1.  Open Control Panel, click Start, type Control Panel in the Search Programs and files box, press Enter.

2.  View down into the links, icons, and options in the Control Panel widow and familiarize yourself with all the icons and options. Explain in your own words the difference between Icons View and Category View:

3.  In Icons View, select the System Applet.

4.  Examine the system window, what is the operating system and system type running on your computer? What is the processor installed and the installed memory (RAM) on your computer?

5.  What is the Windows Experience Index Rating for your computer?

6.  Search the internet to find out exactly what the Windows Experience Index measures and why, explain your findings:

7.  Leave the system window open as your active window. Click Start, and in the Search programs and files box, type Snipping Tool, and press Enter.

8.  In the Snipping Tool dialog box, click the New drop down arrow and click Free-Form Snip from the drop-down list. What are the four types of snips you can take using the Snipping tool?

9.  Drag your cursor around the system window and release it. The Snipping tool window opens showing your snip.

10.  On the menu bar, click File, Save As.

11.  Save the file on your desktop and email your instructor the picture.

12.  What are the eight categories in the Category View in Control Pane:

13.  What are the four file types that can be used to save a snip using the windows snipping tool?

14.  The Windows Experience Index rates a computer’s performance on a scale of what? Based on the rating of the computer you are using, what can you conclude about its performance?

15.  Search the web for information about the price of Windows 7 Professional. How much would it cost to buy your current edition of the Windows 7 operating system as an upgrade from Windows Vista?

16.  Does the outside of the case have any identification on it indicating manufacturer, model, or component information? IF so, list information:

17.  How many CD or DVD drives does your system have?

18.  Describe the shape or type of the connection your mouse uses.

19.  How many USB ports are in the back of your system, or the sides.

Search Activity

1.  Open your browser and go to your favorite search engine, such as google.com

2.  Use the internet to research the main differences between ATX and BTX – list them here.

3.  Explain the main differences (at least 3) between ATX and Mini_ITX (also known as ITX).

4.  Each form factor comes in several sizes. How could you tell whether a system was Regular ATX, microATX, or MiniITX?

5.  Form factors are available in various shapes and sizes, what slimline form factor is similar to ATX?

6.  What advantages does ATX have over microATX.

7.  Describe the ports or connectors on the outside of the computer?

Describe the port or connector / Purpose of the cable or cord
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8.  Using the assorted computer parts your instructor has prepared and displayed, fill in the following chart:

Identify the Part / Describe the component and its use and MFG
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9.  List two categories available in the Control Panel that were not mentioned in the lab:

10.  Based on the Windows Experience Index, what component of your computer would you upgrade first, why?

11.  Determine what CPU your system uses, list the CPU here:

12.  What is the URL where you can download the product guide for an Intel DH67BL motherboard?

13.  Why would a PC repair technician need to know the power consumption of a peripheral component?