Computer Hardware Servicing Safety and Precautions
Computer Hardware Servicing Safety and Precautions
TESDA NC II Computer Servicing also requires to learn about the Computer Hardware Servicing Safety
and Precautions. The only danger to you in most of these devices is the AC line connection. Before you
plug in the unit with any covers removed, make note and cover up any exposed AC line connections.
The rest of the circuitry is low voltage and while you can destroy your equipment by your actions, you
should be fairly safe. The following SafetyGuidelines are included for your survival when working on line
connected or high voltage equipment.
Don't work alone - in the event of an emergency another person's presence may be essential.
Always keep one hand in your pocket when anywhere around a powered line-connected or high
voltage system.
Wear rubber bottom shoes or sneakers.
Don't wear any jewellery or other materials that could accidentally contact circuitry and conduct
current, or get caught in moving parts. (Bracelets, long necklaces)
Don't attempt repair work when you are tired. Not only will you be more careless, but your
primary diagnostic tool - deductive reasoning - will not be operating at full capacity.
Finally, never assume anything without checking it out for yourself! Don't take shortcuts!
The motherboard is considered as the main circuit of the computer, it contains the connectors for
attaching additional boards. Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage
interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard
peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive. Collectively, all these chips that
reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's chipset. You must familiarize the
motherboard parts and its function since this is needed to pass the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing
Exam.
Parts of the Mother Board
A main function of the BIOS is to give instructions for the power-on self test (POST).This self test ensures
that the computer has all of the necessary parts and functionality needed to successfully start itself,
such as use of memory, a keyboard and other parts. If errors are detected during the test, the BIOS
instruct the computer to give a code that reveals the problem. Computer Error codes are typically a
series of beeps heard shortly after startup.
Carbon Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor (CMOS) - is a technology for making integrated circuits. CMOS
technology is used in microprocessors, microcontrollers, static RAM, and other digital logic circuits.
CMOS technology is also used for a wide variety of analog circuits such as image sensors, data
converters, and highly integrated transceivers for many types of communication. Frank Wanlass
successfully patented CMOS in 1967 (US Patent 3,356,858).
CMOS Battery - Is a button cell battery that gives power to CMOS so that the Bios setting is retain when
the PC is turn off.
Chipset - 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.
The southbridge connects to lower-speed peripheral buses (such as PCI or ISA). In many modern
chipsets, the southbridge actually contains some on-chip integrated peripherals, such as Ethernet, USB,
and audio devices. A chipset is 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.
Types of Processor Sockets or Slots
A CPU socket or CPU slot is an electrical component that attaches to a printed circuit board (PCB) and is
designed to house a CPU (also called a microprocessor). CPU socket structure is largely dependent on
the packaging of the CPU it is designed to house. Most CPUs are based on the pin grid array (PGA)
architecture in which short, stiff pins are arranged in a grid on the underside of the processor are mated
with holes in the socket. To minimize the risk of bent pins, zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets allow the
processor to be inserted without any resistance and then lock in place with a lever or latch mechanism.
SLOT TYPE CPU slot - are single-edged connectors similar to expansion slots, into which a PCB holding a
processor is inserted. Slotted CPU packages offered two advantages: L2 cache memory size could be
packaged with the CPU rather than the motherboard and processor insertion and removal was often
easier. However, they proved to have performance limitations and once it was possible to place larger
cache memory directly on the CPU die the industry reverted back to sockets.
Land grid array (LGA) - packages have started to supplant PGA with most modern CPU designs using this
scheme. The term LGA "socket" is actually a bit of a misnomer. With LGA sockets, the socket contains
pins that make contact with pads or lands on the bottom of the processor package.
Memory Socket or Slot - is commonly refers to the slot in a motherboard were the extended memory
modules are installed.
DDR (Dual/Double Data Rate) DIMM slot. 184 edge contacts (DDR 1)
DDR (Dual/Double Data Rate) DIMM slot. 240 edge contacts (DDR 2 / 3)
SODIMM (SO-DIMM is short for Small Outline DIMM ) Slot A 72-pin and 144-pin configuration.
SO-DIMMs are commonly utilized in laptop computers.
ISA Slot
ISA SLOT - Industry Standard Architecture, is an a 8 bit and 16 bit wide bus, and runs at 4.77 mhz. The
ISA bus was developed by a team lead by Mark Dean at IBM as part of the IBM PC project in 1981. It was
originated as an 8-bit system and was extended in 1983 for the XT system architecture. The newer 16-bit
standard, the IBM AT bus, was introduced in 1984.
PCI - Slot
PCI SLOT - Peripheral Component Interconnect is a specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface.
PCI is a standard widely used by expansion card manufacturers.
AGP - Slot
AGP SLOT - Accelerated Graphics Port, also called Advanced Graphics Port, often shortened to AGP it is a
high-speed point-to-point channel for attaching a graphics card to a computer's motherboard, primarily
to assist in the acceleration of 3D computer graphics. AGP controller is only capable of controlling a
single device.
AMR SLOT - Audio Modem Riser, Is a riser card that supports sound or modem function.
ACR SLOT - Advance Communication Riser, this type of slot is for communication and audio subsystem.
The slot supports modem, audio, LAN, and Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HPNA) or Home
Networking cards.
CNR SLOT - Communications network riser, this connector supports specially designed network, audio,
or modem riser cards, main processing is done through software and controlled by the motherboard’s
system chipset.
PCI - Express
PCI –E - is a computer expansion card interface format introduced by Intel in 2004. It was designed to
replace the general purpose PCI expansion bus.
PCIe 1.1 (the most common version as of 2007) each lane carries 250 MB/s.
PCIe 2.0 doubles the bus standard's bandwidth from 2.5 Gbit/s to 5 Gbit/s, meaning a x32
connector can transfer data at up to 16 GB/s in each direction.
PCI Express 3.0 will carry a bit rate of 8 giga transfers per second.
IDE - Controller
IDE CONTROLLER - Integrated Drive Electronics, Parallel ATA (PATA) is an interface standard for the
connection of storage devices such as hard disks, solid-state drives, and CD-ROM drives in computers. It
uses the underlying AT Attachment and AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATA/ATAPI) standards
FDD - Controller
FDD CONTROLLER - Floppy Disk Drive, an onboard floppy drive controller which make your Floppy Disk
Drive operational.
SATA - Controller
SATA CONTROLLER - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a computer bus primarily designed for
transfer of data between a computer and storage devices (like hard disk drives or optical drives).
These connectors are for power supply, the power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in
only one orientation.
AT / ATX
Auxiliary power
FRONT PANEL CONNECTOR / SYSTEM PANEL CONNECTOR - This connector attaches the switches and
indicators.
Front Panel Connectors
I/O Ports are type of interface which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with the system unit so
the peripheral can send data to or receive information from the computer.
Keyboard / mouse
Monitors, projector
Printers, flatbed scanner
External storage devices, external modems
Headsets, microphones, game pads
I/O Ports
PS2 PORT - Personal system 2, are based on IBM Micro Channel Architecture, it is a 6-pin connector.This
type of architecture transfers data through a 16-bit or 32-bit bus.
Keyboard
Mouse
LPT PORT or PARALLEL PORT - Line Printer Port, This is a 25-pin port that connects a parallel printer, a
flatbed scanner and used as a communication link for null modem cables.
SERIAL PORT or COM PORT - is a logical device name used by to designate the computer serial ports. A
9-pin connector used by pointing devices, modems, and infrared modules can be connected to COM
ports.
USB PORT - Universal Serial Bus, a 4-pin serial cable bus that allows up to 127 plug-n-play computer
peripherals. This allows attaching or detaching of peripherals while the host is in operation. Supports
synchronous and asynchronous transfer types over the same set of wires up to 12Mbit/sec. USB 2.0
provides 40 times the transfer rate compared to USB 1.0 and competes with the 1394 standard.As of
today we now have USB 3.0.
GAME/MIDI PORT - This connector supports a Joystick or a Game Pad for playing games, and MIDI
Devices for playing or editing audio files.
Memory Module - A device that are used to store data or programs (sequences of instructions) on a
temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer.
Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information.
Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when
not powered.
72 Pin SODIMM
100 Pin Firmware SODIMM (32 bit data transfer rate)
144 Pin EDO SODIMM (64 bit data transfer rate)
DDR333 200-Pin SODIMM Memory (64 bit data transfer rate)
PC3200 DDR400 200-pin SODIMM (64 bit data transfer rate)
Expansion Card - Is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a motherboard
to add additional functionality to a computer system. One edge of the expansion card holds the contacts
(the edge connector) that fit exactly into the slot. They establish the electrical contact between the
electronics (mostly integrated circuits) on the card and on the motherboard.The primary purpose of an
expansion card is to provide or expand on features not offered by the motherboard.
VGA Card
Video cards or VGA Cards - The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send
graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor or projector.
Sound Card
Sound card - Is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and
from a computer under control of computer programs. Many computers have sound capabilities built in,
while others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability.
NIC Card
NIC (Network interface card) - A network interface card, more commonly referred to as a NIC, is a
device that allows computers to be joined together in a LAN, or local area network. Networked
computers communicate with each other using a given protocol or agreed-upon language for
transmitting data packets between the different machines, known as nodes.
Modem Card
MODEM - Short name for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a
computer to transmit data over, for example, telephone or cable lines. Computer information is stored
digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog
waves. A modem converts between these two forms.
SCSI Card
SCSI Card - Short for small computer system interface, a parallel interface standard used by Apple
Macintosh computers, PCs, and many UNIX systems for attaching peripheral devices to computers.
Nearly all Apple Macintosh computers, excluding only the earliest Macs and the recent iMac, come with
a SCSI port for attaching devices such as disk drives and printers. SCSI interfaces provide for faster data
transmission rates (up to 80 megabytes per second) than standard serial and parallel ports. In addition,
you can attach many devices to a single SCSI port, so that SCSI is really an I/O bus rather than simply an
interface.
Hard Disk Jumper Settings Guide
Hard Disk drive jumper settings familiarization is also essential when taking exam for TESDA NC II
Computer Servicing. Here you will learn how to set jumpers for hard disk depending on its purpose.
Jumper settings will differ depending on the manufacturer so you must read the user maual before
doing some configurations.
Handling Precautions
Disc drives are fragile. Do not drop or jar the drive. Handle the drive only by the edges or frame.
Keep the drive in the protective anti-static container until you are ready to install it to minimize
handling damage.
Drive electronics are extremely sensitive to static electricity. While installing the drive, wear a
wrist strap and cable connected to ground.
Turn off the power to the host system during installation.
Do not disassemble the drive. Doing so voids the warranty.
Do not apply pressure or attach labels to the circuit board or to the top of the drive.
Attach one end of the drive interface cable to the Serial ATA interface connector on your computer's
motherboard or Serial ATA host adapter (see your computer manual for connector locations).
BIOS Configuration
Close your computer case and restart your computer. Your computer may automatically detect your
new drive. If your computer does not automatically detect your new drive, follow the steps below.
1. Restart your computer. While the computer restarts, run the system setup program (sometimes
called BIOS or CMOS setup). This is usually done by pressing a special key, such as DELETE, ESC,
or F1 during the startup process.
2. Within the system setup program, instruct the system to auto detect your new drive.
3. Save the settings and exit the setup program. When your computer restarts, it should recognize
your new drive. If your system still doesn't recognize your new drive, see the troubleshooting
section on the back of this sheet.
Note: Serial ATA is a new interface type. Some older systems may see the drive and classify it as a SCSI
device if you are using a Serial ATA host adapter. This is normal even though this is not a SCSI disc drive.
This does not affect drive performance or capacity.
Keyboard
Mouse
Image/Object scanner
Microphone
Joysticks, Game pads
PC video camera
Digital camera
Bar code scanner
Biometric scanner
Input Devices
What is an Output Devices - An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to
one or more people.
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Learn About Storage Devices
Storage device - is a hardware device designed to write and read information. There are two types of
storage devices used in computers; a 'primary storage' device and a 'secondary storage' device.
Storage Media - It is where the storage device records (write) and retrieves (read) the data, instructions
and information for future use.
Optical Device
3.5 Floppy Device
STANDARD CMOS FEATURES / MAIN - allows you to record some basic system hardware configuration.
Time and Date Setting: to set, highlight Date /Time.
This field records the specifications for all non-SCSI hard disk drives installed to your system.
The onboard PCI IDE connectors provide Primary and Secondary Channels for connecting up to
four IDE hard disk or IDE devices (CDROM’S, DVD ROM, DVD WRITER, CDWRITER’S, ZIP DRIVES).
Use the Auto setting for detection during boot up.
Drive A / Drive B (none)* this field records the type of floppy drives installed in your system. The
available options for drives A and B are 360KB, 5.25 in.; 1.2 MB, 5.25 in.; 720kb, 3.5 in.,1.44MB;
3.5 in., 2.88 MB, 3.5 in.; None. (Floppy 3 Mode Support (disabled)* This is a Japanese standard
floppy drive, no need to enable.)
Video (EGA/VGA)* Set this field to the type of video display card installed in you system. Options
are EGA/VGA, CGA 40, CGA 80, and mono( for Hercules or MDA).
Halt On (All Errors)* This fields determines which types will cause the system to halt. Choose
from either All Errors; No Errors; All, But Keyboard; All but Diskette; or All, But Disk/Key.
Control keys with their respective functions, used to change the values of the CMOS SETUP.
BIOS FEATURES
Virus warning (Disabled) This field protects the boot sector and Partition table against
accidental modifications. An attempt to write to them will cause the system to halt and display a
warning message.
HDD Sequence SCSI/IDE First (IDE) when using both SCSI and IDE harddisk drives, IDE is always
the boot disk using drive letter C(default setting of IDE).
BOOT SEQUENCE (C, A)* This field determines where the system looks first for an Operating
System. Options: C,A; A,CDROM,C; CDROM,C,A; D,A; E,A; F,A; C only; LS/ZIP, C; and A,C.
IDE HDD Block Mode Sectors (HDD MAX) this field enhances hard disk performance by making
multi-sector transfers instead of one sector per transfer. Most IDE drives, except for older
version, can utilize this feature. Options: HDD MAX; Disabled.
SECURITY OPTION (System, Setup) this field can be utilize when Password is set thru
SUPERVISOR PASSWORD menu, Determines when the system prompts for the password.
System –password is supplied before booting up. Setup- password is supplied when entering
the Bios Setup.
CHIPSET FEATURES
Onboard FDC Controller (Enabled) - This field allows you to connect your floppy disk drives to
the onboard floppy drive controller which make your FDD operational.
Onboard Serial Port 1 or Communication Port 1 (com 1, COM A)** 3F8H / IRQ4* options
3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, Disabled for the onboard serial connector.
Onboard Serial Port 2 or Communication Port 2 (com 2, COM B)** 2F8H / IRQ3* options
3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, Disabled for the onboard serial connector.
Onboard Parallel Port or LPT port (378H) This field allows you to set the operation mode of the
parallel port, Options:Normal –allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only.
EPP (Enhance Parallel Port)-allows bi-directional parallel port operation at maximum speed.
ECP (Enhance Capability Port)- allows the parallel port to operate in bi-directional mode and at a
speed faster than the maximum data transfer rate.
ECP+EPP- allows normal speed operation in a two –way mode.
UART2 Use Infrared (disabled)- When enabled, this field activates the onboard infrared feature
and sets the second serial UART to support Infrared Module connector on motherboard.
Onboard PCI IDE Enable (On-chip IDE CHANNEL 10, 11 / On-chip PRIMARY, SECONDARY IDE /
Onboard IDE-1, IDE-2 Controller)**
Controls your IDE devices such as Harddisk drive, CDrom or CDwriter drive LS120 drives, Internal
Zip Drives, DVD drives and DVD writer.
IDE Ultra DMA Mode (Auto) – This sets the IDE UltraDMA to be active when using UDMA-
capable IDE devices. The BIOS will automatically adjust or disable this setting for slower IDE
devices so that AUTO or high settings will not cause problems for older IDE devices.
IDE 0 Master/Slave PIO/DMA or UDMA Mode, IDE 1 Master/Slave
PIO/DMA or UDMA Mode (Auto) -Each channel (0,1) has both a master and a slave making four
IDE devices possible. Because each IDE device may have a different timing (0,1,2,3,4). The
default setting is AUTO this will allow auto detection to ensure optional performance.
Supervisor Password and User Password
These two options set the system passwords. “Supervisor Password” sets a password that will be used
to protect the System and Setup Utility. “User Password” sets a password that will be used exclusively
on system. It can be up to 8 Alphanumeric characters long.
Locate a jumper setting labeled CLRCMOS; RTCCLR; JBAT; change the jumper position from 1-2 to 2-3
momentarily for 2 seconds, or refer to its manual for proper discharging of the CMOS.
The computer POST (Power On Self Test) is the process of testing the computer system, insuring that it
meets the necessary system requirements and that all hardware is working properly before starting the
remainder of the boot process. If the computer passes the POST, the computer will have a single beep
(with some computer BIOS manufacturers it may beep twice) as the computer starts and the computer
will continue to start normally. However, if the computer fails the POST, the computer will either not
beep at all or will generate a beep code, which tells the user the source of the problem.
Each time the computer boots up the computer must past the POST. Below is the common step a POST
performs each time your computer starts.
1. Test the power supply to ensure that it is turned on and that it releases its reset signal.
2. CPU must exit the reset status mode and thereafter be able to execute instructions.
3. BIOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
4. CMOS checksum must be valid, meaning that it must be readable.
5. CPU must be able to read all forms of memory such as the memory controller, memory bus, and
memory module.
6. The first 64KB of memory must be operational and have the capability to be read and written to
and from, and capable of containing the POST code.
7. I/O bus / controller must be accessible.
8. I/O bus must be able to write / read from the video subsystem and be able to read all video
RAM.
If the computer does not pass any of the above tests, your computer will receive an irregular POST. An
irregular POST is a beep code that is different from the standard one or two beeps. This could be either
no beep at all or a combination of different beeps indicating what is causing the computer not to past
the POST.
So as you can see if your computer doesn't start up and starts beeping away like a mime you can start
the process of figuring out what is wrong by stopping for a second and listen to it. From a single beep
which tells you everything is okay, to three long beeps which indicate a keyboard error to the siren like
Hi-Lo beeps that tells you the CPU is overheating - listening to your computer is advisable!
3–4-_ Your video card isn’t working. You'll need to replace it.
4 – 3 –2 See 4-3-1
This Computer System Error Beep Codes is very essential since this will be also given in the TESDA
Computer Servicing Exam. I suggest that you must review this as well
This is one of the most important things to learn in taking the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing Exam. You
need to learn the step by step procedure on how to open and disassemble a system unit. There are
various design of computer casing and before opening you need to check and see how you will start the
system unit dis-assembly. Here we are going to use a mini-tower casing as our model, mini-tower casing
design is the most easiest to disassemble, however that would depend on the brand and model.
It's Not a Race, take a slow relaxed approach, discuss, question and research each component as
it's removed.
Fall back on your own knowledge, use the Internet, your books and resource material. It's
impossible to retain all the information, so one of the most important computer skills you can
learn is how to research and use your resources to find what you need.
The standard way of removing mini-tower cases used to be to undo 4-6 screws on the back of the case,
slide the cover back about an inch and lift it off. If there is no manual, then a little time taken for careful
inspection may be in order. Here are some things to remember:
Don't Force Anything. If it has to be forced, it will probably break. If there are no screws on the
back of the case for the cover, check the plastic face-plate on the front. Some pry off to reveal
screws or release levers (remember, careful inspection). If everything on the front has its own
bezel around it (including the LEDs) then maybe the plastic front pops off (or maybe the case
slides off the front).
Make sure any screws removed are for the cover. You don't want to unscrew the power supply
by accident and have it fall inside your computer. That's a bad thing.
After the case is removed, place it in a safe place, where it won't get knocked of a table, kicked
or stepped on and bent.
SIMM - gently push back the metal tabs holding the SIMM in the socket. Tilt the SIMM away
from the tabs to about a 45% angle. It should now lift out. Put each SIMM in its own protective
bag.
DIMM- There are plastic tabs on the end of the DIMM socket. Push the tabs down and away
from the socket. The DIMM should lift slightly. Now you can grab it by the edges and place it in a
separate antistatic bag.
Document and remove all wire attachments to the motherboard. (Some of these have Pin 1
designations also.)
Most cases have a removable panel that the motherboard is attached to. By removing a couple
of screws the panel can be taken off and you can gain much better access to the motherboard.
Again, a little investigation can save a lot of trouble.
There is usually 2 or 3 screws holding down newer motherboards. Make sure you've got the
right ones and remove them.
Motherboards sit on plastic or brass standoffs that keep the traces and solder from touching.
Operating System Familiarization
TESDA NC II Computer Servicing also requires the computer technicians to familiarize all types of
operating system especially windows operating system. Here you can learn various types of operating
system from first generation windows version up to the earlier time, and of course other well known
operating system. In this example we are using Windows 2000 server, OS installation may differ in every
version, however, sequence will be almost the same.
Operating System - (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and
user; an OS is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the
resources of the computer. The operating system acts as a host for computing applications that are run
on the machine. As a host, one of the purposes of an operating system is to handle the details of the
operation of the hardware.
Windows 3.0 is the third major release of Microsoft Windows, and was released on 22 May
1990. It became the first widely successful version of Windows.
Windows 3.1x is a series of operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal
computers. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was vended first during March 1992 as a
successor to Windows 3.0.
Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was
released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft.During development it was referred to as Windows
4.0 or by the internal code-name Windows Chicago.
Windows 98 (code-named Memphis) is a graphical operating system released on 25 June 1998
by Microsoft and the successor to Windows 95.
Windows 98 Second Edition (often shortened to SE) is an updated release of Windows 98,
released on 5 May 1999. It includes fixes for many minor issues, improved USB support, and the
replacement of Internet Explorer 4.0 with the significantly faster and less error-prone Internet
Explorer 5.0.
Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me is a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit graphical operating
system released on 14 September 2000 by Microsoft. It was originally codenamed Millennium.
Windows 2000 is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on business
desktops, notebook computers, and servers. Released on February 17, 2000,it was the successor
to Windows NT 4.0, and is the final release of Microsoft Windows to display the "Windows NT"
designation.
Windows XP is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal
computers, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, and media centers.
The name "XP" is short for "experience". Windows XP is the successor to both Windows 2000
Professional and Windows Me, and is the first consumer-oriented operating system produced by
Microsoft to be built on the Windows NT kernel and architecture.
And currently, the latest Windows 7, Windows 8 which will be release by this coming October
2012, and of course Windows 2008 server version.
Other Well Known Operating System
Mac OS is the trademarked name for a series of graphical user interface-based operating
systems developed by Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computer, Inc.) for their Macintosh line of
computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical
user interface. The original form of what Apple would later name the "Mac OS" was the integral
and unnamed system software first introduced in 1984 with the original Macintosh, usually
referred to simply as the System software.
Edubuntu has been developed in collaboration with teachers and technologists in multiple
countries. Edubuntu is built on top of the Ubuntu base, incorporates the LTSP thin client
architecture and several education-specific applications, and is aimed at users aged 6 to 18.
Application software - is a computer program that functions and is operated by means of a computer,
with the purpose of supporting or improving the software user's work. In other words, it is the subclass
of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly and thoroughly to a task that
the user wishes. Typical examples of 'software applications' are word processors, spreadsheets, media
players and database applications.
Examples:
Spreadsheets
Word processors
Presentations
Graphics editing
Desktop publishing
Utility software - (Known as serviece program, service routine, tool, or utility routine) is computer
software designed to help manage and tune the computer hardware, operating system or application
software by performing a single task or a small range of tasks. Some utility software has been integrated
into most major operating systems.
Disk Storage Software Utility
Disk defragmenters can detect computer files whose contents are stored on the hard disk in
disjointed fragments, and move the fragments together to increase efficiency.
Disk checkers can scan the contents of a hard disk to find files or areas that are corrupted in
some way, or were not correctly saved, and eliminate them for a more efficiently operating hard
drive.
Disk cleaners can find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable
amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the user to decide what to delete when their hard disk is
full.
Disk partitioners can divide an individual drive into multiple logical drives, each with its own
filesystem which can be mounted by the operating system and treated as an individual drive.
Backup utilities can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore either the entire
disk (e.g. in an event of disk failure) or selected files (e.g. in an event of accidental deletion).
Disk compression utilities can transparently compress/uncompress the contents of a disk,
increasing the capacity of the disk.
File managers provide a convenient method of performing routine data management tasks, such
as deleting, renaming, cataloging, uncataloging, moving, copying, merging, generating and
modifying data sets.
Archive utilities output a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files.
Archive utilities, unlike archive suites, usually do not include compression or encryption
capabilities. Some archive utilities may even have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse
operation.
System profilers provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware
attached to the computer.
Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses.
Text and Hex/ Editors directly modify the text or data of a file. These files could be data or an
actual program.
Data compression utilities output a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream
or file.
Cryptographic utilities encrypt and decrypt streams and files.
Launcher applications provide a convenient access point for application software.
Registry cleaners clean and optimize the Windows registry by removing old registry keys that are
no longer in use.
Network managers check the computer's network, log events and check data transfer.
Device driver or software driver - is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to
interact with a hardware device. A driver typically communicates with the device through the computer
bus or communications subsystem to which the hardware is connected. When a calling program invokes
a routine in the driver, the driver issues commands to the device. Once the device sends data back to
the driver, the driver may invoke routines in the original calling program. Drivers are hardware-
dependent and operating-system-specific. They usually provide the interrupt handling required for any
necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface.
Preparing Hard disk for OS Installation
Here you will learn how to prepare your hard disk drive for operating system (OS) Installation. You must
understand the process since this very essential when taking up TESDA NC II Computer Servicing Exam.
Partitioning - A procedure were the size of the harddisk is is being divided into several parts or space in
preparation for formatting. Is a process of dividing the harddisk into regions called partition. Each
partition occupies a group of adjacent cylinders. Partition allows you to organize a harddisk into
segments or space in preparation for formatting.
FDISK - is the process of creating partitions into harddisk. Before you install your operating system, you
must first create a primary partition on the hard disc (disc 1) in your computer, and then format the
partition
This process will need Windows ME/98 installation Disk or DOS bootable operating system diskette or
CD. Once you run the bootable disk it will normally arrive to a:\> prompt. Normally when creating this
kind of bootable disk it has the following tools needed. The fdisk.exe format.com. Once you are now on
the command prompt just type in FDISK then it will now move on the process of creating partition. Just
follow the steps below.
Creating DOS partition or Logical DOS Drive - Choose this option if you need to create a partition
on your computer hard drive.
Set active partition - If you have created multiple partitions on your hard drive choose this
option to specify which partition you wish to set as active. When choosing option 2 to set the
active partition, you will see a listing of the current partitions. Choose the number representing
the partition you wish to set as active, the default is one.
Delete partition or Logical DOS Drive - This option is used if you need to delete partition(s) from
the computer's hard disc drive.
Display partition information - Use this option to look at the current fixed disc drive partition
information. If you have multiple drives you will need to choose option 5 before being able to
display the other hard drive information.
Display partition information - Use this option to look at the current fixed disc drive partition
information. If you have multiple drives you will need to choose option 5 before being able to
display the other hard drive information.
How to Delete Partitions of Windows ME/98
Delete Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition - This option would be used first if you
have Extended DOS partitions that you wish to delete.
Delete Non-DOS Partition - This option is usually used for partitions that have either been
created by third party applications, such as a DDO, or by other operating systems, such as IBM
Warp, Unix, and others.
Delete Primary DOS partition - Use this option to delete your main primary partition. However, if
you currently have any Extended / Logical DOS partitions, you must delete these partitions
before you will be allowed to delete the Primary DOS partition.
Delete Extended DOS partition - If you have your computer partitioned into more than one
drive, use this option to delete the Extended DOS partition(s). You must delete the Logical DOS
Drive(s) before you can delete the Extended DOS partition.
Now insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD and reboot your computer. The first menu will
now appear, it will say "Press any key to boot from CD...." at this point press the space bar on
the computer.
Windows will start to install. This may take some time as Windows copies file in preparation to
install.
Now press "ENTER" to start the Install. . Windows will start to install. This may take some time
as Windows copies file in preparation to install.
Now the user Agreement, read and Press "F8" to continue, if you disagree press "ESC", setup will
then exit.
Now select the Windows 2000 installation and press "R" to repair. Now the user Agreement,
read and Press "F8" to continue, if you disagree press "ESC", setup will then exit.
Setup will now examine the Drives..and then copy files to the installation folder.
Next setup will initialize the Windows 2000 configuration.
Once done setup will be required to reboot, make sure you have to.
Windows install will start again.Once done setup will be required to reboot.
Once done setup will be required to reboot, make sure you have to floppies in the drives, and
press "ENTER" to speed things up.
Next setup will initialize the Windows 2000 configuration.
Regional settings should be correct as of last install, click "NEXT" to continue.And now you get to
wait again, be patient the "Installing Devices" part of the install can take forever.
Now input your Product Key, this is 25 characters long and can be found in the Windows 2000
packaging or on the side or back of your machine. Click next to continue. If you get any errors
then double check what you have inputted and make sure you have used the correct letters and
numbers.
If your computer is on a network then click on "YES...." and input the workgroup name,
otherwise leave at "NO..." and click "NEXT". More components will now install.And finally click
on "FINISH" to complete the Windows 2000 install.
The computer will now reboot y. Due to the Windows 2000 CD being in drive, the following
message will appear "Press any key to boot from CD", do not press anything, just wait for the
message to pass.
You will now arrive at the login screen, login into system as you did before and test system. With
any luck all should be OK.
Right click to My Computer Icon in the desktop and select properties (left click).
Select hardware tab (left click).
Left click on device manager button.
On device manager window, check for any warning (! Exclamation point, ? question mark, X
mark on any icon) the following warning prompt you to check the device or it’s driver.
Learning about central processing unit is also part of the TESDA NC II Computer Servicing exam. So it is
advisable to learn about these things.
Processors
Central Processing Unit - Is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip. Interprets
and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. Processors contain a control unit and an
arithmetic logic unit (ALU), this two components work together to perform processing operations.
Dual-Processor
Dual-processor (DP) - systems are those that contain two separate physical computer processors in the
same chassis. In dual-processor systems, the two processors can either be located on the same
motherboard or on separate boards.
Dual-core configuration - an integrated circuit (IC) contains two complete computer processors. Usually,
the two identical processors are manufactured so they reside side-by-side on the same die, each with its
own path to the system front-side bus.
Hyper-Threading Technology: Enables you to run multiple demanding applications at the same
time.
Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology: Provides flexibility for future applications that support
both 32-bit and 64-bit computing.
Dual-Core: Two physical cores in one processor support better system responsiveness and multi-
tasking capability than a comparable single core processor.
Processor core (An intel Core 2 Duo Chip) It has 291,000,000 transistor
Learn the Basic Networking and Topology
Computer Communications - A process in which two or more computers or devices transfer’s data,
instructions, and information. For successful communications you need the following:
Data is processed in one of two ways: Analog or Digital. A computer, by contrast, is Digital Which means
it can process data in two discrete states: Positive (ON or 1) Non-Positive (OFF or 0). The 1 and 0
represent the two digits used by the binary number system, this system is at the heart of digital
computing.
Computer Network - A collection of computers and devices connected together via communications
devices and transmission media.
Classifications of Network
LAN (Local Area Network) - A network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical
area such as home, school computer laboratory, office building, or closely positioned group of building.
Each computer or device on the network is called a Node.
Wireless LAN
WLAN (wireless LAN) - Is a LAN that uses no physical wires. Computers and devices that access a
wireless LAN must have a built-in wireless capability, or the appropriate wireless network card, PC card,
or Flash card. Wireless LAN communicates with wired LAN for access to its resources.
MAN Netwok
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - Is a high speed network that connects local area networks in a
metropolitan area such as city or town.
WAN Network
WAN (Wide area network) - Is a network that covers a large geographic area (such as a city, country, or
the world) using a communications channel that combines many types of media such as telephone lines,
cables and radio waves. The internet is the worlds largest WAN.
Network Architectures
File Servers
Domain Controller
Internet proxy server
Print server
Peer-to-peer network - Each computer is called peer, A simple and an inexpensive network that typically
connects fewer that 10 peers.
Cross-over network - Connect two computer using cross over utp cable. This type of connection
does not require a network hub or a network switch.
Null modem cable - A null modem cable connects to two standard serial ports for networking
two computers together. Null modem cables enable direct data transfer with a minimum of
setup required. A null modem cable differs from ordinary serial cables the same way as Ethernet
crossover cables differ from ordinary Ethernet cables. Null modem cables reverse the transmit
and receive lines on end to enable direct two-way communication. A null modem cable for PCs
ordinarily follows the RS-232 standard and uses the same serial ports as RS-232 cables. An RS-
232 null modem cable transfers data at the rate of 115 Kbps. The fastest null modem cable,
based on RS-422, supports up to 450 Kbps.
Internet Peer-to-peer network (P2P) - Another type of peer-to-peer, called P2P, describes an internet
network on which users access each other’s network harddisk and exchange files directly into the
internet.
Network Topology
Network Topology - Is the physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables,
computers, and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which
is the method used to pass information between workstations. The following sections discuss the
physical topologies used in networks and other related topics.
Linear Bus Topology - A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each
end All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable. Ethernet and
LocalTalk networks use a linear bus topology.
Star Topology - A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals)
connected directly to a central network hub or concentrator.Data on a star network passes through the
hub or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub or concentrator manages and controls
all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common
with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.
Star-Wired Ring - A star-wired ring topology may appear (externally) to be the same as a star topology.
Internally, the MAU (multistation access unit) of a star-wired ring contains wiring that allows
information to pass from one device to another in a circle or ring. The Token Ring protocol uses a star-
wired ring topology.
Tree Topology - A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of
groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable (See fig. 4). Tree
topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to
meet their needs.
5-4-3 Rule - A consideration in setting up a tree topology using Ethernet protocol is the 5-4-3 rule. One
aspect of the Ethernet protocol requires that a signal sent out on the network cable reach every part of
the network within a specified length of time. Each concentrator or repeater that a signal goes through
adds a small amount of time. This leads to the rule that between any two nodes on the network there
can only be a maximum of 5 segments, connected through 4 repeaters/concentrators. In addition, only
3 of the segments may be populated (trunk) segments if they are made of coaxial cable. A populated
segment is one which has one or more nodes attached to it . In Figure 4, the 5-4-3 rule is adhered to.
The furthest two nodes on the network have 4 segments and 3 repeaters/concentrators between them.
This rule does not apply to other network protocols or Ethernet networks where all fiber optic cabling or
a combination of a fiber backbone with UTP cabling is used. If there is a combination of fiber optic
backbone and UTP cabling, the rule is simply translated to 7-6-5 rule.
Money - A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do not
have to purchase concentrators.
Length of cable needed - The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable.
Future growth - With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by adding another
concentrator.
Cable type - The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair, which is most often
used with star topologies.
The Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model describes how information from a software
application in one computer moves through a network medium to a software application in another
computer. The OSI reference model is a conceptual model composed of seven layers, each specifying
particular network functions. The model was developed by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in 1984, and it is now considered the primary architectural model for
intercomputer communications. The OSI model divides the tasks involved with moving information
between networked computers into seven smaller, more manageable task groups. A task or group of
tasks is then assigned to each of the seven OSI layers. Each layer is reasonably self-contained so that the
tasks assigned to each layer can be implemented independently. This enables the solutions offered by
one layer to be updated without adversely affecting the other layers. The following list details the seven
layers of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
NETWORK PROTOCOL - A protocol is a set of rules that governs the communications between
computers on a network. These rules include guidelines that regulate the following characteristics of a
network: access method, allowed physical topologies, types of cabling, and speed of data transfer.
Ethernet - The Ethernet protocol is by far the most widely used. Ethernet uses an access method called
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection). This is a system where each computer
listens to the cable before sending anything through the network. If the network is clear, the computer
will transmit. If some other node is already transmitting on the cable, the computer will wait and try
again when the line is clear. Sometimes, two computers attempt to transmit at the same instant. When
this happens a collision occurs. Each computer then backs off and waits a random amount of time
before attempting to retransmit. With this access method, it is normal to have collisions. However, the
delay caused by collisions and retransmitting is very small and does not normally effect the speed of
transmission on the network.
The Ethernet protocol allows for linear bus, star, or tree topologies. Data can be transmitted over
wireless access points, twisted pair, coaxial, or fiber optic cable at a speed of 10 Mbps up to 1000 Mbps.
Fast Ethernet - To allow for an increased speed of transmission, the Ethernet protocol has developed a
new standard that supports 100 Mbps. This is commonly called Fast Ethernet. Fast Ethernet requires the
use of different, more expensive network concentrators/hubs and network interface cards. In addition,
category 5 twisted pair or fiber optic cable is necessary. Fast Ethernet is becoming common in schools
that have been recently wired.
Gigabit Ethernet - The most recent development in the Ethernet standard is a protocol that has a
transmission speed of 1 Gbps. Gigabit Ethernet is primarily used for backbones on a network at this
time. In the future, it will probably be used for workstation and server connections also. It can be used
with both fiber optic cabling and copper. The 1000BaseTX, the copper cable used for Gigabit Ethernet, is
expected to become the formal standard in 1999.
FDDI - Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is a network protocol that is used primarily to interconnect
two or more local area networks, often over large distances. The access method used by FDDI involves
token-passing. FDDI uses a dual ring physical topology. Transmission normally occurs on one of the rings;
however, if a break occurs, the system keeps information moving by automatically using portions of the
second ring to create a new complete ring. A major advantage of FDDI is speed. It operates over fiber
optic cable at 100 Mbps.
Network card, network adapter, network interface controller (NIC), network interface card, or LAN
adapter - is a computer hardware component designed to allow computers to communicate over a
computer network. It is both an OSI layer 1 (physical layer) and layer 2 (data link layer) device, as it
provides physical access to a networking medium and provides a low-level addressing system through
the use of MAC addresses. It allows users to connect to each other either by using cables or wirelessly.
Network HUB - Ethernet hubs vary in the speed (network data rate or bandwidth) they support. Some
years ago, Ethernet hubs offered only 10 Mbps rated speeds. Newer types of hubs offer 100 Mbps
Ethernet. Some support both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps (so-called dual-speed or 10/100 hubs). The
number of ports an Ethernet hub supports also varies. Four- and five-port Ethernet hubs are most
common in home networks, but eight- and 16-port hubs can be found in some home and small office
environments. Older Ethernet hubs were relatively large in size and sometimes noisy as they contained
built in fans for cooling the unit. Newer devices are much smaller, designed for mobility, and noiseless.
Ethernet hubs operate as Layer 2 devices in the OSI model, the same as network switches.
Network Switch
Network switches appear nearly identical to network hubs, operate at layer two (Data Link
Layer) of the OSI model.
Network switches generally contains more intelligence than a hub. Unlike hubs, network
switches are capable of inspecting data packets as they are received, It determining the source
and destination device of each packet, and forwarding them appropriately. By delivering
messages only to the connected device intended, a network switch conserves network
bandwidth and offers generally better performance than a hub.
Ethernet network switches support either 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet
(10/100/1000) standards.
Difference Between a Hub and a Switch
Routers
Are physical devices that join multiple wired or wireless networks together. Technically, a wired
or wireless router is a Layer 3 gateway, meaning that the wired/wireless router connects
networks (as gateways do), and that the router operates at the network layer of the OSI model.
Home networkers often use an Internet Protocol (IP) wired or wireless router, IP being the most
common OSI network layer protocol.
An IP router such as a DSL or cable modem broadband router joins the home's local area
network (LAN) to the wide-area network (WAN) of the Internet.
By maintaining configuration information in a piece of storage called the routing table, wired or
wireless routers also have the ability to filter traffic, either incoming or outgoing, based on the
IP addresses of senders and receivers.
Some routers allow the home networker to update the routing table from a Web browser
interface. Broadband routers combine the functions of a router with those of a network switch
and a firewall in a single unit.
CAT5 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cable - The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to
extremely high-speed cable. The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with
a different number of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent pairs and other
electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the higher the supported transmission rate and the greater
the cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association)
has established standards of UTP and rated five categories of wire.
Network Cabling
Here is what the internals of the cable look like,Internal Cable Structure and Color Coding Inside the
cable, there are 8 color coded wires. These wires are twisted into 4 pairs of wires, each pair has a
common color theme. One wire in the pair being a solid or primarily solid colored wire and the other
being a primarily white wire with a colored stripe (Sometimes cables won't have any color on the striped
wire, the only way to tell which is which is to check which wire it is twisted around). Examples of the
naming schemes used are: Orange (alternatively Orange/White) for the solid colored wire and
White/Orange for the striped cable. The twists are extremely important. They are there to counteract
noise and interference. It is important to wire according to a standard to get proper performance from
the cable. The TIA/EIA-568-A specifies two wiring standards for an 8-position modular connector such as
RJ45. The two wiring standards, T568A and T568B vary only in the arrangement of the colored pairs.
Tom writes to say "...sources suggest using T568A cabling since T568B is the AT&T standard, but the US
Government specifies T568A since it matches USOC cabling for pairs 1 & 2, which allows it to work for
1/2 line phones...". Your choice might be determined by the need to match existing wiring, jacks or
personal preference, but you should maintain consistency. I've shown both below for straight through
cabling and just T568B for cross over cabling.
About RJ45 Plugs and Jacks - The RJ45 plug is an 8-position modular connector that looks like a large
phone plug. For braided/stranded wires, the connector has sharp pointed contacts that actually pierce
the wire. For solid wires, the connector has fingers which cut through the insulation and make contact
with the wire by grasping it from both sides. The connector is the weak point in an ethernet cable,
choosing the wrong one will often cause grief later. If you just walk into a computer store, it's nearly
impossible to tell what type of plug it is. You may be able to determine what type it is by crimping one
without a cable. RJ45 jacks come in a variety styles intended for several different mounting options. The
choice is one of requirements and preference. RJ45 jacks are designed to work only with solid cable.
Most jacks come labeled with color codes for either T568A, T568B or both. Make sure you end up with
the correct one.
There are two basic cable pin outs. A straight through cable, which is used to connect to a hub or switch,
and a cross over cable used to operate in a peer-to-peer fashion without a hub/switch. Generally all
fixed wiring should be run as straight through. Some Ethernet interfaces can cross and un-cross a cable
automatically as needed, a handy feature.
1. Run the full length of cable in place, from endpoint to endpoint, making sure to leave excess.
2. At one end, cut the wire to length leaving enough length to work, but not too much excess.
3. Strip off about 2 inches of the cable sheath.
4. Align each of the colored wires according to the layout of the jack.
5. Use the punch down tool to insert each wire into the jack.
6. Repeat the above steps for the second RJ45 jack. If a cable tester is available, use it to verify the
proper connectivity of the cable. That should be it, if your cable doesn't turn out, look closely at
each end and see if you can find the problem. Often a wire ended up in the wrong place or one
of the wires is making no contact or poor contact. Also double check the color coding to verify it
is correct. If you see a mistake or problem, cut the end off and start again. A cable tester is
invaluable at identifying and highlighting these issues.When sizing cables remember that an end
to end connection should not extend more than 100m (~328ft). Try to minimize the cable
length, the longer the cable becomes, the more it may affect performance. This is usually
noticeable as a gradual decrease in speed and increase in latency.
CAT5 Cable - is an Ethernet network cable standard defined by the Electronic Industries Association and
Telecommunications Industry Association (commonly known as EIA/TIA). CAT5 is the fifth generation of
twisted pair Ethernet technology and the most popular of all twisted pair cables in use today.CAT5 cable
contains four pairs of copper wire. It supports Fast Ethernet speeds (up to 100 Mbps). As with all other
types of twisted pair EIA/TIA cabling, CAT5 cable runs are limited to a maximum recommended run
length of 100m (328 feet). Although CAT5 cable usually contains four pairs of copper wire, Fast Ethernet
communications only utilize two pairs. A newer specification for CAT5 cable - CAT5 enhanced (CAT5e) -
supports networking at Gigabit Ethernet[ speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) over short distances by utilizing all
four wire pairs, and it is backward-compatible with ordinary CAT5.Twisted pair cable like CAT5 comes in
two main varieties, solid and stranded. Solid CAT5 cable supports longer length runs and works best in
fixed wiring configurations like office buildings. Stranded CAT5 cable, on the other hand, is more pliable
and better suited for shorter-distance, movable cabling such as on-the-fly patch cabling. Though newer
cable technologies like CAT6 and CAT7 are in development, CAT5 / CAT5e Ethernet cable remains the
popular choice for most wired local area networks (LANs), because Ethernet gear is both affordable and
supports high speeds.
CAT6 Cable - is an Ethernet cable standard defined by the Electronic Industries Association and
Telecommunications Industry Association (commonly known as EIA/TIA). CAT6 is the sixth generation of
twisted pair Ethernet cabling. CAT6 cable contains four pairs of copper wire like the previous generation
CAT5. Unlike CAT5, however, CAT6 fully utilizes all four pairs. CAT6 supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds up
to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and supports communications at more than twice the speed of CAT5e,
the other popular standard for Gigabit Ethernet cabling. An enhanced version of CAT6 called CAT6a
supports up to 10 Gbps speeds.As with all other types of twisted pair EIA/TIA cabling, individual CAT6
cable runs are limited to a maximum recommended length of 100m (328 feet). Printing along the length
of the cable sheath identifies it as CAT6.
Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) - are specially configured nodes on wireless local area networks
(WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals. Access points
used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a
built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless
communication standards. Although very small WLANs can function without access points in so-called
"ad hoc" or peer-to-peer mode, access points support "infrastructure" mode. This mode bridges WLANs
with a wired Ethernet LAN and also scales the network to support more clients. Older and base model
access points allowed a maximum of only 10 or 20 clients; many newer access points support up to 255
clients.
Installing Phone Filters - You must install the included Phone Line Filters on every device (phones, fax
machine, satellite receivers etc.) that is connected to the same line as your new DSL.
How to Installing DSL Modem
Plug the included Phone Line Splitter into your Wall Jack. If you are going to be using another
device (phone, fax machine, satellite receiver etc.) plug-in one of your Phone Line filters into the
Splitter and then plug your phone into the filter. On the other side of the splitter hookup your
DSL modem directly with the supplied phone cable. Be sure to plug it into the LINE or DSL port
on the back of your modem.
Make sure your computer is turned off.
Take the supplied Ethernet cable and plug it into the LAN or ETHERNET port on the back of the
modem. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on the computer.
Plug the supplied power cord into the modem and then into an available plug nearby. Once you
plug-in the power supply, the modem will turn on automatically. If there is a switch on the back
of the modem make sure to flip it to the ON position.
Once the READY, SYNC/PPPoE or LINE light on the front of the modem stops blinking, turn your
computer on and you will be ready to surf the internet.
RJ 45Crimping Procedure
Common Types of Computer Viruses and How it Infect
You will learn here the Common types of Viruses and how it will infect your Computer System Unit.
Trojan Horses - like their namesake, try to tempt or trick the user into activating the program
themselves. They have innocent names, like ‘IMPORTANT.EXE’, README.EXE’,’URGENT.EXE’, or appear
to be a game or application. The user clicks on them and releases the payload.
Worm Viruses - Usually found on intranets or Internets, these files would gather information as they sat
on the system. Maybe recording passwords or access codes when they were typed in, or leaving ‘back
doors’ open, allowing for authorized accesses. Another type of worm virus is a file that just keeps
replicating itself over and over. By constantly reproducing itself it can slow a computer or an entire
network to a standstill.
All these types of miscreant software are often lumped together and called viruses. And, a lot of viruses
do contain these in some form or another. However, a true virus usually has a ‘host’ file. In other words,
it can attach itself to a file already on your system. It has the ability to clone itself. It can reproduce itself
and infect other files or drives and computer systems. Viruses can also hide themselves from detection
in several different ways.
Encryption - Virus detection programs will look for programming code that allows programs to replicate
or clone. This is one way that it searches for and recognizes possible viruses. Using encryption, virus
programs can change from replication code and back, trying to avoid this type of detection.
Polymorphism - Another way that a virus can be detected is by its signature. Each virus has a signature,
or a piece of code that is specific to that individual program. Virus detection programs look for these
signatures when scanning the files on your drive. Polymorphic viruses are created with the ability to
change their signature each time they clone or reproduce.
Stealth - Detection programs note the characteristics of files and watch for any changes, which might
indicate infection. When a Stealth virus infect a file, it can modify the characteristics of that file so that it
still reports that same date, time, checksum, and size. It can also monitor the Operating systems call for
a file and remove itself temporarily, or load an uninfected copy of the file that it has made for just that
purpose.
Boot Sector Viruses - write themselves into the Boot Sector of a Hard or Floopy Diskette. Every disk has
a boot partition that contains coded information.The hard drive has a Master Boot Record that contains
partition information as well as another boot record for the operating system. The boot sector on
bootable floppy disk contains that code necessary to load the operating system files. The boot sector on
a non-systems disk contains the information that will display the message ‘Non-systems disk or disk
error, remove and press any key when ready’. The boot sector of an infected floppy contains the coding
that will infect the hard drives partition sector.
If an infected floppy is left in the drive at boot up, it loads the virus into memory and copies itself to the
partition sector of the hard drive. Now, every time the computer is booted from the hard drive, the virus
in
the partition sector loads itself into memory, then passes control to the original boot that it has stored
Elsewhere on the disk. Any floppy inserted into its drive will become infected every time a read or write
operation takes place. This is one of the most common results. There are also boot sector viruses that,
once they’ve infected a HD, will completely scramble the partition sector or destroy the FAT. Boot
Sector Viruses are difficult to remove and usually require the use of an anti-virus program. If not caught
in time, infection can advance to the point where the hard drive has to be re-partitioned and
reformatted. At this stage, all your files and data are lost. Hopefully, you’ve made backups!
File Infector Virus - These files wait in the memory for a suitable program file to be loaded. When the
file makes a disk write operation the virus will replicate itself inside the disk file or will create another
file with the same name but a .COM extension. When the operating system starts the program, the
.COM file is executed, loading the virus into memory. Then the virus loads the real program. Many,
many files can be infected before detection. These viruses often target files such as COMMAND.COM,
OI.SYS and MSDOS.SYS. Anti-virus programs are the only way to get rid of these viruses. The only sure-
fire prevention is to completely isolate your machine from the Internet, floppy disks, CD`s, and any type
of removable media.
Multipartite Virus - These viruses contain properties of both boot sector and file infector viruses.
Local Memory Infection - At this stage the virus is loaded into memory and probably has not infected
too many files. If your Virus Detection Program finds a virus in memory then you should perform a cold
boot to a clean boot disk. A war, boot does not re-initialize the memory and may leave the virus there.
Files that may have become corrupted by not closing down properly may have to be repaired or deleted
using CHECKDISK or SCANDISK. These files will probably have to be replaced.
Local Disk Infection - This is a very aggressive stage. Your computer could experience loss of data,
scramble FAT, damaged partitions and corrupted files. If caught in time, you can run an anti-virus
program from an uninfected emergency boot disk and remove the virus. You will have to reinstall
affected files and applications, probably the Operating System, and use a data recovery tool of some
sort. If left too long however, your system could be destroyed to the point of having to repartition,
reformat, reinstall the OS, and then using a data recovery tool (your backups, for one). A Virus free
Bootable System Disk is always needed to boot-up a virus infected System Unit