15-01-2013, 02:48 PM
The Accidental Techie’s Guide to Keeping Aging PCs Alive
[attachment=46985]
Boot Sequence
What happens after you push the power button?
ROM software loads
Checks parts
Identifies errors (if any)
Loads settings (stored in CMOS)
Starts loading Operating System
Preview
Boot Sequence
Power goes on
Built-in software loads into RAM memory
Checks the PC for broken parts
If all is good, loads settings and the operating system from the hard drive
Performance Parts
What are the critical parts that affect performance?
RAM Memory
Hard Drive
Other
CPU
Backplane
Brief Explanation
Working together
RAM, otherwise known as “memory,” and hard drives are constantly working together to make your computer function
Performance of one can affect performance of the other and vice versa
Upgrading only a hard drive or only memory will not always resolve performance issues
The CPU is not usually a big factor
RAM
What is it?
Stands for Random Access Memory
Active programs must run from RAM
RAM works directly with the CPU
Unlike ROM, RAM can be upgraded
The more RAM you have, the more programs you can run, the “faster” your PC will be
How does it affect performance?
Operating systems load into and out of memory all day long
Applications must reside in memory
Eventually your PC runs out
Files start swapping between RAM and the hard drive
Hard Drive
What is it?
Your PCs master file cabinet
Software, files, operating systems…almost everything is stored on the hard drive
Hard drives are also used as a type of virtual “RAM”
Average sizes range from ~2gb (minimum) to 40gb
Hard drives can’t be upgraded
They can be replaced
Additional drives can be added
Serious contributor to performance issues
Over time, hard drives begin having trouble keeping track of files
Exceptions
What do these upgrades NOT help with?
Internet speed
Streaming media
Graphics-intensive applications (although RAM and HD upgrades help a bit)
Number crunching (that’s the CPU’s job)
Hands On Lab
Remove and replace RAM Memory
Remove and replace hard drives
Discuss options for migrating data from one drive to another
Take parts out
Identify ports
Ask questions
Operating Systems
Examples Include
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
Windows
MAC OS
Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, HP-UX, Sun, etc., etc)
Novell Netware
Windows
Windows 98
Pros
Small “footprint”
Relatively fast on older PCs
Doesn’t need as much hardware to run
Not as vulnerable to viruses
Settings and Maintenance
What features do they have in common that might impact performance?
Foo-foo stuff
Mouse trails
Shadow text
Desktop effects
[attachment=46985]
Boot Sequence
What happens after you push the power button?
ROM software loads
Checks parts
Identifies errors (if any)
Loads settings (stored in CMOS)
Starts loading Operating System
Preview
Boot Sequence
Power goes on
Built-in software loads into RAM memory
Checks the PC for broken parts
If all is good, loads settings and the operating system from the hard drive
Performance Parts
What are the critical parts that affect performance?
RAM Memory
Hard Drive
Other
CPU
Backplane
Brief Explanation
Working together
RAM, otherwise known as “memory,” and hard drives are constantly working together to make your computer function
Performance of one can affect performance of the other and vice versa
Upgrading only a hard drive or only memory will not always resolve performance issues
The CPU is not usually a big factor
RAM
What is it?
Stands for Random Access Memory
Active programs must run from RAM
RAM works directly with the CPU
Unlike ROM, RAM can be upgraded
The more RAM you have, the more programs you can run, the “faster” your PC will be
How does it affect performance?
Operating systems load into and out of memory all day long
Applications must reside in memory
Eventually your PC runs out
Files start swapping between RAM and the hard drive
Hard Drive
What is it?
Your PCs master file cabinet
Software, files, operating systems…almost everything is stored on the hard drive
Hard drives are also used as a type of virtual “RAM”
Average sizes range from ~2gb (minimum) to 40gb
Hard drives can’t be upgraded
They can be replaced
Additional drives can be added
Serious contributor to performance issues
Over time, hard drives begin having trouble keeping track of files
Exceptions
What do these upgrades NOT help with?
Internet speed
Streaming media
Graphics-intensive applications (although RAM and HD upgrades help a bit)
Number crunching (that’s the CPU’s job)
Hands On Lab
Remove and replace RAM Memory
Remove and replace hard drives
Discuss options for migrating data from one drive to another
Take parts out
Identify ports
Ask questions
Operating Systems
Examples Include
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
Windows
MAC OS
Unix (Linux, FreeBSD, HP-UX, Sun, etc., etc)
Novell Netware
Windows
Windows 98
Pros
Small “footprint”
Relatively fast on older PCs
Doesn’t need as much hardware to run
Not as vulnerable to viruses
Settings and Maintenance
What features do they have in common that might impact performance?
Foo-foo stuff
Mouse trails
Shadow text
Desktop effects