A+ 220-1201 Core 1: Hardware

Domain 3. Focused on identifying, using, and connecting hardware components like motherobards, processors, memory, storage, and exapnsion cards. Compare and contrast display components and attributes. Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes. Compare and contrast RAM Characteristics. Compare and contrast storage devices.

What makes a computer a computer?

Or what are the basic functions of a computer?

A device performing input, processing, storage and output

Where is data typically stored within a computer?

RAM or harddrive

Computer functions are typically performed by what part of the computer?

The central processing unit

There are several categories of computers. 

Workstations, servers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart devices, and IoT Devices. 

Please describe the differences between them

Workstations - desktop PCs with tower cases or all in once designs 

Servers: rack mounted systems hosting services 

Tablets, touchscreen devices running an OS without need for peripherals 

IoT Devices, network-conencted devices like smart regerators or light bulbsD

The essential component types of computers include hardware, software, and firmware.

Describe what software and firmware may consist of

Software would consist of the OS, application softwares, and drivers for hardware communication

Whereas firmware is software embedded in hardware. Firmware controls hardware functions and is updated via flashing. “Software on a chip”

Describe the safety types:

• Personal safety

• Component Safety

• Electrical Safety

• Chemical safety

• Personal safety

  • prevents injuries to technicians

• Component Safety

  • protects computer components from damage

• Electrical safety

  • prevents electrocution and protects equipment from power issues

• Chemical safety

  • Ensures safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) falls under component safety. Please describe it

Damage caused by the transfer of electrons from a statically charged body to an uncharged component 

Use antistatic bags for component storage and use ESD wrist straps and mats to safely discharge static electricity 

The point of troubleshooting is to follow a systematic and repeatable process to allow other technicians to understand the steps taken and continue troubleshooting.

List the six steps of the Comptia Troubleshooting Methdology

1. Identify the problem

   1. Gather information from the user

   2. Perform backups before making changes

   3. Determine environmental/infrastructure changes

   4. Identify user changes

2. Establish a theory of probably cause

   1. research symptoms

   2. question the obvious

3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause

   1. Confirm or disprove the theory by testing

   2. Restablish a theory or escalate the issue if the theory is not confirmed

4. Establish a plan of action to resolve teh problem and implement the solution

   1. Create a plan to address the identified issue 

   2. Follow manufacturer or vendor instructions when applicable

5. Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventative MEasures

   1. Test the system to ensure the issue is resolved

   2. Apply preventative measures to avoid future occurrences 

6. Document Findings, Actions, and outcomes

What’s a motherboard?

The central circuit board connecting all components within a PC

What’s a Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary processing unit for executing instructions

What’s memory?

RAM
- temporary storage for active processes and tasks

Where is data stored for long term?

Within SSDs or HDDs

What is a power supply unit?

It supplies power to all components

What does USB stand for?

What does USB enable?

USB stands for universal serial bus

• USB allows for data transfer and power delivery capabilities while supporting multiple devices via daisy-chaining

What is the predecessor to USB? 

What was it used for? 

Can you describe it? 

The predecessor to USB was serial connection 

These cables transmitted data at a speed of up to 115 Kbps, sending one bit at a time. These connections were limited to one device per port. They are now typically used within legacy applications. 

When it comes to USB versions, the speed of data transfer increases. USB 1 had a cable limit of 3 meters while USB 1.1 and 2.0 increased the max length to 5 meters. USB 3.0 and later versions reduces the limit back to 3 meters.

Why? How does cable length impact performance?

The llimit was reduced in order to maintain high data transfer speed. Longer cables can result in signal deterioriation and reduced speeds.

What is faster in terms of powering a device? 

The USB port on a computer or a dedicated wall charger? Explain why.

Charging a device via a dedicated wall charger would be faster because USB ports have limits on the maximum power output. 

For example, USB 1.0 and 2.0 provide a maximum power output of 500 mA while USB 3.0 offers a mximum of 900 mA. Dedicated powered USB ports (power delivery) can offer up to 1.5A. 

What are some USB Connectivity Considerations?

Bandwidth is shared across all devices connected to a single USB port; more connected devices can reduce the available speed for each one but using a powered USB hub can help maintain performacne by supplying additional power to connecetd devices

What cable is this? What versions use it? How does it work and what devices is it normally found on?

This is USB A cable.

Used in USB 1, 1.1, 2, 3 and above.


It only connects in one direction due to a blocking piece inside the port

Commonly found on desktops and laptops

What cable is this? What versions use it? How does it work and what devices is it normally found on?

USB B

Used for larger devices like printers

USB type B has multiple variations: connector, mini connector, and micro connector

Mini connector is found on early tablets and smartphones

Micro is used for wearables, smart glasses, and small music players

What cable is this? What versions use it? How does it work and what devices is it normally found on?

USB C

Compatible with USB 3 and 4

Reversible design allows insertion in either direction

Commonly used in modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones

True or false

USB 2 and USB 3 Connectors of the same type are not interchangeable 

True 

What are video cables used for?

What are the more common types of video cables?

Cables used to connect devices such as computers, gaming consoles, and media players to display including TVs and monitors

HDMI

Display Port

DVI

VGA

Thunderbolt

USB Type C