Hardware

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Safety: This section explores physical and environmental safety of hardware as well as individual safety.

• Ports and Interfaces: The section describes various ports and interfaces used for video as well as data communication.

• Identifying, Installing, and Upgrading Computer Components: This section explores key computer components, their functions, as well as basic installation tips and upgrading guidelines.

• Hardware and Peripheral Issues: This section details some common troubleshooting tips and issues you might encounter with hardware and peripheral devices.

This chapter covers the basics of computer hardware and topics related to computer hardware. Safety, ports and interfaces, computer components, and common hardware/peripheral issues are all covered in this chapter. While it would take an entire book to cover the breadth of computer hardware, this chapter will help give you an overview as well as prepare you for certification.

The chapter covers information related to the following Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support exam objectives:

• 2.1 Demonstrate how to follow basic safety procedures.

• 2.3 Assist end users in locating, identifying, and understanding the characteristics of various ports and cables.

• 2.4 Identify, install and upgrade various components in a desktop computer.

• 2.5 Investigate commonly encountered hardware issues.

• 3.2 Troubleshoot commonly encountered connectivity issues with peripherals.

“Do I Know This Already?” Quiz

The “Do I Know This Already?” quiz allows you to assess whether you should read this entire chapter thoroughly or jump to the “Exam Preparation Tasks” section. If you are in doubt about your answers to these questions or your own assessment of your knowledge of the topics, read the entire chapter. Table 2-1 lists the major headings in this chapter and their corresponding “Do I Know This Already?” quiz questions. You can find the answers in Appendix A, “Answers to the ‘Do I Know This Already?’ Quizzes.”

Table 2-1 “Do I Know This Already?” Section-to-Question Mapping

1. What is the minimum number of volts of static electricity that can harm computer components?

   1. 30 volts

   2. 100 volts

   3. 3,000 volts

   4. 5,000 volts

2. What is the acronym to help you remember how to use a fire extinguisher?

   1. P.A.S.T.

   2. A.I.M.M.

   3. P.A.S.S.

   4. C.L.E.A.R.

3. What is the study of engineering and designing of products and systems to help people called?

   1. Kinesiology

   2. Applied biomechanics

   3. Physiology

   4. Ergonomics

4. What video port is not considered high definition and carries only an analog port?

   1. VGA

   2. DVI-D

   3. HDMI

   4. DisplayPort

5. What USB form factor is capable of carrying audio, video, and power?

   1. USB-A

   2. USB-B

   3. USB-C

   4. Micro-USB

6. What is the most common connector for an Ethernet cable?

   1. RJ-11

   2. RJ-45

   3. BNC

   4. LC-ST

7. What computer component is known as the brain of the computer?

   1. Processor

   2. Chipset

   3. Motherboard

   4. RAM

8. What storage device doesn’t need external power and data cables?

   1. Hard drive

   2. SSD

   3. Optical drive

   4. M.2

9. What three computer components must be compatible with each other?

   1. CPU, motherboard, storage device

   2. CPU, motherboard, RAM

   3. Motherboard, power supply, chipset

   4. Motherboard, RAM, storage device

10. If a certain piece of software is not installing, what could be a probable cause?

    1. The software is 64-bit and trying to be installed on a 32-bit operating system.

    2. The software is incompatible with the storage device.

    3. The computer has too much RAM for the software to function properly.

    4. The computer is lacking an optical drive.