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The different components of a computer

How does it work?

The main component is the motherboard which integrates the chipset (an electronic circuit)
which serves as a link between the processors and ... everything else). On this motherboard, there is placed a
socket (it's a connector) on which the processor is inserted (plus the fan that comes)
on top to cool it down as shown in the photo below.

Each chipset is associated with a model (even more often a sub-model) of

processor. Therefore, we do not use just any motherboard for any processor,
A motherboard for an INTEL I7 does not allow the use of an Athlon 64.

AmicroprocessorCore i7 is a
microprocessor64 bitsmade byIntel.
Technically, the Core i7 are
initially quad-core models but
are subsequently dual-core, Launched in
November2008.

Aprocessor64bitsis a processor
whose width of therecordsis 64 bits
on integers.
Unregister a location of
memoryinternal to aprocessor.]

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This motherboard integrates various controllers for hard drives, ports for
PS2 output (keyboard and mouse), ... and others that disappear like serial ports or
parallel. Motherboards also include buses, which are standardized connectors
which allow the integration of additional cards. The most common is the graphics card.

To function, our computer will use RAM memory. Here too, the chipset of
the motherboard will allow the use of a type of RAM. This memory is quite
fast, especially compared to hard drives. On the other hand, in the absence of electrical power,
it loses its content, hence the use of the hard drive.

Ledisque allows you to save files even if the computer is turned off (provided that
that you used the save command). It is also on this one that we install the
operating system and software. Two types of hard drives are used, the ATA (an
parallel connection that uses a 40 (the oldest) or 80 pin connector and the Serial
ATA (SATA) that use a significantly smaller 7-pin connector as shown below.
The latter are faster and replace the former.

DVD readers/writers use the same interfaces as hard drives.

You can forget about CDs since DVDs read them (and also burn them for burners).

The graphics card that transforms the display signal so that it can be recognized and
displayed by a screen. It is directly integrated into most current motherboards,
even if it slows down the computer's performance, especially for games.

To power all these components, an ATX power supply is used. It converts the
tension of the electrical network in low voltages used by your electronics
computer

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2. The startup of a computer.

When you press the power button, the power will supply the motherboard.
and the different peripherals. The processor, when starting up, will simply read a
a specific program called the BIOS. It is stored in a special memory that
does not erase when it is not powered. A specific software interface allows it to
Configuring in part is the setup. It is this that will tell the microprocessor which disk
hard, the DVD player must start.

Let's take the most common scenario (if all goes well), starting from the hard drive with
Installed Windows (CDs / DVDs are used only for system installation)
The processor will read a starting part that will launch Windows.

This is now the software part that we will see in the continuation of this training in
computer maintenance (this section only covers hardware components).

3. Some clarifications.
Before starting the repair of computer failures, we already have some ideas. If
The power supply is not working, the computer does not start at all. If the processor does not
no hard drive and DVD drive detected, it will not be able to start the operating system
but will display the hardware configuration of your PC.

4. Current processors
32 or 64 bit processors.
All current processors used in standard computers are 32-bit.
use a 32-bit operating system as well. However, this limits the amount
maximum RAM of 4 GB (actually 3 GB). AMD has been developing for several years
32 - 64 bit processors. In fact, depending on the operating system used (32 or 64), the
The processor switches from one mode to another at the start of the computer.

The old Intel models are all 32-bit, only the Core 2 Duo, i5, and i7 are
also compatible 64 bits.

In practice, in addition to an associated operating system, the majority of programs do not

do not work on 64-bit operating systems. So it is not strictly speaking
an evolution for standard users.

Dual, triple, quadri, ... Heart.

The starting idea is to put two (dual), three, four, ... and up to currently 8.
processors in the same package. Two processors in the same package do not double the
power but significantly improves performance in certain applications that use
mainly the processor. Currently, almost all the microprocessors used in
standard computers, laptops, and network servers are at least dual-core.
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3. Cache memories.
These are small internal memories inserted into the processors that keep the
data and program parts (in assembly, the internal language) most often
used. We distinguish three types:

The L1 cache is directly managed within the processor following a reserved part.
to the data and another to the programs.
The L2 cache is a bit larger. However, it is placed between the RAM and the processor.
(but managed by this one). In dual-Core, it is directly shared between the
processors most often.
3. The L3 Cache is also inserted between the processor and the RAM, but it is
managed by an external circuit. This reduces its performance compared to the L2 cache but
as it is not actually embedded in the case, its size is larger. In
current multi-core models, this memory is often shared between the
different processors.

Current models only integrate the first two. The more these memories are
The more important, the better the overall performance of the computer.

4. The socket.
It is simply the connector used to install a processor on a motherboard.
is different from one model to another. It is even sometimes replaced within the same family of
processor to track evolution. Mechanically, a processor cannot fit into a
another socket.

5. The connection buses between the processor and the chipset.

Another feature of processors is the bus that connects them to the chipset (basically the circuit
central of the motherboard). Each processor family uses a specific bus. This
conditions the transfer speed between the processor and peripherals (internal and external). The bus
The current one at AMD is HyperTransport. It is currently at version 3.0 with a throughput of
up to 12.8 Gigabytes per second but varies with the speed of the processor. At Intel,
All standard processors use the DMI (Direct Media Interface from Intel) with a rate
of transferring 8 Gigabytes. On the other hand, the most powerful versions of the I7 use the
QPI that goes up to 12 Gigabytes per second. These speeds are quite theoretical since it is
the maximum transfer rate. The practical speed is also related to the internal architecture of the
Processor, it's the one that sends the data.

6. Internal and external speed.

The FSB (Front Side Bus) is the external speed of the processors. Via a factor of
multiplication, it gives the true speed of the processor. For example, a FSB of 200 MHz with
a multiplication coefficient of 9X gives a speed of 1800 MHz. Once important in
in terms of performance, the integration of the memory controller directly into the processor
for all versions of AMD processors but also with the I5 and I7 for Intel paired with
Specific connection buses to the chipset reduce its value in terms of performance.

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7. Hyperthreading and other multimedia instructions.

Let's start with multimedia functions. Since the Pentium MMX, manufacturers
integrate specific instructions dedicated to compression / decompression, calculations
specific. We find MMX, 3D Now, SSE, ... These instructions are largely
managed under Windows by DirectX. Basically, current processors integrate all of them.

Hyperthreading is the splitting of a program into small pieces of code. The part
The internals of a processor consist of different parts, each dedicated to specific tasks.
In a standard processor (basically), when one part processes information, the others are
stopped. Hyperthreading allows several parts to work at the same time by
cutting the program following the internal unit that will execute it. It is only implemented in
INTEL in the latest Pentium 4 (but not in the Core and Core 2), the I7 (not in the
first versions of the I5). This feature requires a chipset that supports this function
(in addition to suitable software).

A high-performance processor?
Each manufacturer will play on these 8 parameters to create (or not) a processor.
performant. The faster the processor goes, the more efficient it is within the same family (between
two different families, it is also necessary to take into account what is under the hood, basically this
which is called its architecture). Four processors in the same case is more efficient
only one (for the majority of applications), the direct management of RAM by the
The processor also allows for performance gains. Add size differences of
cache related to connection buses .... It has become almost impossible to compare ...
processors only by technical notes and ... commercial ones.

5. The RAM memory

1. The types
I will pass you the older memories that are used more (or supplements) to only retain
that the DDR memory (only the old Pentium IV and other Sempron), DDR2 used
by the majority of current computers and the DDR3 used by the i7 and Phenom II
connectés sur un socket AM3 (sur une carte mère AM2+, c'est toujours de la DDR2).

2. Differentiate the memory used in a computer.

Déjà toutes les mémoires DDR se ressemble, la barrette a une seule encoche (les
old Dimm had 2) regardless of the model, the notch is just shifted based on the
type of barrette, they cannot be inserted into a socket of another type.

The first solution remains to read the label on the already installed modules. The second
The solution (at least for AMD processors) is to check the socket and the type of
Processor. The AM2 and AM2+ sockets use DDR2 (basically everything that is Athlon)
64), the old 752 sockets used DDR1 (basically the Semprons that are not 64
bits).

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Types cannot be mixed, in any case, impossible to insert a
memory of one type in the connector of another type.

For each type, different speeds are offered. The higher the frequency, the more
access will be quick. As a general rule, motherboards accept all speeds except
in DDR 3 where speeds are limited by the chipset (often at 1066).

DDR: PC1600 operates at 200 MHz, PC2100 at 266, PC2700 at 333, and PC3200
at 400 MHz. The latest, also noted DDR400, is suitable for all machines
DDR2: PC2-3200 at 200 MHz, PC2-4200 at 266 MHz, PC2-5400 at 333 MHz and
PC2-6400 at 400 MHz. Another notation refers to DDR2-800 for the 400 MHz.
DDR2-667 for 333 MHz.

DDR3: PC3-6400 at 100 MHz, PC3-8500 at 133 MHz, PC3-10600 (also called
DDR3-1333) and PC3-12800. The Intel Core do not allow exceeding the second.
model (DDR3-1066), not recognized or only operating them at this speed
maximum. It is related to their external speed.

3. Location.
The majority of motherboards integrate 2 or 4 slots for memory modules.
We sometimes have to remove a low-capacity bar (256 MB) to insert a larger one.
large. The capacities of current modules are 256 and 512 MB, 1 and 2 Gigabytes.

The Dual Channel - double channel.

Any location can be used. However, current motherboards
support Dual Channel which allows reading and writing on two sticks simultaneously. It
improve RAM access performance. Both must have the same capacity and
same speed. They must be installed on the same channel. For example A1 and A2 or B1 and
B2.

In the first example (dual Channel), the data is written in parallel on 128.
bits. In the second case, simple channel, the data is written on 64 bits in memory
Ram, then when the first is full, into the second.

The Intel I7 microprocessor uses 3 channels at the same time.

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5. Correction d'erreur.
The memory modules used by most current towers are standard (No-ECC) but the
motherboards usually accept them most often. Only network servers actually use them.
memory that detects and corrects an error, the ECC type. It is more expensive.

6. Add a Ram?
Already if your operating system is 32 bits (the most common), the limit is 3 Gigabytes.
maximum octets (View accepts up to 4 but with surprises). The standard value is
1 Giga under XP (512 Mega bytes is the strict minimum with SP3), 2 under Vista and Seven.

For 64-bit operating systems paired with a 64-bit processor, the limitation
it is that of the motherboard, generally up to 8 Gigabytes maximum for current PCs.

With relatively low prices, adding RAM is interesting in terms of

performance, this does not speed up the start-up for example, but offers better comfort
for programs requiring a lot of resources such as processing
of photos and videos, games (especially paired with a high-performance graphics card), .... but that
will not turn your old machine into a computer with current performance.

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6. Install a RAM memory (practical)

To add memory to a computer, unplug the power supply, open
First, the case and check if at least one connector for memory stick is free. The
the new barrette must be of the same technology as the one already in place.

1. Place the bar in a free connector while checking the notch (slot on the
memory bar). Except for dual channel (two identical memories are paired, which
improves performance), any location is equivalent).

2. The clips are with the two notches on the sides as shown in the photo.

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6. Failures and issues caused by the RAM

Blue windows at startup, during installation of
Windows or in progress.
This is the first problem, at the startup of Windows or during installation, a big
blue page on the screen. This can also come from the processor, an additional card or the
graphics card.

Blue window in progress or restarting.

The RAM memory can also be involved here. This problem can also be caused by
a defective cooling of the processor or the graphics card (fan). In these
In the last two cases, the machine restarts and works correctly, then the problem
returns but more often, when the processor or the graphics chipset switches back to its
maximum temperature.

Note: current motherboards refuse to boot if the CPU fan does not
It doesn't turn. For the ventilation of the microprocessor, it is more often due to heat sinks.
dirty, or a tired fan.

Defective connector(s) or faulty strip.

Probably due to oxidation, it sometimes happens that one of the connectors for inserting a
RAM stick completely blocks the computer startup. A RAM stick
can also be completely down and prevent the PC from starting.

In both cases, the PC beeps at startup with long continuous beeps. This signal is related
in the BIOS that does not recognize a memory.

4. Unrecognized RAM.
We already remember that Windows XP 32-bit only supports 3 GB of memory. So not
the pain of putting more. Vista and Seven allow the use of up to 4 GB (still in version
32 bits) but not all software is capable of using the range between 3 and 4 GB.

With 64-bit operating systems, the only real limitation comes from the motherboard.
which currently most often accept a maximum of 8 Gigabytes.

4. Various incompatibilities.
Some problems can also occur when the speed of the memories is too
high or too low compared to that of the processor or the chipset.

In very old machines, it was common for motherboard brands

they reject memory brands. This has not been the case since the early 2000s.

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[Link]

The hard drive.

As we have seen, this is the most common backup device in
computing since it is essential in all computers. As a feature, we
find:

the capacity (80 GB to 1 Tera currently). There are no longer any real issues related to
disks too large for the computer since 2004 (basically SP2 of XP).
the rotation speed (7200 revolutions per minute for almost all hard drives of
in laptops, some models only run at 5400 RPM, in servers,
certain models run at 10,000 RPM). The higher the rotation speed, the more the
disk is fast.
the access time is the average time for a piece of data to be retrieved from the
hard disk.
the cache memory, a RAM memory that speeds up processing. It is
ranging from 8 to 16 MB for the majority.
the interface, we will come back to it.

2. The CD reader and burner.

They can be considered obsolete even if they are still implemented in old ones.
machines. The maximum capacity is 700 MB, which is 80 minutes of music.

The reading operation uses a laser beam that passes through a lens. If
this one is dirty, the CD cannot be read correctly, the same if the CD is dirty or scratched. The
The disc rotates using a simple motor equipped with a belt.

Currently, they are all replaced by DVDs that also play CDs.

In case of a breakdown, opening them is ultimately useless; cleaning the lens is done.
with cleaning CDs identical to those used in audio.

The engraving uses special CDs (to be burned). A small clarification, home burners.
are also sold for hi-fi systems. The CDs are different.

3. The DVD reader / burner.

The operation is identical to that of CD-ROMs, except that the drives use two
distinct beams for reading CDs and DVDs. It's strictly the same for the
engravers.

4. The interfaces.
Two types of connections are used. The first are E-IDE. It is a
controller with 40 pins on the connector that uses a 40 (flat) cable (old)
models) or 80 threads. The current maximum speed is 133 MB/second. In E-IDE (also
called PATA or ATA), two devices can be connected on the same cable.
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against, if you connect two, the first must be set as master and the second as
slaved by small bridges at the back. For a single connection, we configure it.
generally as a master but it is not mandatory.

At E-IDE, an explanatory drawing is usually printed on the hard drive as follows

below. For this model, the hard drive is in slave if there is no
bridge of mis, as master if the bridge is placed furthest to the right (or if it is alone), in
select (automatic detection) if the bridging is placed in position 2. The other two
configurations on the diagram are no longer applicable.

SATA (Serial ATA) has been used in computers since 2003 with a new
connection. In this case, each connector on the motherboard accepts only one wire, so more than
settings to be made on the hard drive. Simply connect the cable between the board
motherboard and the hard drive (not to mention the power supply). The power connector is also
specifically, it is either directly implanted in the food or an adapter is used.

We will talk about it in the next chapter with the power supplies.

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8. Hard drive failures

PC freeze at startup.
First possible failure, the PC refuses to start. This is related to a controller failure.
(regardless of the connection mode). In this case, the drive is unusable and the data do not
can only be recovered by a clean room procedure (budget at least 700 €
HTVA). These are companies specializing in data recovery.

Another possible cause is only present with bad E-connections.

IDE. If the connection cables are reversed between the controller and the hard drive (including
in the case of two hard drives connected and even for CD readers - burners
DVD.

One last thing, still in IDE, is the connection of a hard drive with insufficient capacity.
recognized by the current IDE controllers. This problem occurs with a single disk of
connected but also with two disks, one of which is recent. This problem occurs mainly only
for low-capacity hard drives (less than 20 Gigabytes).

Pin 1 of the ATA connector on the hard drive is on the power side.

2. Planting during the installation of Windows or in

startup course.
Hard drives are divided into clusters that hold data. These clusters can
to be defective. When Windows tries to read or write to it, it fails and crashes
the computer. A repair method involves the DOS command chkdsk /f c: (where c: is
the letter assigned to the hard drive) which will recover the defective sectors and report them to
Windows that will no longer use them. Generally, this requires connecting the connector to
slave on another computer.

3. SMART.
It's a BIOS setting (enable) that allows the computer to warn about
It starts that the hard drive will fail soon (often talking about 72
hours but it's very theoretical). Basically, the hard drive checks the percentages of parts
defective magnetic and warns via SMART when they exceed a threshold. At the slightest
message of this type, the disk must be backed up immediately and replaced.

4. Various noises.
These noises are related to the 'tired' or defective internal engine. Here too, the backup
data must be done immediately. This noise may also come from a shock with a
read/write head rubbing against a platter. In this case, there is no longer anyway.
data access.

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ATX Power Supply

The first PC computers used AT power supplies, they are being replaced.
since 2000 by ATX type power supplies following connectors that have evolved with it
the time.

In ATX, the different circuits are always powered. A simple push button
Connected to the motherboard allows the power supply and thus the computer itself to start.

The wide 4-pin connectors are used by standard IDE devices, an advantage.
petit is used for the floppy disk drive (obsolete) or for some card readers
memories.

SATA connectors for hard drives and DVD burners connected via Serial ATA,
even if adapters allow for converting 4 pins to specific connections
SATA as shown here. The advantage is the ability to disconnect them when the
computers are on, with some risk of data loss.

A 20-pin connector
for the first computers
ATX and now 24
connectors power the motherboard
the majority of power supplies
current ones take a 20
pins and a 4-pin that
can be coupled. Since
2005 - 2006, a second
square connector with 4 pins
is also necessary (without it,
no startup of
the computer).

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A wide 6-pin connector was used by the early motherboards of
Pentium 4 is no longer used.

The inside of a power supply is

mainly consisting of a transformer
and an electronic voltage regulation.
They are not repairable.

10. The connectors of an ATX power supply

Two connectors have
currently used
in PC computers
to power the card
mother, a connector of 20
+ 4 pins and one
4 connectors
brooches.

For the 24 pins, the

clamping clips on the
connector coming from
food must
correspond to that of the
motherboard like
fixation.

The connector 4
brooches are located just
next to the processor.
Without this one, the
processor is not
correctly fed
and the computer does not
doesn't start.

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11. The graphics card

1. The connection buses.
In the section on motherboards, we have already talked about buses. We will just a
Can you add details about the two currently used, the AGP which is no longer used on the
current motherboards and PCI-Express.

LePCI-Express exists in two

versions, 1.1 and since 2007, the
current version 2.0 which allows a rate
transfer of 500 megabytes by
second and by channel. A map
graph uses 16, which gives 8
Gigabytes per second. The cards
are compatible with each other and can
be interchanged (a motherboard in
1.1 will not run a card
graphically in 2.0 at the speed of 1.1,
it is half).

The AGPa existed in 4 versions. The first (1X) uses power supply voltages.
specific, these cards are unavailable and can no longer be replaced. In any case,
The computers that use this version are completely outdated. All the others (2, 4
and 8) can be used with an AGP 8X card (the kind that can still be found by chance
since they are no longer used in current machines. The graphics cards in
version 1X has a single notch on the connector, while the other has 2 notches.

2. External connectors.
The most common output is a 15-pin VGA connector. It is used by all
old cathode screens and the majority of current flat screens.

The DVI connector is only used for flat screens, it is a digital signal or
analog (via a VGA adapter).

The exits to a
television can be of the S-
Video like the one below or a
RCA connector (identical to
those used in Hi-Fi audio).
Adapters allow for
moving from one to the other.

Certain motherboards
with integrated graphics cards starting to use HDMI, also taking audio.

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3. The graphics chipset and general operation.

The main component is the graphics card, it is the one that retrieves the data.
provided by the processor and converts them into signals for the screen. These circuits perform other
things like creating 3D drawings used in various multimedia applications but
especially for games. A RAM also allows it to store textures (pieces
of drawings), even if part of the RAM can sometimes be used. The Ramdac is actually a
converter that transforms the signal coming from the graphics chipset into an analog signal
used by screens using cathode ray tubes (and some flat screens) connected to
VGA instead of DVI.

The pilot provided by the manufacturer allows you to select the resolution of
the display and the number of colors. There are almost no limits with current cards.
On the other hand, the signal is sent at a transmission frequency to the screen that decreases.
when the selected resolution increases. The higher it is, the better the image.

On the market, there are hardly any chipset manufacturers left except for ATI and
NVIDIA. The latter with the GeForce series uses a driver that is valid for all its models.

12. Message: pas de signal d'entrée

The connection
Whether your screen is connected via VGA or DVI, this error message indicates a lack of
connection. The first thing to check is the cable connection between the two. It must
be perfectly plugged into the graphics card connector and the screen. In VGA,
Not all the pins are present, but that's normal.

On a cathode ray screen, a lack of color can also result from a faulty cable.
connected (but also due to a failure in the cathode ray tube deflector and the screen needs to be
changed).

Also check if the cable is not cut, even partially, and if the connector
VGA does not have bent pins.

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2. The computer.
The cable seems good? It remains to check the computer. Most screens do not display.
this message if the computer is perfectly connected but turned off (the most recent ones). It's already
a track. For the current models, this means that the connection is good.

Open the case and first check if the CPU fan is running when powered on.
from the front face that lights up, ... The power supply of a computer is the main source of
breakdown and without a functioning power supply, the computer does not start therefore not
of display.

The second verification comes from potential sound signals when the computer
starts. This requires a small internal speaker that is not always installed. If it is
present and depending on the brand of the computer (actually the BIOS), the following signals allow
to detect a faulty graphics card:

1 beep long, 8 courts

1 beep long, 2 courts

2 beep courts, absence de cartes graphiques ou non détectée: généralement

In the first two cases, it is usually the card that is defective.

third, it is generally poorly inserted into the AGP or PCI-express connector.

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Assemble your PC
The practical exercise reviews the entire procedure in detail and with images.
Motherboard, processor, fan, and RAM memory.
The first part is to take the three main components and assemble them outside.
case.

The first thing is to raise

the socket lever for the processor.
This will allow to insert the
processor without bending the legs of the
processor (AMD) or the pins of
connector (Intel). There is a direction for
insert it (and impossible to put it
correctly in another way). A
Once done, we close the lever to fix it.
the processor.

The next part is to ask the

fan on the processor and
attach it on the sides to the support and
then connect the
power connector to
CPUFAN connector of the motherboard
mother. The thermal paste is
directly stuck on the
fan (it is used to distribute
correctement la chaleur). Pour un
fan replacement
you must submit a fine one
layer on the processor in
removing (scratching) that one
existing on the processor and the
fan before fixing it on the
processor.

Once the processor and the fan are secured, the next part is to insert the memory
comme vu dans les exercices au chapitre 9.

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2. Install the motherboard in the case, power supply.

Often, the rear location of the case features a perforated plate for motherboards.
generics, most often incompatible with your motherboard (a plate is provided with it).
The first thing is to remove this plate to install the new one.

The assembly must be inserted into the case. Mounting brackets are usually provided at the bottom.
the housing (sometimes small plastic spacers are to be used).

Once the motherboard is screwed into the case, the next part is to connect the two.
ATX 24 and 4-pin power connectors12.E.

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3. The graphics card and peripheral cards.

Most current motherboards integrate
a graphics circuit but not all and we can
also to put a more powerful one in the PC.

All these cards fit into their

respective connectors. It is just necessary beforehand
remove the corresponding back plate and fix it
board with a screw on top of the chassis. The board must
being completely stuck on the bus10.1).

4. Mounting and connecting the hard drive and DVD burner

The next part is the installation and connection of the hard drive and the DVD burner. They are
place everything in 3"5 slots, the burner/reader on the upper part of the case
by removing the plastic covers. They are fixed with four screws
(different for hard drives and DVD burners).

Let's start with the SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive.

for all current computers. This requires a connector
SATA power supply as seen in12and an ATA cable
(generally red) for the connection to the motherboard. There is
no configuration needed, just use the card connector
Mother SATA 1 for the main hard drive. The cables
power supply and the one to connect to the motherboard have a
meaning but they do not come back the other way, impossible to
to be mistaken.

For devices using an 80-wire cable, two

connecteurs sont implantés sur le câble et comme vu en 11, le
Master/slave configuration is done through bridging at the back.
(the configuration is recorded on the device). The cards
mothers now only implant a single connector, only two.
devices can therefore be connected. In our case, we
let's connect a burner and a DVD drive on the same one
controller (these devices are found more and more often
in SATA and the connection is identical to the hard drive above.

We start by connecting the cable to the motherboard (easy,

a safety feature prevents it from being connected the other way.
is generally blue.

To connect the ribbon to the DVD burner, a colored stripe is present on the
cable, it must be connected to the power connector.

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All that is left is to connect the power supply.

5. The connectors of the housing.

Final operations to be carried out for assembly, connecting the different wires
coming from the case to the motherboard. The first cable group connects the Power connector
["Used to start the computer","Reset (to restart the computer, optional)","Speaker"]
(the speaker with 4 pins), Power Led (the LED that allows you to see when the computer)
is on, pay attention to the connection signal) and HD Led (the Led that lights up when the disk
during work). For ATX cases and boards, the connector for the "Power Led" is 3,
micro ATX, there are 2 of them.

The following part is the connection of

front USB ports. There too, a keyed connector.
prevents the inversion of the connector. For the
simple connectors with a single row of
brooch, the wireless side (or with two wires)
(blacks) must be mounted on the side where it is missing
a pin on the motherboard connector,
the row does not matter. On some
motherboards, an IEEE Firewire port is also
installed, it's the same principle.

The following section is the connection of the front USB ports. Here too, a notch.
prevents connector reversal. For simple connectors with a single row of
the connector, the side without wires (or with two black wires) must be mounted on the side where one is missing
pin on the motherboard connector, the row does not matter. On some boards
Motherboards also come with an IEEE Firewire port, it works on the same principle.

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14. Installation of the drivers for a computer's peripherals.

What works and what doesn't work?

If your display is all big with strange colors, there is a good chance that the
The specific driver for your graphics card is not installed. This is the most typical case but
also, no connection to the Ethernet network, no sound on the computer, ... And yes, all these
problems come from those cursed drivers or rather from the peripherals that are not
recognized by Windows in the absence of this ... driver.

However, others
devices
necessary for the good
functioning of
the computer may not
not be installed and ...
not work without
what the symptoms
be so blatant
for a user
of the computer. The
the simplest solution
pass by the panel of
configuration, and more
specifically in
system. We have
deja vu this part (in
big) but let's try this
button named
Manager of
device. It's there
that Windows displays
its devices.

We will soon land on the window that interests us. It manages all the peripherals.
that Windows knows, including those for which the driver is not installed.

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I assure you right away, here (under XP), everything is fine. However, if a small triangle
Yellow is present on it, it is not recognized. A small red sign, it is disabled (recognized
or no, but the user has requested Windows not to use it).

2. How to install a driver?

There are several methods that we will examine (almost) in detail:

1. Insert the CD specific to the device and the operating system and follow
the procedure is like for installing software (Next, next, ... are you
Okay? Yes, .... showing that computing is rather simple.
2. On the faulty peripheral, ask it to search for a driver (including in
inserting the CD

3. Download the driver from the Internet and install it from a location
specific to the hard drive.

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4. With Vista or Seven, wait for Windows to find a solution on the Internet.
It doesn't work every time, but when it does, it's even easier: although
sometimes a little long).

15. Troubleshooting your computer, the hardware

Let's start by defining the computer problems between hardware and the
software. A computer that doesn't start at all is a machine failure, a computer
that starts and crashes during the Windows startup, it is most often a problem of
program (but can also come from a faulty RAM stick or even the disk
A computer that starts correctly and crashes during work is a problem.
software, or even spyware.

Clear failures are the easiest to find (not necessarily to fix), the others
are significantly more general and can come from almost anything. If your screen displays a
message d'erreur "No Signal", lisez d'abord la partie carte graphique [Link] are going to start.
by a brief summary of all the material problems that arise to see
some software issues in the suite.

Hardware failures
In the morning, I press the start button on my favorite computer and then, nothing happens.
Pass, not even any lights (LED) lit on the front of the tower. Start (when
even) by checking the connection to the power supply, you never know. It's a hardware failure.
the most common, we will directly open the PC case. First thing, on the cards
current mothers is soldered a LED (usually green) that lights up when the motherboard
is powered. The LED can light up with a faulty power supply. However, if that
The LED is not on, it's the power supply that is faulty.12It's the computer breakdown
the most common and ultimately the cheapest hardware failure to repair.

The case is open, the power indicator on the motherboard is on, I press
On the start button, there, nothing at all. More complex perhaps but that's the most
often also a power supply problem. However, if the power supply fan
(often also that of the processor) starts and then stops directly, it is another malfunction.
First solution, only the power supply fan and not the other one.
processor... Current motherboards have a protection that prevents the PC from starting
(in fact the motherboard) if the processor fan does not start. So it is this one that needs to be
check. However, if both start and stop in the second that follows, it's a
component in short circuit (faulty). The ATX power supply will protect itself by shutting down.

And now, what to do? First, delimit the failure, find the defective component.

The first thing, startup beeps, these are small sounds emitted by the motherboard via
a small built-in speaker that allows you to determine the problem. Unfortunately, the
most branded computers do not integrate it. These beeps will allow for
often determine the problem since the sequences are specific to each failure. A
A brief search on the Internet will give you the meanings of these different beeps.
example:

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a long beep followed by two short beeps is a graphics card error

Long continuous beeps are most often related to RAM memory.

All hardware manipulations must be done with the electrical outlet.

removed. Start by disconnecting all devices from the power supply, there should be none left
disconnect the power cables from the motherboard, then disconnect all the wires coming from the board
mother towards the peripherals: those of hard drives and DVD players/burners but also the
connectors on the front face USB, audio, and Firewire (if present). It also includes
the readers of digital photo cards. Last operation, we remove the cards
additional (apart from the graphics card if it is not integrated). There we (try to
start the PC). With a bit of luck, if it starts, all that’s left is to reconnect them one by one
the cards and peripherals and each time try to find the faulty component. With
bad luck, the problem persists and it is either a motherboard or processor issue.
possibly a RAM memory: often the first one. If your computer uses two
RAM memory sticks, try with one and then the other. Also try changing.
connector. Perhaps the graphics card remains if it is not integrated but well connected.
in an AGP or PCI-E port. Remove it and clean the contacts with a simple dry cloth
eventually with an alcohol-based product - this is called cleaner - or a little
denatured alcohol) and reinsert it fully. Beyond this stage, the machine is purely decommissioned.
In any case, we can no longer find either the old processors or the old motherboards.

But no, your computer starts up and displays the logo of the computer provider or
from the motherboard manufacturer. There too, either the computer will start more or less
correctly, either ... remained with the screen frozen on this beautiful image. If the computer gets stuck
On this screen, it's also a hardware issue. The simplest thing is to take the same one again.
procedure mentioned above.

Some error messages that may also appear later...

Hard drive not detected: faulty hard drive (or not connected).
Boot device error appears when the computer does not have
detected operating system on hard drives and DVD drives. Refer to
the Windows installation part, particularly the BIOS configuration part16.

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16. Windows partitions

1. Types of partitions
Let's start with the types of partitions used. Since Windows 2000, we have been using
partitions prepared (formatted) in NTFS. The files saved on the hard disk
reinclude the content but also additional indications such as read-only,
hidden files, ... The main interest in using NTFS partitions is related to rights of
users on these files. In NTFS, each file or folder is associated with rights
users (none, read-only, or full access (including modification and deletion).

The old Windows 98 systems used FAT32. This type of partition is still
recognized by current Windows but does not allow user access security and does not
does not allow installing Windows with the current versions.

For the user, the type is perfectly transparent.

2. Partition
During the installation of Windows, the program usually offers only one
partition then format and install the operating system. However, during the selection of the
partition, you can create a first partition of size less than the hard drive and then
a second one. The operating system normally installs on the first (not
mandatory but strongly recommended for the use of many programs.)

Older operating systems used the FDISK command to create these

partitions. This DOS command no longer exists in current systems, the creation of a
partition uses administrative tools to create and delete them. Changing
existing partitions (without deleting and then recreating them) can be done with software
download from the Internet called partition magic.

17. Windows installation, the basics

This part has already introduced the subject in broad terms, but we will prepare its various aspects.

installations using CDs or DVDs, whether they are OEM versions (only the installation CD

planned for new PCs) of Windows or with these recovery CDs/DVDs, provided beforehand

with brand computers but currently to do when you buy your machine.

The first thing is to boot the PC from the CD, but how do we do that? Two

solutions:

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the hard drive is brand new and no operating system has ever been installed

on top. There it's automatic.

The hard drive has already received an operating system: the setup needs to be configured to

ask to boot from the CD/DVD first.

Come on, X41-tech takes you on a brief detour in the setup, the program of

configuration of the PC and its peripherals. We will analyze it later (when we are more ...

large in IT maintenance )

To enter the setup of a computer, you need to press a small key at the beginning.

at the startup of the computer. The key is usually displayed at the bottom but it's either one of the

function key <F1> or <F10>, or <DEL> or <Delete> in the vast majority of cases.

This happens at the very beginning of the computer startup, so before Windows starts.

Unfortunately, the BIOS changes between different models of computers. Therefore, it is necessary...

look a little to find a command called BOOT. In older PCs, it is

often included in 'Advanced Bios Standard'. In the new ones, it's actually a menu.

called ... BOOT (sometimes sequence). It remains to move in these menus without the help of the

Mouse, the movement is done using the 4 arrows on your keyboard. The changes

resuming the + and - keys or Page Up and Page Down. The easiest way is to activate the keypad.

digital when you enter the BIOS. When you have selected the CD/DVD in the

Bios like FIRST (first for those who do not speak English), select the command

Save and Exit to save the changes.

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The computer just needs to restart with the installation CD inserted in the drive.

reader ... and press the <space> key when the installer prompts you

(otherwise, it goes to the hard drive).

Study the characteristics of active connection components of

network
The concentrator or hubits main disadvantage
to divide the bandwidth among all connected ports,
be between each position. Thus, if a position sends a
message sur le réseau, il sera renvoyé sur tous les ports du
hub and disseminated to all the positions that will receive it,

The switchallows to 'segment' the traffic on the network by not

reducing not the bandwidth: the bandwidth remains the same
even on each port. Thus a message sent by a station
will be transmitted directly to the port connected to the recipient station
(thanks to a management of the MAC address list of the stations
in the switch); the message will not be sent to everyone
positions.
The only problem: a switch is much more expensive than a hub.

Routers:Hubs and switches only manage transfers between devices in the

same class of IP address in the same subnet.
Each LAN device receives an address
unique of type X.X.X.X, for example [Link].
The values X range from 0 to 255. A router analyzes
the frames to recover the headers (addresses of
destination and departure) and allows the transfer of the
data between networks ofaddress classes
different. It also determines routes (the
routing) to communicate with other routers that
are not directly connected.

Repeaters:The repeater allows to exceed the maximum length of the standard of a

network by amplifying and regenerating the electrical signal. Its main current use
is the transition from one medium to another (for example, from copper connection to fiber)
optical) or interconnect two fiber optic cables by regenerating the signal.

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See also:[Link]

Difference between a HUB and a Switch:

Technician training in computer operation.