Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Design Overview
Why would employers want technicians to be able to design computers? If you
needed a car repaired, wouldn’t it be nice to have a person who could design cars
to advise you? They would know the best engines, the most fuel-efficient body
design, what parts might not work well with other parts, and so on. They would
know a lot about all parts of the car. The same is true about those who can design
computers: They know a lot about computer parts and how those parts interact
with one another.
When you first learn about computers, you learn the language, or lingo. You
learn terms such as RAM and processor. Later, when you hear such words, you
form images in your mind. You do more than just recognize the words; you
actually know what different parts look like. You can explain to someone else
what a part does. You continue to grow in a particular area. Designing something
is right up there with troubleshooting something well. It involves knowing what
you are talking about.
Benjamin Bloom chaired a committee that created a classification of learning
objectives that was named Bloom’s Taxonomy. Look at Figure 12.1 to see how
people normally progress through the learning process from the bottom to the
top. Notice that creating is at the top. Of course, employers want people who can
design...those are the folks who know all the things that it takes to be able to
design.
Gaming PCs
Gaming computers are a set of their own. Gamers frequently build their own
systems, but some computer manufacturers do make gaming PCs. A gaming PC
(see Figure 12.3) tends to have the following key components:
*Powerful multi-core processor(s)
*High-end video cards (with maximum video RAM and specialized GPU)
*High-definition sound card and speakers
*High-end system cooling
Large amount of RAM
Large display or dual displays (see Figure 12.3)
Quality mouse
Possible gaming console
Headphones with microphone
Possible 3D glasses (if supported by the video card and monitor)
FIGURE 12.3 Gaming PC
Virtualization Workstations
A virtualization workstation can mean two things: (1) a workstation that has at
least one operating system, in its own virtual machine that is separate from the
host operating system (see Figure 12.5), or (2) a workstation that uses hardware
and software virtualization techniques to provide an end user with a controlled
workstation environment. Each of these situations requires different hardware
and software. In terms of the CompTIA A+ certification, a virtualization
workstation is considered to be the first example (a computer that has more than
one operating system in a virtual environment). The second example is what is
also known as a thin client and it is covered next.
A virtualization workstation would have the following components:
*Maximum CPU cores
*Maximum RAM
Multiple, fast, large-capacity hard drives
Possible SSDs
Possible network-attached storage (NAS) for increased storage space that
can be shared with other devices
FIGURE 12.5 Virtualization workstation concepts
Home Servers
A home server computer is used to store data, function as a web server, print
server, or file server, control media streaming, be accessible from outside the
home, control devices, and manage backups of other computers. Notice in Figure
12.6, how the home server in the top-right corner physically connects to the
wireless router. Servers and networks are discussed in Chapter 14. Typical
components found in a home server include the following:
*Multiple hard drives in a RAID array configuration
*1Gb/s (1000Mb/s) NIC
Medium to large case
Multiple processors or multiple cores in the processor
Lots of RAM
Server applications including media streaming, file sharing, and print
sharing
Possible NAS
Possible KVM switch
FIGURE 12.6 Home server
Industrial Computers
An industrial computer is one used for a specific industry. For example, in a car
repair shop, the standard computers used both inside the showroom and in the
service and repair center might be in an enclosure (see Figure 12.7) or have
keyboard coverings. A kiosk in a mall or school might contain or be controlled
by a computer. A kiosk is commonly used to show maps, provide directions,
locate personnel, or provide information. Here are some things to consider for an
industrial computer:
Meets recommended hardware requirements based on applications
installed
Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments
Optional enclosure for a laptop’s external keyboard and mouse for
unsecure or outdoor environments
Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic, or
industrial environments
Optional privacy display screen
Case with air filters that may be removable for cleaning
FIGURE 12.7 Computer in a car repair shop
Mobile Computers
A mobile computer for someone who travels as part of his job also needs special
design considerations. Considerations for an “on-the-road” computer design
include the following:
Laptop, ultrabook, or tablet
Sufficient RAM
Might need mobile broadband connectivity
Possible SSD (if jarring or dropping due to handling is a concern or if high
speed is needed)
Compatible smartphone
Possible projector
Possible thermal printer for sales-oriented tasks
Possible portable speakers and headphones with noise cancellation
When you are planning to design an entire computer system, looking at what
the user will be doing with the computer is important. Keep in mind that there
are many ways to go green and conserve energy in your computer design. The
company requesting the design may require green specifications. Cases,
motherboards, processors, power supplies, printers, displays, and other
computing devices can be designed with energy conservation in mind. The
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) can help with that.
The EPEAT rating system was designed to work with the EPA in identifying
products that have a green (and clean) design. ENERGY STAR is another
program that has strict energy efficiency standards that a product must meet in
order to be ENERGY STAR compliant. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR
rating today have low total energy requirements, low power modes, and efficient
power supplies.
You can also be conscientious of energy requirements when designing a
subsystem. Many times the request for an upgrade will not be for the entire
computer, but only for a subsystem. In such a case, the best practice is to look at
the subsystem as a unit. The following sections look at the computer subsystems.
Mobility Design
Today’s computing environment has a lot of mobile devices. Mobile devices are
critical to a design solution. Mobile devices will most likely be in addition to
more stationary devices such as workstations, printers, and scanners. Laptops
and ultrabooks frequently have external peripherals, and few internal parts
except for the memory and the SSD can be upgraded. Tablets and smartphones
have few or no internal upgradable components. Table 12.5 compares desktop
and laptop components. Table 12.6 compares different mobile devices. Keep in
mind that these components are constantly being upgraded, and new processors
and memory speeds, for example, may be available in different models.
TABLE 12.5 Desktop and laptop component comparison
TABLE 12.6 Mobile device design
If you can design computer subsystems or an entire computer, you know a lot
about the pieces that go into a computer and how they interact. Practicing with
different scenarios can help, and there are exercises at the end of the chapter to
help you build this skill. You won’t believe how much you will learn by looking
at component specifications. Investigate component specifications when you
shop to increase your knowledge.
Troubleshooting Overview
When a computer does not work properly, technicians must exhibit one essential
trait—the will to succeed. The main objective is to return the computer or
peripheral to service as quickly and economically as possible. When a computer
is down, a business loses revenue and productivity. Therefore, a technician must
have a good attitude and a large amount of perseverance and drive to resolve the
problem at hand quickly, efficiently, and in a professional, helpful manner.
POST Codes
During the firmware phase—whether UEFI or BIOS is used—POST checks out
the hardware in a sequential order, and if it finds an error, the BIOS issues a beep
and/or displays a numeric error code. Make note of any error codes or beeps.
The number or duration of beeps and the numeric error codes that appear are
different for different computers.
Tech Tip: Audio POST code: Check video and RAM first
Have you ever been working on a computer and it gives a POST code and
you don’t want to take the time to look up the code? Audio codes are
frequently related to video and memory. Check connections and reset the
card or module.
Don’t get frustrated at error messages that appear on the screen. Error
messages are good things in that they assist you in troubleshooting. Table 12.10
lists the POST error messages sometimes seen on other computers.
TABLE 12.10 Written BIOS POST error messages
A BIOS can be sold to various computer manufacturers that are then allowed
to create their own error codes and messages. The replacement for a BIOS is
UEFI, which has a great deal of flexibility in the options and design. Always
look in the motherboard/computer manual or on the manufacturer’s website for a
list of exact error messages.
In addition to hearing audio tones or seeing numeric error codes or written
messages, the motherboard might provide additional troubleshooting information
such as the following:
Proprietary crash screen.
In Windows, you might see a blue screen of death (BSOD) with a numeric
code and/or a message. You might also see the system display a message
saying a particular application is not responding. Use Task Manager to
stop the application or give the application more time to complete the task.
Close other open applications. See Chapter 16 for more Windows
troubleshooting.
On an Apple Mac or other operating systems, you might see a colored pin
wheel that appears to turn forever. Use Activity Monitor to check for
processor and RAM performance and free disk space and/or to stop the
problem application. See Chapter 17 for more troubleshooting tips on Mac
and Linux systems.
When a numeric code appears or certain lights illuminate, you have to use the
manual to determine the issue. Some motherboards have a numeric display or
colored indicators that display as part of the POST. The meaning of the visual
clues can be found in the motherboard or computer manual.
Other Diagnostics
Some technicians carry a POST card as part of their tool kit. A POST card is a
PCI/PCIe adapter or USB-attached card that performs hardware diagnostics and
displays the results as a series of codes on an LED display or LED light(s).
These are not as popular today as they once were because many UEFI-based
motherboards include powerful diagnostics (see Table 12.11) that can be
executed from or downloaded from the computer manufacturer’s website.
However, they are useful if the system does not boot and no other symptoms
appear.
TABLE 12.11 UEFI diagnostic types
Some motherboard LEDs are used in conjunction with depressible switches to
test components. Figure 12.12 shows a motherboard LED, and Figure 12.13
shows some common uses of the motherboard LEDs.
Hardware Errors
Hardware errors might also occur. For example, the display might suddenly go
black, the optical drive’s access light might not go on when it attempts to access
the optical disc, or the printer might repeatedly flash an error code. If you
suspect a physical port problem, you can use a loopback plug to test the port. A
loopback plug sends a signal out one or more electrical pins and allows the
signal to come back in on one or more different pins. Loopback plugs are
commonly used with the older ports, such as the parallel and serial ports. Today,
one of the most common uses for a loopback plug is to test a communication
circuit port or an RJ-45 loopback plug to test network port functionality.
Tech Tip: What to do if you smell smoke coming from the computer
Unplug the device if you can. Pull the fire alarm. Call 911. If you see
smoke, get a fire extinguisher and PASS (pull the pin, aim at the base of
the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep slowly side to side).
Hardware errors are usually obvious because of POST error codes or errors
that occur when accessing a particular device. Also, some peripherals, such as
hard drives and printers, include diagnostics as part of the software that is loaded
when the device is installed. These diagnostics are frequently accessed through
the device’s Properties window.
Software Errors
Software errors, on the other hand, occur when a computer user accesses a
particular application or file or when the system boots. Sometimes, the problem
can be resolved with a warm boot. Warm booting causes any changes that have
been made to take effect without putting as much strain on the computer as a
cold boot does. Here are the warm boot (restart) procedures for the different
Windows versions:
Windows Vista or 7: Select the Start button > click on the right arrow
adjacent to the lock button or Shutdown and select Restart.
Windows 8: Move the mouse to the upper-right corner or swipe from the
right edge to access the Charms menu > Settings > Power > Restart.
Windows 10: Select the Start button > Power > Restart.
In all Windows versions, a warm boot can be performed through Task
Manager by holding down the key, the key, and the key
at the same time > Task Manager > Shut Down option > select Restart
from the drop-down menu > OK.
Tech Tip: Motherboard manual or website lists the latest error codes
Manufacturers constantly produce BIOS upgrades, and you can use the
Internet to verify POST errors that occur and the recommended actions to
take.
Files that affect the booting process, such as files in the Startup folder, are
dependent on the operating system. If in doubt as to whether a problem is
hardware- or software-related, use Windows Device Manager to test the
hardware to eliminate that possibility. Every software program has problems
(bugs). Software manufacturers offer a software patch or a service release that
fixes known problems. Patches or service releases are usually available on the
Internet from the software manufacturer. It is important to keep applications and
the operating system patched. A service pack (in Windows Vista/7) usually
contains multiple patches and installs them at the same time rather than in
multiple downloads. Chapters 15, 16, 17, and 18 have more information on
software-related issues
Tech Tip: Return original part if it does not fix the problem
Always re-install the original part if the symptoms do not change. Then,
continue troubleshooting.
Use Ernie’s philosophy with the optical drive problem: Divide the problem in
half and determine whether the problem is hardware- or software-related. To
determine whether the software application is causing the problem, try accessing
the disc from another application. If the second application works, then the
problem is in the first application. If both applications have problems, the
problem is most likely in the disc or in the drive hardware system. The next
easiest thing to eliminate as a suspect is the CD. Try a different disc. If a
different disc works, then the first disc was the problem. If neither disc accepts
data, the problem is the optical drive, cable, or electronics. Swap parts one at a
time until you locate the problem.
If a hardware problem is evident after a POST error or peripheral access/usage
error occurs, consider the problem a subunit of the entire computer. For example,
if a POST error occurs for the optical drive, the subunit is the optical drive
subsystem. The subsystem consists of the drive, the cable, and the controlling
circuits that may be on an adapter or the motherboard.
If a problem is software-related, narrow it to a specific area. For example,
determine whether the problem is related to printing, saving, or retrieving a file.
This may give you a clue about what section of the application is having a
problem or may even lead you back to considering other hardware components
as the cause of the problem.
When multiple things could cause a problem, make a list of possibilities and
eliminate the potential problems one by one. If a display is faulty, swap the
display with another before opening the computer and swapping the video
adapter.
Also, check with the computer user to see whether anything about the
computer has changed recently. For example, ask if anyone installed or removed
something from the computer or if new software was loaded before or has been
loaded since the problem started. If the problem is hardware-related, you can use
the Device Manager and Windows troubleshooting wizards to narrow it down to
a subunit.
If you do not hear any unusual audio beeps or see any POST error codes and
you suspect a software error, reboot the computer. Before Windows starts, press
the 8 key to bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select a menu option,
such as Repair your computer, Safe mode, or Last Known Good Configuration.
In newer computers, it is not always easy to press the 8 key during startup.
Here’s how to do this for Windows 8 and 10. Chapter 16 has more information
on the Advanced Boot Options menu options.
In Windows 8, access Settings > Advanced startup options > locate the
Advanced startup section and select the Restart now button.
In Windows 10, access Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > locate
the Advanced startup section and select the Restart now button.
Swapping a part, checking hardware settings, and referring to documentation
are necessary steps in troubleshooting. Noting error or beep codes is just one
element in the diagnostic routine. Determining what the problem is usually takes
longer than fixing it. Software problems frequently involve reloading software
applications and software drivers or getting software updates and patches from
the appropriate vendor. The Internet is an excellent resource for these files and
vendor recommendations. Hardware problem resolution simply involves
swapping the damaged part. Sometimes, it is necessary to remove or disable
unnecessary components and peripherals. This is especially true with notebook
computers.
If swapping a part or reloading the software does not solve the problem, go
back to logical troubleshooting. Step 2 reminds you to divide the problem into
hardware- and software-related issues. Go back to that step if necessary.
Chapter Summary
A graphic/CAD/CAM computer needs multiple powerful multi-core
processors, maximum RAM, a high-end video card with maximum RAM
and GPU, a large display/multiple displays, a large-capacity hard drive(s),
an SSD, and a good input device(s).
A gaming PC needs a multi-core processor, a large amount of RAM, a
sound card and speakers, additional system cooling, a large display and/or
multiple displays, and good input/output devices.
An audio- or video-editing PC needs multiple powerful multi-core
processors, maximum RAM, a good video card with maximum RAM and
GPU, a sound card, a fast and large-capacity hard drive, dual displays, and
a good input device(s).
A virtualization computer needs multiple powerful multi-core processors,
maximum RAM, multiple fast hard drives, an SSD, and a 1Gb/s NIC.
A standard thick client computer supports desktop applications meets
recommended requirements for selected OS.
A thin client computer supports basic applications meets minimum
requirements for selected OS.
A mobile computer is commonly a laptop with lots of RAM and an SSD, a
mobile tablet, a smartphone, and possible devices such as a projector,
thermal printer, portable speakers, or headphones with noise cancellation.
An HTPC has a small form factor with quiet internal devices, a surround-
sound card, a TV tuner or cable card, and HDMI video output.
A home server PC has a medium to large case, multiple powerful multi-
core processors, lots of RAM, RAID, server applications such as media
streaming, file sharing, print sharing, and a 1Gb/s NIC.
Processors and chipsets are created using a specific nanotechnology.
Common technologies used are 14, 22, 32, and 45nm. The smaller the
number, the less space for the same number of transistors.
When designing a motherboard, the CPU size and motherboard CPU
socket must match.
The power supply, motherboard, and case form factors must match.
Power supplies must have the correct amount of wattage, wattage for a
specific power level, and an appropriate number/type of power cables.
Air filters and enclosures can help in environments where airborne
particles are a concern.
When designing for internal devices, use SATA or M.2 and have the
correct power connector. Ensure that an internal connector is available.
When designing for external connectivity, ensure that a USB, eSATA,
eSATAp, or IEEE 1394 port is available; ensure that enough power is
provided to power the device through the port or use an external power
supply; and ensure that not too many devices share the same cable, which
can affect performance.
For audio, ensure that the correct number and type of input/output ports are
available.
For common usage, the 2.0 two-channel audio subsystem is used. A 2.1
audio subsystem adds a subwoofer as a third output device for lower
frequencies.
Display design should include physical space consideration, type of
display, features that might be integrated into the display such as a
microphone or camera, a video port, and memory, GPU, and additional
power requirements.
Mobile designs include all the same major components as a desktop
system plus 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless capabilities as well as
integrated input devices such as a keyboard and touchpad.
The six steps of troubleshooting are as follows: (1) Identify the problem,
(2) establish a theory, (3) test the theory, (4) establish a plan of action, (5)
verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive
measures, and (6) document findings, actions, and outcomes as well as
provide feedback.
BIOS/UEFI controls the boot process. Knowing the following traditional
BIOS steps can help with the troubleshooting process. The basic steps that
the computer goes through to start up are as follows:
Step 1. A power good signal is sent from the power supply.
Step 2. The CPU looks in BIOS for software.
Step 3. The CPU executes the POST (only audio errors available at this
point).
Step 4. The computer assigns system resources to ports, devices, and
adapters.
Step 5. The computer initializes video—a cursor appears.
Step 6. POST continues checking hardware.
Step 7. The computer looks for an operating system from the BIOS-
specified boot order devices.
Step 8. The computer loads the operating system or halts with an error.
UEFI still checks the hardware. The UEFI boot manager can load drivers
that allow devices such as the mouse and NIC to be used with UEFI
applications. In a Windows environment, the UEFI boot manager turns
control over to a Windows boot manager; then the Windows operating
system loader controls the loading of the operating system kernel.
POST error codes are determined by the BIOS/UEFI vendor and the
company that makes the motherboard.
POST codes can be audible beeps, numeric codes, or words.
The BIOS/UEFI can contain advanced diagnostics.
The motherboard can contain diagnostic LEDs or a display.
A POST card can be used to perform diagnostics.
A loopback plug can be used in conjunction with diagnostics to check
older ports, communication ports, or to test network interface ports.
Re-install parts that do not solve the problem.
Always document a problem as part of the troubleshooting process. Give
users the appropriate documentation. Be professional in your oral and
written communication. Provide feedback to the user.
Key Terms
air filter 634
audio/video editing workstation 628
AV hard drive 630
BSOD 645
DVR 630
ENERGY STAR 632
EPEAT rating system 632
gaming PC 627
graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation 627
home server 630
home theater PC 630
intermittent device failure 647
IOPS 636
loopback plug 646
media player 630
nanometer 632
NAS 629
patch 648
pin wheel 645
POST card 645
service pack 648
service release 648
thin client 629
thick client 630
virtualization workstation 629
warm boot 647
Review Questions
1. _____ executes POST. [ BIOS/UEFI | CMOS | NAS | RAM ]
2. Which technology is most likely to be used in a home theater
configuration?
[ KVM switch | nanometer | DVR | RAID ]
3. List three design recommendations for a home server PC.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. To troubleshoot a variety of possible system startup problems, press the
_____ key during the system startup process to bring up the Advanced
Boot Options menu.
[ F1 | F2 | F8 | F12 ]
5. Which of the following would most likely be a design consideration for
a gaming PC rather than a computer used for virtualization?
a. High amount of RAM
b. NAS
c. Multiple fast, large-capacity hard drives
d. Additional system cooling
6. If a computer beeps once during POST, what does this commonly
mean to a technician?
a. There is not a problem.
b. CPU register test
c. DRAM refresh
d. Video initialization error
7. An adapter or USB device that performs diagnostics and displays a
code or LEDs is known as a _____. [ DIGI card | probe | torx | POST
card ]
8–10. Group the following computer components into three design
subsystems. In other words, group the components that need to be
considered together when designing a subsection of a computer. Each
group must include at least two components. All components are used.
Group 1 components:
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Group 2 components:
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Group 3 components:
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
11. A motherboard advertisement lists UEFI as one of the motherboard
features. What is UEFI?
a. A port
b. A BIOS replacement
c. An internal interface
d. A type of storage device
12. Which three design environments would have the largest display needs?
(Select three.)
[ CAD | industrial | gaming | home theater | virtualization | thick client |
home server ]
13. Which type of computer design would be implemented if a workstation
ran its applications from a remote server?
[ CAD | industrial | home theater | virtualization | thin client | thick client ]
14. When designing, with what computer component would you consider the
nanometer measurement?
[ hard drive | motherboard | display | CPU | power supply | air filter ]
15. Which two components could have an ITX form factor? (Select two.)
[ hard drive | motherboard | display | CPU | power supply | air filter ]
16. Place the six steps of troubleshooting in the order in which they occur.
17. [ T | F ] During the Test the theory troubleshooting phase, you might be
required to escalate the problem to a more experienced technician.
18. A _____ is used to test a communications circuit or RJ-45 port.
[ multimeter | probe | torx | loopback plug ]
19. Which computer design environment would have the most need for a
laptop enclosure?
[ industrial | gaming | home theater | virtualization | mobile | home server ]
20. [ T | F ] When dealing with an irate customer, it is best to listen to the
customer vent.
Exercises
Activities
Internet Discovery
Objective:
To become familiar with researching computer items used in
designing systems or subsystems
Parts:
Internet access
Procedure:
Use the Internet to answer the following questions. Write the
answers and the URL of the site where you found the
information.
1. Locate the Bloom’s Taxonomy chart that has been modified by Andrew
Churches to include verbs for the digital age. Write at least five verbs that
Andrew Churches recommends as being relative to the top level of the
taxonomy—the creating level—and the URL where you found the chart.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Locate minimum requirements for either a student computer or a staff
computer at a particular school. Write the requirements, school name, and
the URL where you found this information.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. What are the recommended video standards for use when playing Kerbal
Space Program on a PC? Write the answer and the URL where you found
this information. Then, find a video card that meets those specifications
that you would want to play this game. Document the video card and the
price.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. What are the minimum processor, RAM, and display resolution
requirements for a client who wants to run AutoCAD 2016 software?
Write the answer and the URL where you found the information.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Find a monitor that supports the minimum display resolution found in
Question 4. List the monitor manufacturer, model number, and URL where
you found the information.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. Locate a website that has a troubleshooting flowchart. Write three things
the flowchart provides that you find helpful or confusing. Write the URL
where the chart was found.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Locate one website that lists at least two BIOS/UEFI error codes. Write
the URL where this information was found.
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Find a website that shows at least three recommendations for dealing with
irate customers. Write three recommendations and the URL where you
found this information.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Soft Skills
Objective:
To become familiar with researching computer items used in
designing systems or subsystems and to learn how to deal with
difficult customers or situations
Activities:
1. Interview or email someone who works in your school to determine the
school’s minimum hardware requirements for its new computers.
Document your findings.
2. In teams of two, find a video that shows how to deal with an irate
customer. Document at least three observations from the video and the
URL.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. In teams of two, three, or four, design a computer for a specific purpose.
State the purpose and provide all the models, descriptions, and costs.
Compete with other teams for the best design.
Objective:
To become familiar with researching computer items used in
designing systems or subsystems
Activities:
1. Refer to Table 12.1, which provides recommendations for hardware
components. Find at least one type of computer configuration for which
you disagree with the special hardware components; if you agree with
them all, then think of one that should be added. List the component and
the reason for your disagreement or addition.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Locate an image that shows Bloom’s Taxonomy map, as modified by
Andrew Churches. Explain why designing (in the creating stage) is a
higher-level skill than the evaluating stage, which includes experimenting,
judging, monitoring, and testing.
3. Do you think most technicians are good at designing? Explain your
opinion.
Labs