Computer hardware basics

The following is a small selection of introductory texts from Indiana University's Knowledge Base. You can also search for particular words or phrases throughout the entire Knowledge Base with the full-text search.

Contents

• Basic hardware
• Monitors and peripherals
• Networking and the Internet
• PC-specific hardware
• Macintosh-specific hardware
• Purchasing
• Hardware on campus
• Troubleshooting and repair

Basic hardware

• What is RAM?
• What is the difference between memory and disk storage?
• What is a computer's clock speed?
• What is the difference between a processor, a chip, a socket, and a core?
• How can I find out what kind of CD-ROM drive I have?
• Best practices for computer security
• How can I minimize my computer's impact on the environment?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

Monitors and peripherals

• What is refresh rate?
• Using Windows XP, how do I change the screen resolution?
• In Mac OS X, how do I change the monitor resolution and color depth?
• How do I clean my mouse?
• What are the most common types of printers?
• What is Universal Serial Bus?
• What is a flash drive?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

Networking and the Internet

• What is Ethernet?
• What is a wireless LAN?
• What are AirPort, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express?
• What is DSL Internet service?
• What is a router?
• What is a firewall?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

PC-specific hardware

• What is CMOS?
• What is BIOS?
• What's the difference between BIOS and CMOS?
• How do I enter the Setup program in my BIOS?
• In Windows, how do I install my printer?
• For Microsoft products, where can I find descriptions and system requirements?
• On a laptop, how do I type keys assigned to an extended keypad (number keypad) if my laptop doesn't have a keypad?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base on windows laptop, for example.

Macintosh-specific hardware

• For Mac OS X 10.5, what are the system requirements?
• With my Mac, how do I use a PC printer?
• For Mac OS X, where can I get up-to-date drivers for my printer?
• Can I use my Macintosh and peripheral hardware internationally?
• For my PowerBook or iBook, how do I extend the battery life?
• Why won't my PowerBook or iBook battery charge?
• Why won't my PowerBook or iBook power up?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

Purchasing

• ComputerGuide: Recommendations and common questions
• Buying a computer to use at IU
• At IUB and IUPUI, where can I buy used computers and other equipment?
• In the Bloomington area, where can I rent computer equipment?
• At IU, where can I find information about buying computer hardware and software?
• At IU, how do I purchase BlackBerry handheld devices and wireless service?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

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Hardware on campus

• In the IUB STCs and RTCs, where can I print in color, and what are the costs?
• At IUPUI, where can I print in color?
• In which IUB STCs can I find removable media devices?
• In which IUPUI STCs can I find removable media devices?
• At IUB, what multimedia devices are available?
• At IUB and IUPUI, where are high resolution printers available?
• In IUB campus housing, how can I print to my RTC's printer?
• At the Adaptive Technology Centers (ATC) at IU Bloomington and IUPUI, what hardware and software is available?
• At IUB, what special equipment is available from the Wells Library?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.

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Troubleshooting and repair

• Where can I get my computer hardware repaired?
• My PC won't start; what could be wrong with it?
• Why is my Windows computer running slowly?
• Is it safe to leave my computer on all the time?
• On my Mac, what do I do when a disk icon with a question mark is blinking on my screen?
• If my Mac OS or Mac OS X computer locks up, do I have to reboot?
• In Mac OS or Mac OS X, why can't I eject removable media such as a CD-ROM or Zip disk?
• Printer troubleshooting guide
• What should I do if my monitor display flickers or wavers?

For more information, search the Knowledge Base.