Issue 17.11
Part 1
I often find that customers don’t know the correct names for many pieces of computer technology. While this is not a serious problem, it can lead to misunderstandings and delays in actually finding or fixing the problem. For example, a client recently called to tell me that their computer wouldn’t turn on. This is usually caused by an internal power supply failure so I took a couple of those items with me to the service call. When I got there, it quickly became obvious that they meant that the monitor (video screen) was not coming on. The computer was working fine, but I had to get them a replacement monitor which took a second service call.
Computer users who don’t know the accurate names for the various pieces of their system should not be embarrassed. There are many parts of your computer that have hard-to-remember names that you don’t really need to know. There are some basics however, and knowing how to speak accurately about them will help you get assistance when you need it and protect you from some technicians that are intentionally confusing or even dishonest.
The sad fact is that many computer technicians or servicemen are taught to speak about computers in technical terms. They feel that doing so makes them look smart and makes the customer feel dumb. That way they aren’t usually asked questions by the customer and can do what they want without interference. Then they hand you the bill, you pay it and they walk away with you thinking they are smart but expensive but not knowing what they really did to your computer.
Here is a list of some common computer parts that you may need to know.
Monitor – This is the display screen. Most of them currently look and perform like flat panel TVs. Older ones look more like the standard old televisions that we grew up with.
Computer – This includes the box (or chassis) and all the components or parts that are mounted inside the box. These include the following.
Power Supply – this is typically a box that supplies power to the other parts in the main box. It is usually a small metal cube with a number of wires protruding from it that lead to each component.
Fans – There are a number of cooling fans in most modern computers to keep the components from overheating and being damaged or destroyed. They are typically mounted in the case, power supply, Main Processor, Video card and many times other places in high speed systems to keep the components working and cool.
Motherboard – this is a large flat rectangular plate mounted to the inside wall of the chassis. It is the way all the various parts of the computer talk to each other, either through cables or directly through wires embedded in the board. Most boards are green or black and have either connectors or slots for a number of items. We will go into these in Part 2.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 30 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com or at 668-7118.