Everyman IT

Info:

• Level: Beginner
• Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
• Length of Class: 60 Minutes

Tracks:

• Computer Repair

Prerequisties:

• None

Purpose of Class:

This class introduces students to the components in a computer. A desktop computer is dissected and the individual parts are shown and their functions are explained. The information presented tries to show how all computing devices share the same components. Whether you have a server, a desktop computer, a laptop or an iPhone this class will explain the hardware that makes it work.

Topics Covered:

• Cases and Form Factors
• Power Supplies
• Optical Drives
• Hard Drives
• RAM
• CPU
• Video Cards
• Motherboard
• BIOS
• Heat Sinks and Computer Cooling

Class Notes:

1. Introduction
   1. The same parts used in a desktop computer are used in a laptop computer, netbook computer, iPhone and probably your next microwave oven
2. Warnings
   1. Unplug computer
   2. Push in power button after computer is unplugged
   3. Touch metal case to discharge static electricity
   4. Never disassemble the power supply
3. Overview
4. The case
   1. Form Factors- The size of the case
   2. ATX
   3. Mini ATX
   4. ITX
5. Power Supply
6. Optical Drives
7. CPU
8. Heat Sinks / Cooling
   1. If the CPU gets too hot the computer starts acting erratically
9. RAM
10. Motherboard
11. Video Cards
12. Hard Drives
    1. IDE – still in many computers, but are now generally obsolete
    2. SATA – faster the IDE hard drives
    3. Solid State – have no moving parts
13. BIOS
    1. Basic Input / Output System
    2. Controls how the hardware functions
    3. Primarily used to change the boot order for devices