Konso-Karat Construction and Industrial College

HARDWARE AND NETWORKING

SERVICE LEVEL – I

Based on March 2022, Curriculum Version 1

Module Title: Connecting Hardware Peripherals

Module code: EIS HNS1 M01 0322
Nominal duration: 50 Hour

Prepared by: Konso TVET College

September, 2022
Konso Karat, Ethiopia
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Table of Content

Unit one: Confirmation of client Requirements

This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:

 Introduction to Computer
 Identifying and confirming client peripherals
 Documenting and verifying client requirements.
 Ensuring vendor warranty and support services
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Identify different types of peripheral devices
 Select appropriate peripherals for clients
 Validate and document selected peripherals
 Understand warranty and support services

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1.1. Introduction to Computer

What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability
to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type
documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

1.1.1. purpose of a computer

The computer was invented in order to automate mathematical calculations that were previously
completed by people. Charles Babbage is considered to be the “father” of the computer.
Computers do not have any one particular purpose. Instead, they are a tool that is meant to serve
human beings in any way that we can think of. For example, we can use computers as a means of
communication. We can use them to send email or for different internet services.

1.1.2. Hardware and Software Computer Components

What is Computer Hardware?

Several components in a computer working together are called hardware. It consists of
mechanical devices such as a CPU, keyboard, mouse, speaker, monitor, printer, hard disk,
and so on. All these devices can be touched and felt.

There are a lot of hardware devices available but we need to select the right device with
the correct specification to get the best performance results.
All the devices vary in size, cost, and specification. We need to choose the compatible
one. Hard ware devices are categorized in to Input devices, Output devices, Storage
devices and internal components and this part is more discussed in the next topic which
is called peripheral devices.

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What is Computer Soft Ware?

- Computer software helps the computer to perform the task using programs. It is
generally a language that a computer understands.
- Collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer
Types of software
Major types of computer software are:
- Application software
- System software
- Programming software
- Driver software
1.1.3. Computer Classifications

Classification of Computers according to Size, Type and Purpose

We see many Computers nearby, but they all are different from each other. In this Module,
we are going to know about the basics and classification of computers which included all
the different types of computers.
There are different classes of computer technology available these days. The functionality
and data processing of each type of computer is different and output results as well.
However, the methods or techniques, Size, capacity, characteristics, and data handling of the
data of each computer may be different too. Let’s Get to Know the “What are the
Classifications of Computers System“.

We can classify the computers into the following 3 categories:

- On the Basis of Size and Capacity, [Supercomputer, Mainframe, Mini, and Micro
Computer].
- On the Basis of Purposes, [General and Special Purpose].
- On the Basis of Hardware Design and Type [Analog, Digital, and Hybrid Computer].

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Fig 1.1.3.1 classification of computers

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1.2. Identifying client peripherals requirements

Peripheral Devices
Any device connected internally or externally to a computer system unit and used in the transfer of
data as well as processing information is considered as peripheral devices.

Any input, output or external storage device connected externally or internally communicate with
the computer's processors is termed as peripherals. Examples are: monitor, keyboard, printer,
disk, tape, graphics tablet, scanner, joy stick, paddle or mouse etc.

Categories of Peripherals and Device Drivers

Peripheral devices can be categorized in to three (3), Input device, Output devices and Internal and
external storage devices.
Input device - is a device that has been used as a means of input. It is any peripheral (piece
of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information
processing system such as a computer or other information appliance. The common input
devices are keyboard, mouse, and scanner.
 Keyboard - The computer key board is used to input, or enter, letters, numbers, symbols,
punctuations and commands into the computer. The standard keyboard layout is sometimes
called QWERTY layout and it is the most common layout.

Fig.1.2.1 Keyboard

 Mouse or a pointing device is any human interface device that allows a user to input
spatial data to a computer. In the case of mice and touch screens, this is usually
achieved by detecting movement across a physical surface.

Fig.1.2.2. Keyboard

The most familiar type of mouse is Optical mouse and this kind of mouse utilizes light-emitting
diodes (LED) or laser as a method of tracking movement. These mice are more proficient than
other computer mice. These mice are easily identified by examining the bottom of the mouse.

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 Scanner is a device that can scan or digitize images on paper and convert them to
data that the computer can use. They can then be stored in a file, displayed on the
screen, added to documents, or manipulated.

Fig.1.2.3. Scanner

 Imaging and Video input Devices

Video input devices are used to digitize images or video from the outside world into the computer.
The information can be stored in a multitude of formats depending on the user's requirement.

- Digital camera
- Webcam
- Image scanner
- Fingerprint scanner
- Barcode reader
- 3D scanner
- Laser rangefinder
 Medical Imaging
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Positron emission tomography
- Medical ultrasonography

 Audio input devices

In the fashion of video devices, audio devices are used to either capture or create
sound. In some cases, an audio output device can be used as an input device, in order
to capture produced sound.

- Microphone
- MIDI keyboard or other digital musical instrument

Output Device

An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results
of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as a computer) to the
outside world. In computing, input/output, or I/O, refers to the communication between
an information processing system (such as a computer), and the outside world. Inputs are the

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signals or data sent to the system, and outputs are the signals or data sent by the system to the
outside.
Examples of output devices are:-

 Printer

In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text and/or graphics of documents stored
in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies.

Fig.1.2.4. Printer

 Speakers

Computer speakers range widely in quality and in price. The computer speakers typically
packaged with computer systems are small, plastic, and have mediocre sound quality. Some
computer speakers have equalization features such as bass and treble controls.

Fig.1.2.5. Speaker

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 Headphones
Headphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a single speaker, held close to a
user's ears and connected to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD
player or portable media player.

Fig.1.2.6. Headphone

 Screen (Monitor):- A monitor or display (sometimes called a visual display unit) is

an electronic visual display for computers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry,
and an enclosure. The display device in modern monitors is typically a thin film transistor liquid
crystal display (TFT-LCD) thin panel, while older monitors use a cathode ray tube about as deep
as the screen size.

The first computer monitors used Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which was the dominant
technology until they were replaced by LCD monitors in the 21st Century.

Fig.1.2.7. Monitor

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Storage devices
Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components
and recording media that retain digital data. Data storage is one of the core functions and
fundamental components of computers. There are 3 types of storage devices:
 Primary Storage – is also known as the main memory or a temporary storage device. It is
fast in nature but can accommodate only few data. Data that has been stored in memory flushes
off when you restart your computer, thus called temporary storage device.
It is the only one directly accessible to the CPU. The CPU continuously reads instructions
stored there and executes them as required. Any data actively operated on is also stored there in
uniform manner.

Fig.1.2.8. RAM
 Secondary Storage – Secondary storage (also known as external memory or auxiliary
storage), differs from primary storage in that it is not directly accessible by the CPU. The
computer usually uses its input/output channels to access secondary storage and transfers
the desired data using intermediate area in primary storage. Secondary storage does not
lose the data when the device is powered down—it is non-volatile. Examples of a
secondary storage device are Internal Hard drive, external Hard Drive, Flash Disk,
CD/DVD, Floppy disk, Memory card.
 Tertiary Storage - Tertiary storage or tertiary memory provides a third level of storage.
Typically it involves a robotic mechanism which will mount (insert)
and dismount removable mass storage media into a storage device according to the system's
demands; this data is often copied to secondary storage before use.

Fig.1.2.9. Removable Disks

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Connectivity devices
The majority of external peripheral devices connect to the back of the computer’s system unit with
cables and connectors. The computer’s system unit has a variety of ports available for use by
different peripheral device cables.
A port is a socket that is used to connect the cables from peripheral devices to the computer or the
position to plug peripheral devices.
 Ports
A port is an interface on a computer through which the device is communicate (send and receive
data). Personal computers have various types of ports. Personal computers have ports for
connecting Monitor/display, printer, mouse, keyboard, scanner, Removable disks and other
peripheral devices. The types of ports are:-

Fig.1.2.10. System Unit with different Ports

 There are several types of ports like serial port, parallel port, USB port, AGP port, power
supply port and so on.

 Serial ports: is the oldest technology that is used to connect some types of mouse,
keyboard, and other peripherals. As the name indicates, this port sends data serially
that is one bit at a time. A serial port is also called male port since it consists of
protruding pins. Its transfer rate is close to 10KBS data.

Fig.1.2.11. Serial port

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 Parallel Ports: are used primarily for connecting printers to your system. Because of
this it is called LPT (line print) port. It is also called female port since it consists of
holes. Parallel ports generate speeds of 100KBS and reflect transfers 10 times faster
than serial speeds.

Fig.1.2.12. Parallel port

 USB (Universal Serial Bus): USB is a high performance-networking standard based

on serial bus architecture. Most new computers and associated peripheral devices like
printers and scanners support USB. USB ports are used to connect just about any type
of peripheral devices speed enhancements have greatly improved performance with
USB 1.0 generating speeds at 14 MB/S and USB 2.0 attaining speeds of 480MB/S.

Fig.1.2.13. USB
VGA/ Video Graphics Array
A Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector is a three-row 15-pin DE-15 connector. The 15-pin
VGA connector is found on many video cards, computer monitors, and some television sets.
On laptop computers or other small devices, a mini-VGA port is sometimes used in place of
the full-sized VGA connector.

Fig.1.2.16. VGA port and its Data Cable

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NIC Port / Network Interface Card

Alternatively referred to as an Ethernet port, the LAN port is a port connection that
allows a computer to connect to a network using a wired connection. In the picture to the
right, is a close up example of what a LAN port looks like for a network cable using an
RJ-45 connector. In the case of this example, the two led lights will blink when that port
is active and receiving activity.

Fig.1.2.14. NIC Port

Power Supply
- A power supply is a device that supplies electrical energy to one or more electric loads.
- It converts AC/alternate current to Dc/ Direct Current
- Every power supply must obtain the energy it supplies to its load, as well as any energy
it consumes while performing that task, from an energy source.

Fig.1.2.15. Power Supply

Device Drivers
- Is a particular form of software application that allows one hardware device (such as a
personal computer) to interact with another hardware device (such as a printer). A device
driver may also be called a software driver.

- Is a software program that allows the hardware device to talk to the operating system and
create an interface between users and devices.

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1.3. Confirming Client Peripherals

To determine appropriate hardware peripheral devices needed within an organization, it is

important to clearly understand what your client needs. Since, the clients don’t have a clear idea of
what they want until they have been presented with a series of options. Working out clients’ needs
requires careful planning and organisation.

System Development Life Cycle

The system development life cycle is a methodology that computer consultants often follow to
help them properly investigate the client’s information technology needs within the organization.
The first three stages of the system development life cycle are:-
 Planning
 Analysing
 Designing
Planning stage involves identifying the client’s current technology and taking into account any
limitations. During the planning phase it is necessary to find out information including:
 System specifications
 Connections available
 Budget constraints
 Available timeframe
 Availability of physical space for work activities
A feasibility study can be performed to provide a preliminary investigation report to the client
about benefits, costs and impact to the organisation. Additionally, a project request form allows a
client to document their initial request.
System specification is important to find out the specifications of the computer system you are
planning to connect the peripheral device to. Many newer types of peripheral devices require a
specific amount of memory, CPU speed, hard disk space, and may only be compatible with certain
operating systems. You also need to be aware of the peripheral’s system requirements. The manual
for the peripheral device as well as the manufacturer’s website will help you determine the
minimum system specifications.

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1.4. Peripherals Requirement Considerations

Desktop hardware, such as a desktop computer itself, is the most common type of IT hardware
purchased by a small business and/or organization. The cost of hardware depends on its
specification, which in turn is determined by some key components. When you buy hardware
component of computer system, you will need to decide what the specification of these key
components should be under taken. Among these the basic ones are as follows:-

Hard Ware Requirement

The hardware requirements are the requirements of a hardware device. Most hardware only has
operating system requirements or compatibility.

• Processor is the driver of the computer. Processors are usually differentiated by speed,
measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, the faster the computer will run. You
should buy the fastest processor you can afford, but a 3 GHz processor will normally be
enough for most business functions, e.g. word processing and spreadsheets, together with
some multimedia.

• Memory is used by the processor to run programs. Generally, the more random access
memory (RAM) you have, the better your computer will run when using several programs
at once. Your computer should have enough memory to make the most of the processor
speed. For a 3 GHz processor, for example, you should have around 2-3 gigabytes (GB) of
RAM.

• Hard disk is used to store the data you create in your business, as well as the programs
you use. Its capacity is much greater than the RAM. An office computer with a 3 GHz
processor should have at least 200 GB of hard disk space, but if you intend to use a single
desktop PC as the main storage location for all your business data, you will need at least
500 GB.

• DVD-R/RW or CD-R/RW drives can be used to supplement your computer.

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Software requirements
Software Requirements deal with defining software resource requirements and pre-requisites
that need to be installed on a computer to provide optimal functioning of an application. These
requirements or pre-requisites are generally not included in the software installation package
and need to be installed separately before the software is installed.
• Platform
In computing, a platform describes some sort of framework, either in hardware or
software, which allows software to run. Typical platforms include a computer's
architecture, operating system, or programming languages and their run time libraries.
Operating system is one of the first requirements mentioned when defining system
requirements (software). Software may not be compatible with different versions of same
line of operating systems, although some measure of backward compatibility is often
maintained. For example, most software designed for Microsoft Windows XP does not
run on Microsoft Windows 98, although the converse is not always true. Similarly,
software designed using newer features of Linux Kernel v2.6 generally does not run or
compile properly (or at all) on Linux distributions using Kernel v2.2 or v2.4.
• Web browser
Most web applications and software depending heavily on Internet technologies make use
of the default browser installed on system. Microsoft Internet Explorer is a frequent choice
of software running on Microsoft Windows, which makes use of ActiveX controls, despite
their vulnerabilities.
• Other pre-requisite requirements
Some software also has other requirements for proper performance. Internet
connection (type and speed) and resolution of the display screen are notable examples.

After you have determine your organization needs, you can now start documenting your
hardware needs, to help you decide on the specifications, canvassing would be a great idea.
One by one you can list down the hardware specs for your client. The list below will help
you in documenting your chosen hardware:-
 Processor
 RAM or Memory
 Hard Disk size
 Video Card
 LAN Card
 DVD drive
 Sound Card

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Example
Windows 10 system requirements
 Latest OS: Make sure you're running the latest version—either Windows 7 SP1 or
Windows 8.1 Update. ...
 Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor .
 RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit.
 Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS.

 One deciding factor to consider in buying computer peripherals is the warranty and after
sales support service. A cheaper price would vary greatly on the performance, durability
and warranty.
Budget constraints
While planning the connection of hardware peripheral devices, it is important to be aware
of the client’s available budget. A client needs to determine whether the benefits that will
be gained from the peripheral device justify the financial outlay. Factors including the
organisation’s size, the necessity of the peripheral device to the organisation, number of
people requiring the device, will all contribute to the organisation’s allocation of a budget.
Costs will sometimes prohibit an organisation from proceeding with the purchase of
equipment.
Another cost to consider is ongoing maintenance. A laser printer, for example, may initially
be more expensive to purchase than an inkjet printer. However when you consider that
some inkjet cartridges can cost nearly as much as an inkjet printer, it may be more practical
to choose a laser printer, where toner costs are more reasonable.
Available timeframe
The time available to complete a task also needs to be considered when identifying client
requirements. If, for example, a peripheral device is needed urgently, it will be necessary
to quickly find out which suppliers can immediately provide the peripheral equipment.
Physical space restrictions
Before considering acquiring any peripheral device, planning needs to be done to work
out where and how the peripheral will reside. The following questions need to be
considered:
 What physical space is available to accommodate the device?
 Are power points in a near proximity if the device needs them?
 If a peripheral does not have access to a suitable power source, problems may occur
including the overloading of power boards and power leads causing dangerous
obstructions to users of the equipment.
 Will the installation of the device mean other equipment needs to be relocated?
 Could the device cause disruption or impact on the safety of users?

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1.5. Documenting and Reporting Client Requirements and Peripherals

Feasibility study
- A feasibility study can be carried out to show the client benefits, approximate costs of the
new equipment and the impact on the organisation when documenting and reporting client
requirements needs.
- Several hardware devices can also be recommended to the client.
- The aim of the feasibility study is to recognise the best solution under the circumstances by
identifying the effects of this solution on the organisation.
- After undertaking a feasibility study, it may be discovered that a simple solution is
possible. Take the example of an organisation that would like to update their monitors so
that they can have better screen resolution. Changing the monitors’ internal settings could
be a very simple solution to obtain an improved resolution.
- A feasibility study can also reveal that a client’s peripheral requirements are not
achievable.
- The requirements may exceed budget, or the requested peripheral devices may not be
compatible with the current computer system.
- The results of a feasibility study can be determine whether or not an organisation proceeds
with the purchase and installation of the peripheral devices based on client needs and
organizational guidelines and standards.
 Client Request Form
An initial request for hardware peripheral devices can be documented using a project
request form. This form documents information from both the client and the computer
consultant in order to document preliminary requirements. Typical information requested
on a project request form includes:-
 Project title
 Date received
 Completion date
 Project number
 Description of problem
 Objectives
 Anticipated benefits
 Person requesting
 Constraints.

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Analyzing
In the analysis phase, the client’s requirements are investigated in more depth. It is important to try
to gain as much information from the client as possible, in order to obtain an accurate
understanding of the situation. Detailed client requirements, such as:-
 Specific features of the device required
 The number of people who will need to use device
 Support expectations
 Training requirements can all be obtained during this phase through, interviews,
questionnaires, checklists and observations are some methods that consultants use to
gather information. If a device is to be used by a large group of users, a questionnaire or
checklist could be constructed to find out what features are required by the majority of
users. Interviewing users can provide a better way of finding out specific information.
Designing
The design phase enables you to figure out an effective solution. All the information you have
gathered via questionnaires, interviews, observations and during planning can be assessed to
determine the best way of satisfying client requirements.
There will often be several peripheral devices that are capable of performing the job satisfactorily.
An evaluation grid can be created to show the client each device’s functionality.

Table1.5.1. the example below illustrates an evaluation grid that could be used for appraising
scanners.

Specifications Scanner 1 Scanner 2 Scanner 3

Price
Optical resolution (dpi)
Dimensions
Operating system
Software included
Comments

Once client requirements have been clarified, all requests for hardware peripherals need to be
documented clearly in a concise form. An organisation will often have its own organizational
standards (for example, report templates, guidelines) to which you will need to adhere. The
documentation will also need to be checked and confirmed by the client before a request for
purchase in sent to the preferred supplier.

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1.6. Verifying Client Requirements

Demonstrate client requirements in line with organizational standards

All Service support providers must test and verify hardware peripherals, confirm client satisfaction
and make amendments as required for client, in line with procedures and guidelines to demonstrate
client requirements.

 Ensure client support expectations

When it comes to client support, your clients have certain expectations which they expect
you to meet consistently. They see you as a single point of contact for assistance in the
utilization of the organization’s computing resources, and to provide that assistance in a
timely and professional manner. They expect you to provide:-
 Connectivity
 Hardware and software support
 Consultation and training
 General information and technology recommendations
 Web-accessible information etc.
1.7. Ensuring vendor warranty and support services

What is Warranty?
A warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer of a product. It assures you the things
you buy are of good quality and don't contain manufacturing defects. Warranties give consumers
the right to ask the manufacturer to deal with any issues according to their terms and conditions.

What is User Manual?

A user manual is a document provided to a user that helps in using a particular system, product
or service seamlessly. It is also known as an instruction manual or a user guide. Such documents
cover detailed information around operations, standards & guidelines, troubleshooting guides,
functionalities & more.

Why is a user's manual important?

User-Manuals provide information on how to use a particular product. This should reach end
users with intent to provide proper usage advice and reduce the risk of bringing the product
inoperable condition.
What does a user manual include?
The User Manual contains all essential information for the user to make full use of the
information system. This manual includes a description of the system functions and capabilities,
contingencies and alternate modes of operation, and step-by-step procedures for system access
and use.

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