Computer System

Servicing
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Core: Computer Hardware

G12
 INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-1
“OHS Policies and Procedures”
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify and apply OHS
policies and procedures in Computer Hardware Servicing.

Occupational Health and Safety Policy

Occupational health and safety is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety,
health and welfare of people engaged in work. The goal of all occupational health and safety programs
is to foster a safe work environment. As a secondary effect, it may also protect co-workers, family
members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities, and other members of the public
who are impacted by the workplace environment. It may involve interactions among many subject
areas, including occupational medicine, occupational (or industrial) hygiene, public health, safety
engineering, chemistry, health physics.

Safety practices should be learned early and always adhered to when working with any electrical
device, including personal computers and peripherals. This is for the protection of not only the people
working with them, but also for the devices themselves. The basis for this process begins with your
Occupational Health and Safety Policies.

Safety Precautions (OHS) Related to Computer Hardware Servicing

While working inside your computer, do not attempt to service the computer except as
explained in this guide and elsewhere in product documentation. Always follow the
instructions closely.

Computer equipment can be dangerous, and you or others can be injured or even killed if you don’t
follow proper safety guidelines when working along PC’s. The following are some precautionary
measures to take before/while working with any computer equipment:
1. Personal protective equipment is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS
procedures and practices.
2. Always discharge body’s static charge before touching any part of the computer.
3. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
4. Take off any metal objects on your arms or fingers such as bracelets, rings or watches.
5. Wear rubber sole shoes when standing on the ground or in a concrete floor.
6. Fully shut down and unplug the computer before you make any attempts to disassemble the
tower.
7. Hold the components by the edges and do not touch the IC’s.
8. Do not use excessive force if things don’t quite slip into place.
9. Make sure your hands are completely dry to avoid damaging any mechanical parts as well as
to avoid electrocution.
10. Don’t eat or drinks while working.
11. Use Antistatic Wrist Strap
12. Use Antistatic Mat
13. Use Antistatic Bag
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to
dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

In addition, it is recommended that you periodically review the safety instructions in your
System Information Guide.

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact.
ESD happens when two objects of dissimilar charge come in contact with one another. This charge
can, and often does, damage electronic components.

Lowest static voltage transfer that you can feel is around 3,000 volts (it doesn’t electrocute you
because there is extremely little current). A static transfer that you can see is at least 10,000 volts!
Just by sitting in a chair, you can generate around 100 volts of static electricity.

It would make sense that these thousands of volts would damage computer components. However, a
component can be damaged with as little as 80 volts! That means, if your body has a small charge built
up in it, you could damage a component without even realizing it.

Antistatic Wrist Strap

The first, and easiest, one to implement is the antistatic

wrist strap, also referred to as an ESD strap. The ESD
strap works by attaching one end to an earth ground
(typically the ground pin on an extension cord) and
wrapping the other end around your wrist. This strap
grounds your body and keeps it at a zero charge.

Antistatic Bags for Parts

Antistatic bags are important tools to have at your

disposal when servicing electronic components
because they protect the sensitive electronic devices
from stray static charges. The bags are designed so that
the static charges collect on the outside of the bags
rather than on the electronic components.
ESD Static Mats

It is possible for a device to be damaged by simply laying

it on a bench top. For this reason, you should have an
ESD mat in addition to an ESD strap. This mat drains
excess charge away from any item coming in contact
with it.

SELF-CHECK 1.1-1

ENUMERATION

Directions: Enumerate at least 10 Occupation health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures
related to CHS.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.
 INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-2
“Basic Terms, Concepts, Functions and Characteristics of PC Hardware
Components and Peripherals”

Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to identify the Basic
Terms, Concepts, Functions and Characteristics of PC Hardware Components

TYPES OF COMPUTER

Workstation

A workstation is a high-end personal computer designed for technical or scientific

applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are
commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating
systems.

Desktop Computer

Desktop computers come in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical

tower cases to small form factor models that can be tucked behind an LCD
monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a
horizontally-oriented case, usually intended to have the display screen
placed on top to save space on the desk top. Most modern desktop
computers have separate screens and keyboards.

Single Unit

Single unit PCs (also known as all-in-one PCs) is a subtype of desktop

computers, which combine the monitor and case of the computer within a
single unit.

Nettop

, called nettops, was introduced by Intel in February 2008 to describe

low-cost, lean-function, desktop computers.
Laptop

A laptop computer or simply laptop, also called a notebook computer or

sometimes a notebook, is a small personal computer designed for
portability.

Netbook

Netbooks (also called mini notebooks or subnotebooks) are a rapidly evolving

category of small, light and inexpensive laptop computers suited for general
computing and accessing web-based applications; they are often marketed as
"companion devices," that is, to augment a user's other computer access.
Tablet PC

A tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first introduced

by Pen computing in the early 90s with their PenGo Tablet Computer and
popularized by Microsoft. Its touchscreen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid
technology allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus or digital
pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse.

Ultra-Mobile PC

The ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) is a specification for a small form factor of tablet PCs. It
was developed as a joint development exercise by Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung,
among others. Current UMPCs typically feature the Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7, or Linux operating system and low-voltage Intel Atom or VIA C7-M
processors.

Pocket PC

A pocket PC is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer (personal

digital assistant) that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. It may
have the capability to run an alternative operating system like NetBSD or Linux. It
has many of the capabilities of modern desktop PCs.

Computer case

A computer case is the enclosure that contains the main components of

a computer. Cases are usually constructed from steel or aluminium,
although other materials such as wood and plastic have been used. Cases
can come in many different sizes, or form factors.
Processor

The central processing unit, or CPU, is that part of a computer which

executes software program instructions. In older computers this circuitry
was formerly on several printed circuit boards, but in PCs is a single
integrated circuit. Nearly all PCs contain a type of CPU known as a
microprocessor. with a fan attached via heat sink.

Motherboard

The motherboard, also referred to as system board or mainboard, is the

primary circuit board within a personal computer.

Main memory

A PC's main memory is fast storage that is directly accessible by

the CPU, and is used to store the currently executing program and
immediately needed data.

Hard disk

Mass storage devices store programs and data even when the power is
off; they do require power to perform read and write functions during
usage. Although flash memory has dropped in cost, the prevailing form
of mass storage in personal computers is still the hard disk.

Video card

The video card - otherwise called a graphics card, graphics adapter

or video adapter - processes and renders the graphics output from
the computer to the computer display, and is an essential part of
the modern computer.

Visual display unit

A visual display unit (or monitor) is a piece of electrical equipment,

usually separate from the computer case, which displays viewable
images generated by a computer without producing a permanent
record.
Keyboard

In computing, a keyboard is an arrangement of buttons that each

correspond to a function, letter, or number. They are the primary
devices of inputting text.
Mouse

A Mouse on a computer is a small device that users hold and slide

around to point at, click on, and sometimes drag objects on screen
in a graphical user interface using a pointer on screen.

OTHER COMPONENTS
Mass storage

All computers require either fixed or removable storage for their operating system, programs
and user generated material.

Formerly the 5¼ inch and 3½ inch floppy drive were the principal forms of removable storage
for backup of user files and distribution of software.

Computer communications

• Internal modem card

• Modem
• Network adapter card
• Router

Common peripherals and adapter cards

• Headset
• Joystick
• Microphone
• Printer
• Scanner
• Speakers
• Webcam

• LAN Card – is a network interface card. This is a computer circuit board or card that is installed
in a computer so that it can be connected to a network.
• Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem is a device that allows a given computer to
share data or otherwise a device which let computers exchange information
• USB – Universal Serial Bus, a hardware interface for low-speed peripherals such as the
keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and telephony devices.
• Scanner- it is an input device that read text or illustration printed on paper, translates the
information into a form that a computer can use.
• Printer - it is a piece of hardware that produces a paper copy (also known as ‘hardcopy’) of
the information generated by the computer.
• BIOS – Basic Input/Output System, chip that controls the most basic functions of the
computer and performs a self-test every time you turn it on.
• Flash drive– RAM that can retain data without electrical power. It is widely used for
BIOS chips and for digital camera and digital music storage.
 SELF-CHECK 1.1-2
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Direction: Choose the best answer of the given choices. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering.
1. It is a high end personal computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended
primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area
network and run multi-user operating systems.
A. Work Station
B. Nettop
C. Laptop
D. Tablet PC
2. It is a small personal computer designed for portability. Usually all of the interface hardware needed
to operate this computer, such as USB ports (previously parallel and serial ports), graphics card,
sound channel, etc., are built in to a single unit.
A. Work Station
B. Nettop
C. Laptop
D. Tablet PC
3. It is a convergence device that combines the functions of a personal computer and a digital video
recorder.
A. Work Station
B. Home theater PC
C. Laptop
D. Tablet PC
4. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer (personal digital assistant) that runs
the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system.
A. Work Station
B. Home theater PC
C. Laptop
D. Pocket PC
5. It is also called mini notebooks or subnotebooks and are a rapidly evolving category of small, light
and inexpensive laptop computers suited for general computing and accessing web-based
applications
A. Netbook
B. Home theater PC
C. Work Station
D. Pocket PC
 INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-3

“Introduction to Computer Operating System”

Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to be familiar with the
common structure of Operating System.

SOFTWARE

Microsoft Word 2013 Software Screenshot

Computer software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs,

procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. The term
includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for
users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide
the necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls and co-
ordinates distributed systems.

OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to
communicate and operate with the computer software. It is the first program loaded into a
computer prior to software application installation.
Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows 8

Windows 7, the latest client version in the Microsoft Windows line Microsoft Windows is the collective
brand name of several software operating systems by Microsoft. Microsoft first introduced an
operating environment named Windows in November 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to
the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The most recent client version of Windows is
Windows 78 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Mac OS X

Mac OS X Snow Leopard desktop

Mac OS X is a line of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Apple
Inc.. Mac OS X is the successor to the original Mac OS, which had been Apple's primary
operating system since 1984. Unlike its predecessors, Mac OS X is a Unix-based graphical
operating system.
Linux

A Linux distribution (ubuntu) running the KDE 4 desktop environment.

Linux is a family of Unix-like computer operating systems. Linux is one of the most prominent
examples of free software and open source development: typically all underlying source code
can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.[33] The name "Linux" comes from
the Linux kernel, started in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.

APPLICATIONS

Adobe Photoshop CS6

A computer user will apply application software to carry out a specific task. System software
supports applications and provides common services such as memory management, network
connectivity, or device drivers; all of which may be used by applications but which are not
directly of interest to the end user.

DRIVERS
More commonly known as a driver, a device driver is a group of files that enable one or
more hardware devices to communicate with the computer's operating system. Without drivers, a
hardware device such as a computer printer would not be able to work with the computer.

If a driver conflict is present, this means that something is wrong with the driver and Windows cannot
properly utilize your hardware. You can detect these driver conflicts by entering the Windows Device
Manager and then scanning for recent changes to that specific piece of hardware.

SAFE MODE

On a Windows computer, Safe Mode is a software mode that enables users who
use Microsoft Windows 95,98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7 computers enter safely into Windows and
correct any problems that may be preventing them from entering Normal mode. What makes Safe
Mode different from normal mode, is that it uses Windows default drivers and settings. This helps
users correct any issues preventing them from getting into normal mode. Safe mode was first
introduced in Microsoft Windows 95 and is available in all versions of Microsoft Windows except
Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows NT 3.0, and Windows NT 4.0.

There are four options of in using safe mode:

• Safe Mode - This is the default option and is usually the best choice. This mode will load only the
absolute minimum processes necessary to start Windows XP.

• Safe Mode with Networking - This option loads the same processes as Safe Mode but also
includes those that allow the networking functions in Windows XP to work. This is valuable if you
may need to access the Internet or your local network while troubleshooting in Safe Mode.

• Safe Mode with Command Prompt - This flavor of Safe Mode also loads a minimum set of
processes but will allow access to a command prompt.
 SELF CHECK 1.1-3
Multiple Choice

Direction: Choose the best answer of the given choices. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering.

1. It is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and

documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system.

A. Hardware

B. Software

C. Utility

D. Application

2. It manages computer resources and provides programmers with an interface used to access those
resources.

A. Operating System

B. Software

C. Utility

D. Application

3. It is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development
operating system.

A. Linux

B. Software

C. Utility

D. Application

4. It is a line of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc..

A. Linux

B. Mac OS X

C. Windows

D. Application

5. It is the collective brand name of several software operating systems by Microsoft.

A. Linux

B. Mac OS X

C. Windows

D. Application