Journal05 - maxinepopov/sys-140 GitHub Wiki

Learning about computers for the first time means learning the language and lingo, such as terms like RAM and processor. Components within subsystems, how the components are needed for complete computer builds depending on situations.

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing systems get used in manufacturing plants to create things. Graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation requires, powerful multi-core processors, maximum system RAM, high-end video cards with maximum video RAM and GPU, large or dual displays, large-capacity disk drives (hard or SSD), digital tablets, scanners, plotters, 3D printers, and a good quality mouse.

A gaming PC usually requires powerful multi-core processors, high end video cards, RAM, GPU, high-definition sound card and speakers, system cooling, large/dual display, quality mouse, console, headset, and perhaps 3D glasses.

Audio/video editing workstation manipulates sounds or videos. They require a lot of hard drive space and RAM. The qualifications it must have been like a gaming PC.

A virtualization workstation either has at least one operating system within its own virtual machine or using hardware and software virtualization. It should contain SSDs and network attached storage.

The thin client workstation includes a desktop or laptop that owns a display, mouse, keyboard, network connection, and the ability to run applications from a server.

Thick client computers are the most common work desktops or laptops. Applications/documents are stored on the local hard drive.

The home theater PC is located near and part of a home theater.

Home server computers are used to store data, function as web servers, print servers, file servers, control media streaming, be accessible from the outside, control devices, and manage backups of different devices.

Industrial computers are just used for a specific industry.

Mobile computers are for someone who travels for their job or on the road computer design.

EPEAT rating system is designed to work with EPA in identifying products that have green design.

Energy star is a program that contains strict energy standards that a product must meet in order to be accepted.

Motherboard, chipset, and CPU are related to each other and designed together. When you choose a processor that includes choosing either intel or AMD. CPU cooling is also a must. Processor technology length is measured in nanometer which is (1 x 10^-9) in length. The type of motherboard/chipset you get will dictate the type of memory supported.

Consider the following when dealing with a motherboard: motherboard form factor, chipset, CPU included or needs to be purchased separately, CPU size, motherboard socket size, nanotechnology used, CPU cooling, RAM, number and type of input/output ports, traditional BIOS or EUFI.

Storage subsystem consists of magnetic or flash technologies for internal, external, flash storage, or optical drives. You must know what the customer needs, how long customer plans on storing data, and how the customer thinks storage subsystem will be in use before the upgrade or replacement, if you’re adding, replacing, or building a storage subsystem.

Once a computer isn’t working properly, the main objective is to return the computer to service as quickly as possible. Technicians should use all available resources. The resources can be documentation for peripherals, motherboards, computers, etc. Troubleshooting steps include, identifying the problem, establishing theories of probable cause, testing the theory, establishing a plan of action to resolve problem, verify system functionality, and document all the findings.

• Questions: 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? The motherboard, CPU, and chipset are the three most important components if I were building a computer for myself. If I were building a computer for another family member it’d be most important to focus on storage subsystems and which one the family member would like to pick, these include magnetic or flash technologies for internal or external hard drives, flash storage (SSDs included), and optical drives.

• 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? Last time I dealt with a computer issue; my thought process was like what the steps were in the book. I tried to identify what happened, think what may have caused the issue, test it out, plan what I should do to possibly solve this issue, verify the system functionality, and document it.