2 Computer Service and Repair
Key Terms
The following key terms will become important pieces of your computer
vocabulary. Be sure you can define them.
A+ Certification
American Standard Code for
Information Interchange (ASCII)
analog electronics
anti-static wrist strap
battery
binary number system
bit
byte
central processing unit (CPU)
CompTIA
computer
cooling fan
data
device bay
digital electronics
driver
electromagnetic interference (EMI)
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
expansion card
expansion card slot
external SATA
firmware
hard drive
hexadecimal number system
hot swap
integrated circuit (IC)
motherboard
parallel transfer
peripheral
power eSATA (eSATAp)
power supply
radio frequency interference (RFI)
random access memory (RAM)
serial transfer
word
This chapter introduces the basic concepts
you need to understand computer hardware and
software. It briefly covers many topics. These
topics are expanded into complete chapters later
in the textbook. This text presents the personal
computer based on the IBM-compatible computer
architecture, better known as the PC, and prepares
you for CompTIA A+ Certification.
CompTIA is a not-for-profit, vendor-neutral
organization that certifies the competency level of
technicians through examinations written to test
specific areas. The CompTIA organization has
prepared the examinations to test individuals with
approximately 12 months of PC repair, installation,
and support experience. The certification awarded
on successful completion of the exams is called
A+ Certification. It is recognized throughout the
industry as a certification of basic PC repair and
support skills. The combination of this textbook
and its accompanying Laboratory Manual and
Study Guide prepares you for the certification
exams. There is more information in Chapter 21—
CompTIA A+ Certification Exams Preparation.
You can also visit the CompTIA website for the
latest certification information.
The Role of Computers
Computers are found in every aspect of
our lives. There is not an industry that operates
without a computer. Computers can be found in
banks, Wall Street businesses, military aircraft,
automobiles, televisions, communication systems,
home appliances, satellites, submarines, and police
stations. Computers can vary in size from the
small, simple microprocessor found in a coffeepot
or a clock radio to huge mainframe systems that
are used in research and government agencies.
Figure 1-1 shows a microchip along with a large
computer system and a typical home or business PC.
At first, the makeup of a computer can
seem intimidating. However, as you progress
through this text, you will see that the mechanics
of a computer are quite simple. The difficulty
is overcome by understanding the interaction
of hardware and software, grasping different
operating systems, and recognizing upgrade and
compatibility issues.
If you know which part is defective, it is
a relatively easy task to replace the part. The
challenge is determining which part is defective