Assembly and troubleshooting
Plugging each cable into the right place and knowing where to look when something goes wrong saves time, money and nasty surprises. Here you will learn how to assemble a desktop computer and how to diagnose the most frequent problems.
What each cable does
These are the steps to set up a new desktop computer, but they are out of order: (a) connect the monitor to the computer tower, (b) connect the keyboard and mouse, (c)…
These are the steps to set up a new desktop computer, but they are out of order: (a) connect the monitor to the computer tower, (b) connect the keyboard and mouse, (c) plug in the power cables for the monitor and tower, (d) press the power button. Put them in the correct order and explain why it is advisable to plug in the power supply towards the end.
Match each cable with its function in the computer: (a) power cable, (b) HDMI cable, (c) USB cable, (d) network cable. Functions: 1. carries the image from the tower to…
Match each cable with its function in the computer: (a) power cable, (b) HDMI cable, (c) USB cable, (d) network cable. Functions: 1. carries the image from the tower to the monitor; 2. powers the equipment with electricity; 3. connects peripherals such as the keyboard or external storage; 4. connects the computer to the router via cable.
Explain in your own words what a USB port is and name three different things you could connect, one at a time, to the same USB port on the computer.
Explain in your own words what a USB port is and name three different things you could connect, one at a time, to the same USB port on the computer.
Inside or outside the tower
The image shows the interior of a desktop computer with five numbered components. 
Explain in one sentence what task each of the five indicated components performs and describe how they are connected to each other.
State whether each part goes inside or outside the computer tower: motherboard, keyboard, power supply unit, monitor, RAM, and speakers. Explain the criteria you…
State whether each part goes inside or outside the computer tower: motherboard, keyboard, power supply unit, monitor, RAM, and speakers. Explain the criteria you followed.
Diagnosing common faults
The computer turns on (fans can be heard and the tower light turns on), but the screen remains completely black. Propose two possible causes related to the cables or the…
The computer turns on (fans can be heard and the tower light turns on), but the screen remains completely black. Propose two possible causes related to the cables or the monitor and explain how you would test each one without opening the tower.
A computer suddenly turns off shortly after being switched on, and the case is very hot. Which component would you check first? Explain the connection between that…
A computer suddenly turns off shortly after being switched on, and the case is very hot. Which component would you check first? Explain the connection between that component, heat and shutdowns, and describe what you would do to confirm your suspicion.
In the Technology classroom you plug in a desktop computer and press the power button, but it shows no signs of life: no lights, no fans, no sound. Your classmate says:…
In the Technology classroom you plug in a desktop computer and press the power button, but it shows no signs of life: no lights, no fans, no sound. Your classmate says: "The power supply or the motherboard has burned out; let's get screwdrivers and take it apart."
- a) Refute your classmate's proposal by explaining why opening the case immediately is a bad diagnostic strategy and what unnecessary risks it entails.
- b) Design a sequential protocol of four checks ordered from lowest to highest complexity and risk that you must perform before touching a single screw, justifying which possible fault you rule out at each step.