ReadyBoost
Introduced with Windows Vista, ReadyBoost is a Windows feature that enables you to use flash media devices, such as a USB thumb drive or memory card, as super fast dedicated virtual memory.
External storage must meet the following requirements for ReadyBoost:
- Capacity of at least 256 MB, with at least 64 kilobytes (KB) of free space.
- At least a 2.5 MB/sec throughput for 4-KB random reads
- At least a 1.75 MB/sec throughput for 1-MB random writes
Some devices are pre-tested to use ReadyBoost. AutoPlay will provide ReadyBoost as an option when the device is connected. If the device is not pre-tested, ReadyBoost can be manually configured by right-clicking the device in Windows Explorer, clicking Properties, and then clicking the ReadyBoost tab.
Windows 7 can handle up to eight flash devices, while Windows Vista can only benefit from one device. Microsoft recommends using 1-3x the amount of system RAM for the ReadyBoost drives to get optimal performance.
Sources:
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Understand ReadyBoost and whether it will Speed Up your System. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2016, from https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff356869.aspx
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Week Two
External Connections
A peripheral, such as a monitor, keyboard, or printer are parts of a complete computer. In order for a peripheral to function it must connect to the computer through one of many types of ports. The back of a computer has many cables running from the computer itself to various peripherals. All connectors have their own naming convention. In this blog I will be discussing a few of the different types of connectors.
USB Connectors - Universal serial bus (USB) is the most general connection for computers. Many devices use a USB connector such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. USB connections can come in three sizes: A, B, and mini-B. The most common connector is the USB A.
DB Connectors - Have a slight D shape, allowing for only one correct way for insertion. DB connectors can have anywhere from 9 to 37 pins, although under 25 is the most common. DB connectors are the oldest type of connectors. Over the past few years the PC world has moved away from this type of connector, although it is still used normally for video purposes.
RJ Connectors - This is a plastic plug that is most likely used to connect a telephone into the jack. Recent computers only use two types of RJ jacks, RJ-11 (phone jack) and RJ-45. An RJ-11 is used for a modem, while an RJ-45 is a wider jack used for a network connection.
A computer can have close to 50 different types of connections. Almost all connections can fit into one of six types: DIN, USB, FireWire, RB, RJ, and audio. On modern computers the most common connector is a USB.
Source:
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.
A peripheral, such as a monitor, keyboard, or printer are parts of a complete computer. In order for a peripheral to function it must connect to the computer through one of many types of ports. The back of a computer has many cables running from the computer itself to various peripherals. All connectors have their own naming convention. In this blog I will be discussing a few of the different types of connectors.
USB Connectors - Universal serial bus (USB) is the most general connection for computers. Many devices use a USB connector such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. USB connections can come in three sizes: A, B, and mini-B. The most common connector is the USB A.
DB Connectors - Have a slight D shape, allowing for only one correct way for insertion. DB connectors can have anywhere from 9 to 37 pins, although under 25 is the most common. DB connectors are the oldest type of connectors. Over the past few years the PC world has moved away from this type of connector, although it is still used normally for video purposes.
RJ Connectors - This is a plastic plug that is most likely used to connect a telephone into the jack. Recent computers only use two types of RJ jacks, RJ-11 (phone jack) and RJ-45. An RJ-11 is used for a modem, while an RJ-45 is a wider jack used for a network connection.
A computer can have close to 50 different types of connections. Almost all connections can fit into one of six types: DIN, USB, FireWire, RB, RJ, and audio. On modern computers the most common connector is a USB.
Source:
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Week One
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
ESD is the passage of static electrical charge from one item to another. A good example of this is when you rub your feet on the carpet and touch something metal. ESD can occur when working on a computer, and is known to be a killer of computer components. ESD can occur even when the user does not feel a shock. ESD only occurs when two objects that store different amounts of static electricity come into contact.
There are many ways to prevent ESD. The first way to prevent ESD is the use of anti-static tools. The first tool is an anti-static wrist strap. This device consists of a wire that connects on one end to an alligator clip and on the other end to a small metal plate that secures to your wrist with an elastic strap. The alligator clip is snapped on to any metal part of the PC. Other anti-static tools include an anti-static mat, which eliminates the risk of picking up static once a component is removed from a PC. Finally, any electrical component not in a PC needs to be stored in an anti-static bag. These are the best ways to reduce the chances of ESD.
Sources:
What is ESD or ElectroStatic Discharge. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from http://www.computerhope.com/esd.htm
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.
ESD is the passage of static electrical charge from one item to another. A good example of this is when you rub your feet on the carpet and touch something metal. ESD can occur when working on a computer, and is known to be a killer of computer components. ESD can occur even when the user does not feel a shock. ESD only occurs when two objects that store different amounts of static electricity come into contact.
There are many ways to prevent ESD. The first way to prevent ESD is the use of anti-static tools. The first tool is an anti-static wrist strap. This device consists of a wire that connects on one end to an alligator clip and on the other end to a small metal plate that secures to your wrist with an elastic strap. The alligator clip is snapped on to any metal part of the PC. Other anti-static tools include an anti-static mat, which eliminates the risk of picking up static once a component is removed from a PC. Finally, any electrical component not in a PC needs to be stored in an anti-static bag. These are the best ways to reduce the chances of ESD.
Sources:
What is ESD or ElectroStatic Discharge. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from http://www.computerhope.com/esd.htm
Meyers, M. (2012). All-in-one CompTIA A certification exam guide: (exams 220-801 & 220-802). New York: McGraw-Hill.
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