Fundamentals of Computer Hardware

Semester 2: M.Sc. (Electronics), Dept. of Electronics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot

Credit: 04

Total Marks: 100 (70 External+30 Internal)

Total Hours requires: 60 Hrs.

Overview:

The word say "technology," most people think about computers. Computers are everywhere. Virtually every aspect of our lives has some computerized component. IT skills provide a common language between industry and education so that building bridges between these two groups can be more efficient. There is a huge demand of Hardware Technicians in all around the world. The main purpose of this course is to train students in the era of computer hardware in context of identification, working of different parts of computer systems as well as diagnostics, testing and maintenance of the PC.

Objectives:

After completion of this course students will learn;

• 1. Identification and working of different component, connectors and peripherals

  2. How to setup & upgrade BIOS also, hardware details and role of BIOS

  3. Details of video hardware including video card, CRT & LCD displays and Troubleshooting display problems

  4. Audio hardware and different compression formats of sound

  5. Building/Upgrading of a typical PC including installation of each components of PC system

  6. About powerful diagnostics hardware and software that enables to determine the cause of a problem and how to rectify it.

UNIT 1: The visible PC and BIOS

The Visible PC

How the PC works: Input, Processing, Output, Storage, The Art of the PC Technician Essential Tools of the Trade and ESD Avoidance: Tools of the Trade, Avoiding Electrostatic Discharge, Results of Electrostatic Discharge, Anti static Tools, Recognize the Major components of a PC, Connectors: DB, DIN, Centronics, RJ, BNC, Audio, USB, FireWire, Sound cards, video cards, network cards, keyboard, mouse, modem, printer, joystick

(Book: PC Hardware by Michael Meyers)

BIOS

BIOS Basics, Motherboard ROM BIOS: ROM Hardware, ROM shadowing, ROM chip types, ROM BIOS Manufacturers, BIOS Hardware/Software

Upgrading the BIOS: where to get your BIOS update, determine your BIOS version, Checking the BIOS date, Backing Up Your BIOS, Backing Up Your BIOS setup (CMOS RAM) setting, Upgrading a Flash BIOS CMOS setup specifications, Plug and Play BIOS: PnP device IDs and ACPI.

(Book: Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller)

UNIT 2

Video and Audio Hardware

Video

CRT and LCD Displays: CRT Monitors, LCD Displays, Common Features, Power Conservation

The Video Card: Modes, Resolution, Color Depth, and Memory Requirements, Accelerated Graphics Port, Graphics Processor, Video memory

Installing and configuring Video software: Drivers, Using the Display Applet, Working with drivers and 3-D Graphics

Troubleshooting Video: External adjustments, Internal Adjustments, Common Monitor Problems, Video and CMOS

Audio

How sound works in a PC: sound capture basics, recorded sound formats, playing sounds, MIDI, other file formats, video, applications, streaming media

Getting the right sound card: processor capabilities, speaker support, recording quality, jacks, extra features, audio cables, speakers

Installing a sound card: Physical installation, installing drivers, installing sound programs, installing applications

Troubleshooting Sound: Hardware Problems, Configuration Problems, Application Problems, Sound card Benchmarking.

(Book: PC Hardware by Michael Meyers)

UNIT 3

Building/Upgrading systems

System components: Case and Power supply, Processor, Motherboard, Memory, HDD, Removable storage, Input Devices, Video card and display, audio hardware, accessories

Hardware and Software resources, System assembly and disassembly

Motherboard Installation: Installing CPU and Heat Sink, Installing Memory modules, mounting motherboard in the case, connecting the power supply, connecting I/O and other cables to the motherboard, Installing the drivers, Installing a video card, Installing additional expansion cards, replacing the cover and connecting external cables, System startup, Installing the operating system, Troubleshooting Installation.

(Book: Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller)

UNIT 4

PC Diagnostics, Testing, and Maintenance

PC Diagnostics, Diagnostics Software: The Power-on Self Test, Peripheral Diagnostics, Operating system diagnostics, Commercial diagnostics software, Free/User supported diagnostics

The Boot Process: The Hardware boot process (operating system independent), The DOS boot process, The Windows 9x/Me Boot process, Windows 2000/XP startup, Windows Vista/7 startup

PC Maintenance Tools: Hand tools, safety, test equipment, special tools

Preventive Maintenance: Active preventive maintenance procedures, Passive preventive maintenance procedures, Troubleshooting Tips and Techniques.

(Book: Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller)

Recommended-Book:

• 1. “Upgrading and Repairing PCs” by Scott Mueller Publisher: QUE (Pearson Education) 19th Edition (December 2009).

  2. “PC Hardware” by Michael Meyers, Scott Jernigan. TMH Edition.

Reference-Books:

• 1. “Troubleshooting, Maintaining and Reparing PCs” by Stephen J. Bigelow, TMH

  2. “PC Upgrade and Maintenance Guide”, Minasi, BPB publication.

  3. “Hardware Bible” by W. L. Rosch, Techmedia Publication.