Introduction to Personal Computers (1.0)
People prepare for work in the information technology fields by earning certifications, seeking formal education, and gaining experience through internships and jobs. In this chapter, you will learn about all the components that make up a PC, including the case, which houses all the internal components. Computers, computer components, and computer peripherals all contain hazards that can cause severe injury. Therefore, this chapter begins with safety guidelines you should follow to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities while working inside a computer. You will also learn about electrostatic discharge (ESD) and how it can damage computer equipment if it is not discharged properly.
This chapter will introduce you to all the components inside a computer case, starting with the motherboard. You will learn about all the internal components connected to the motherboard, such as the power supply, the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), expansion cards, and storage drives. You will also learn about the connectors, ports, and cables that physically connect devices to the motherboard.
It is important for a technician to learn about computer components and also build hands-on skills. This chapter includes a lab in which you will disassemble a computer so you can become more familiar with all the components and how they are connected.