Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Hardware RAID
From the section: Implementing Mass Storage. Here, we learn to implement mass storage. Hardware RAID uses a purpose-built RAID controller to configure and maintain RAID arrays. It’s important understand the benefits of hardware RAID and...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : System Setup
From the section: Firmware. In this section, we learn about BIOS, POST and system setup. A small system-setup program built into the motherboard firmware enables techs to configure low-level features and options for the system’s...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : What is the BIOS?
From the section: Firmware. In this section, we learn about BIOS, POST and system setup. Basic Input/Output Services (BIOS) is code (firmware) built into every motherboard to give the CPU basic communication with the hardware attached to...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : The Right PC for the Job
From the section: Building a PC. Here, we select the right PC for the job. Not every Desktop PC does the same job. A tech should understand some of the more common systems and know the hardware requirements for those jobs.
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Optical Media
From the section: Essential Peripherals. In this section, we learn more about optical media, USB standard, configure USB’s for keyboard and mIce. Shiny optical discs are an excellent media for transporting data and are still a very...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : What is a Computer?
From the section: The Visible Computer. In this section, we learn more about primary PC computer, external connections and learn more about computer. Computers are everywhere if you know where to look! What are the parts and the...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : External Connections
From the section: The Visible Computer. In this section, we learn more about primary PC computer, external connections and learn more about computer. In this episode, Mike reviews the major external connections including USB, network,...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Primary PC Components
From the section: The Visible Computer. In this section, we learn more about primary PC computer, external connections and learn more about computer. Mike takes you on a tour of the primary PC components including the computer case,...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Inside the PC
From the section: The Visible Computer. In this section, we learn more about primary PC computer, external connections and learn more about computer. Geeks go into PC cases and this episode is a case in point, if you’ll pardon the pun....
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : SCSI
From the section: Mass Storage Technologies. In this section, we cover topics related to Mass storage. The Small Computer System Interface has been around in one form or another for close to 40 years. Despite its age, SCSI drives still...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Installing a CPU
From the section: CPUs. In this section, we explore features about CPU. Every computer needs a CPU. The installation steps are straightforward but should be handled with care to prevent EMP damage. Additionally, some form of cooling is...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Solid State Drives
From the section: Mass Storage Technologies. In this section, we cover topics related to Mass storage. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are quickly replacing HDDs for mass storage needs on almost all computers. SSDs are faster and more robust...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : What is a CPU?
From the section: CPUs. In this section, we explore features about CPU. The central processing unit is where the computer performs calculations. CPUs support a specific set of instructions. Internally, CPUs have multiple pipelines in...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Boot Order
From the section: Mass Storage Technologies. In this section, we cover topics related to Mass storage. Today’s computers often use multiple mass storage devices. It’s critical that the system boots from the right device. Boot order is...
Crash Course
Instructions & Programs: Crash Course Computer Science
Today we’re going to take our first baby steps from hardware into software! Using that CPU we built last episode we’re going to run some instructions and walk you through how a program operates on the machine level. We'll show you how...
Crash Course
Saturn
Saturn is the crown jewel of the solar system, beautiful and fascinating. It is a gas giant, and has a broad set of rings made of ice particles. Moons create gaps in the rings via their gravity. Saturn has dozens of moons, including...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : RAM Technology
From the section: RAM. Here, we learn about RAM technology. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) comes in a number of versions defined by the doubling of commands they process per clock cycle. It’s important for techs to recognize these...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : POST
From the section: Firmware. In this section, we learn about BIOS, POST and system setup. The Power On Self-Test takes place every time a system starts. POST checks the system and communicates any problems it finds to the user.
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Troubleshooting Firmware
From the section: Firmware. In this section, we learn about BIOS, POST and system setup. A system’s BIOS is robust and rarely causes trouble, but when it does a good tech must be ready to troubleshoot. Understanding a few simple tricks...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Keyboards and Mice
From the section: Essential Peripherals. In this section, we learn more about optical media, USB standard, configure USB’s for keyboard and mIce. Our hands are constantly on our keyboards and mice, yet they are often some of the most...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : USB Standards
From the section: Essential Peripherals. In this section, we learn more about optical media, USB standard, configure USB’s for keyboard and mIce. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is the main peripheral interface these days. Make...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : CPU Speeds and Cores
From the section: CPUs. In this section, we explore features about CPU. Today’s AMD and Intel CPUs use the same set of instructions. A CPU’s clock speed describes (roughly) how fast it processes these instructions. Most clock speeds...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Troubleshooting Power Supplies
From the section: Power Supplies. Here, we check our power supply, mount the power supply and learn how to cool our PC. If the power supply fails, a system simply will not operate. There are simple tricks and tips to diagnose and...
Packt
Introduction to computer hardware and software : Caching
From the section: CPUs. In this section, we explore features about CPU. CPUs are so incredibly fast today that failing to keep a steady supply of code coming into the system creates stalls that stop the CPU. To avoid stalls, all CPUs...