ICAITU005C
Operate computer hardware
Introduction
On completion of this unit, learners should be competent in determining, selecting and correctly operating basic computer hardware.
Learners should have the ability to:
- Use appropriate office peripherals
- Operate and maintain a range of hardware
- Use a keyboard and equipment
Links
| PCWebopedia  | Online dictionary and search engine for computer and Internet technology definitions. |
| PCTechGuide | Great site for detailed information on computer hardware and peripherals. |
| Karbosguide | A complete illustrated guide to PC hardware. |
| The PC Guide | Detailed PC reference site. |
| Howstuffworks | The computer channel has lots of detailed information about how computer systems work. |
How can I connect more equipment to my computer?
Most of the peripheral devices that you can connect to your computer system are connected externally through different ports.
Ports are identified by:
- their shape
- number of pins
- and whether male or female (in the descriptions below, the connectors are as ON the computer system)
Place mouse over images to see what equipment connects to these ports
| Picture | Description |
| 
| Serial port - DB connector
- can be 9 or 25 pin male
- usually two on a computer system labelled COM1 and COM2
- only one device per port
|
| 
| Parallel port - DB connector
- 25 pin female
- usually one on a computer system labelled LPT1
only one device per port, but devices can be daisy chained (only one can be used at a time) |
|
| PS/2 port - 6 pin mini DIN connector
- usually two on a computer system
|
| 
| USB port - typically 2 or 4 ports on PC
hot swappable (devices can be attached while the computer is powered)
can connect up to 127 devices - can supply power to devices
- two varieties of USB
- USB 1.1 - 12 Mbit/sec
- USB 2.0 - 480 Mbit/sec
|
| 
| IEE1394 high performance serial bus (commonly known as Firewire) - typically requires the installation of an internal adapter card for a desktop computer system
- Hht swappable
can connect up to 63 devices - high data transfer rates of 400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b).
|
Exercise 3 - Computer ports
Students should be able to select the most appropriate hardware for the task. To do this students should be able to identify the ports that are used to connect computer peripherals.
Complete the following table.
| Question Number | Question | Answer |
| 1. | Give a brief definition of the term computer port. | A physical connector usually on the back of the computer that allows a cable from a peripheral device such as a printer to connect to the computer system. |
| 2. | Name two devices that might use a USB connection. | - keyboard
- mouse
- modem
- scanner
- printer
- digital cameras
|
| 3. | Your company is looking to purchase a new modem. Would you recommend that they purchase a modem with a serial or USB connection? | You would recommend the USB connection as it is the latest. (Some new computer systems do not even have a serial port.) |
| 4. | What features of the IEE1394 (Firewire) port make it suitable for use with video recorders? | - Hot swappable
- High data transfer rates of 400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b).
|
| 5. | Your desktop computer system has two USB ports, but you have four USB devices - printer, modem, web camera and keyboard. What would you recommend? | As USB devices are hot swappable, you unplug and plug devices as required. A better solution would be to purchase a USB hub to allow all devices to be connected at the same time. |
What equipment can I connect?
There is a wide variety of peripheral devices that can be connected to a computer system. Broadly, they fit into one of the following three categories.
| Input devices | |
| Output devices | |
| Storage devices | |
Exercise 4 - Select appropriate hardware
Students should be able to select the most appropriate hardware for the task.
Suggest the most appropriate peripheral device that will be suitable for the given task.
| Task | Suitable peripheral |
| Connect to the Internet | modem |
| Capture digital images | digital camera |
| Store large amounts of data in a portable format | USB memory stick or large capacity disk drive such as a Zip drive |
| Capture an audio signal |
microphone
|
| Convert an image on paper to a digital image | scanner |
How do I connect equipment to my computer system?
You will find more information about connecting peripherals to your computer system at
ICAITS014C - Connect hardware peripherals
Once you have determined that you require a peripheral device for a computer system, you would need to complete the following tasks:
- Identify the requirements for the peripheral, select the peripheral and make sure that your computer system meets any minimum system requirements.
Compare product features from a range of manufacturers and compare prices from several suppliers.
- Document your purchase recording details such as purchase date, supplier serial number, warranty details and any software received.
- READ THE MANUAL.
- In general, you would connect the peripheral to your computer system using the correct port and the install device drivers and any additional software. Some USB devices require that the software is installed before the device is connected.
- Test your device.
Exercise 5 - Peripheral installation
You have just purchased a new printer.
- Give three possible sources that you could use to find the appropriate device driver.
- The printer is "plug and play". Explain what this means.
Exercise 5 suggested answer:
- Three possible sources are:
- the installation CD that comes with the printer
- the manufacturer's web site (this would ensure that you are using the latest driver)
- your operating system.
- "Plug and play" devices are devices that will work together with the operating system to automatically configure themselves. The BIOS must also support "plug and play"
Operate and maintain a range of hardware
What should I know?
Students should be able to:
- operate a range of hardware equipment to complete routine tasks
- determine required hardware consumables and replace.
Exercise 1 - How do I format a floppy disc?
What consumables does a printer need?
Exercise 2 - Researching printer cartridges
Exercise 3 - What other consumables will I need for my computer system?
What happens when I send a print job to the printer?
Exercise 4 - Printer settings
How do I use a networked printer?
Exercise 5 - Using a networked printer
Exercise 1 - How do I format a floppy disc?
Students should be able to format a floppy disk using different switches or options.
Formatting a disk prepares the disk for reading and writing.
Information on a disk is laid down on tracks, which are divided into sectors. Floppy disks have two sides. Each side has 40 tracks with nine sectors per track.
When you format a disk, the operating system erases all bookkeeping information on the disk, tests the disk to make sure all sectors are reliable, marks bad sectors (that is, those that are scratched), and creates internal address tables that it later uses to locate information.
If you are deleting all files to reuse the floppy disk, formatting the disk is a better option, as a full format will delete all files and also check the disk. New floppy disks are pre-formatted.
For this exercise you will need a blank floppy disk inserted into A: drive.
Part 1 - Using the GUI tools
The following screen shots have been taken on a computer using Microsoft Windows XP as the operating system.
The instructions and screen shots may be slightly different depending on your operating system.
Double click My Computer on your desktop. - Right click the 3 1/2" Floppy (A:).
- Select Format from the drop down menu. The window shown to the right appears.
To get information about any option double click the question mark and drag it to an option.
Use the Help to answer the following questions.
What is the difference between a quick format and a normal format?
What is the purpose of the volume label?
What is the purpose of an MS-DOS start up disk?
Exercise 1 - Suggested answers
Part 1 - Using the GUI tools
What is the difference between a quick format and a normal format?
What is the purpose of the volume label?
What is the purpose of an MS-DOS startup disk?
The MS-DOS startup disk allows the system to boot into an MS-DOS prompt. The disk contains no additional tools.
Part 2 - Using the command prompt
At Start select All Programs and then Accessories. Select Command Prompt.
At the prompt, type format /?. This displays all the switches that can be used with the format command.
What consumables does a printer need?
Consumable items are items that need to be replaced during the operating life of a printer.
Paper
Printers can accept a variety of media, such as paper, labels and transparencies. Common paper sizes are:
- A4 - the most common paper size in Australia for printing documents (210 x 297 mm)
- Letter - the most common paper size in the USA (215 x 297)
- Legal - 215 x 355 mm
It is important to check your printer settings because printer software will often use the letter paper size as a default, rather than A4.
All stocks of printer media should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, particularly with respect to temperature and humidity.
Toner cartridges
Laser printers have a toner cartridge that will need replacing. Typically the printer will issue a warning that the cartridge needs replacing. If faded or light areas appear on a printed page, this is also an indication that the toner needs replacing.
Before replacing the printer cartridge, you can remove the toner cartridge from the printer and shake it gently from side to side to redistribute the toner. Print a test page to see if the printing quality has improved.
Operating the printer on low toner levels is to be avoided as the printer drum can be damaged.
Do not remove the toner cartridge from its package until you are ready to use it. An unopened cartridge has a shelf life of two to three years, but opened, the shelf life is six months.
To replace a toner cartridge refer to the user manual for your particular printer.
In general, the steps are as follows:
Turn off the printer at the power outlet.
Open the printer door and remove the old printer cartridge.
Remove the toner cartridge from the packaging and gently shake.
Most cartridges have a plastic tab that seals the cartridge for storage.
Pull the tab until the tab and tape are removed.
Insert the toner into the printer and close the door.
Print a test page.
What do I do with the used cartridges?
Some manufacturers have cartridge return programs where you can return your empty cartridges for recycling. Alternatively Planet Ark has introduced a program called Cartridges 4 Planet Ark to facilitate the recycling of cartridges.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers have one or more inkjet cartridges that will need to be replaced. Typically you will need to replace the cartridges when the quality of a print is poor. Some printers will also give a visual indication of the levels of ink remaining in the cartridge.
Typically an inkjet printer will have four cartridges: black and three for colour printing.
To replace an inkjet cartridge refer to the user manual for your particular printer.
In general, the steps are as follows:
Leave the printer on.
Open the printer cover and the cartridge moves to the centre.
Remove the existing cartridge.
Remove the protective tape from the new cartridge.
Install the cartridge.
Some printers will then lead you through a series of steps to ensure that the print heads are aligned.
Print a test page.
Exercise 2 - Researching printer cartridges
Students need to be able to determine required hardware consumables and replace them.
Your company uses the following printer:
- Hewlett Packard (HP) monochrome laser printer model HP LASERJET 4050N for general document printing.
You have looked at your User Manual for the printer and have found you need to use the following replacement cartridge:
- HP LASERJET 4050N - Part No. C4127X.
As your company has ten of these printers, you decide to research the cost of the cartridges.
Compare prices of at least two on the following sites for the cost of the cartridge.
Approximately how many pages will this cartridge print?
Paw products
ISWH (Software Warehouse)
Harris Technologies
Exercise 2 - Suggested answers
Your company uses the following printer:
- Hewlett Packard (HP) monochrome laser printer model HP LASERJET 4050N for general document printing.
You have looked at your user manual for the printer and have found you need to use the following replacement cartridge:
- HP LASERJET 4050N - Part No. C4127X.
As your company has ten of these printers, you decide to research the cost of the cartridges.
- Compare prices of at least two on the following sites for the cost of the cartridge.
At the time of writing (May 2004), prices were from about $160.00 to $220.00. - Approximately how many pages will this cartridge print?
10 000 pages.
Exercise 3 - What other consumable items will I need for my computer system?
In the section above you have looked at the consumables required for printers. Other devices will also require consumables.
List four other consumables that you may require for your computer system.
Exercise 3 - Suggested answers
In the section above you have looked at the consumables required for printers. Other devices will also require consumables.
List four other consumables that you may require for your computer system.
| Item no | Component | Consumable required |
| 1 | floppy drive | floppy disks, usually purchased in packs of 10 |
| 2 | CD writer | recordable CDs to suit |
| 3 | back up tape drive | tape back up media to suit |
| 4 | various | Cleaning products are available for general computer system cleaning, monitors, floppy drives and CD drives. |
What happens when I send a print job to the printer?
Step 1 - When the user asks the application to print a document, it sends the document to the operating system so that the application can be released from the printing process as soon as possible.
Step 2 - The operating system places the job in a print queue where print jobs can accumulate. Print jobs are then set to the printer for printing.
This process of queue printing is called spooling.
If your computer system has only one printer installed, it will be the default printer. If there is more than one printer installed, one printer will need to be set as the default printer which is denoted by a white tick in a black circle.
When the user goes to print from an application, the default printer will be the first option.
Exercise 4 - Printer settings
Students should be able to use a variety of printer settings.
Different printers will have different settings that can be changed. You will need to refer to the user manual for your specific printer. The following screen shot was taken using an Epsom Stylus C43 printer.
Questions:
- Describe the difference between portrait and landscape orientation.
- What settings would need to be changed if the user wanted to print photos?
- If you have a printer installed on your computer system, look at the printer properties. (Right click on the printer and then select Properties from the drop down menu.) What are some other properties that can be set for your printer?
Exercise 4 - Suggested answers
- Describe the difference between portrait and landscape orientation.
Portrait is the more usual orientation and will print the page vertically. Landscape will print the page horizontally. - What settings would need to be changed if the user wanted to print photos?
You would need to change the quality type to Photo and change the Paper Options type to the correct type of photo paper. - If you have a printer installed on your computer system, look at the printer properties. (Right click on the printer and then select Properties from the drop down menu.) What are some other properties that can be set for your printer?
There are many properties that can be set. Some include: - port connected to
- spooling options
- whether the printer is shared over the network
How do I use a networked printer?
You will find more information about networks and network printing at ICAITS121A - Administer network peripherals . This is an ELECTIVE module.
Computer peripherals are too expensive for companies to provide to each computer. Most companies will have their computers connected together in a computer network that allows users to share the peripheral devices such as printers and also to share data and files.
| STAND ALONE SYSTEM | NETWORKED SYSTEM |
| 
| 
HUB - hardware device used to connect network cabling and PCs.
Server - A computer that manages network resources.
|
A computer network has many advantages over a stand-alone computer system:
- Peripherals can be shared.
- Files and data can be shared.
- Administration of users and file security can be centralised.
- Back up of important data can be centralised.
A server used to share files is known as a file server.
When computers are networked, it will be the function of one or more people to act as a system administrator. Some functions that a system administrator is responsible for are:
- creating user accounts
- allowing user access to resources such as printers and files
- installing system-wide software.
The system administrator will allocate to each user a username (eg FSmith) and a password. Depending on company policy, usually the user will be prompted the first time that they log in to the network to change their password.
Typically users are organised into groups to simplify the administration of the network. For example, in a school teachers and students would be placed into different groups because they will have different levels of access to the resources.
The system administrator can assign different levels of security to users.
For files, typical settings for file security are given below. The exact level of access will depend on what operating system is being used:
- none
- modify
- read and execute
- view folder contents
- write to the file or folder
- read-only access
What is a printer pool?
For companies with a high volume of printing, setting up a printer pool is a good idea. A printer pool has two or more identical printers with one set of printer software.
When a document is sent to the printer pool, the first available printer receives and prints it. This configuration maximizes print device use while minimizing the time users wait for documents.
Another advantage of a printer pool is that if one printer is malfunctioning, for example it has a paper jam, the user can still print, as the print job will go to the next printer in the pool.
The user sees the printer pool as a single printer.
Exercise 5 - Using a networked printer
In a business environment printers are often networked. Students need to be able to operate a networked printer to complete routine tasks.
Complete the following table.
| Question | Answer |
| 1. | What are two advantages of using a networked printer? |
| 2. | To be able to use a networked printer, users must have access to networked resources. How does a user gain this access? |
| 3. | Apart from printers, what resources are commonly shared on a network? |
| 4. | The printers in a printer pool must be different. True / False? |
| 5. | A company has four printers connected in a printer pool. How does the user see the four printers when they go to print a document? |
Exercise 5 - Suggested answers
- What are two advantages of using a networked printer?
- Allows an expensive resource to be shared between users.
- Allows central administration of the resource.
- To be able to use a networked printer, users must have access to networked resources. How does a user gain this access?
The system administrator will assign:
- Apart from printers, what resources are commonly shared on a network?
- The printers in a printer pool must be different. True / False?
- False:
printers in a printer pool must be the same or use the same printer driver.
- A company has four printers connected in a printer pool. How does the user see the four printers when they go to print a document?
- The user will only see one printer in the print dialog box.
- General purpose site for Information Technology related definitions 
