Module 3: Advanced Computer Hardware

FIRST SECTION

Boot The Computer

hi!

What does POST stand for, and what is its function and when does it happen?

Power-On Self-Test. It checks the main hardware components to ensure they are functioning properly when the computer is powered on.

What happens if a device fails during POST?

The computer may display an error message or emit beep codes indicating the hardware problem.

How can you test if POST is functioning correctly?

Remove all RAM and power on the computer. If POST is working, it should emit a beep code indicating no RAM.

What is the BIOS, where is it stored and what does it do?

Basic Input/Output System. It is a program stored on a ROM chip that manages communication between the operating system and the hardware.

What 5 types of configurations does the BIOS identify and manage?

BIOS manages drive availability and boot order, memory configuration, expansion slot setup, port configuration, and power management features.

What is CMOS, and what is its role in BIOS settings?

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. It stores the BIOS settings, which are read during boot-up to configure hardware.

Why is the CMOS battery important, and what can a failing one cause?

The CMOS battery retains BIOS settings. A failing battery may cause loss of settings or incorrect time and date.

What is UEFI, and how does it differ from BIOS?

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It’s a modern replacement for BIOS with support for 32- and 64-bit systems, secure boot, and graphical interfaces.

What is Secure Boot, and why is it important?

Secure Boot is a UEFI feature that ensures only trusted operating systems can boot, helping to prevent rootkits and unauthorized OS loading.

Why do some manufacturers still label UEFI as “BIOS”?

To maintain familiarity, as UEFI retains similar functions and users recognize the term BIOS.

What does the BIOS/UEFI interface allow users to configure? (5)

It allows configuration of boot order, system clock, drive settings, security features, and hardware management options.

What are the two different types of BIOS/UEFI passwords and what are their functions?

They control access to the BIOS settings. Supervisor passwords grant full access, while user passwords can restrict or limit access.

What are the four common BIOS access levels?

Full Access, Limited Access, View Only, and No Access.

What is drive encryption, and what does it protect?

Drive encryption converts data into unreadable code, protecting it from theft. Without the password, the data cannot be accessed—even in another computer.

What is LoJack, and how does it enhance system security?

LoJack is a theft-recovery feature with BIOS-level persistence and an agent that reports device location and allows remote locking or data deletion.

What does TPM stand for, and what is its function?

Trusted Platform Module. It’s a chip that securely stores encryption keys, certificates, and passwords for hardware-level security.

How does TPM work with Windows/BitLocker?

TPM stores the encryption keys used by BitLocker to encrypt the entire disk, enhancing security.

Why might you need to update BIOS/UEFI firmware?

To improve system stability, compatibility, performance, or to support new hardware.

What is the process of updating BIOS/UEFI called, and what is the risk?

It’s called flashing the BIOS. An incorrect or interrupted update can render the system unusable.

What precaution should you take before updating BIOS?

Record the BIOS manufacturer and motherboard model to ensure you download the correct update file.

Where can you find your current BIOS version?

It is usually displayed on the main screen of the BIOS/UEFI setup interface.

What is the ASUS EZ Update utility used for?

It allows users to update BIOS and drivers from within the OS and choose a boot logo for POST.

What are release notes in firmware updates, and why are they important?

Release notes describe new features, fixes, and compatibility changes, helping users decide whether to update their BIOS.

END SECTION

Next: Electrical Power

What is wattage and how is it expressed in power supply specifications?

Wattage is a measure of electrical power and is typically expressed in watts (W) in power supply specifications.

What equation defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance?

Ohm’s Law defines it as V = IR, where voltage equals current multiplied by resistance.

What formula defines electrical power in a system?

Power is calculated using the formula P = VI, where power equals voltage times current.

What is voltage (V) and how is it measured?

Voltage is the measure of work required to move a charge from one location to another, and it is measured in volts (V).

What does resistance (R) represent in an electrical system and how is it measured?

Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit, which affects how much current can flow. Measured by ohms.

What does current (I) represent and how is it measured?

Current is the movement of electrons through a conductor and is measured in amperes (A).

What is power (P) in electrical terms and how is it measured?

Power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or consumed, measured in watts (W).

What is the voltage selector switch on a power supply used for and 2 input voltages does it allow?

It allows the user to set the input voltage of the power supply to either 110V/115V or 220V/230V, depending on the country.

What is a dual voltage power supply?

A power supply that includes a voltage selector switch to manually adjust for different input voltages.

What risk is associated with setting the voltage selector incorrectly?

Incorrect voltage settings can damage the power supply and other computer components.

Why should you avoid opening a power supply?

Power supplies contain capacitors that can retain electrical charge for extended periods and may cause electric shock.

What is a blackout in terms of power fluctuation and how can they occur?

A blackout is a complete loss of AC power, often caused by blown fuses, damaged transformers, or downed power lines.

What is a brownout and what causes it?

A brownout is a reduced voltage level of AC power lasting for a period of time, often caused by overloaded electrical circuits or drops below 80% of normal voltage.

What is noise and what can cause it?

Interference from generators and lightning. Noise results in poor quality power, which can cause errors in a computer system.

What is a spike in electrical terms and what can cause it?

A spike is a sudden, short increase in voltage that exceeds 100% of normal levels, often caused by lightning strikes or the restoration of power after a blackout.

What is a power surge and how long does it typically last?

A power surge is a dramatic increase in voltage that lasts only a few nanoseconds (billionths of a second).

What is a UPS and what does the acronym stand for?

Uninterruptible Power Supply. It provides a consistent level of power to a device and can safely shut down systems during blackouts or brownouts.

What does a surge protector do and how is its protection rated?

A surge protector diverts excess voltage to the ground and its protection is measured in joules.

What is an SPS and how does it differ from a UPS?

Standby Power Supply. It provides power using a battery when voltage drops but is slower and less reliable than a UPS due to the switchover delay.

END SECTION

Next: Advanced Computer Functionality

What is the primary function of a CPU in a computer system?

It executes programs, which are sequences of stored instructions.

What are the two main types of CPU instruction set architectures, and what do they stand for?

• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer).

Give examples of CPUs that use RISC and CISC architectures. (4)

RISC: ARM, PowerPC; CISC: Intel x86, Motorola 68k.

What is cache memory, and what is its role in CPU performance?

It's a high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce CPU access time.

What technologies do Intel and AMD use to improve CPU efficiency?

Intel: Hyper-Threading; AMD: HyperTransport.

What is the purpose of Hyper-Threading and HyperTransport technologies?

Hyper-Threading allows multiple threads per core; HyperTransport increases data transfer rates.

What units are used to measure CPU speed, and what does a higher number indicate?

MHz and GHz; higher values indicate faster processing speeds.

What is the Front Side Bus (FSB), and what does it affect?

It connects the CPU to Northbridge and affects how much data the CPU can process at once.

What is overclocking, and what is one potential risk?

Running the CPU faster than its rated speed; risk includes overheating or CPU damage.

What is CPU throttling, and why might it be used?

Reducing CPU speed to lower power use or heat output.

What is CPU virtualization, and what does it enable?

A hardware feature that allows one CPU to function as multiple logical processors.

What are common CPU cooling methods, and when are they typically used?

Case fans (standard systems), heat sinks, and water cooling (high-performance systems).

What does RAID stand for, and why is it used?

Redundant Array of Independent Disks; used for performance, redundancy, and fault tolerance.

What are the three key RAID techniques, and what do they do?

Striping (performance), mirroring (redundancy), parity (fault tolerance).

Which RAID level uses striping only and offers no redundancy?

RAID 0.

Which RAID level uses mirroring for redundancy?

RAID 1.

Which RAID levels use parity, and how do they differ?

RAID 5 (single parity, one drive failure), RAID 6 (double parity, two drive failures).

What is a hot-swappable drive, and how is it useful in RAID systems?

A drive that can be replaced without shutting down the system, improving uptime.

What are legacy ports, and which technologies have replaced them?

Older connection types like serial and parallel ports, largely replaced by USB and other modern interfaces.

What is USB, and what does it stand for?

Universal Serial Bus; a standard interface for connecting peripherals.

Compare USB versions by speed: USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2.

• USB 1.0: 1.5–12 Mbps

• USB 2.0: 480 Mbps

• USB 3.0: 5 Gbps

• USB 3.1: 10 Gbps

• USB 3.2 (USB-C): up to 20 Gbps

What is the purpose of a SATA cable, and what does SATA stand for?

Serial ATA; used to connect internal storage devices like hard drives.

What is the maximum length of a SATA cable?

1 meter. (3.3 feet)

What is a PATA (IDE) cable used for, and what is another name for it?

Connecting older hard drives and optical drives; also called Integrated Drive Electronics.

What does SCSI stand for, and what is it used for?

Small Computer System Interface; used to connect multiple devices through a shared bus.

What are coaxial cables, and where are they commonly used?

Cables with shielding for EMI resistance; used in cable internet and TV systems.

What is twisted pair cable, and why is it twisted?

Cable used for Ethernet; wires are twisted to reduce crosstalk and EMI.

What are video ports used for, and name three types.

Connecting monitors; examples: VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort.

What are three common external connectors found on a computer?

USB, DVI, Ethernet.

What characteristics should be considered when choosing a monitor? (5)

Size, clarity, brightness, use case, and resolution.

What types of users might require high-performance monitors?

Gamers, video editors, graphic designers.

What is resolution, and why is it important in a monitor?

The number of pixels displayed; higher resolution means sharper images.

What does LCD stand for, and what is it?

Liquid Crystal Display; a type of flat-panel monitor.

What does LED stand for, and how is it related to LCD?

Light Emitting Diode; used as a backlight for LCD screens.

What is OLED, and how does it differ from LCD?

Organic LED; each pixel emits its own light, allowing for deeper blacks and thinner displays.

What does CPU stand for, and what is its role?

Central Processing Unit; performs instructions and processing tasks.

What does GPU stand for, and how is it different from a CPU?

Graphics Processing Unit; optimized for rendering images and video.

What does EMI stand for, and why is shielding important in cables?

Electromagnetic Interference; shielding prevents data corruption.

What is FSB and how does it affect CPU performance?

Front Side Bus; affects data transfer speed between CPU and Northbridge.

What does RAM stand for, and what is its function?

Random Access Memory; stores temporary data for running programs.

What is the benefit of using parity in RAID configurations?

Provides fault tolerance by storing checksum data to recover lost data.

What does it mean when a system is fault tolerant?

It can continue operating properly even if one or more components fail.

What is the main advantage of striping in RAID?

Improved performance through parallel data access.

Why is hot-swapping valuable in enterprise environments?

It minimizes downtime during maintenance or drive failure.

Why should technicians understand connector types and monitor specs?

To ensure compatibility, performance, and proper system functionality.

END SECTION

Next: Computer Configuration

What are three common reasons to upgrade computer hardware?

Changing user needs, software demands, or better performance from new hardware.

Which components may need to be replaced when upgrading a motherboard?

CPU, RAM, heat sink/fan, power supply, and possibly the case.

What should you always do before removing the old motherboard?

Record or photograph all connections and mounting points.

Why is thermal compound important during a CPU or heatsink replacement?

It ensures proper heat transfer between the CPU and heatsink.

List three requirements for CPU compatibility when upgrading.

Fits existing socket, works with motherboard chipset, and is supported by the power supply.

Where should case fans be installed for optimal airflow?

Front/bottom (intake) and rear/top (exhaust), aligned with airflow direction.

What are common reasons to add or upgrade a storage drive? (5)

More space, speed, backup, dual OS, or fault tolerance.

What are the three main connections for installing a hard drive?

SATA data cable, power cable, and secure mounting in the bay.

What tool in Windows is used to partition and format drives?

Disk Management.