Posts Tagged ‘Computer Components’
Diagnosing Computer Hardware Faults
When your PC goes wrong and you have lost all hope the normal final stage is to reformat your computer and start afresh. This will most likely resolve any software issues, remove viruses or any other nasties and give you a clean start. But what happens if you have already reformatted and the problem still exists?
This means, most likely, you have a hardware fault. This is where problems can start.
Diagnosing a computer hardware fault can be a right pain as any of the computer components could the cause. Unless you are intending to replace the entire machine you need to carefully diagnose with what components the fault lies with.
I would advise you look at the computer into these main areas to analyse.
Memory / RAM
Power Supply
Hard Disk
Motherboard
This isn’t a complete definitive list, obviously depending on your issue ie if your issue is that you don’t get sound then it could be a sound card issue, similarly if you don’t get a display then graphics could be the culprit. If it is a random fault then either of the above could be the cause.
Memory – this is fortunately quite easy to diagnose. Search the Internet for a memory tester. Generally these can be put onto a CD (or Floppy if you are stuck in the past!!), boot up from the CD which then enters the memory test. This will constantly cycle through, testing the memory for errors. It is wise to leave this on for several hours or even better over night. It will advise you if the memory fails.
Power Supply – this can be a strange one. People generally assume that if the power supply does fail then you would get no life from you computer at all. This sometimes is not true. I have had computers that turn off at random times, computers that have the power light on, but do not start up etc and it has turned out to be the supply – I would advise this should be one of the first things to test as can be a problematic area. Testing it can be difficult without the right equipment. Really the only way is to get a volt tester and check the voltage and current coming out.
Hard Disk – this can be one of the worst problems to have as if your hard disk does fail, unless you have been sensible and done regular backups of your most valuable data, you stand to lose it all. Hard disks can go at any time and usually you will hear a harsh sounding clicking noise that is coming from your computer. If this is the case you need to probably replace the hard disk. Get someone who then knows what they are doing here to try and recover your old data for you.
If none of the above solves your problem then you could possibly be looking at the fault being with the motherboard or any other plug in cards or devices you have. Remove everything to leave only the very basics. Take out all sound cards etc and any other PCI devices that are not essential. If you have more than one stick of ram then leave in only one and see if the problem resolves.
Really, solving hardware issues comes down to a case of trial and error here so take the time to test everything out. Bear in mind that even if your keyboard or mouse is faulty, very strange things can happen to a computer, so if you can, try to remove and test every single item.
JBO Solutions supplies the UK with Server Backup drives, Computer Components and accessories such as TFT Monitors.
Author: Olly Fallon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Do You Need the Latest Computer Hardware?
Computer salesmen love to talk you into buying the latest computer hardware. Think before you leap! You do not have to get the latest PC hardware to have a fully functional computer. The average computer user, who only uses his PC for doing homework or surfing the Web, will find all the computing power that he needs in an average computer with a basic configuration.
Back when computers were a commodity, this PC myth held some truth. The computers that first came out were very inefficient and slow compared to the ones that we have now. During the olden days, purchasing and installing the latest computer components gave PCs a noticeable boost on speed and performance.
Nowadays, the difference between the newest PC components and their prior versions is imperceptible unless you perform benchmark tests or frequently run demanding software applications. Professional graphics designers, PC enthusiasts and hardcore PC gamers may indeed need the most recent computer hardware, but for the average user the latest breakthrough technology will not make a difference.
New PC hardware are all the more impractical to get due to their hefty price tags. A new release can cost several hundred dollars more than its previous version. It would be great if we all had the cash to splurge on these enticing products. As everyone knows, however, money is difficult to come by. If your computer runs your applications as fast as you need it to, you do not have to upgrade anything.
The next time you step inside a computer shop, do not let all the sales talk get into your head. Remember that you do not need all the hoots and whistles that come with the latest computer hardware. Stay wise, be practical and base your upgrades on computer components that fit your lifestyle!
Article was written by Jeffrey Frasco. Visit Computer Knowledge For You for information about PC Computer Hardware. Computer Knowledge For You also offers information about computer components, computer hardware tips, and a tutorial about how to build your own computer.
Author: Jeffrey Frasco
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Computer Hardware Recycling – A Challenging Task on the Face of Earth
E waste is one of the most serious issues that has engulfed the whole world. The obsolete computers, if not treated properly can become a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing environmental concerns across the globe. Though many countries boast of technical solutions but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. E waste comprise 2% of America’s total trash and 70 percent of overall toxic waste. In the United States, an estimated 70% of heavy metals in landfills come from discarded electronics.
Recycling is one of the most effective ways to prevent the hazard of e waste. Many material used in the construction of hardware can be recovered and recycled. Reuse of tin, silicon, iron, aluminum, and a variety of plastics – all present in bulk in computers – is possible and can reduce the costs of constructing new systems. Electronic devices like including audio-visual components (televisions, VCRs, stereo equipment), mobile phones and other hand-held devices, and computer components, also contain valuable elements and substances that are suitable for reclamation. Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming and the power it consumes also contribute to a negative effect on the environment.
In this regard, various government as well as non government agencies have taken significant initiatives to curb it. One of the main organisation that takes the responsibility of checking the e waste is CFA, that installs various measures to aware computer hardware manufacturers as well as consumers about the hazards of e-waste. Information on the dangers involved in improper disposal of computer hardware is provided to the computer labs. The supply of quality hardware is also restricted to beneficiaries only. CFA provides comprehensive on-site ICT support to beneficiaries, ensuring the equipment functions for the longest possible time with the greatest positive impact.
To counter this further, Userful desktops are being deployed all around the world with a typical configuration of six stations per computer. Research has shown that Userful products can reduce electronic waste by up to 80 percent, further decreasing its environmental footprint. It was supported by the data that stated that in the past year, Userful desktops have helped to minimise the computer hardware waste by 29,000 tons of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to taking more than 5,000 cars off the road.
The consumers too need to get sensitive about the whole issue when the impact of computer hardware on environment, is in discussion. We should look for eco friendly ways to dispose off the computer waste and follow the recycling programmes all over the country. There are various companies like Sony, Toshiba and Gateway that offer take back programmes that provide monetary incentives for recyclable and/or working technologies. One should go for reuse and up gradation of the present PC unless it is very essential to dispose off. Selling off the old computers to the used product market is another option.
=> Computer hardware manufacturers
=> Green Practices
Author: Pallavi Vyas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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