Buetech Blog

Demonstrate proper use of cleaning materials

2011-09-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

Keeping computers clean inside and out is a vital part of a maintenance program. Dirt can cause problems with the physical operation of fans, buttons, and other mechanical components. Figure 1 shows severe dust buildup on computer components. On electrical components, an excessive buildup of dust will act like an insulator and trap the heat. This insulation will impair the ability of heat sinks and cooling fans to keep components cool, causing chips and circuits to overheat and fail.

CAUTION: When compressed air is used to clean inside the computer, the air should be blown around the components with a minimum distance of four inches from the nozzle. The power supply and the fan should be cleaned from the back of the case.

CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the device from the power source.

Computer Cases and Monitors
Clean computer cases and the outside of monitors with a mild cleaning solution on a damp, lint-free cloth. Mix one drop of dishwashing liquid with four ounces of water to create the cleaning solution. If any water drips inside the case, allow enough time for the liquid to dry before powering on the computer.

LCD Screens
Do not use ammoniated glass cleaners or any other solution on an LCD screen, unless the cleaner is specifically designed for the purpose. Harsh chemicals will damage the coating on the screen. There is no glass protecting these screens, so be gentle when cleaning them and do not press firmly on the screen.

CRT Screens
To clean the screens of CRT monitors, dampen a soft, clean, lint-free cloth with distilled water and wipe the screen from top to bottom. Then use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the screen and remove any streaking after you have cleaned the monitor.

Clean dusty components with a can of compressed air. Compressed air does not cause electrostatic buildup on components. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area before blowing the dust out of the computer. A best practice is to wear a dust mask to make sure that you do not breathe in the dust particles.

Blow out the dust using short bursts from the can. Never tip the can or use the compressed air can upside down. Do not allow the fan blades to spin from the force of the compressed air. Hold the fan in place. Fan motors can be ruined from spinning when the motor is not turned on.

Component Contacts
Clean the contacts on components with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol contains impurities that can damage contacts. Make sure that the contacts do not collect any lint from the cloth or cotton swab. Blow any lint off the contacts with compressed air before reinstallation.

Keyboard
Clean a desktop keyboard with compressed air or a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

CAUTION: Never use a standard vacuum cleaner inside a computer case. The plastic parts of the vacuum cleaner can build up static electricity and discharge to the components. Use only a vacuum approved for electronic components.

Mouse
Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the outside of the mouse. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mouse. If cleaning a ball mouse, you can remove the ball and clean it with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Wipe the rollers clean inside the mouse with the same cloth. Do not spray any liquids inside the mouse.

The chart in Figure 2 indicates the computer items that you should clean and the cleaning materials that you should use in each case.

Demonstrate proper use of various hand tools

2011-09-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

A technician needs to be able to properly use each tool in the toolkit. This topic covers many of the various hand tools used when repairing computers.

Screws
Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the head of the screw. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and counterclockwise to loosen the screw, as shown in Figure 1.

Screws can become stripped if you over-tighten them with a screwdriver. A stripped screw, shown in Figure 2, may get stuck in the screw hole, or it may not tighten firmly. Discard stripped screws.

Flat Head Screwdriver
As shown in Figure 3, use a flat head screwdriver when you are working with a slotted screw. Do not use a flat head screwdriver to remove a Phillips head screw. Never use a screwdriver as a pry bar. If you cannot remove a component, check to see if there is a clip or latch that is securing the component in place.

CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to remove or add a component, something is probably wrong. Take a second look to make sure that you have not missed a screw or a locking clip that is holding the component in place. Refer to the device manual or diagram for additional information.

Phillips Head Screwdriver
As shown in Figure 4, use a Phillips head screwdriver with crosshead screws. Do not use this type of screwdriver to puncture anything. This will damage the head of the screwdriver.

Hex Driver
As shown in Figure 5, use a hex driver to loosen and tighten bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. Hex bolts should not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts can be stripped. Do not use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt that you are using.

CAUTION: Some tools are magnetized. When working around electronic devices, be sure that the tools you are using have not been magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful to data stored on magnetic media. Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If the screw is attracted to the tool, do not use the tool.

Part Retriever, Needle-Nose Pliers, or Tweezers
As shown in Figure 6, the part retriever, needle-nose pliers, and tweezers can be used to place and retrieve parts that may be hard to reach with your fingers. Do not scratch or hit any components when using these tools.

CAUTION: Pencils should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of switches or to pry off jumpers. The pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage the computer components.

Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic mat

2011-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

You may not always have the option to work on a computer in a properly equipped workspace. If you can control the environment, try to set up your workspace away from carpeted areas. Carpets can cause the buildup of electrostatic charges. If you cannot avoid the carpeting, ground yourself to the unpainted portion of the case of the computer on which you are working before touching any components.

Antistatic Mat
An antistatic mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static electricity away from a component and transferring it safely from equipment to a grounding point, as shown in Figure 1:

Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case.
Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface on which you can place parts as you remove them from the system.

Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuits or components.

NOTE: Always handle components by the edges.

Workbench
When you are working at a workbench, ground the workbench and the antistatic floor mat. By standing on the mat and wearing the wrist strap, your body has the same charge as the equipment and reduces the probability of ESD.

Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic wrist strap

2011-09-14T17:45:00.002-07:00

As discussed previously, an example of ESD is the small shock that you receive when you walk across a room with carpet and touch a doorknob. Although the small shock is harmless to you, the same electrical charge passing from you to a computer can damage its components. Wearing an antistatic wrist strap can prevent ESD damage to computer components.

The purpose of an antistatic wrist strap is to equalize the electrical charge between you and the equipment. The antistatic wrist strap is a conductor that connects your body to the equipment that you are working on. When static electricity builds up in your body, the connection made by the wrist strap to the equipment, or ground, channels the electricity through the wire that connects the strap.

As shown in Figure 1, the wrist strap has two parts and is easy to wear:

Wrap the strap around your wrist and secure it using the snap or Velcro. The metal on the back of the wrist strap must remain in contact with your skin at all times.
Snap the connector on the end of the wire to the wrist strap, and connect the other end either to the equipment or to the same grounding point that the antistatic mat is connected to. The metal skeleton of the case is a good place to connect the wire. When connecting the wire to equipment that you are working on, choose an unpainted metal surface. A painted surface does not conduct the electricity as well as unpainted metal.

NOTE: Attach the wire on the same side of the equipment as the arm wearing the antistatic wrist strap. This will help to keep the wire out of the way while you are working.

Although wearing a wrist strap will help to prevent ESD, you can further reduce the risks by not wearing clothing made of silk, polyester, or wool. These fabrics are more likely to generate a static charge.

NOTE: Technicians should roll up their sleeves, remove scarfs or ties, and tuck in their shirts to prevent interference from clothing. Ensure that earrings, necklaces, and other loose jewelry are properly secured.

CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are repairing a monitor or a power supply unit.

Implement proper tool use

2011-09-14T17:45:00.001-07:00

Safety in the workplace is everyone's responsibility. You are much less likely to injure yourself or damage components when using the proper tool for the job.

Before cleaning or repairing equipment, check to make sure that your tools are in good condition. Clean, repair, or replace any items that are not functioning adequately.

After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:

Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic wrist strap.
Demonstrate proper use of an antistatic mat.
Demonstrate proper use of various hand tools.
Demonstrate proper use of cleaning materials.

Identify organizational tools and their purpose

2011-09-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

It is important that a technician document all services and repairs. These documents need to be stored centrally and made available to all other technicians. The documentation can then be used as reference material for similar problems that are encountered in the future. Good customer service includes providing the customer with a detailed description of the problem and the solution.

Personal Reference Tools
Personal reference tools include troubleshooting guides, manufacturer manuals, quick reference guides, and repair journals. In addition to an invoice, a technician keeps a journal of upgrades and repairs. The documentation in the journal should include descriptions of the problem, possible solutions that have been attempted, and the steps taken to repair the problem. Be sure to note any configuration changes made to the equipment and any replacement parts used in the repair. This documentation will be valuable when you encounter similar situations in the future.

Notes – Make notes as you go through the investigation and repair process. Refer to these notes to avoid repeating previous steps and to determine what steps to take next.
Journal – Document the upgrades and repairs that you perform. The documentation should include descriptions of the problem, possible solutions that have been tried in order to correct the problem, and the steps taken to repair the problem. Be sure to note any configuration changes made to the equipment and any replacement parts used in the repair. Your journal, along with your notes, can be valuable when you encounter similar situations in the future.
History of repairs – Make a detailed list of problems and repairs, including the date, replacement parts, and customer information. The history allows a technician to determine what work has been performed on a computer in the past.

Internet Reference Tools
The Internet is an excellent source of information about specific hardware problems and possible solutions:

Internet search engines
News groups
Manufacturer FAQs
Online computer manuals
Online forums and chat
Technical websites

Figure 1 shows an example of a technical website.

Miscellaneous Tools
With experience, you will discover many additional items to add to the toolkit. Figure 2 shows how a roll of masking tape can be used to label parts that have been removed from a computer when a parts organizer is not available.

A working computer is also a valuable resource to take with you on computer repairs in the field. A working computer can be used to research information, download tools or drivers, or communicate with other technicians.

Figure 3 shows the types of computer replacement parts to include in a toolkit. Make sure that the parts are in good working order before you use them. Using known good components to replace possible bad ones in computers will help you quickly determine which component may not be working properly.

Identify software tools and their purpose

2011-09-14T08:21:00.002-07:00

A technician must be able to use a range of software tools to help diagnose problems, maintain hardware, and protect the data stored on a computer.

Disk Management Tools
You must be able to identify which software to use in different situations. Disk management tools help detect and correct disk errors, prepare a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted files.

Click each of the buttons in Figure 1 to see screen shots of the following disk management tools:

Fdisk or Disk Management – Creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive
Format – Prepares a hard drive to store information
Scandisk or Chkdsk – Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the file system. These tools may also check the disk surface for physical errors
Defrag – Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and data
Disk Cleanup – Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be safely deleted
Disk Management – Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats partitions
System File Checker (SFC) – Scans the operating system critical files and replaces any files that are corrupted

Use the Windows XP boot disk for troubleshooting and repairing corrupted files. The Windows XP boot disk is designed to repair Windows system files, restore damaged or lost files, and reinstall the operating system. Third-party software tools are available to assist in troubleshooting problems.

Protection Software Tools
Each year, viruses, spyware, and other types of malicious attacks infect millions of computers. These attacks can damage an operating system, application, and data. Computers that have been infected may even have problems with hardware performance or component failure.

To protect data and the integrity of the operating system and hardware, use software designed to guard against attacks and to remove malicious programs.

Various types of software are used to protect hardware and data. Click each of the buttons in Figure 2 to see screen shots of these protection software tools:

Windows XP Security Center – Checks the status of essential security settings. The Security Center continuously checks to make sure that the software firewall and antivirus programs are running. It also ensures that automatic updates are set to download and install automatically.
Antivirus program – Protects against virus attacks.
Spyware remover – Protects against software that sends information about web surfing habits to an attacker. Spyware can be installed without the knowledge or consent of the user.
Firewall program – Runs continuously to protect against unauthorized communications to and from your computer.

Identify hardware tools and their purpose

2011-09-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

A toolkit should contain all of the tools necessary to complete hardware repairs. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available for different types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into these four categories:

ESD tools
Hand tools
Cleaning tools
Diagnostic tools

ESD Tools
There are two ESD tools: the antistatic wrist strap and the antistatic mat. The antistatic wrist strap protects computer equipment when grounded to a computer chassis. The antistatic mat protects computer equipment by preventing static electricity from accumulating on the hardware or on the technician. Click each of the items in Figure 1 for more information on ESD tools.

Hand Tools
Most tools used in the computer assembly process are small hand tools. They are available individually or as part of a computer repair toolkit. Toolkits range widely in size, quality, and price. Click each of the items in Figure 2 for more information on hand tools.

Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or repairing computers. Using these tools ensures that computer components are not damaged during cleaning. Click each of the items in Figure 3 for more information on cleaning tools.

Diagnostic Tools
A digital multimeter and a loopback adapter are used to test hardware. Click each of the items in Figure 4 for more information on diagnostic tools.

Identify tools and software used with personal computer components and their purposes

2011-09-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

For every job there is the right tool. Make sure that you are familiar with the correct use of each tool and that the right tool is used for the current task. Skilled use of tools and software makes the job less difficult and ensures that tasks are performed properly and safely.

Software tools are available that help diagnose problems. Use these tools to determine which computer device is not functioning correctly.

A technician must document all repairs and computer problems. The documentation can then be used as a reference for future problems or for other technicians who may not have encountered the problem before. The documents may be paper-based, but electronic forms are preferred because they can be easily searched for specific problems.

After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:

Identify hardware tools and their purpose.
Identify software tools and their purpose.
Identify organizational tools and their purpose.

Identify safety procedures to protect the environment from contamination

2011-09-14T08:12:00.001-07:00

Computers and peripherals, as shown in Figure 1, contain materials that can be harmful to the environment. Hazardous materials are sometimes called toxic waste. These materials can contain high concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, or mercury. The regulations for the disposal of hazardous materials vary according to state or country. Contact the local recycling or waste removal authorities in your community for information about disposal procedures and services.

Material Safety and Data Sheet
A Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS) is a fact sheet that summarizes information about material identification, including hazardous ingredients that can affect personal health, fire hazards, and first aid requirements. In Figure 2, the MSDS sheet contains chemical reactivity and incompatibility information that includes spill, leak, and disposal procedures. It also includes protective measures for the safe handling and storage of materials.

To determine if a material is classified as hazardous, consult the manufacturer's MSDS. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all hazardous materials must be accompanied by an MSDS when transferred to a new owner. The MSDS information included with products purchased for computer repairs or maintenance can be relevant to computer technicians. OSHA also requires that employees be informed about the materials that they are working with and be provided with material safety information. In the United Kingdom, Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Regulations 2002 (CHIP3) oversees the handling of hazardous materials. CHIP3 requires chemical suppliers to safely package and transport dangerous chemicals and to include a data sheet with the product.

NOTE: The MSDS is valuable in determining how to dispose of any potentially hazardous materials in the safest manner. Always check local regulations concerning acceptable disposal methods before disposing of any electronic equipment.

Which organization governs the use of hazardous chemicals in your country? Are MSDS sheets mandatory?

The MSDS contains valuable information:

The name of the material
The physical properties of the material
Any hazardous ingredients contained in the material
Reactivity data, such as fire and explosion data
Procedures for spills or leaks
Special precautions
Health hazards
Special protection requirements

Computers and other computing devices are eventually discarded because of one of the following reasons:

Parts or components begin to fail more frequently as the device ages.
The computer becomes obsolete for the application for which it was originally intended.
Newer models have improved features.

Before discarding a computer or any of its components, it is crucial to consider safe disposal of each separate component.

Proper Disposal of Batteries
Batteries often contain rare earth metals that can be harmful to the environment. Batteries from portable computer systems may contain lead, cadmium, lithium, alkaline manganese, and mercury. These metals do not decay and will remain in the environment for many years. Mercury is commonly used in the manufacturing of batteries and is extremely toxic and harmful to humans.

Recycling batteries should be a standard practice for a technician. All batteries, including lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and lead-acid are subject to disposal procedures that comply with local environmental regulations.

Proper Disposal of Monitors or CRTs
Handle monitors and CRTs with care. Extremely high voltage can be stored in monitors and CRTs, even after being disconnected from a power source. CRTs contain glass, metal, plastics, lead, barium, and rare earth metals. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CRTs may contain approximately 4 lbs (1.8 kg) of lead. Monitors must be disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.

Proper Disposal of Toner Kits, Cartridges, and Developers
Used printer toner kits and printer cartridges must be disposed of properly or recycled. Some toner cartridge suppliers and manufacturers will take empty cartridges for refilling. There are also companies that specialize in refilling empty cartridges. Kits to refill inkjet printer cartridges are available but are not recommended, because the ink may leak into the printer, causing irreversible damage. This can be especially costly because using refilled inkjet cartridges may also void the inkjet printer warranty.

Proper Disposal of Chemical Solvents and Aerosol Cans
Contact the local sanitation company to learn how and where to dispose of the chemicals and solvents used to clean computers. Never dump chemicals or solvents down a sink or dispose of them in any drain that connects to public sewers.

The cans or bottles that contain solvents and other cleaning supplies must be handled carefully. Make sure that they are identified and treated as special hazardous waste. For example, some aerosol cans may explode when exposed to heat if the contents are not completely used.

Identify safety procedures to protect equipment from damage and data from loss

2011-09-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Electrostatic discharge (ESD), harsh climates, and poor-quality sources of electricity can cause damage to computer equipment. Follow proper handling guidelines, be aware of environmental issues, and use equipment that stabilizes power to prevent equipment damage and data loss.

ESD
Static electricity is the buildup of an electric charge resting on a surface. This buildup may jump to a component and cause damage. This is known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can be destructive to the electronics in a computer system.

At least 3,000 volts of static electricity must build up before a person can feel ESD. For example, static electricity can build up on you as you walk across a carpeted floor. When you touch another person, you both receive a shock. If the discharge causes pain or makes a noise, the charge was probably above 10,000 volts. By comparison, less than 30 volts of static electricity can damage a computer component.

ESD Protection Recommendations
ESD can cause permanent damage to electrical components. Follow these recommendations to help prevent ESD damage:

Keep all components in antistatic bags until you are ready to install them.
Use grounded mats on workbenches.
Use grounded floor mats in work areas.
Use antistatic wrist straps when working on computers.

EMI
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is the intrusion of outside electromagnetic signals in a transmission media, such as copper cabling. In a network environment, EMI distorts the signals so that the receiving devices have difficulty interpreting them.

EMI does not always come from expected sources such as cellular phones. Other types of electric equipment can emit a silent, invisible electromagnetic field that can extend for more than a mile.

As shown in Figure 1, there are many sources of EMI:

Any source designed to generate electromagnetic energy
Man-made sources like power lines or motors
Natural events such as electrical storms or solar and interstellar radiations

Wireless networks are affected by Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). RFI is the interference caused by radio transmitters and other devices transmitting in the same frequency. For example, a cordless telephone can cause problems with a wireless network when both devices use the same frequency. Microwaves can also cause interference when positioned in close proximity to wireless networking devices.

Climate
Climate affects computer equipment in a variety of ways:

If the environment temperature is too high, equipment can overheat.
If the humidity level is too low, the chance of ESD increases.
If the humidity level is too high, equipment can suffer from moisture damage.

Figure 2 shows how environmental conditions increase or decrease the risk of ESD.

Power Fluctuation Types
Voltage is the force that moves electrons through a circuit. The movement of electrons is called current. Computer circuits need voltage and current to operate electronic components. When the voltage in a computer is not accurate or steady, computer components may not operate correctly. Unsteady voltages are called power fluctuations.

The following types of AC power fluctuations can cause data loss or hardware failure:

Blackout – Complete loss of AC power. A blown fuse, damaged transformer, or downed power line can cause a blackout.
Brownout – Reduced voltage level of AC power that lasts for a period of time. Brownouts occur when the power line voltage drops below 80% of the normal voltage level. Overloading electrical circuits can cause a brownout.
Noise – Interference from generators and lightning. Noise results in unclean power, which can cause errors in a computer system.
Spike – Sudden increase in voltage that lasts for a very short period and exceeds 100% of the normal voltage on a line. Spikes can be caused by lightning strikes, but can also occur when the electrical system comes back on after a blackout.
Power surge – Dramatic increase in voltage above the normal flow of electrical current. A power surge lasts for a few nanoseconds, or one-billionth of a second.

Power Protection Devices
To help shield against power fluctuation issues, use protection devices to protect the data and computer equipment:

Surge suppressor – Helps protect against damage from surges and spikes. A surge suppressor diverts extra electrical voltage on the line to the ground.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – Helps protect against potential electrical power problems by supplying electrical power to a computer or other device. The battery is constantly recharging while the UPS is in use. The UPS is able to supply a consistent quality of power when brownouts and blackouts occur. Many UPS devices are able to communicate directly with the operating system on a computer. This communication allows the UPS to safely shut down the computer and save data prior to the UPS losing all electrical power.
Standby Power Supply (SPS) – Helps protect against potential electrical power problems by providing a backup battery to supply power when the incoming voltage drops below the normal level. The battery is on standby during the normal operation. When the voltage decreases, the battery provides DC power to a power inverter, which converts it to AC power for the computer. This device is not as reliable as a UPS because of the time it takes to switch over to the battery. If the switching device fails, the battery will not be able to supply power to the computer. Figure 3 shows some examples of surge suppressors, UPS, and SPS devices.

CAUTION: Never plug a printer into a UPS device. UPS manufacturers suggest never plugging a printer into a UPS for fear of overloading the UPS.

Identify safety procedures and potential hazards for users and technicians.

2011-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

General Safety Guidelines

Follow the basic safety guidelines to prevent cuts, burns, electrical shock, and damage to eyesight. As is best practice, make sure that a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are available in case of fire or injury. Poorly placed or unsecured cables usually cause tripping hazards in a network installation. Cables should be installed in conduit or cable trays to prevent hazards to users. Figure 1 shows a list of general safety guidelines.

Electrical Safety Guidelines

Follow electrical safety guidelines to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities in the home and the workplace. Power supplies and monitors contain very high voltage. Only experienced technicians should attempt to repair power supplies and monitors, while most users should simply replace them. Do not wear the antistatic wrist strap when repairing power supplies or monitors.

Some printer parts may become very hot when in use, and other parts may contain very high voltages. Make sure that the printer has had time to cool before making the repair. Check the printer manual for locations of various components that may contain high voltages. Some components may retain high voltages even after the printer is turned off.

Electrical devices have certain power requirements. For example, AC adapters are manufactured for specific laptops. Exchanging power cords with a different type of laptop or device may cause damage to both the AC adapter and the laptop.

Fire Safety Guidelines

Follow fire safety guidelines to protect lives, structures, and equipment. To avoid an electrical shock, and to prevent damage to the computer, turn off and unplug the computer before beginning a repair.

Fire can spread rapidly and be very costly. Proper use of a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from getting out of control. When working with computer components, always consider the possibility of an accidental fire and know how to react. You should be alert for odors emitting from computers and electronic devices. When electronic components overheat or short out, they will emit a burning odor. If there is a fire, you should follow these safety procedures:

* Never fight a fire that is out of control or not contained.
* Always have a planned fire escape route before beginning any work.
* Get out of the building quickly.
* Contact emergency services for help.
* Be sure to locate and read the instructions on the fire extinguishers in your workplace before you have to use them. Safety training may be available in your organization.

In the United States, there are four classifications for fire extinguishers. A different letter, color, and shape identify each fire extinguisher classification, as shown in Figure 2. Each type of fire extinguisher has specific chemicals to fight different types of fires:

Class A – Paper, wood, plastics, cardboard
Class B – Gasoline, kerosene, organic solvents
Class C – Electrical equipment
Class D – Combustible metals

What types of fire extinguisher classifications are there in your country?

It is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher. Use the memory aid P-A-S-S to help you remember the basic rules of fire extinguisher operation:

P - Pull the pin.
A - Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
S - Squeeze the lever.
S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Safe Lab Procedures and Tool Use

2011-09-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Safe working conditions help to prevent injury to people and damage to computer equipment. A safe workspace is clean, organized, and properly lighted. Everyone must understand and follow safety procedures.

Follow proper procedures for handling computer equipment to reduce the risk of personal injury, damage to property, and loss of data. Any damage or loss may result in claims for damage from the owner of the property and data.

The proper disposal or recycling of hazardous computer components is a global issue. Make sure to follow regulations that govern how to dispose of specific items. Organizations that violate these regulations can be fined or face expensive legal battles.

After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:

* Identify safety procedures and potential hazards for users and technicians.
* Identify safety procedures to protect equipment from damage and data from loss.
* Identify safety procedures to protect the environment from contamination.

IT essential 1 - Explain IT industry certifications

2011-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

This course will focus on desktop and laptop computers. It will also discuss electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants and cell phones.

Training and experience will qualify a technician to service these computers and personal electronic devices. You will gain the specialized technical skills needed to install, maintain, and repair computers. Earning an industry-standard certification will give you confidence and increase your opportunities in IT.

This course is focused on the following two industry-standard certifications:

* CompTIA A+
* European Certification of Informatics Professional (EUCIP) IT Administrator Certification (Modules 1 and 2)

After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:

* Identify education and certifications.
* Describe the A+ Certification.
* Describe the EUCIP Certification.

IT essential 1 - About Information Technology

2011-09-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Information technology (IT) is the design, development, implementation, support, and management of computer hardware and software applications. An IT professional is knowledgeable about computer systems and operating systems. This chapter will review IT certifications and the components of a basic personal computer system.

After completing this chapter, you will meet these objectives:

* Explain IT industry certifications.
* Describe a computer system.
* Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and power supplies.
* Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal components.
* Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ports and cables.
* Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of input devices.
* Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of output devices.
* Explain system resources and their purposes.