Discovering Computers 2011

Chapter 4

DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2011
CHAPTER FOUR: THE COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM UNIT PROBLEM SOLVING TIP SHEET
Use this Tip Sheet as suggested starting points for the Problem Solving exercises.

Problem Solving @ Home
1. Malfunctioning Speakers While working on a homework assignment, you decide to listen to one of your favorite music CDs through your computer speakers. The media player program on your computer automatically starts when you insert the CD. Although it looks like the CD is playing, no sound is coming from your speakers. What might be causing this? What is the first step that you will take to correct this problem? The sound might be muted or the volume turned down; adjust accordingly There may be a problem with your computer recognizing the sound card; check the drivers

2. Optical Disc Drive Stuck While using your computer, you attempt to open the optical disc drive to insert an installation disc for a program you wish to install. The drive, however, does not open when you press the eject button. The drive opened a few minutes prior, when you removed a music CD. What steps will you take to open the drive before calling technical support? Restart the computer. If the problem persists after restarting the computer, shut the computer down and insert the end of a paperclip into the small hole in the optical disc drive (if one exists) to open the drive manually. If necessary, check with technical support or your computer’s documentation before doing this

3. Removing Germs While recovering from an illness, you realize that by using your computer during your illness, you probably left some germs behind on the keyboard and mouse. How will you clean these devices so that your family members will not become sick? Purchase a cleaning product safe for your computer and wipe down your keyboard, mouse, screen, and any other area that might harbor germs

4. Computer Will Not Boot To remedy your computer’s slow performance, you installed additional memory. After the installation, you close your computer case, connect the power and all peripheral devices, and turn on the computer. Although your computer turns on, it beeps in rapid succession, it is not responding, and the operating system does not start. What might be causing this? The memory might have been installed incorrectly / not seated properly You installed an incorrect type of memory, or the memory is bad

5. Numerous Memory Types You have decided to purchase additional memory for your computer in order to better support the latest version of the Windows operating system. At the local computer store, you notice that not only are different types of memory for sale, but different sizes are available. What will you do to ensure that you get the proper memory for your computer? Check your computer’s documentation to learn the correct type of memory to install, how much memory you currently have, and the maximum amount of memory your computer can support Check with a sales associate for professional assistance

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6. Missing Songs During the past several months, you downloaded more than 1,000 songs to your portable media player. Tonight, when you turn on your portable media player, it is not able to locate any of your songs and an error message displays on the screen. What might be causing this? The portable media player might have failed You might have to synchronize your portable media player with your computer

7. Uncommon Memory Card Size Recently, you purchased a smart phone that is capable of storing pictures, music, and videos on a memory card. The memory card, which you purchased separately, works with your smart phone, but you cannot find a slot on your computer’s card reader that will accept the card. Furthermore, you have been unable to find a card reader that can accept this particular type of memory card. Given your predicament, how can you transfer the pictures from your memory card to your computer? Check to see whether your phone can connect to your computer via USB Check for an adapter that will adapt your memory card to a standard size

Answers to Problem Solving - Collaboration exercise will vary. Problem Solving @ Work
1. Update Issue You just installed some Microsoft updates on your computer, which is running the latest version of the Windows operating system. The updates required you to reboot your computer immediately following their installation. When the desktop appears, the sizes of the icons and other elements on your screen have increased. Why might the update have caused this? What could you do to return the screen elements to their original sizes? Windows might have updated the drivers for your video card. Check your display settings and return them to their previous values. If problems persist, you might have to uninstall the update or check with your technical support department

2. Printer Port Problem A colleague received a new printer and has delivered her old printer to your desk for your use. When attempting to plug the printer in a port on the back of your computer, you see that the connector will not fit in any of the available ports. You also notice that even the ports that are in use will not accept the connector. What steps will you take so that you can use the printer? You might need an adapter card to accept the printer cable You may be able to purchase / obtain an adapter that converts the connector at the end of the printer cable into one that a port on your computer can accept

3. USB Device Not Working You purchased a new USB external hard disk so that you can take work home.
After plugging the hard disk in a USB port on your computer, the other USB devices stopped working, and the external hard disk does not work. You return to the store to exchange the hard disk, but the same problem occurs with the new device. Why might this be happening? What steps will you take to resolve this problem? The power supply on your computer might not be able to support the portable hard disk The USB port(s) on your computer might be faulty

4. Noisy Fan After moving to a new office, you turn on your computer for the first time and hear a buzzing sound inside the case. You turn off your computer, the noise winds down, and you wait several minutes before turning the back on. When you turn on your computer again, however, the noise resumes. What could be causing this? You might have disrupted / damaged the hardware inside the computer during the move The inside of the computer needs to be cleaned

5. Slots Unavailable Your computer is running slowly, and technical support informs that they will install additional memory to help boost your computer’s performance. A technician removes your computer, returns

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it one hour later, and informs you that no slots are available to accommodate additional memory. What might the technician be able to do to increase your computer’s memory? Use higher-capacity memory to replace memory in the existing slots

6. Incorrect System Date and Time While using your computer, you notice that the date and time are incorrect. You correct the date and time settings, continue using your computer, and then power it off before leaving work. When you arrive to work the next morning and turn on the computer, the date and time once again are incorrect. What might be causing this, and what is the first step you might take to solve this problem? The internal battery in your computer might be dead; contact technical support for a replacement

7. Dirty Fan While using your computer, you notice that the fan that removes the hot air from the inside of the computer has stopped running. You immediately turn off your computer to prevent it from overheating and notice that the fan is coated with dust. How will you clean the fan? Use compressed air to blow the dust off of the fan and away from the computer

Answers to Problem Solving - Collaboration exercise will vary.

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