Reading Journal 5 - Shadowsarespooky/TechJournal GitHub Wiki

Computer System Design

There different types of workstations that have varying requirements to function. Graphic Design workstations need a powerful RAM system and high-end video cards for software and large, HD displays that can show the work they are doing. Other work stations or setups are Gaming PCs, Audio/Video editing, NAS devices, and thin clients(laptops or normal wok at home pcs). Another type are Virtual Workstations that are computers used on a single hardware pc for multiples uses. Then there are computers that are used to run machines and not have much interaction with people. With all these computers being made and used, it is important to create a design or path for those computers to be recycled or destroyed effectively.

Motherboard and Associated Component Design

The motherboards made by certain companies will not be able to work with components made by different companies. You cannot have an Intel motherboard work with an AMD processor. High end CPUs are powerful but will generate a lot of heat, so it is important to have sufficient cooling. Processors' length is measured in nanometers, so there are some processors made with 14nm technology that have more transistors than larger chipsets with a length of 32nm. When upgrading or replacing the motherboard/chipset it is important to consider the compatibly of the new set with the older components. Thus when buying a new system, having as much RAM as possible initially will help in the long run.

Power Supply and Case Design

Selecting the power supply for a system is based on some factors such as total wattage for specific voltage levels, number of connecters, and power efficiency. An common concern is how many connecters may connect to the same cable, as having one cable while powering several devices can be risky. Therefore using two or more cables is better, however be careful with cables with less than four wires. When upgrading a power supply for a system, there are many factors to consider such as: is there enough cables, wattage for the 12-volt line, quietness, warranty, and others. With the power supply design, the need for cooling take place. Air filters and fans help remove dust from the hardware and help keep it from over heating.

Storage Subsystem Design/Audio Subsystem Design/Display Subsystem Design

When designing for Storage, Audio, and Display subsystems, it is mostly hardware components that need to be put together that fits what the client needs. For example, a person may want to get a pair of desktop speakers for home so that they can watch movies on their pc. However a company with large screen projectors may need large speakers and a system to accurately control those speakers.

Troubleshooting Overview

Encountering a problem with computers could mean there is a minor or major issue with the system. Therefore, technicians must make sure to use the resources that are available to them such as other techs, documentation on the device, and the five senses. Some computers may need an implemented change in order to work properly again, however, it is important to remember that there are corporate policies that may restrict such changes.

Step 1. Identify the Problems.

Do not assume anything. Let the user demonstrate or recreate the problem. Question the user, ask open-ended questions to get an idea of what is wrong and close-ended questions to narrow the problem. Users may use terms they have heard incorrectly, so seeing them have the problem from their POV helps to see what may actually be wrong.

Step 2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause

Next is to use your senses to see what you can find that is wrong. A smell of a burning component can mean something may be over heating! First is to check the Boot Process. The process is what checks to see if there is a good power level and that the hardware components are responding correctly. Then there are the POST and error messages. Those can tell you right away what may be wrong.

Step 3. Test the Theory to Determine the Cause

Once you have a theory and it is confirmed, you can go through the process of fixing the problem. Even if you do not have the solution at hand, the Internet has many places to find one. A strategy to fixing a problem is to divide it in half and keep doing so till it is solved. Check the easy stuff! Sometimes a computer is not working because it's not plugged in.

Step 4-6

Step 4 is to establish a plan of action to fix the problem. Step 5 is to verify that the problem is resolved and the system is working properly. And the last step, Step 6 is to document the problem for future reference if the same system has more problems concerning the same general area.

Based on the chapter, what are the three most important components to think about if you were building a computer for yourself? How about if you were building a computer for another family member? If I was going to build a computer for myself, I would make something a hybrid of a Graphic Design/Game desktop PC, however for casual use. The three components I would need are a good video card, a lot of RAM, and storage. However, for a family member, a simple pc will do. A large storage, average audio system and an average display system.

Think back to the last time you had to troubleshoot a problem with your computer. What steps did you follow? Did you follow a different set of steps than the book recommends, and if so, do you think following the book's steps would have worked out better or worse? My laptop speakers are currently broken :'(. I didn't exactly follow all the steps that the chapter says to. However when I called for help, they all had me do the same diagnostic test and changes that I had tried before contacting customer service. Perhaps the books' series of steps would have worked out better for me in the end but I think I would have reached the same conclusion either way.