PC Hardware

A+ tutorials

This technology-based tutorial is intended to provide the user with the skills necessary for A+ Certification. It is a study of the computer - its hardware and software-from its earliest beginnings, through the advent of the mainframe and personal computers, up to present-day Pentium processor-driven machines.

Introduction to Computer

This tutorial focus on the modern electronic computer, many principles used in the early computational machines still apply to their modern successors.

Understanding Electronic Communication

In this tutorial, we discuss how a computer processes data and communicates (transmits information) with its user. Understanding this process is fundamental to understanding how computers work.

An Overview of Computer

In this tutorial, we begin our study of computer hardware with a general overview of personal-computer design. We go on to define the hardware components that a computer professional can expect to encounter every day?the computer parts that you actually touch.

The Centeral Processing Unit (CPU)

This tutorial presents an overview of the central processing unit (CPU), which functions as the "brain" of the personal computer.

Supplying Power to a Computer

The power supply is an often-underrated part of a computer. Electronic components require a steady electrical current, free of surges or drops. The power supply is the part responsible for providing clean, constant current.

Primary PC Components

In this tutorial, we focus on the computer's infrastructure. We begin with the centerpiece of the computer, the motherboard, also known as the mainboard.

Memory

This tutorial looks at important system component and performance factor: memory. Technicians are often asked to memory conflicts or errors commonly prompt calls for assistance by users.

Basic Disk Drivers

This tutorial is all about drives?disk drives?which come in assorted sizes and shapes.

High Capacity Disk Drives

Continue tutorial for disk drives, moving on to more advanced technologies. This tutorial cover CD-ROM drives, newer and larger hard disk drives, and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) drives.

Expansion Buses

In this tutorial, we describe the array of expansion buses that help to expand the system and that work with an ever-growing number of enhancements, including modems, video cards, and portable drives.

The Display System Monitors and Adapters

This tutorial we will discusses how these devices (monitors) work in unison to provide an acceptable display.

Printers Modems and Cables

Printers are the second most common output devices (after monitors), and modems have moved from the exotic to the essential with the rise of the Internet.

The Basics of Electrical Energy

Because every component of a computer needs power to run (whether plugged into a wall outlet or a battery), a computer professional must understand the basic principles that govern electricity and electrical energy.

Upgrading a Computer

This tutorial provides guidelines for successfully disassembling, upgrading, and reassembling a computer.

MS DOS and Windows 3.x

The term software refers to any program (set of instructions) that directs a computer to carry out a task or function. Software can be divided into two categories: operating systems and applications.

Windows 95 and Beyond

Just as the microprocessor has evolved over time, so have software and operating systems. MS-DOS, as an operating system, and Microsoft Windows, as an operating environment

Managing and Troubleshooting Windows

Another powerful improvement, especially useful to computer technicians, is its ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems.

Connectivity and Portability

In this tutorial, we take a look at how the networks that link up computers on a global scale are put together.

Maintaining Computer Hardware

The best way to repair a failure is to prevent it from happening in the first place. It is a well-known fact of life that failures occur at the most inopportune times.

Staying on Top of Your Profession

In this tutorial, we focus on scholarly and diplomatic skills. This tutorial is about how to stay at the top of your profession and how to work with the most important component of your business: the customer.

Glossary

An alphabetical list of technical terms used in computer field of knowledge.

The computer industry has evolved and grown phenomenally since its commercial inception in the 1960s. This industry is so vast and complex that no one can claim to understand all its aspects. However, to participate in this ever-changing and growing industry, the computer technician must be able to demonstrate a level of proficiency with computers and technology. Certification is a first step in establishing your presence as a computer professional. It provides you with the opportunity to gain the skills you need, it helps you establish your knowledge base, and it gives you the confidence to get started.