Hardware Help

Understand Your Computer's Hardware, How to Use it, and How to Troubleshoot it When You're Having Problems

Working with computer hardware is easier for many people, be you can actually see and touch the components (unlike software). But since since the hardware must work with the software, it can be tricky.

The more common hardware components you're likely to encounter include:

• Tower (which houses the actual computer)
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse,
• Speakers
• Printer
• Scanner
• Modem (internal or external)
• Motherboard (internal)
• CPU (internal)
• Memory/RAM (internal)
• Network Card (internal)
• CD or DVD-Drive (usually internal)
• Hard Drive (internal)
• Floppy Drive (internal)
• Power Supply (internal)
• Fans (internal)
• Video (or Graphics) Card (internal)

Some computers have more hardware associated with them, but these the ones listed above are pretty common to all computers.

Notice that some of the hardware components are internal (i.e., located inside the case) and others are external (usually sitting on a desk). The external hardware devices are often called peripherals.

Hardware components can be divided up further into categories, like input devices (hardware that lets you input info/commands into the computer), and output devices (like printers).

Every piece of hardware that connects to your computer has a driver associated with it. This driver allows the computer to talk to the hardware device. Some drivers are installed in Windows already - so you don't need to do anything. Others come on a CD when you buy a part.

Many hardware problems can be traced to the driver. Drivers can become corrupted, or out of date, or have compatibility issues/conflicts.

So when you have a problem with one of your pieces of hardware, you'll want to keep this in mind. Sometimes just reinstalling a driver or downloading a new one will software a computer hardware problem.

Troubleshooting Computer Hardware

When your computer isn't working right, the first thing you need to do is determine if the problem is hardware or software. That's because some software problems can look like hardware problems when they're really not.

The most common "apparent hardware problems" include:

• Printer problems (can't print, paper jammed, etc.)
• Computer won't start (blank screen, no lights on tower)
• CD or DVD drive doesn't work (won't open/close, CD stuck inside, etc)
• Scanner doesn't work
• Can't connect to internet
• Keyboard or mouse doesn't work

Most of the problems mentioned above may be caused by hardware or software problems. So the first step is to determine which one it is.

I know some of these steps seem obvious, but when you're troubleshooting a problem, it's easy to overlook the obvious - so they're worth mentioning.

Step 1: Check Power

Make sure all power cords are plugged in. You don't want to make the mistake of assuming. It's best to actually check both ends of the cord or cable to make sure it's properly plugged in where it should be. Sometimes unplugging and replugging in cables/cords will fix a problem

Also, make sure the A/C outlet has power. Some walls have a switch which can turn an outlet on/off.

Check the monitor to make sure it's on. Pushing the power button on the monitor should help you determine this. If there's no power to the monitor at all, then the problem may be a dead monitor and the computer.

Check the lights on other devices (printers, scanners, keyboard, etc.). Even if the device is not working, lights will help you determine if the device has power (which is the first requirement to working).

 Step 2 - Check the Cables and Cords

Check the cords/cables themselves. Some pets (especially puppies) love to chew power cords. Pulling a cord out incorrectly can cause damage too. If you have spare cord around, it's sometimes helpful to try another one.

Step 3 - Write Down Error Messages

Write down all error messages! Often times, when troubleshooting a problem, having the exact error message can save a LOT of time.

Step 4 - Take Note of Changes

Often times, a problem can be tied to a recent change in hardware or software. Even if you haven't made any recent changes (hardware or software) to your computer, check with others in your household (be sure to ask the kids).

 

Specific Problems

Keyboard Problems

Mouse Problems

Related Documents & Web Sites

Diagnosing Software Problems

Dell Support

eMachines Support

Gateway Support

HP Support