CIS/290 Version 3 / 1
University of Phoenix Material
Appendix A - Computer Research Worksheet
Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a computer chip doubles every two years. This means that the power, speed, and application of computers are ever increasing. Along with these changes in performance, software is also improving, constantly pushing a computer’s capabilities to the edge.
As a computer technician, you must constantly stay up-to-date with these changes in technology. This includes understanding the dynamics of hardware and software and how they interact with each other. To stay current, you must include research as a necessary part of your job. With rapid changes going on in the computer industry, a technician needs to build a trusted network of information resources that includes Web sites, periodicals, and industry professionals.
Computer benchmark tests and tools are other resources you can turn to for computer information. In a benchmark test, the performance of a software application is measured when one brand of a hardware component is placed inside a computer. By using the same application and computer for each test, different brands of a component can then be compared with one another, allowing you to choose the best brand for the job at the price you want to pay. Benchmarks are a good way to get you started with your research, and you will be using them throughout this course.
To help you get started, here are some helpful Web sites:
- This is a helpful site to check pricing; however, be sure to look at the condition of the product. It can be listed as new or refurbished.
- and These are benchmark sites to check out product performance.
- This is a popular site for information and product reviews.
- and These are helpful sites for troubleshooting.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many sites available for computer technicians. As you continue gaining experience, you develop your own network of trusted information resources.
Activity One: Information Research
Begin your research by searching the Internet for other Web sites not mentioned previously that offer pricing, technical reviews, and troubleshooting for computers and computer components. Enter these Web sites into the chart below:
Web SitesPrice check site
Price check site
Price check site
Product review site
Product review site
Product review site
Troubleshooting site
Troubleshooting site
Troubleshooting site
Appendix B – Computer Hardware Simulator Worksheet
The Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS) is designed to give you an opportunity to explore and familiarize yourself with external and internal computer hardware parts and components. You will be using the computer featured in this simulator throughout this course to help you with your assignments.
Take some time to explore and examine the different pages in the simulator. Your assignments will require different information featured in the simulator to complete your work. Some of the information will be basic and you will need to search the Internet to complete the necessary information.
Below is a chart where you can fill in the CHS computer’s make and model, part numbers, and other information. Keep this chart handy as a reference throughout the course.
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Computer Hardware Simulator Computer
Component / Brand / Part NumberComputer make and model
Motherboard
Processor
Power supply
Hard drive
Memory
Mass storage
Appendix C - Comparing Computers Worksheet
Computers range in price and options the same way as many other consumer products. Before you can buy a computer, you must consider the type of computer you want or need and the price you are willing to spend on it. Researching a product is a great way to compare many variables and helps you determine exactly which computer to buy.
Activity One: Preassembled Computer Search
For the following activity, think of a computer that you would like to have. Determine how you would use this computer, whether it is for work, school, gaming, or some other use. Visit two online computer manufacturers ( or to name a few), and find a preassembled computer from each company that best matches your dream machine. In the chart below, fill in information for each of the two computers. Then, choose which computer you would buy, and give a brief explanation on why you would pick it over the other.
Preassembled Computer Chart
Component / Computer 1 / Computer 2Make, model, and series
Processor/GHz
Operating system
Display
Optical/CD/DVD drive
Hard drive
Memory
Video/Graphics card
Operating system
Warranty
Other
Price and Web site
Make and Model of computer I would choose: ______
Reasons for choosing this model: ______
Activity Two: Custom-Built Computer Search
Now that you’ve seen what some preassembled computers cost, research what your dream computer would cost if you built it yourself. Visit a computer parts supplier (such as on the Internet and fill in the specifications and prices for the components shown below. Then add up the prices to find the total cost of your custom-built computer.
Custom-Built Computer Chart
Computer Component / Component Information/Specs / Component PriceProcessor/GHz
Motherboard
Fan
Operating system
Display
Power supply
Optical/CD/DVD
Hard drive
Memory
Video/Graphics card
Case/Rack
Other
Total Price:
Appendix D - Motherboard Components Identification Worksheet
The motherboard, the main printed circuit board in a computer, contains the computer’s basic circuitry and components. The motherboard carries the central processing unit and system buses, and it is equipped with sockets that connect to the computer’s memory module, processors, plug-in cards, and peripheral devices.
Activity One: Component Identification
Below you will find the computer motherboard from the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS) with its various components marked A through J. In the chart that follows, identify the component marked by each letter, and then describe each component’s function.
Component / FunctionA
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Activity Two: Written Assignment
Write a technical paper describing the process, in sequence, of replacing a motherboard. The paper should be 1 to 2 pages in length. The paper does not need to be in APA style. You can design the paper to look like a technical document or technical note that would appear in a computer maintenance manual, like the one you’ll be developing for your Learning Team project.
Appendix E - Power Supply Worksheet
When determining the type of power supply unit (PSU) needed to run your computer and all of its components, there are certain factors to keep in mind:
- Maximum Output – This is the number of watts the power supply is capable of delivering. The higher the wattage, the more power available. By determining the amount of wattage you need to run a computer, you could avoid spending more money than necessary on the power supply.
- Efficiency Rating – This determines how much energy your power supply uses to deliver the necessary wattage to run your computer. Most power supplies have an efficiency rating of 70% or higher at full load.
- Cooling – The more wattage there is, the more heat produced. The power supply should have at least one 80 mm fan to cool the system. Power supplies with over 400 watts should have two 80 mm fans or one 120 mm fan to effectively cool the machine.
- Power Connectors – Make sure the power supply comes with enough power connectors to run your computer. Refer to Ch. 4 of your text.
Activity One, Part A: Determining Wattage
Using the chart you created in Week Two’s Comparing Computers Worksheet, determine how much power you would need to run your dream computer. In the chart below, list the make and model of your computer’s components and research online to determine how much wattage is required to run them.
Dream Computer Components and Wattage
Component / Make and Model / Wattage Required*CPU
Motherboard
Video/Graphics card
Memory
Optical/CD/DVD
Hard drive
Other
Total wattage required*
*Wattage calculator Web site:
Activity One, Part B: Power Supply Search
Now that you know the amount of wattage you need to run your dream computer, you can look for a power supply. Search the Internet for two differentpower supplies that would workwith your computer and fill in the chart below. Then make a decision on which power supply you would purchase and explain why.
Dream Computer Power Supply
Power Supply #1 / Power Supply #2Make and Model
Type
Maximum Power
Efficiency
Connectors
Other
Price
Web Site
Justify your decision on a power supply: ______
______
______
______
______
Activity Two: Finding a Power Supply for Computer Hardware Simulator Computer
Refer to the computer used in the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS) and find out approximately how much wattage is required to run it. Then, search online for a power supply that is compatible with the computer and fill in the chart below. Give your reasoning on why you chose the power supply. You only have $50.00 to purchase a power supply not including shipping, so look carefully.
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Power Supply for Computer Hardware Simulator Computer
Recommended Power SupplyMake and model
Type
Maximum power
Efficiency
Connectors
Other
Price
Web site
Justify your choice of power supply:______
______
______
______
Activity Three: Written Assignment
Write a technical paper describing the process, in sequence, of replacing a power supply. The paper should be 1 to 2 pages in length. The paper does not need to be in APA style. You can design the paper to look like a technical document or technical note that would appear in a computer maintenance manual, like the one you’ll be developing for your Learning Team project.
Appendix F - Central Processing Unit Worksheet
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is one of the most important parts of a computer system. It has a huge impact on the overall performance of any computer. If you have the opportunity, it is better to select the CPU before selecting the motherboard. Existing motherboards limit your choice of CPUs, forcing you to fit the CPU to the motherboard.
If the performance of the computer is crucial to the successful completion of a task, then choosing the CPU first is especially important; for example, if you are working on a computer that will be used for high-end graphics, the CPU’s speed needs to be greater than that used in a computer for general business applications.
Research is important in determining the best CPU for your money. This can be done by checking your choices of CPUs against industry benchmarks.
Activity One: CPU Product Search
Your employer has asked you to purchase and install faster CPUs into several of the company’s aging computers; however, you’ve only been given $180.00 per computer to work with. Using the computer featured in the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS) as the one to upgrade, using the CHS motherboard to work with, search the Internet for two different CPUs that are compatible with the computer and enter information for each CPU into the chart below. Then choose which CPU and accompanying fan, if necessary, you would purchase and explain your decision.
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Use the CHS reference chart to record the current components found on the CHS computer.
CHS Reference Chart
CHS Computer / Component Model or SpecificationComputer make and model
Motherboard model number
Current CPU
CPU for Computer Hardware Simulator Computer
CPU #1 / CPU#2CPU brand, series, and model
Speed
Socket
Warranty
Other
CPU price
Web site
Justify your choice of CPU: ______
______
Activity Two: Written Assignment
Write a technical paper describing the process, in sequence, of replacing a CPU. The paper should be 1 to 2 pages in length. The paper does not need to be in APA style. For example, you can design the paper to look like a technical document or technical note that would appear in a computer maintenance manual, like the one you will be developing for your Learning Team project.
Appendix G - Memory Worksheet
Powerful Central Processing Units (CPUs) demand large amounts of data, and they need that data fast. Otherwise, the CPU performance is hindered by the lack of data storage support; therefore, computers have been designed to supply that data through tiering memory and caches, which use the hard drive in combination with RAM to deliver the massive amounts of data to the CPU. The speed of the RAM is crucial to the performance of data delivery, so you want the most RAM at the fastest speed possible so the CPU is not waiting for information.
Activity One: Product Search
Without your knowledge, employees in your office have installed several new software programs on their computers. Everyone is now complaining that their computers are running slow. You have run some performance tests on the computers and have determined the problem is due to insufficient memory.
As with other hardware components, it is important to know the computer’s memory requirements. For this activity, determine what types of memory are compatible with the office computers (they are exactly like the computer featured in the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS). Then, search the Internet for two different types of memory and fill in information for each into the chart below. Make sure you install the maximum amount of memory possible and the fastest memory that the CHS motherboard supports. You want the best performance for these office computers, so memory price is not an issue.
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Use the CHS reference chart to record the current components found on the CHS computer.
CHS Reference Chart
CHS Computer / Component Model or SpecificationComputer model and number
Motherboard model number
Operating system
Current memory
Maximum memory supported
Memory for the Computer Hardware Simulator Computer
Memory Choice #1 / Memory Choice #2Manufacturer/Brand
Series
Model
Type
Speed
GB per module
Number of modules
Other
Price
Web site
Justify your choice of memory: ______
______
______
Activity Two: Written Assignment
Write a technical paper describing the process, in sequence, of adding memory to the motherboard. The paper should be 1 to 2 pages in length. The paper does not need to be in APA style. You can design the paper to look like a technical document or technical note that would appear in a computer maintenance manual, like the one you will be developing for your Learning Team project.
Appendix H - Hard Drive Worksheet
Hard drives are complex storage devices in a computer. When installing a hard drive, there are numerous interface standards to consider. You also must think about factors such as the computer’s application, the type of motherboard, speed and noise, GB barriers, subsystems, future storage needs, and archival issues. Refer to Ch. 8 of the text for a deeper understanding of these issues.
You can measure hard drive performance by looking at three different sources of information. The first is the data rate, which determines the number of bytes per second that the driver can deliver to the processor. The second is the seek time, which is the amount of time it takes when the processor requests information from the driver and the first byte of information is delivered to the processor. The third is the memory capacity of the hard drive.
Activity One: Product Search
For this assignment, you will be replacing the internal hard drive from the computer featured in the Computer Hardware Simulator (CHS). The current internal hard drives are old and are starting to fail. You need to replace the current hard drives with similar drives or drives with more storage capacity. Search the Internet for three different types of hard drives that are compatible with the CHS computer, and enter your information for each drive into the chart below. After comparing the three drives, make a recommendation on which one you would purchase and justify your decision. You only have a budget of $45.00 to work with, so choose carefully.
Computer Hardware Simulator:
Use the CHS reference chart to record the current components found on the CHS computer.
CHS Reference Chart
CHS Computer / Component Model or SpecificationComputer model and number
Motherboard model number
Operating system
Current storage capacity
Cache size
Interface
Transfer rate
Seek time
Dimension
Other
New Hard Drive Chart
Hard drive #1 / Hard drive #2 / Hard Drive #3Manufacturer, model, and series
Storage capacity
Data transfer rate
Rotational speed
Seek time
Cache size
Interface
Dimension
Other
Price
Web site
Justify your choice of hard drive: ______