
technology that increases the transfer speed of data
between the DRAM memory and the chipset memory
controller by adding more channels of communication
between them. Theoretically this multiplies the data
rate by exactly the number of channels present. Dual-
channel memory employs two channels which
theoretically doubles the data transfer rate. The
technique goes back as far as the 1960s having been
used in IBM System/360 Model 91 and in CDC 6600.[1]
Modern higher-end chipsets like the Intel i7-9x series
and various Xeon chipsets support triple-channel
memory. In March 2010 AMDreleased Socket
G34 and Magny-Cours Opteron 6100
series[2] processors which support quad-channel
memory. In 2006 Intel released chipsets that support
quad-channel memory for
their LGA771 platform[3] and later in 2011 for
their LGA2011 platform.[4] Historically, microcomputer
chipsets with even more channels had been
designed. For example, the chipset in
the AlphaStation 600 (1995) supported eight-channel
memory, but the backplane of the machine limited
operation to four channels.
Single sided vs double sided
In computing, Double-sided RAM is a type of random-access memory module which has its chips divided into two sides (called ranks), only one of which can be addressed at a time by the computer. Initially, these were created by essentially attaching two single-sided SIMM cards to the same PCB, more modern memory modules use the more defined concept of ranks which can also be more than two.
Speed PC100, PC133, PC2700, PC3200, DDR3-1600, DDR2-667
PC100 is a standard for internal removable computer random access memory, defined by the JEDECPC133 refers to Synchronous DRAM operating at a clock frequency of 133 MHz, on a 64-bit-wide bus, at a voltage of 3.3 V
SDRAM is widely used in computers; from the original
SDRAM, further generations of DDR (or DDR1) and
then DDR2 and DDR3 have entered the mass market,
with DDR4 currently being designed and anticipated
to be available in 2013.
Types DRAM, SRAM,
Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is a type of random-access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit.
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SDRAM,DDR or DDR2 or DDR3, RAMBUS
The capacitor can be either charged or discharged; these two states are taken to represent the two values of a bit, conventionally called 0 and 1. Since capacitors leak charge, the information eventually fades unless the capacitor charge is refreshed periodically. Because of this refresh requirement, it is a dynamic memory as opposed to SRAM and other static memory.
Static random-access memory (SRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory that usesbistable latching circuitry to store each bit. The term static differentiates it from dynamicRAM (DRAM) which must be periodically refreshed. SRAM exhibits data remanence,[1] but it is still volatile in the conventional sense that data is eventually lost when the memory is not powered.
Double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM) is a class of memory integrated circuits used in computers. DDR SDRAM (sometimes referred to as DDR1 SDRAM) has been superseded by DDR2 SDRAM and DDR3 SDRAM, neither of which is either forward or backward compatible with DDR SDRAM, meaning that DDR2 or DDR3 memory modules will not work in DDR-equipped motherboards, and vice versa.Compared to single data rate (SDR) SDRAM, the DDR SDRAM interface makes higher transfer rates possible by more strict control of the timing of the electrical data and clock signals.
Direct Rambus DRAM or DRDRAM (sometimes just
called Rambus DRAM or RDRAM) is a type of
synchronous dynamic RAM. RDRAM was developed
by Rambus inc., in the mid-1990s as a replacement
for then-prevalent DIMM SDRAM memory
architecture.
RDRAM was initially expected to become the
standard in PC memory, especially after Intel agreed
to license the Rambus technology for use with its
future chipsets. Further, RDRAM was expected to
become a standard for VRAM. However, RDRAM got
embroiled in astandards war with an alternative
technology - DDR SDRAM, quickly losing out on
grounds of price, and, later on, performance. By the
early 2000s, RDRAM was no longer supported by any
mainstream computing architecture.
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Motherboard components
Motherboard components
Basic input/output system BIOS, complementary metal oxide semiconductor CMOS, Firmware.
In IBM PC compatible computers, the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), also known as the system BIOS or ROM BIOS a firmware interface.
The name originated from the Basic Input Output System used in the CP/M operating system (released in 1976). The BIOS software is built into the PC, and is the first software run by a PC when powered on. The fundamental purposes of the BIOS are to initialize and test the system hardware components, and to load an operating system or other programs from a mass memory device. The BIOS provides a consistent way for application programs and operating systems to interact with the keyboard, display, and other input/output devices. Variations in the system hardware are hidden by the BIOS from programs that use BIOS services instead of directly accessing the hardware.
CMOS battery, POST
Power-On Self-Test (POST) refers to routines which run immediately after many digital electronic devices are powered on. Perhaps the most widely known usage pertains to computing devices (personal computers, PDAs, networking devices such as routers, switches, intrusion detection systems and other monitoring devices). Other devices include kitchen appliances, avionics, medical equipment, laboratory test equipment—all embedded devices. The routines are part of a device's pre-boot sequence. Once POST completes successfully, bootstrap loader code is invoked.
Bus architecture
In computer architecture, a bus is a subsystem that
transfers data between components inside
a computer, or between computers.
Functions of buses are
Data sharing - All types of buses found on a computer must be able to transfer data between the computer peripherals connected to it.
The data is transferred in in either serial or parallel,
which allows the exchange of 1, 2, 4 or even 8
bytes of data at a time. (A byte is a group of 8 bits).
Buses are classified depending on how many bits
they can move at the same time, which means that
we have 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit or even 64-bit buses.
2. Addressing - A bus has address lines, which
match those of the processor. This allows data to
be sent to or from specific memory locations.
3. Power - A bus supplies power to various
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peripherals that are connected to it.
4. Timing - The bus provides a system
clock signal to synchronize the peripherals
attached to it with the rest of the system.
The expansion bus facilitates the easy connection
of additional components and devices on a
computer for example the addition of a TV card or
sound card.
Bus Terminologies
Computers can be viewed to be having just two
types of buses:
1. System bus:- The bus that connects the CPU to
main memory on the motherboard. The system bus
is also called the front-side bus, memory bus, local
bus, or host bus.
2. A number of I/O Buses,(Acronym for
input/output), connecting various peripheral devices
to the CPU -these are connected to the system bus
via a ‘bridge’ implemented in the processors
chipset. Other names for the I/O bus include
“expansion bus", "external bus” or “host bus”.
Expansion Bus Types
These are some of the common expansion bus
types that have ever been used in computers:
ISA - Industry Standard Architecture
EISA - Extended Industry Standard
Architecture
MCA - Micro Channel Architecture
VESA - Video Electronics Standards
Association
PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card
Industry Association (Also called PC bus)
AGP - Accelerated Graphics Port
SCSI - Small Computer Systems Interface.
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Motherboard components
Motherboard components
Bus slots AGP, AMR, CNR, PCI, PCIe, PCMCIA
The Accelerated Graphics Port (often shortened to AGP) is a high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a video card to a computer's motherboard, primarily to assist in the acceleration of 3D computer graphics
Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) is a slot found on certain PC motherboards and used for specialized networking, audio, and telephony equipment. It was most widely used in the year of 1996 and soon after that with the further innovations it lost its existence as AMR come in existence after 1997. A motherboard manufacturer can choose to provide audio, networking, or modem functionality in any combination on a CNR card. CNR slots were once commonly found on Pentium 4-class motherboards, but have since been phased out in favor of on-board or embedded components.
The audio/modem riser, also known as an AMR slot, is a riser expansion slot found on the motherboards of some Pentium III, Pentium 4, Duron, and Athlon personal computers. It was designed by Intel to interface with chipsets and provide analog functionality, such as sound cards and modems, on an expansion card.
Short for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association,and pronounced as separate letters, PCMCIA is an organization consisting of some 500 companies that has developed a standard for small, credit card-sized devices, called PC Cards. Originally designed for adding memory to portable computers, the PCMCIA standard has been expanded several times and is now suitable for many types of devices. There are in fact three types of PCMCIA cards. All three have the same rectangular size (85.6 by 54 millimeters), but different widths
Chipsets A chipset is a set of electronic components in an integrated circuit that manage the data flow between the processor, memory and peripherals. Chipsets are usually designed to work with a specific family of microprocessors. Because it controls communications between the processor and external devices, the chipset plays a crucial role in determining system performance.
Based on Intel Pentium-class microprocessors, the term chipset often refers to a specific pair of chips on the motherboard: the northbridge and the southbridge. The northbridge links the CPU to very high-speed devices, especially main memory and graphics controllers, and the southbridge connects to lower-speed peripheral buses (such as PCI or ISA). In many modern chipsets, the southbridge contains
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some on-chip integrated peripherals, such as Ethernet, USB, and audio devices.
The manufacturer of a chipset often is independent from the manufacturer of the motherboard. Current manufacturers of chipsets for x86 motherboards include AMD, Broadcom, Intel, NVIDIA, SiS and VIA Technologies. Apple computers and Unix workstations have traditionally used custom-designed chipsets. Some server manufacturers also develop custom chipsets for their products.
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RAID level 0, 1, 5
RAID (redundant array of independent disks, originally redundant array of inexpensive disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drive components into a logical unit. Data is distributed across the drives in one of several ways called "RAID levels", depending on the level of redundancy and performance required.
RAID 0 (block-level striping without parity or mirroring) has no (or zero) redundancy. It provides improved performance and additional storage but no fault tolerance. Any drive failure destroys the array, and the likelihood of failure increases with more drives in the array.[5]
In RAID 1 (mirroring without parity or striping), data is written identically to two drives, thereby producing a "mirrored set"; the read request is serviced by either of the two drives containing the requested data, whichever one involves least seek time plus rotational latency. Similarly, a write request updates the stripes of both drives. The write performance depends on the slower of the two writes (i.e. the one that involves larger seek time and rotational latency). At least two drives are required to constitute such an array. While more constituent drives may be employed, many implementations deal with a maximum of only two. The array continues to operate as long as at least one drive is functioning.[5]
RAID 5 (block-level striping with distributed parity) distributes parity along with the data and requires all drives but one to be present to operate; the array is not destroyed by a single drive failure. Upon drive failure, any subsequent reads can be calculated from the distributed parity such that the drive failure is masked from the end user. RAID 5 requires at least three disks.[5]
Form factor ATX, BTX, micro ATX, NLX
ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) is a motherboard form factor specification developed by Intel in 1995 to improve on previous de facto standards like the AT form factor. It was the first major change in desktop computer enclosure, motherboard, and power supply design in many years, improving standardization and interchangeability of parts. The specification defines the key mechanical dimensions, mounting point, I/O panel, power and connector interfaces between a
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computer case, a motherboard, and a power supply
BTX (for Balanced Technology eXtended) is a form factor for motherboards, originally intended to be the replacement for the aging ATX motherboard form factor in late 2004 and early 2005. However, future development of BTX retail products by Intel was canceled in September 2006.[1]
It was designed to alleviate some of the issues that arose from using newer technologies (which often demand more power and create more heat) on motherboards compliant with the circa-1996 ATX specification
microATX (sometimes referred to as µATX, mATX[1] or uATX[2][3]) is a standard for motherboards that was introduced in December 1997.[4] The maximum size of a microATX motherboard is 244 mm × 244 mm (9.6 in × 9.6 in), but some microATX boards can be as small as 171.45 mm × 171.45 mm (6.75 in × 6.75 in).[5] The standard ATX size is 25% longer, at 305 mm × 244 mm (12 in × 9.6 in).
Currently available[when?] microATX motherboards support CPUs from VIA, Intel or AMD.
NLX (New Low Profile Extended) was a form factor proposed by Intel and developed jointly with IBM, DEC, and other vendors for low profile, low cost, mass-marketed retail PCs. Release 1.2 was finalized in March 1997 and release 1.8 was finalized in April 1999. NLX was similar in overall design to LPX, including a riser card and a low-profile slimline case. It was modernized and updated to allow support for the latest technologies while keeping costs down and fixing the main problems with LPX.
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I/O interfaces IEEE 1394 or firewire, modem, NIC, parallel, PS/2, serial, sound, USB 1.1 and 2.0, video
The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer. It was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Apple, who called it FireWire. The 1394 interface is comparable to USB, and often those two technologies are considered together, though USB has more market share
The Personal System/2 or PS/2 was IBM's third generation of personal computers released in 1987. The PS/2 line was created by IBM in an attempt to recapture control of the PC market by introducing an advanced yet proprietary architecture. IBM's considerable market presence plus the reliability of the PS/2 ensured that the systems would sell in relatively large numbers, especially to large businesses. However the other major manufacturers balked at IBM's licensing terms to develop and sell compatible hardware, particularly as the demanded royalties were on a per machine basis.PS/2 systems introduced a new specification for the keyboard and mouse interfaces, which are still in use today and are thus called "PS/2" interfaces. The PS/2 keyboard interface was electronically identical to the long-established AT interface, but the cable connector was changed from the 5-pin DIN connector to the smaller 6-pin mini-DIN interface. The same connector and a similar synchronous serial interface was used for the PS/2 mouse port
Memory slots DIMM, RIMM, SIMM, SODIMM
A DIMM or dual in-line memory module, comprises a series of dynamic random-access memory integrated circuits. These modules are mounted on a printed circuit board and designed for use in personal computers, workstations and servers.
Rambus In-line Memory Module, a packaging for RDRAM. Direct Rambus DRAM or DRDRAM (sometimes just called Rambus DRAM or RDRAM) is a type of synchronous dynamic RAM. RDRAM was developed by Rambus inc., in the mid-1990s as a replacement for then-prevalent DIMM SDRAM memory architecture.
A SIMM, or single in-line memory module, is a type of memory module containing random access
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memory used in computers from the early 1980s to the late 1990s. It differs from a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), the most predominant form of memory module today, in that the contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both sides of the module.An SO-DIMM, or small outline dual in-line memory module, is a type of computer memory built using integrated circuits.
SO-DIMMs (also written SODIMMs) are a smaller alternative to a DIMM, being roughly half the size of regular DIMMs. SO-DIMMs are often used in systems which have space restrictions such as notebooks, small footprint PCs (such as those with a Mini-ITX motherboard), high-end upgradable office printers, and networking hardware like routers.
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Parallel advanced technology attachment PATA : EIDE, IDE
Parallel ATA (PATA), originally AT Attachment, is an interface standard for the connection of storage devices such as hard disks, floppy drives, and optical disc drives in computers. The standard is maintained by X3/INCITS committee.[1] It uses the underlying AT Attachment (ATA) and AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI) standards.
The Parallel ATA standard is the result of a long history of incremental technical development, which began with the original AT Attachment interface, developed for use in early PC AT equipment. The ATA interface itself evolved in several stages from Western Digital's original Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface. As a result, many near-synonyms for ATA/ATAPI and its previous incarnations are still in common informal use. After the introduction of Serial ATA in 2003, the original ATA was renamed Parallel ATA, PATA for short.
Parallel ATA cables have a maximum allowable length of only 18 in (457 mm).[2][3] Because of this limit, the technology normally appears as an internal computer storage interface. For many years ATA provided the most common and the least expensive interface for this application. It has largely been replaced by Serial ATA (SATA) in newer systems.
The first version of what is now called the ATA/ATAPI interface was developed by Western Digital under the name Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE).
In 1994, about the same time that the ATA-1 standard was adopted, Western Digital introduced drives under a newer name, Enhanced IDE (EIDE)
.
Processor sockets
A CPU socket or CPU slot is a mechanical component(s) that provides mechanical and electrical connections between a microprocessor and a printed circuit board (PCB). This allows the CPU to be replaced without soldering.
Common sockets have retention clips that apply a constant force, which must be overcome when a device is inserted. For chips with a large number of pins, either zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets or land
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grid array (LGA) sockets are used instead. These designs apply a compression force once either a handle (for ZIF type) or a surface plate (LGA type) is put into place. This provides superior mechanical retention while avoiding the risk of bending pins when inserting the chip into the socket.
CPU sockets are used in desktop and server computers. As they allow easy swapping of components, they are also used for prototyping new circuits. Laptops typically use surface mount CPUs, which need less space than a socketed part.
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Riser card or daughterboard
A riser card is a printed circuit board that picks up a multitude of signal lines (often bused) via a single connector (usually an edge connector) on a mainboard and distributes them via dedicated connectors on the card.
Riser cards are often used to allow adding expansion cards to a system enclosed in a low-profile case where the height of the case doesn't allow for a perpendicular placement of the full-height expansion card.
A daughterboard, daughtercard, mezzanine board or piggyback board is a circuit board meant to be an extension or "daughter" of a motherboard (or 'mainboard'), or occasionally of another card.
Serial advanced technology attachment SATA
Serial ATA (SATA) is a computer bus interface that connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives. Serial ATA replaces the older AT Attachment standard (ATA; later referred to as Parallel ATA or PATA), offering several advantages over the older interface: reduced cable size and cost (seven conductors instead of 40), native hot swapping, faster data transfer through higher signalling rates, and more efficient transfer through an (optional) I/O queuing protocol.
eSATA Standardized in 2004, eSATA (e standing for external) provides a variant of SATA meant for external connectivity. It uses a more robust connector, longer shielded cables, and stricter (but backward-compatible) electrical standards
Power supply components
Power supply components
AC adapter The AC adapter, AC/DC adapter or AC/DC converter[1] is a type of external power supply, often enclosed in a case similar to an AC plug. Other names include plug pack, plug-in adapter, adapter block, domestic mains adapter, line power adapter, wall wart, or power adapter. AC adapters are used with electrical devices that require power but do not contain internal components to derive the required voltage and power from mains power. The internal circuitry of an external power supply is very similar to the design that would be used for a built-in or internal supply.
ATX proprietary
Most modern desktop personal computer power supplies conform to the ATX specification, which includes form factor and voltage tolerances. ATX
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power supplies are turned on and off by a signal from the motherboard. They also provide a signal to the motherboard to indicate when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely power up and boot. The most recent ATX PSU standard is version 2.31 of mid-2008.
The ATX specification requires the power supply to produce three main outputs, +3.3 V, +5 V and +12 V. Low-power −12 V and 5 VSB (standby) supplies are also required. A −5 V output was originally required because it was supplied on the ISA bus, but it became obsolete with the removal of the ISA bus in modern PCs and has been removed in later versions of the ATX standard.
Originally, the motherboard was powered by one 20-pin connector. An ATX power supply provides a number of peripheral power connectors, and (in modern systems) two connectors for the motherboard: a 4-pin auxiliary connector providing additional power to the CPU, and a main 24-pin power supply connector, an extension of the original 20-pin version.
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Pins (20, 24 ) Originally, the ATX motherboard was powered by one 20-pin connector. An ATX power supply provides a number of peripheral power connectors, and (in modern systems) two connectors for the motherboard: a 4-pin auxiliary connector providing additional power to the CPU, and a main 24-pin power supply connector, an extension of the original 20-pin version.
Long ago, they had 20 pin PSU connectors and everything was powered from the motherboard. Components became more power hungry.
PSU connectors went to 24 pins. The four extra pins were one each 3.3, 5, and 12 volts and a ground. CPU's got their own 12 volt connector and 5 and 12 volt power through the main power plug dropped.
Voltage selector switch
This Voltage selector is STRICTLY for the power input. By taking your computer to a different location, your power input may need to be adjusted to avoid damage to your PSU.
For example, your computer is used to taking in a steady voltage between 100 and 115. ( Voltage is 110, but is never steady. It fluctuates. ) So what happens when you suddenly plug your box into a 220 outlet? Your PSU begins taking in more power than it requires, and will either:
1) Dispurse it to your components ( Motherboard, drives, etc ) and burn them up. or
2) Burn out the PSU alltogether.
By setting it on the back, your allowing you PSU to handle the extra voltage properly
Voltage, wattage, capacity
Voltage, electrical potential difference, or an electric tension (denoted ∆V and measured in units of electric potential: volts, or joules per coulomb), is the electric potential difference between two points — or the difference in electric potential energy of a unit test charge transported between two points.
Total power requirements for a personal computer may range from 250 watts to more than 1000 watts for a high-performance computer with multiple graphics cards. Personal computers rarely require more than 300–500 watts.[8] Power supplies are designed around 40% greater than the calculated
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system power consumption. This protects against system performance degradation, and against power supply overloading. Power supplies label their total power output, and label how this is determined by the amperage limits for each of the voltages supplied. Some power supplies have no-overload protection.
The system power consumption is a sum of the power ratings for all of the components of the computer system that draw on the power supply. For certain graphics cards, the PSU's 12 V rating is crucial. If the total 12 V rating on the power supply is higher than the suggested rating of the card, then that power supply may fully serve the card if any other 12 V system components are taken into account. The manufacturers of these computer system components, especially graphics cards, tend to over-rate their power requirements, to minimize support issues due to too low of a power supply.[citation needed]
Although an overly large power supply will have an extra margin of safety against overloading, such a larger unit is often less efficient at lower loads, and therefore wastes more electricity than a more appropriately sized unit. For instance, an 80 PLUS 520 watt supply is 70% less efficient at the 60 watts that is the typical idle power for a desktop computer.[10]
A power supply that is self-certified by its manufacturer will claim output ratings that may be double or more than what is actually provided.[11][12] To further complicate this possibility, when there are two rails that share power through down-regulating, it also happens that either the 12 V rail or the 5 V rail overloads at well below the total rating of the power supply. Many power supplies create their 3.3 V output by down-regulating their 5 V rail, or create 5 V output by downloading their 12 V rails. The two rails involved are labeled on the power supply with a combined amperage limit. For example the 5 V and 3.3 V rails are rated with a combined total amperage limit. For a description of the potential problem, a 3.3 V rail may have a 10 A rating by itself (33 W), and the 5 V rail may have a 20 A rating (100 W) by itself, but the two together may only be able to output 110 W. In this case,
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loading the 3.3 V rail to maximum (33 W), would leave the 5 V rail only be able to output 77 W.
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Storage devices and backup media components
Storage device and backup media components
Floppy disk drive FDD
Legacy small capacity storage. Not found except on very old computers. In 3.5 and 5.25 inch diameters holding under 2 MB of data.
A floppy disk, or diskette, is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles. They are read and written by a floppy disk drive (FDD).
Floppy disks, initially as 8-inch (200 mm) media and later in 5.25-inch (133 mm) and 3.5-inch (90 mm) sizes, were a ubiquitous form of data storage and exchange from the mid-1970s well into the first decade of the 21st century.[1]
By 2010, computer motherboards were rarely manufactured with floppy drive support; 3 1⁄2 " floppies could be used as an external USB drive, but 5 1⁄4 ", 8 ", and non-standard drives could only be handled by old equipment.
Hard disk drive HDD: solid state vs magnetic
A solid-state drive (SSD) (also known as a solid-state disk [1][2][3] or electronic disk,[4] though it contains no actual "disk" of any kind) is a data storage device using integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently. SSD technology uses electronic interfaces compatible with traditional block input/output (I/O) hard disk drives.
SSDs have no moving mechanical components, which distinguish them from traditional electromechanical magnetic disks such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or floppy disks, which contain spinning disks and movable read/write heads.[5] Compared with electromechanical disks, SSDs are typically less susceptible to physical shock, much quieter, have lower access time, and less latency.[6] However, while the price of SSDs has continued to decline in 2012,[7] SSDs are still about 7 to 8 times more expensive per unit of storage than HDDs.
Many SSDs use I/O interfaces developed for hard disk drives, thus permitting simple replacement in common applications.[8]
A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD)[note 2] is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating discs (platters)
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coated with magnetic material. An HDD retains its data even when powered off. Data is read in a random-access manner, meaning individual blocks of data can be stored or retrieved in any order rather than just sequentially. An HDD consists of one or more rigid ("hard") rapidly rotating discs (platters) with magnetic heads arranged on a moving actuator arm to read and write data to the surfaces.
Optical drives such as CD, DVD, RW or blu-ray
In computing, an optical disc drive (ODD) is a disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs. Some drives can only read from discs, but recent drives are commonly both readers and recorders, also called burners or writers. Compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are common types of optical media which can be read and recorded by such drives. Optical drive is the generic name; drives are usually described as "CD" "DVD", or "Blu-ray", followed by "drive", "writer", etc.
Removable storage: external CD-RW and HDDHot swappable devices and non-hot swappable devicesSolid state : flash, SD, USB, thumb driveTape drive
Hot swapping and Hot plugging are terms used to describe the functions of replacing computer system components without shutting down the system. More specifically, hot swapping describes replacing components without significant interruption to the system, while hot plugging describes the addition of components that would expand the system without significant interruption to the operation of the system.[1] Once the appropriate software is installed on the computer, a user can plug and unplug the component without rebooting. A well-known example of this functionality is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) that allows users to add or remove peripheral components such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
External devices are connected via a USB interface. Most are also powered over USB removing the need for external power.
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Adapter Cards
modem
network interface card (NIC)
parallel
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
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Serial
Universal system bus USB
Capture cards
Sound cards
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CPU and case fans
CPU Fan
Heat sinks
Liquid cooling systems
Thermal compound
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CPU components and features
32 bit vs 64 bit
Hyper threating
CPU types AMD, Intel
Multi-core dual, quad, triple
onchip cache L1 , L2
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Choosing the Best Processor for the Job
If you are buying or building a new system, you have free rein in the choice of a processor to build the system around. This section describes important considerations.
Performance
If you need a system that can handle high-resolution graphics and video, and can perform heavy-duty number crunching, get the fastest dual-core or multi-core processor you can afford. However, if your requirements are less extreme, you can save money for your clients by opting for a processor from the same family with slower clock speed or less cache memory.
Thermal Issues
Many processor models are available in two or more versions that differ in their thermal requirements; that is, the type of active heat sink necessary to cool them and the amount of power (in watts) needed to operate them. This figure is often referred to as Max TDP (maximum thermal design power). In a mid-tower or full tower system, these considerations might be less important than in a micro-tower or small form factor system, or a system that might need to run as quietly as possible.
32-bit Versus 64-bit (x64) Compatibility
Unless you are trying to build the least-expensive system possible, you will find it difficult to find 32-bit only processors today. However, if you are repurposing existing systems, you might need to determine which systems include processors with support for 64-bit operation, and which support only 32-bit operation.
Other Processor Features
Processor features such as NX (no execute, which provides hardware-based protection against some types of viruses and malware) and hardware-based virtualization (which enables a single processor to be split into multiple virtual machines with little or no slowdown) are also important to consider in business environments. Check the specification sheets provided by processor vendors to determine the exact features supported by a particular processor.
TIP
To help determine detailed information for current and late-model installed Intel processors (Pentium 4, Celerons based on the Pentium 4 and newer), use the Intel Processor Identification Utility available from the Intel website (www.intel.com).
For older Intel processors, use the Intel Processor Frequency ID Utility, also available from the Intel website.
To help determine detailed information for installed AMD and Intel processors, download and install CPU-Z from the CPUID website (www.cpuid.com).
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Degauss
Multi-monitor
Refresh rate
resolution
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Memory components and features
ECC vs non-ECC
Single channel vs dual channel
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Single sided vs double sided
Speed PC100, PC133, PC2700, PC3200, DDR3-1600, DDR2-667
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Types DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, DDR or DDR2 or DDR3, RAMBUS
Basic input/output system BIOS, complementary metal oxide semiconductor CMOS, Firmware.
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Motherboard components
Bus slots AGP, AMR, CNR, PCI, PCIe, PCMCIA
Chipsets
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RAID level 0, 1, 5
Block level striping without parity or mirroring. No fault tolerance
Mirroring without parity or striping. Can tolerate failure of all drives except 1.
Block level striping with distributed parity. Can tolerate failure of 1 drive.
Form factor ATX, BTX, micro ATX, NLX
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I/O interfaces IEEE 1394 or firewire, modem, NIC, parallel, PS/2, serial, sound, USB 1.1 and 2.0, video
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Parallel advanced technology attachment PATA : EIDE, IDE
Processor sockets
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Riser card or daughterboard
Serial advanced technology attachment SATA
eSATA
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Power supply components
AC adapter
ATX proprietary
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Floppy disk drive FDD
Hard disk drive HDD: solid state vs magnetic
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Optical drives such as CD, DVD, RW or blu-ray
Removable storage: external CD-RW and HDDHot swappable devices and non-hot swappable devicesSolid state : flash, SD, USB, thumb driveTape drive
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Activity 1.1
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You will be required to list all the internal hardware components in an assessor prepared or allocated personal computer after opening the case and categorise them in the table below:
Component Category of Hardware Component
Component Purpose and Characteristics
Adapter Cards
Cooling System components
CPU components and features
Display device components
Memory components and features
Motherboard components
Power supply components
Storage devices and backup media components
Activity 1.2
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You will be required to list all the internal hardware components in an assessor prepared or allocated laptop computer after opening the case and categorise them in the table below:
Component Category of Hardware Component
Component Purpose and Characteristics
Adapter Cards
Cooling System components
CPU components and features
Display device components
Memory components and features
Motherboard components
Power supply components
Storage devices and backup media components
Element 2 - Determine components required
2.1 Identify and clarify user internal hardware component requirements according to organisational guidelines
Organisational guidelines
Knowledge of hardware, characteristics and capabilities as well as compatibility with other hardware is one thing, organisational guidelines and how these impact on hardware choices is quite another.
The line of authority refers to the people and the authority that each has to complete or implement an organisational guideline or policy. This would ordinarily mean the technician, his or her supervisor, the technical support team leader, the organisation’s business manager and accounts person. When user hardware requirements are established it is necessary to consult the correct people according to organisational guidelines to begin the process of acquiring new or replacement hardware and document the process or final outcome.
No matter how big or small an organisation is someone will have the power to sign off on a hardware request if it is not covered by warranty. This will also depend on budget and finance considerations although the problem has to be fixed one way or another and it is not conceivable to have an employee unable to work due to hardware problems that are not being addressed due to financial reasons. What that means is that an organisation would typically repair the problem using credit or borrowed money to keep the employee productive. Where there may be a concern is to ensure the best price, quality and service is being sought and this may involve getting a number of quotes from a number of suppliers.
For the purposes of this unit, you can assume your role is to work with one supervisor, assessor or teacher for sign off and not have to concern yourself with how organisations work around cash flow problems.
Two forms that are useful for organisational record keeping include a Hardware Register and a Hardware Job Request Form. These formalise communication within an organisation and allow for record keeping to ensure data is up to date and also able to be retrieved in the future.
With all change, it is always important to communicate the benefits that come with the change rather than dictate the change. For example, replacing a hard drive with a larger one once the original fails will help to both continue operating and give larger capacity and possibly better speed and hence the request for the replacement will add value and not just present a cost to the organisation.
Users as well as supervisors or accounts people have to be consulted. It is not much use to just impose or dictate a change a user will not have any say in. It is necessary to communicate and explain the benefits to everyone when proceeding with change, with any change.
Organisational guidelines may also involve hardware compatibility and basic similarity between workstations so that the capacity of each machine is maintained.
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Hardware Register
Chassis type ______________________ Location ________________________
Internal Hardware Component
Category Purpose Characteristics Examples of different types of hardware device in this category
Hardware Job request Form
ABC Advanced College– IT Hardware Job FormIT Support Form: Date:Prepared by:Name: Office:Contact Details: Department:Equipment Name Technical Specifications SupplierHardware tasks for (person or location):Date Hardware Change Details Technician
Approved by:
Date:
IT Services at [email protected]. For any enquiries feel free to ring 97863456
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2.2 Organise and record user component requirements, pass on to appropriate person for evaluation and vendor selection
Record user component requirements
During the investigation of options for the solution it is necessary to consider alternate choices and these may come up in discussions with the client and your supervisor. These are then evaluated and appropriate vendors or suppliers contacted.
To record and organise this information it is not necessary to write a very detailed, highly structured and formal report. A summary of the key points will be sufficient such as those in the previous form Hardware Job Request Form. In the hardware change details some information regarding other options may be mentioned and why these are not recommended.
Once the hardware request form is completed and discussed with the supervisor, vendors can be contacted to find and order the hardware component.
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Element 3 – Obtain components
3.1 Contact vendors to obtain technical specifications for the proposed components3.2 Assess the options and provide recommendations to the appropriate person for final analysis3.3 Obtain components to prepare for installation
Vendors or suppliers can be contacted in a number of ways but the most common method these days is on the Web. Whilst larger vendors have a retail presence ( a traditional shop to walk into and to be served by a sales assistant) due to pricing pressures many other vendors prefer to keep costs down and this can be achieved through on line stores that operate 24/7 without the high costs of labour and a retail physical presence. Some vendors combine the two approaches.
A number of online vendors can be contacted including MSY, scorpion technology, Computer Parts Land amongst others. For the following activity investigate 3 suppliers and compare prices for 4 items of comparable hardware.
Activity 3.1
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For the following activity investigate 3 suppliers and compare prices, capacities and technical specifications for 4 items of comparable hardware.
Hardware Item Supplier 1 Supplier 2 Supplier 3SATA 3.5” drive
PCIe Graphics Card
CPU - Intel Socket 2011 i7 processor
DDR3 RAM
When the hardware component is selected there may be additional options that may become available that were not considered. For examples:
with large hard disk drives multiple virtual or logical drives can be created such as Drive C: D: E: F; with one physical drive
with wireless network cards multiple channels or multiple frequencies such as 802.11n
Replacement or upgraded CPUs may have multiple cores that can be used
Once the hardware is selected it needs to be ordered following appropriate ordering processes such as filling in an order form and faxing or ordering online.
When the ordered hardware arrives it is necessary to take delivery and organise the installation. Proper handling of the hardware is essential between taking delivery, storing and then commencing the installation. Security and safety are necessary to ensure there is no damage to the hardware prior to installation.
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Element 4 – Install components
4.1 Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for the installation of selected components with minimum disruption to clients4.2 Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans4.3 Install and configure components according to plan, installation procedures and organisational requirements4.4 Test components for error-free performance, using available technology4.5 Identify and resolve identified problems4.6 Test and enhance system performance, using knowledge of the system, to meet organisational benchmarks4.7 Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines
Planning the installation
Once approval is granted for installation of hardware components a number of planning tasks need to be considered and organised. Time is precious for both the technician and the client who will be without their computer during the installation and the technician will have other pressures on himself during any working day.At the heart of organising and planning an installation is the people who are involved. It is absolutely essential to forewarn and to make a time with a client that is convenient for the installation to take place. Turning up unannounced to install hardware when a client is busy and rushing to get work finished, is a sure way of both causing conflict and losing professional respect.
An installation plan involves the following considerations: Has all the data been backed up. Never commence work on a computer without backing
up all the data Is the installation to be completed in phases or in one direct single event? What contingency plan will you have if the installation does not work as expected? This
means can you put the old working hardware back? Can you use a replacement workstation to keep the client working?
How long will the client be without a working computer? How long will you need to test the new installation? What are the priority tasks that have be completed first?
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Preparing a timeline
When preparing a project plan each step is broken down into tasks. A tasks has a start and end time. It has a duration or length of time it needs to run for. It also has resources allocated to it such as people and any equipment. Some tasks need to occur before other tasks can commence. For example, it is necessary to backup data before dismantling the computer.A useful tool for this timeline plan is a table as follows:
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Task Predecessor
Duration Start Finish Resources
1 Secure approval for job
None 15 minutes
Mon 14 April
Mon 14 April
None
2 Arrange appointment with client
1 10 minutes
Mon 14 April
Mon 14 April
None
3 Book in time on technical support system
2 5 minutes
Mon 14 April
Mon 14 April
None
4 Backup data 3 30 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
Backup drive or network connection and storage
5 Install new hard drive
4 15 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
New hard drive, tools.
6 Partition and format new hard drive
5 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
7 Finalise installation and relocate computer to original place
6 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
8 Communicate changes to client
7 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
9 Request client to test the new installation
8 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
10 Seek feedback from client
9 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
11 Correct any problems raised in feedback
10 10 minutes
Wed 16 April
Wed 16 April
None
12 Obtain signoff from client
11 5 minutes
Wed 16
Wed 16 None
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April April
Total time without working computer for client = 65 minutes4.2 Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans4.3 Install and configure components according to plan, installation procedures and organisational requirements4.4 Test components for error-free performance, using available technology4.5 Identify and resolve identified problems4.6 Test and enhance system performance, using knowledge of the system, to meet organisational benchmarks4.7 Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines
4.2 Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans
As covered in Element 2.1 all organisations have a structure for approval of new hardware purchases.
The line of authority refers to the people and the authority that each has to complete or implement an organisational guideline or policy. This would ordinarily mean the technician, his or her supervisor, the technical support team leader, the organisation’s business manager and accounts person. When user hardware requirements are established it is necessary to consult the correct people according to organisational guidelines to begin the process of acquiring new or replacement hardware and document the process or final outcome.
No matter how big or small an organisation is someone will have the power to sign off on a hardware request if it is not covered by warranty. This will also depend on budget and finance considerations although the problem has to be fixed one way or another and it is not conceivable to have an employee unable to work due to hardware problems that are not being addressed due to financial reasons. What that means is that an organisation would typically repair the problem using credit or borrowed money to keep the employee productive. Where there may be a concern is to ensure the best price, quality and service is being sought and this may involve getting a number of quotes from a number of suppliers.
For the purposes of this unit, you can assume your role is to work with one supervisor, assessor or teacher for sign off and not have to concern yourself with how organisations work around cash flow problems.
Two forms that are useful for organisational record keeping include a Hardware Register and a Hardware Job Request Form. These are found in Element 2.1 above.
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4.3 Install and configure components according to plan, installation procedures and organisational requirements
After all the preparation, acquiring the hardware, obtaining approval and planning the installation it is time to install and configure the hardware.
In order to carry out the installation required tools need to be prepared and the task needs to be carried out according to occupational health and safety as well as organisational requirements such as
How and what the organisation wants in regard to the work environment. This can refer to how the task is carried out eg. is the computer removed and taken to the technician’s room for repair or is it repaired where it is normal locate ? How will others in the area keep working if there is disruption ? Is there enough desk space for dismantling and carrying out the repair?
Preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy. This can refer to carrying out diagnostics and preventative maintenance in addition to the immediate hardware installation.
Problem solution processes. This can refer to a flowchart or step by step diagnostic guide to a full service operation for the computer in addition to installing the hardware. Eg. does the case need cleaning ? does the hard drive indicate the need to delete temporary files ? What is the CPU utilisation?
Roles and technical responsibilities in the IT department. This refers to who completes and is responsible for what task. Who is responsible for supervision and follow up. Who checks off the documentation and signs off for completion.
Vendor and product service level agreement. This refers to the level of support the vendors provide. For example, a hard drive failure or CPU failure may fall within a warranty service agreement. As such, a technician may do enough to check the problem and then call in the vendor to honour a warranty claim such as a hard disk failure or CPU replacement.
Tools
A technician will need to have all required tools ready. A list of tools can include the following:
Compressed air and a vaccuum cleaner Cleaning cloth preferably lint free Cleaning liquid and water as required by the manufacturer ( search for LCD and computer
case cleaning liquid requirements online ) Tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers Anti-static wrist strap and anti-static mat A torch if necessary Software tools and utilities as covered in this workbook
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Activity 4.1
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A number of hardware installation tasks will be required in this section. Your assessor will provide the computers as follows:
1. A laptop computer2. A standards desktop computer3. A modular desktop computer
For each of the computers you are to carry out a number of tasks:
A. Dismantle each computer to the stage at which you can identify the components. B. Create a table of the parts in the computer along the following headings:
Component Category of Hardware Component
Component Purpose and Characteristics
Adapter Cards Communications network interface card (NIC)
To communicate with the network. Ethernet Network card 1Gb/s.
CPUCPU CPU To process data and
instructionsCore 2 Duo 1.83 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache, 512 KB L1
C. You will complete an instructor allocated task such as:a. Replace or upgrade a CPUb. Replace, upgrade or add RAMc. Replace or upgrade a video cardd. Replace or add a hard disk drivee. Replace or upgrade a motherboardf. Replace or upgrade a power supplyg. Replace or upgrade DVD driveh. Replace or upgrade Network Cardsi. Replace , upgrade or install any other adapter card
For each task there needs to be the installation of any required drivers and correct functioning.
4.4 Test components for error-free performance, using available technology
Once installation is completed testing of the hardware has to take place. For each piece of hardware an appropriate test needs to take place. On the whole, correct operation as found earlier with a functioning machine is adequate. In addition, testing software can be used to ensure further features of the hardware are functioning adequately.
The following represents some testing tools and procedures for each piece of hardware
Hardware Testing tools, proceduresCPU Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device ManagerRAM Hiren’s boot CD, My Computer properties to confirm registering the total
amount of RAM, memTest86video card Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device Managerhard disk drive Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device Managermotherboard Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device Managerpower supply Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device ManagerDVD drive Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device ManagerNetwork Cards Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device Manager, ping, tracert, browse the
internet, ipconfigSound card Hiren’s boot CD, Windows Device Manager
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4.5 Identify and resolve identified problems
Where problems occur such as device driver not loading correctly or RAM not seated correctly or a hard drive not recognised, a systematic approach needs to be taken to troubleshoot the problem.The general process for troubleshooting involves the following steps and key principles:
1. Only test one idea at a time. Eg. Do not try to test RAM and the Network Card at the same time or do not try to change the network card driver and change the cable at the same time. Begin with pinging the loopback address 127.0.0.1. Then ping the gateway. Then try to browse to a web page. Are proxy server settings needed ? Are they set correctly ? If you can ping the loopback 127.0.0.1 but no further perhaps the cable is not connected correctly or is faulty.
2. Identify the possible cause. What information can you be sure about? If 2 memory modules are installed but not both registering, did you add a new one that may be not compatible with the motherboard ?
3. Minimize the problem scope. Can the problem be simplified by turning off applications that are not critical or unplugging all other hardware ?
4. Resolve one problem and start again. Once a hard disk drive is visible in BIOS , test again in Windows to see if it appears to then proceed with formatting.
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4.6 Test and enhance system performance, using knowledge of the system, to meet organisational benchmarks
Once the hardware is installed and functioning correctly can its performance be enhanced to meet a minimum performance requirement in an organisation?Benchmarking is a set of criteria or standards that can be used to check if hardware is performing at the minimum level.
Many of the software tests can benchmark hardware performance to meet the organisational benchmarks. Examples include speed tests for access to RAM, transfer of data to and from the hard drive, sound card performance in terms of benchmarking software, stress testing of memory access.
Enhancement of system performance can be achieved by a number of techniques such as reducing the number of applications running at startup, deleting unnecessary data, temp files and applications, defragmenting the hard drive, removing unnecessary network protocols, scheduling tasks for outside regular business hours.
Benchmarks can also refer to the age of equipment. For example, it may be organisational policy to not have hardware more than 4 year old being used.
A number of free utilities exist to check for hardware performance in addition to the ones mentioned in Performance Criterion 4.4
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Software Features
SuperPi SuperPi is focused on your processor’s speed, not the speed of other components, so it only useful when judging changes to your computer’s processors. For example, overclockers consider SuperPi to be one of the best free benchmarks around because it provides a processor-focused test which can help them judge how much extra performance their overclocking has gained them
3DMark 06 / PCMark 05
The latest versions of 3DMark and PCMark aren’t free, but older versions with limited options can be used an unlimited number of times without charge. While these benchmarks are over four years old, they are still among the best free benchmarks available. Futuremark’s benchmarks are very demanding, and there are many modern computers which will achieve very low scores when running these benchmarks.
3DMark focuses on gamers, has it only tests the power of your video card. PCMark is for more general use and tests numerous computer components.
NovabenchNovabench is a free benchmark testing software suite. Unlike many benchmark suites, Novabench isn’t a trial version or an older version released for free. The free version is the only version available, and it gauges multiple aspects of your computer’s performance.
The Novabench benchmark tests processing speed, 2D graphics performance and hard drive read/write performance, making this a very well-rounded benchmark. It is particularly well suited for computers which are meant for a home office, as the hard drive read/write speed benchmark can help you find out if your productivity is being hurt by a hard drive which takes a long time to spin up and transfer data. Novabench also has a basic multimedia and graphics benchmark. It is less intensive than a dedicated graphics benchmark, like 3DMark06, but can give you a general idea of your computer’s graphics performance
SiSoft SandraSandra stands for System Analyzer, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant. It is a fully-featured benchmark suite which is aimed at users who are very well informed about the inner workings of their computers and for businesses which need to perform a detailed analysis on multiple computers. SiSoft Sandra kindly offers a free version of the software.
The benchmark tests available in SiSoft Sandra are jaw-dropping. Want to test your computer’s memory bandwidth? No problem. Want to benchmark network performance? Sure. Want to benchmark your computer’s power efficiency? Yes, SiSoft Sandra does that as well. Chances are that you’ll come across one or two benchmarks in SiSoft Sandra which benchmark hardware you didn’t even know existed.
Another useful feature of SiSoft Sandra is the inclusion of references. Let’s say, for example, that you decide to benchmark your processor. SiSoft Sandra will benchmark your processor and then compare your performance to five other similar processors to give you a better idea of how an upgrade may or may not help you. This is something that only SiSoft Sandra offers, and it is incredibly useful
FRAPSOne of the most popular free gaming benchmarks in existence, FRAPS is different from all of the other free benchmark testing software on this list because it is the only non-synthetic benchmark. Rather than putting your computer through a series of tests which are designed to judge its overall performance, FRAPS records how your computer actually performs.
FRAPS does this by capturing information about how many frames per second your computer is producing while in games. A higher number of frames per second is always preferable and results in smoother gameplay. FRAPS will work with any game, from World of Warcraft to Call of Duty 4, and it is capable of both displaying your current frame rates in real-time on your screen and recording the frame rate data to a log file.
FRAPS’s benchmarking functionality is completely free. FRAPS does have a paid version, but the features unlocked in the paid version of FRAPS have nothing to do with benchmarking your computer.
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Activity 4.2
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Download one of the benchmarking software programs from the list given and test an aspect of the performance of your hardware with your instructor’s direction and advice.
4.7 Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines
Documentation is an area that is often neglected or poorly addressed. However without adequate documentation an environment for confusion, frustration and a minefield of inconsistency is created as there is no tracking of changes and the current status of computer hardware in an organisation.
Configuration and installation documentation will involve completing the hardware request job sheet and filing or uploading the data to ensure easy access for future reference such as warranty or follow up service calls. The forms used earlier in Performance Criterion 2.1 need to be updated to complete the documentation of the hardware installation.
Hardware Register
Chassis type ______________________ Location ________________________
Internal Hardware Component
Category Purpose Characteristics Examples of different types of hardware device in this category
Hardware Job request Form
ABC Advanced College– IT Hardware Job FormIT Support Form: Date:Prepared by:Name: Office:Contact Details: Department:Equipment Name Technical Specifications SupplierHardware tasks for (person or location):Date Hardware Change Details Technician
Approved by:
Date:
IT Services at [email protected]. For any enquiries feel free to ring 97863456
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Element 5 – Evaluate modified system
5.1 Collect client or user feedback and analyse against client requirements5.2 Correct identified shortcomings in the system and record actions
Evaluation
An absolutely essential part of all work in any endeavour including in the Information Technology field is to seek and evaluate client feedback. Without this valuable data an employee, a business, an organisation is really operating blindly as there is no way to check if they are on the right track.
Feedback can be in many forms such as verbal, online, anonymous, closed as in limited answers or open as in the freedom to elaborate when answering the questions.
A key question that is sometimes overlooked is to check if the client has actually used and tested the system fully before judgment is passed on their satisfaction level. If a client has not used and tested the upgrade or repair there is little point in proceeding with the feedback. This is critical as it validates your feedback by checking that the client has carried out some checking and testing of the work.
Questions – open and closed
Feedback can be gathered by filling a form, a questionnaire, face-to-face, over the phone or via email. Although over the phone or face-to-face may not seem efficient it is beneficial to encourage the user to have a conversation. Conversations always provide the opportunity to find additional information. Questions can be either closed or open. Closed questions have an answer from a limited set of options, whilst open questions allow for elaboration and are not limited in the answers possible. Open questions use why, how, describe, elaborate and similar words. Closed questions use what, who, where and similar words. Examples of each are as follows:
Question Type Example answers.What was required ? Closed Extra storage, faster processor.Why was it required ? Open To allow more data to be stored. To
process faster.When was it needed ? Closed By last Monday. By February 9.Was the work completed on time ? Closed Yes or NoHave you used the replacement or upgraded hardware ?
Closed Yes or No
Has the work been completed ? Closed Yes or NoHave your been happy with the completed work?
Closed Yes or No
Are there any problems with the completed work ?
Closed Yes or No.
Do you need any training to support you with the upgraded or replacement hardware ?
Closed Yes or No
What improvements you can suggest in delivering our service?
Open Details can be given
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Would you use our service again ? Closed Yes or NoWould you tell your friends about our service ?
Closed Yes or No
Would you recommend our service to your friends ?
Closed Yes or No
If you feel you would recommend our service to your friends on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the highest recommendation, at what score would you rate our service to your friends ?
ClosedOnly one of 10 possible answers from 1 to 10.
If you did not score above 8 on the previous question what can you suggest for us to improve our service to raise our score ?
Open Any number of suggestions
If you do go with a conversation such as face to face or over the phone you need to be prepared to listen carefully and record answers. One of the techniques in this type of interview is knows as active listening. Active listening is a powerful communication technique that A good way to remember the key features of active listening in an interview is the letters of the word “LISTEN”.
If you chose to use email or an online form to gather details, word your questionnaire to promote detail, i.e. not tick box or one word answers. There is a third option which is to use a combination of both, i.e. provide the client with the initial questionnaire, then organise an interview which can be used to clarify their answers and add any missing detail. When conversing with the client structure your questions in basic terms and avoid technical terminology and jargon not used in everyday language.
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Activity 5.1
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For a hardware addition of a second hard drive for a client write down some of the questions that can be asked as feedback and indicate if they are open or closed questions.
Question Open or Closed
Responding to Feedback
There are two critical considerations with client satisfaction feedback. 1. Gathering quality feedback 2. Acting on the feedback
There is not much point is asking for feedback that is inaccurate, biased, incomplete or deficient. Unless honest, complete, high quality feedback is gathered there is no point going through the exercise and wasting the client’s or the technician’s time.
A business consideration is the old saying that “customers vote with their feet”. What this means is that the only true indication of customer satisfaction is if they keep coming back to ask for your service. Within an organisation this may not be an option as employees have to ask for help from the technical team but they can let their complaints, frustrations and concerns be known in other ways by complaining behind the backs of the technical team. In business, a customer can choose from a number of suppliers or vendors or technical providers. Therefore, the risk that customers may not come back can mean the end of the business for that particular organisation. Hence, we return to the two critical considerations as stated above.
Once quality feedback is gathered the next task is to respond to the feedback. A client can express concern or make suggestions about a number of areas such as:
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Issue Resolution
Turning up on time A serious issue. Productivity is lost if a client is waiting an unreasonable amount of time. If there is an emergency or a previous job has created unforeseen problems make another appointment rather than have the client wait and then complain.
Completing the work in the allocated time
Not much can be done if other problems are created as a result of commencing the job. Eg. the network is inaccessible or the first hard drive is so full that it is too slow or there is a loss of power.The best response is to explain the problem clearly so the client understands what is within your control and what is outside your control
Being unfriendly, arrogant or displaying poor body language
Communication in the workplace is another unit of competency that covers non-verbal communication such as smiling, turning towards the client, paying attention and looking at the client in a non-threatening way without talking “down” to the client.
Changing settings or configuration without explaining the change
One of the most common complaints from clients is that the computer worked fine until the technician touched it or added something. While the events can be often unrelated a link is made in the client’s mind. Therefore, if any change is made to the configuration such as icon size, printing options, log on options these need to be clearly explained and justified so that the client knows why this occurred.
Not clearly explaining how to use the modified system
A technician may have the best price, quality and technical expertise but by not involving the client closely with the change and the modified system all that good work is lost and the technician may lose repeat business.A technician needs to explain clearly, slowly and courteously without talking down to the client how to use the modified system
Not clearly demonstrating how to use the modified system
It is one thing explaining, but another demonstrating. It is essential to show the client the changes and the modified system and not just explain.
Not spending time with how to use the modified system
It is one thing explaining and demonstrating. However, if there are 15 steps to a demonstration it is hard for a client to remember how to reproduce these. A technician may spend 15 more minutes with a client allowing him or her to try the modified system but this is an investment and service that will repay itself to the technician many times over.
Not asking the client if they It is one thing explaining and demonstrating. However, if a
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understand each step or each instruction
client does not understand the steps or is not given a chance once again for feedback, then the result will be frustration and complaints. It cannot be overstressed that a client needs to have every opportunity to give feedback and to approve each step before the next step is explained or demonstrated.
Assessment – upon completion of the Learning Activities you can prepare for the assessment task to be organised by your assessor.
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