Lab 1.1.1 PC Hardware

Estimated time: 60 min.

Objectives:

> This lab will focus on your ability to accomplish the following tasks:

> - Connect peripheral components (monitor, keyboard etc.) to the main PC system unit
> - Name the typical PC components
> - Identify major internal PC components and connections
> - Document the configuration of a functioning PC
> - Boot a system to Windows operating system (Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000)

> Use the Control Panel, System icon utility to gather information about the PC configuration.

Background:

> This lab will help you become familiar with the basic peripheral components of a PC computer system and their connections including network attachment. You will also examine the internal PC configuration and identify major components. You will observe the boot process for the Windows operating system and use the Control panel to find out information about the PC. Knowing the components of a PC is valuable when troubleshooting and is important to your success in the networking field. For some of you, this lab will be a review.

Tools / Preparation:

> This is a hands-on lab. Before you begin, the instructor or lab assistant should have a typical desktop Pentium-based PC available with all peripherals such as keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers or head phones, a network interface card (NIC) and network cable. The system unit cover should be removed or tools provided to remove it. You may work individually or in teams. In addition, the instructor needs to identify the location of the A+ or PC hardware training materials for the students. The following resources will be required:

> - PC with Monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cords
> - Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, NT or 2000) installed on PC
> - Sound card and speakers or head phones
> - Network Interface Card and Cat 5 patch cable
> - A+ or PC hardware training materials

Notes:

Step 1 – Examine the computer for internal and external components.

> Task:

Examine the computer and peripheral components both front and back.
Explanation: The components and configuration of the PC you are working with may vary from the sample answers below.

1. What is the manufacturer and model number of this computer?

Manufacturer |
Model Number |

2. Remove the PC system unit cover. List at least 8 major internal components inside the system unit (Use the procedure in step 3 to find the CPU and amount of RAM).

Component Name | Manufacturer / Description / Characteristics

3. What are the major external components of the PC including the peripherals?

Component Name | Manufacturer / Description / Characteristics

Step 2 -

Observe the boot process.

> Task:

> Assemble the PC components and attach all peripherals and boot the PC. Observe the boot process.
> Explanation: The computer should boot to the Windows operating system. If the computer does not boot contact the lab assistant.

> 1. Observe the boot process.

> > a. Did the Windows operating system boot OK?

> > b. Could you see how much memory there was as the system was booting?

Step 3 – General system information.

> Task:

> Click the Start button and select Settings and Control Panel. Click the System Icon and then the General tab.
> Explanation: You are viewing information about the computer using the operating system.

> 1.

> > a. What is the Central Processing Unit?

> > b. How much RAM is installed?