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HARDWARE REVISION

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HARDWARE VII
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Question 1: Name and explain two monitoring performance tools of a computer.

vmstat: Displays system performance statistics such as CPU usage, memory, and
Input/Output activity. It provides a concise overview of system health over time, useful
for identifying performance bottlenecks and diagnosing issues like memory leaks or
high disk Input/Output mainly found in UNIX or UNIX like Operating Systems.

# vmstat –d This option is used to get disk statistics.

# vmstat –s This option is used to get memory statistics.

Performance Monitor: This advanced tool built on Windows provides detailed

insights into various system metrics like CPU load, memory usage, disk throughput, and
network activity. It allows users to create custom performance logs and alerts, making it
ideal for in-depth system analysis and diagnostics.

# perfmon This starts the tool.

Question 2: Explain the different classifications of computers in ICT.

Supercomputers: These are extremely powerful machines used for complex

computations like weather forecasting and scientific research e.g IBM's Summit.

Mainframes: These are Large, powerful systems used in organizations for bulk data
processing. i.e used in banks for bulk data processing e.g. IBM Z series.

Minicomputers: These are mid-sized and capable of supporting hundreds of users

simultaneously, serving small organizations or departments e.g. PDP-11.

Microcomputers: These are workstations or personal computers i.e desktops, laptops,

and tablets.

Embedded systems: These are small, specialized systems within devices like cars and
appliances.
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Question 3: Define with examples Operating systems.

Operating System (OS): is system software that manages computer hardware, software
resources, and provides services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary
between users and the computer hardware. These include:

👉 Windows: A widely used OS for personal and business environments.

👉 macOS: The OS for Apple’s Mac computers.
👉 Linux: An open-source OS used in servers and specialized systems.
👉 Android: A mobile OS used in smartphones and tablets.
👉 iOS: The OS for Apple’s mobile devices like iPhone and iPad.
Question 4: Explain six functions of Operating systems.

User interface: Provides interfaces (CLI or GUI) for users to interact with the system
easily.

Device management: Manages hardware devices (printers, keyboards, etc.), facilitating

communication between devices and applications.

Memory management: Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed, ensuring

efficient use of RAM.

Process management: Manages the execution of multiple processes, allowing

multitasking and ensuring each process gets CPU time.

File system management: Organizes, stores, retrieves, and manipulates files on storage
devices.

Security and Access control: Protects data by managing user permissions and ensuring
secure access to system resources.
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Question 5: Describe how the CPU executes a program.

The CPU executes instructions through a cycle known as the machine cycle, which
includes four steps:

👉 Fetch: The CPU retrieves the instruction from memory.

👉 Decode: the CPU decodes the instruction to understand what action to perform.
👉 Execute: Calculations are performed using the Arithmetic Logic Unit..
👉 Store: here results are written back to memory / register for future use.
Question 6: In a tabular, form give four different storage options and their
characteristics.

Question 7: Define the motherboard and its functions.

Motherboard: the main circuit board in a computer that connects and allows
communication between all components i.e CPU, RAM, storage… functions include:

👉 Provides slots for CPU, RAM and expansion cards.

👉 Connects internal and external devices.
👉 Manages power distribution to components.
👉 Facilitates data communication through buses.
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Question 8: Define 10 motherboards components and connectors and their functions.

1. CPU sockets: Holds and connects the CPU to the motherboard.

2. RAM slots: provides connection points for memory.
3. Chipsets: Manages data flow between the processor, memory and peripherals.
4. BIOS/UEFI Chips: stores firmware for booting the system.
5. CMOS battery: Powers the BIOS/UEFI settings memory.
6. Power connectors: provides power to the motherboard.
7. SATA ports: Connects storage devices like SSDs and HDDs.
8. PCIe slots: Used for expansion cards like graphic cards
9. USB headers: allows connection to external USB ports.
10. Audio/Network Ports: connects audio devices and network cables.

Question 9: What is a computer memory and explain the advantages and

disadvantages of Cache memory.

Computer memory: refers to any physical device that is capable of storing information
temporarily (RAM) or permanently (storage drives):

1. Advantages of cache memory.

a. Faster access to frequently used data.
b. improves CPU performance.
2. Disadvantages of cache memory:
a. It's very expensive
b. It's limited in size.

Question 10: Discuss three different types of computer memory.

Cache memory: is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It
acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory. It is used to hold those parts of
data and programs which are most frequently used by CPU.
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Primary memory: known as Main memory and divided into RAM and ROM. This holds
only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working. It has limited
capacity and data is lost when power is switched off.

Secondary memory: This type of memory is also known as external memory or

non-volatile. It is slower than the main memory. These are used for storing
data/Information permanently. CPU directly does not access these memories instead
they are accessed via input-output routines. Contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For example: disk,
CD-ROM, DVD etc..

Question 11: Explain the characteristics of each of the above types.

1. Cache memory:
a. Extremely fast
b. limited capacity
c. stores frequently accessed data
d. located close to the CPU for quick data access.
2. Primary memory (RAM):
a. Fast
b. volatile
c. stores data for running programs
d. Temporary storage/used for short-term data storage
3. Secondary memory (HDD/SSD):
a. Larger.
b. non-volatile
c. slower access
d. Permanent storage/used for long-term data storage

Question 12: What's the difference between IDE, SATA and SCSI hard disks.

👉 IDE: An older standard, slower transfer speeds.

👉 SATA: Newer, faster, commonly used in PCs.
👉 SCSI: Used in servers, higher performance, supports multiple devices.
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Question 13: Write short notes on the following concepts:

1. Hard Drive: stores and retrieves data using spinning disks.

2. HDD: Uses spinning disks and read/write heads for data storage.
3. Disc: circular storage media (CD/DVD) using optical technology.
4. SSD: Uses flash memory, no moving parts, faster than HDD.
5. Disk Drive Track: Circular path on the surface of the disk where data is recorded.

Question 14: Write important characteristics of Hard Drives:

1. Cost: HDDs are cheaper per GB compared to SSDs.

2. Speed: Measured by RPM (for HDD) or read/write speeds (for SSD).
3. Capacity: The amount of data a hard disk can store.
4. Durability: SSDs are more durable due to the lack of moving parts.
5. Access Time: there is faster data retrieval in SSDs compared to HDDs.

Question 15: Explain how the Hard Drives is logically organized to hold up data:

A hard drive is logically organized to store data using the following structure:

1. Sectors: The smallest storage unit, typically 512/4096 bytes in modern drives.
Data is read and written in sector blocks.
2. Tracks: Concentric circles on the surface of the disk, where data is written. Each
track is divided into multiple sectors.
3. Cylinders: A collection of tracks located at the same position on multiple disk
platters. Data can be read from multiple platters without repositioning the
read/write head.
4. Clusters: Grouping of sectors, representing the smallest amount of space
allocated for a file. Files occupy clusters even if the data size is smaller than the
cluster size.
5. File System: Manages how data is stored and retrieved on the drive. i.e NTFS,
FAT32, and exFAT, which organize files/ directories structure for easy access.
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Question 16: Describe the steps taken in installing Hard drives:

👉 Power off the computer and disconnect it.

👉 Open the case.
👉 Insert the hard drive into a bay.
👉 Secure the drive with screws.
👉 Connect power and data cables (SATA or other).
👉 Close the case and power on the computer.

Question 17: After you have physically installed the hard disk and have configured the
CMOS setup to recognise it, that drive still must be prepared before it can store data.
This process requires three steps, explain the steps:

👉 Partitioning: The hard drive needs to be divided into one or more logical sections
called partitions. Each partition can function independently to store data. Tools
like Disk Management in Windows or fdisk in Linux can be used to create
primary or extended partitions.
👉 Formatting: Once partitioned, each partition must be formatted with a file
system. Formatting organizes the drive into sectors and clusters, making it
possible for the operating system to read and write data. Common file systems
include NTFS (Windows), ext4 (Linux), or FAT32.
👉 Drive Letter Assignment: After formatting, the operating system assigns a drive
letter (e.g. C:, D:) to the partition, making it accessible through the file explorer.
This allows users and software to read and write data to the drive easily.

Question 18: Explain different types of partitioning.

Primary Partition: A primary partition is the main partition that can hold an
operating system and is bootable. A hard drive can have up to four primary partitions.

One of these partitions is typically marked as "active," which is used by the system to
boot the OS. i.e The C: drive in a Windows system is often a primary partition.
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Extended Partition: Since a hard drive can only have four primary partitions, allows
you to bypass this limit.

Extended partitions do not store data directly but allow logical partitions to hold data or
an OS.

Logical Partition: Logical partitions are subdivisions within an extended partition.

They are treated as separate drives by the operating system.

These cannot be used to boot an operating system but are ideal for organizing data or
storing additional files. i.e the D: or E: drives.

Question 19: What are the steps taken to find a problem when either Motherboard,
Processor or RAM is failing.

Examine for Physical Damage: Check for burnt components, swollen capacitors, or
damaged slots on the motherboard.

Check Physical Connections: Ensure that all components (RAM, CPU, cables) are
securely connected to the motherboard. Reseat the RAM modules and CPU if necessary.

Check Power Supply: Ensure that the system is receiving power. Check the power
connections to the motherboard, and listen for signs like fans spinning or beeps.

Swap Components: Swap the RAM or CPU with functional components to rule out
specific failures to help test the system with known working parts.

Run POST (Power-On Self-Test): Restart the computer and listen for beep codes during
POST. Specific beep patterns can indicate issues with RAM, CPU, or motherboard.

Check BIOS Settings: Access the BIOS and ensure that the CPU, RAM, and other
hardware are correctly recognized. Reset the BIOS to default settings if needed.

Test RAM: Run memory diagnostic tools like Memtest86 to check for RAM issues. test
them individually to isolate faulty modules.
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Test with Minimum Components: Remove all non-essential hardware (e.g hard drives,
extra PCIe cards) and test the system with only the motherboard, CPU, and one RAM
stick installed.

Monitor Temperatures: Check for overheating of the CPU or motherboard using

hardware monitoring tools. Overheating can cause intermittent failures.

Consult Diagnostic LEDs or Display: Some motherboards have diagnostic LEDs or

onboard displays that indicate specific problems with components like the CPU, RAM,
or motherboard.

Question 20: Explain the 5 phases in computer troubleshooting techniques.

Identification: involves identifying the problem by gathering information by asking the

user about the issue or observing error messages, system behavior, or any performance
abnormalities. This helps narrow down potential causes.

Hypothesis Formation: After identifying the problem, form a hypothesis about the
possible cause. Analyze the symptoms and prioritize likely causes, such as hardware,
software, or configuration issues, based on the gathered information.

Testing the Hypothesis: Test the hypothesis by running diagnostics or making

temporary changes (e.g. swapping components, disabling software, or resetting settings)
to see if the problem is resolved or if more data can be collected. This phase helps
confirm or refute your assumptions.

Implementation of the Solution: Once you’ve identified the root cause, implement the
solution. This could involve replacing faulty hardware, updating drivers, fixing software
bugs, or changing settings. Make the necessary changes carefully and monitor the
system’s performance.

Evaluation and Documentation: After applying the solution, evaluate whether the issue
has been fully resolved by testing the system. Ensure that the fix works under normal
operating conditions. Finally, document the troubleshooting process and solution for
future reference, which aids in solving similar problems more quickly next time.

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