Computer Fundamentals and
Troubleshooting
1
Windows Troubleshooting 101


Verify Connections
Reboot
Types of Connectors






DB-9, DB-25: used for serial and parallel port
communications, respectively
RJ-11, RJ-12: standard telephone connectors
RJ-45: network connector
PS/2 (mini-DIN): supports mouse, scanners,
and some keyboards
Centronics: supports printers
USB: supports a variety of peripheral devices
3
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)





High-speed interface that allows up to 62
devices on a chain
Advantages: hot swap, inexpensive
connectors, simple cable design
6 pin or 4 pin cable
400 Mbps data transfer
6
May be referred to as:

IEEE 1394, FireWire, i.LINK
4
4
Universal Serial Bus (USB)




Connects peripherals outside the computer
Supports speeds of 12 Mbps (USB 1.1)
Support speeds of 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
Offers the following advantages:



Hot swap
Ease of adding new devices
Cable is A or B ended
A
B
5
Parallel Printer Cables
6
Troubleshooting Cables






Always check the cable first.
Always check for loose connections.
Check for bent or broken pins.
Do not use force to insert cables
Check for worn or frayed cables.
Ensure that you are using the correct cable.
7
Monitors

Troubleshooting your display
8
Common Display Settings
9
Monitor Maintenance






Properly ventilate the enclosure.
Clean the face of the CRT gently.
Use energy-saving features.
Check the cables, including the power and
display cables.
Check the front panel controls.
Try another display adapter.
10
Basic Requirements of a
Network


A network links computers for communicating
and sharing information and resources.
A network must provide



Connections
Communications
Services
Local Area Networks


Cover a limited distance
Allow sharing of data, peripherals, software,
and storage
Wide Area Networks



Span relatively large areas
Typically consist of two or more LANs
Are connected using telephone or leased lines
Network Operating System


Network operating systems (NOSs) provide
the ability to share file, print, and other
services.
Computers can be servers, clients, or both.
Network Interface Cards (NICs)


Provide the physical connection between the
computer’s expansion bus and the network
cable
Boost the digital signal from the computer
IP Addressing




TCP/IP Address – Uniquely identifies your
computer on the network
Allows communication on the LAN and to the
internet
Your IP Address must be unique – address
conflicts cause loss of connectivity
IPCONFIG

169.254.x.x or 0.0.0.0
16
Address Specifics





IP Address
Subnet Mask
Default Gateway
DNS
WINS
17
DDN/Internet
Building Firewall
File Server
Domain Controller
School Network
Layout